Providence, RI, Guide & Information | Discovery Map

The food scene dominates much of life in Providence; it’s no wonder because this melting pot of cultures is reputed to have the highest number of restaurants per capita of any major city in the U.S. And when people think of Providence, they mostly think of Italian. Between its sister city to Florence status, its canal-like kinship with Venice and the fact that it has been built on seven hills like Rome, Providence definitely has that Italian thing going on, a culture that’s best translated into food.

Go to Federal Hill to hit the largest concentration of Italian restaurants and bakeries in this beloved New England city. Breathe in the delicious aromas of these old neighborhoods that tout a distinctly European feel, especially during fair weather days when cafés are set up outside. Stop into one of them for a cannoli and an espresso for a hit of Old World charm. But save your appetite for Siena where you can indulge in a jumbo-sized meatball topped with a savory dollop of ricotta cheese. (Now dat’s Italian! Or at least Italian American.)

One of the oldest cities in the United States, Providence is steeped in history while exuding a young, happening vibe. Home of Brown University, a renowned Ivy League school, as well as many other institutions of higher learning, Providence, the third largest city in New England, is everything but stodgy.