Providence Ranks Fifth as a Top Culinary Destination in the U.S.

News Summary

Providence has been named the fifth best culinary destination in the U.S. by Food & Wine. The city’s thriving restaurant scene, including James Beard Award finalists, showcases its burgeoning culinary innovation and rich history. With renowned eateries like Gracie’s and Gift Horse, Providence is emerging as a culinary star amidst established cities. This recognition highlights the continuous evolving dining landscape attracting both locals and visitors to explore diverse gastronomic experiences.

Providence has been recognized as the fifth best culinary destination in the United States, according to Food & Wine’s recent list of “Under-The-Radar Destinations” and “America’s Next Great Food Cities.” This acknowledgment comes at a time when the restaurant scene in Providence is thriving, showcasing the city’s potential as a culinary star.

The publication identified eight cities across the country, with Providence standing out amid established culinary giants like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The list not only underscores Providence’s culinary innovation but also highlights it as an unsung hero in the food world.

A remarkable 2025 has marked a stellar year for Providence’s dining landscape, recently evidenced by four local restaurants being finalists for the esteemed James Beard Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the restaurant industry. Among these accolades, Sky Haneul Kim, the chef at Gift Horse, earned the title of Best Chef Northeast.

Providence has a rich culinary history, having been recognized previously by Travel & Leisure as the nation’s top food destination in 2012. This recognition is complemented by sustained praise from renowned publications including Esquire and Bon Appetit. For over 25 years, the city’s chefs, many of whom are alumni of Johnson & Wales University, have been consistently celebrated in national food media.

Providence boasts a diverse and robust chef population, with many local graduates from JWU opening successful eateries. Earlier pioneers of the culinary scene, such as Al Forno, have helped shape the city’s reputation into what it is today.

Key Restaurants and Eateries

The Food & Wine list highlights several notable Providence establishments and one distillery, ISCO, which is renowned for its unique oyster vodka. Among the standout restaurants included in the publication are:

• Gracie’s: Known for New American cuisine featuring seasonal tasting menus and exemplary hospitality.
• Persimmon: Highlighted for chef Champe Speidel’s modern fine dining approach.
• Gift Horse and Oberlin: Both celebrated for seafood dishes crafted by chef Ben Sukle.
• Frank & Laurie’s: Recognized for offering a creative take on casual comfort food.
• Nimki: A pop-up by chef Nikhil Naiker, presenting vibrant South Asian flavors at Courtland Club.
• Dune Brothers: Acclaimed for their classic seafood offerings.
• Aleppo Sweets: Famous for its delectable Syrian-style baklava.
• Plant City: A unique food hall focused on vegan cuisine, featuring plant-based burgers and tacos.
• There, There: Known for its sophisticated cocktails complemented by a variety of small plates.

Other Recognized Cities

Food & Wine’s evaluation includes several other cities as part of the “America’s Next Great Food Cities” list:

• No. 1: Sacramento, California, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants.
• No. 2: Madison, Wisconsin, lauded for its extensive farmers market.
• No. 3: St. Petersburg, Florida, recognized for its fresh seafood.
• No. 4: Durham, North Carolina, known for world-class cocktail bars.
• No. 6: Reno, Nevada, noted for its local food transformations.
• No. 7: Columbus, Ohio, celebrated for its lively food scene.
• No. 8: San Antonio, Texas, which showcases a culinary fusion reflective of its Asian immigrant community.

As Providence cements its presence in the culinary landscape, it continues to gain recognition, attracting both locals and visitors eager to experience its diverse and innovative dining options.

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Additional Resources

• Providence Journal: Food & Wine Lists Providence
• Food & Wine: America’s Next Great Food Cities
• GoLocalProv: Top Culinary Names to Providence
• Food & Wine: Providence Culinary Highlights
• Wikipedia: Culinary History of the United States