This food issue features options to test your taste palette. Bread and cheese, although simple, is no different. Anyone who is a lover of these two things knows that there is a thin line between a good loaf and a bad loaf; a sharp bite of cheese full of flavor, or one that falls flat on the tongue. Here I’m highlighting the best places to get your delicacies when the hankering strikes.
A & J Bakery: This gluten and nutfree bakery offers rolls, biscuits, multigrain, and sandwich breads. 1458 Park Ave, Cranston
Antonio’s Bakery & Charlie’s Deli: They offer a variety of breads that can be sold as-is or as part of their extensive spread of deli sandwiches. 2448 West Shore Rd, Warwick
Buono’s Italian Bakery: This bakery was located next door to the church my grandparents went to, so their sliced Italian loaf had a spot on the table at every family gathering. The fact that you can see the bread in the window is a classic touch. 559 Hartford Ave, PVD
Calvitto’s Pizza & Bakery: This is my current go-to bakery as it’s close to my house and I can’t get enough of their football loaves. I’ll sometimes stop just to grab a roll to snack on during my drive. 285 Park Ave and 1401 Park Ave, Cranston
D. Palmieri’s Bakery: This bakery has a huge selection of breads and also offers lunch, pastries, catering, and custom pizza designs (check their website and be amazed at the artistry). 624 Killingly St, Johnston
Dave’s Fresh Marketplace: In a pinch, you can’t go wrong with Dave’s Italian loaf or French Bread. Sometimes, you’re lucky enough to grab it while it’s still warm! Ten Locations from Wickford to Cumberland
LaSalle Bakery: Being in business for 80 years is no simple task. LaSalle credits its longevity to staying true to its baking roots and using the best ingredients. 685 Admiral St and 993 Smith St, PVD
The Original Italian Bakery: Famous for the Pizza Chip and Zeppoles, this bakery has a great selection of bread and other delicious treats. 915 Atwood Ave, Johnston
Seven Stars Bakery: This bakery has become a Rhode Island staple this century. They currently have seven locations in PVD, Cranston, East Providence and East Greenwich. Their artisanal breads are renowned worldwide.
Three Wishes Gluten Free Bakery: More known for their pastries, they do offer gluten-free focaccia and sandwich buns. 39 Greenville Ave, Johnston
CHEESE!
The Cheese Wheel Village Market: They feature a wide variety of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and jams, as well as local eggs, milk, yogurt, honey, and soaps. 3838 Main Rd, Tiverton
East Side Cheese & Provisions: Owners Angie and Jeff DiMeo had careers in specialty foods before opening the store in 2023. They don’t take much seriously, except for cheese and deliciousness. They offer over 100 types of local and imported cheeses, as well as charcuterie, artisanal crackers, chips, chocolates, olives, housewares, gifts, cookies, and freshly baked baguettes. They have their own monthly cheese club, offer a give-back program, and ship their products nationwide. 17 S Angel St, PVD
Edgewood Cheese Shop: Features local and imported cheeses, charcuterie boards, and a monthly cheese club that people can subscribe to. 1828 Broad St, Cranston
Narragansett Creamery: They make cheese because they love the art of making cheese. They make 15 varieties of cheese as well as yogurts. They can be found at local farmers’ markets and stores throughout RI, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
Rind Cheese Shop: This familyowned business pairs a master chef and a mixologist, so customers know that they are in for an expert tasting experience. They also offer gourmet foods, jams, honey, olives, charcuterie, and upscale gift baskets. 24 Bosworth St, Barrington •
Quicke’s Goat Cheddar Cheese. Photo: Rind Creamery.
