Opened
Dari Bee Ice Cream: This esteemed spot right on the bike path was originally opened in 1960 but has been closed for the past year or so. It’s been renovated, updated and has reemerged under new ownership, just in time for the ice cream to start melting! 240 Bullocks Point Ave, East Providence. fb.com/thedaribee
Uncommon Pair Brewing: Founded by high school buddies Nate and Anthony, this cozy brewery opened up in January 2026. The taproom welcomes guests of all ages, so feel free to bring your little ones as long as you keep an eye on them. 375 Putnam Pike, Ste14, Smithfield. uncommonpairbrewing.com
Thermia: A Mediterranean rotisserie and bistro that opened up in January. They’ve got an intimate, moody atmosphere and also serve a bunch of fancy drinks. Perfect for date night. 166 Valley St, PVD. thermiapvd.com
Mémère’s: A French-inspired bistro that opened up in March (unofficially – you didn’t hear it from us), located inside Hotel Neptune, which used to be The Dean. They also offer private dining and event spaces. 122 Fountain St, PVD. ash.world/hotels/neptune/bars-restaurants/memeres/
Phed Phed: A new Thai and Japanese spot that opened up in March from the same people who created Tori Tomo and Wara Wara and are obviously big fans of alliteration. 71 Washington St, PVD. phedphedpvd.com
Ciao Ciao: An Italian inspired restaurant that opened this month. Veteran restaurant owners, Adam and Carmello, say their menus and vibe honor Italian drinking culture and community. With menu items ranging from humble burgers to succulent Mafalde, there is something for every palate. 771 Hope St, PVD. ciaociaopvd.com
Closed
Smokey Bones in Warwick: The smoke has cleared, and only bones remain. All 20 locations throughout the region closed without forewarning or fanfare at the end of April. The parent company had filed for bankruptcy a few months ago. They thanked their guests for many wonderful years. 31B Universal Blvd, Warwick.
Proclamation Brewery: This one’s a tug on the heartstrings in our local independent brewery landscape – Proc was known for its independent attitude and devil-may-care approach to names and flavors. It was also building a solid reputation and expanding its base of bars and liquor stores. Official statements from the brewery placed a lot of the blame on a lawsuit by a former partner, but the loss of founder David Whitham to cancer a few years ago also had an impact, along with a difficult industry outlook for small breweries at the moment. This is a cultural touchpoint that will be sorely missed.
Sun & Moon: On May 20, the owners of this beloved Korean restaurant on Warren Ave in East Providence announced that they’re closing shop within a few days. Here’s their parting message to all those who’ve enjoyed their food: “Over the years, you gave us so much more than support. You gave us friendship, encouragement, laughter, and a true sense of community. Watching families, friends, and neighbors gather around our tables has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.” I’m not crying, you are.
Kung Fu Tea: A local bubble tea favorite closed Thursday, May 14, after 10 years in business, due to the upcoming demolition of their building for a redevelopment project on Waterman St. kungfutea.com
Rosalina: The downtown Italian staple closed its doors on Feb 15, wrapping up a 13-year run in the city. From the outpour of support and expressed sadness at their closing from patrons who’ve frequented the space, a combination of demanding landlords and inability to sustain business variables seems to be the cause.
Itri Ristorante and Campanella’s: They didn’t just close, they collapsed with drama. What first looked like a simple business issue turned into a full-on soap opera involving lawsuits, alleged fraud, family disputes, unpaid taxes, receivership, and even mentions of a RI State Police investigation. Very “small state, huge drama.” The owner, Andrew Loffredo III, was accused in a Superior Court lawsuit of things like fraud, forgery, and identity theft tied to multiple businesses. A court-appointed receiver stepped in and took control of the restaurants, while everything plays out legally. The closure hit people emotionally and noisily — which, let’s be honest, is peak Rhode Island energy. Closed permanently on May 15, under the same court-appointed receivership action affecting its sister restaurant, Campanella’s.