In a city bursting at the seams with culinary standouts, it’s difficult not to fixate on the tried and true institutions, the cliches and must-trys of PVD’s restaurant scene. We all know who they are; they’ve been written about extensively, both within these pages and in other local publications. They occupy prime real estate in the city’s bustling centers: Downcity, Fed Hill and the East Side – the holy trinity of PVD nightlife as we know it.
While penning this article, however, I wanted to shift the focus to lesser-known pockets of Providence, where discrete delicacies await a wandering palette. Fair warning, this isn’t intended for just any first-date scenario. These are intimate locals with impeccable menus, meant to be shared with someone special. In addition, I’ve paired my restaurant write-ups with nearby follow-up suggestions to keep the date going, should it lead to a nightcap or a stroll before seeing a play or retreating home together.
Nondescript and thoroughly working class, the Olneyville neighborhood in Providence’s West End is easy to miss as there aren’t many landmarks to visit. It was once considered the world’s capital for costume jewelry manufacturing, back when that was the lifeblood of RI’s production economy. This drab past may paint what remains with a brutal brush, but beneath the converted mills and faded spirits of industry, bursts a colorful neighborhood with a cornucopia of different cultures.
Set in the heart of this understated enclave is the epitome of Guatemalan cuisine: Mi Ranchito restaurant had been a longstanding institution in the Armory District up Westminster Street, until its expansion into the center of Olneyville Square, just across from the local library.
This hidden gem, even in its rawest form, was still a treasure, only more casual. Now it’s a cozy retreat ideal for any romantic liason. Its interior decor is intimate; dark wood paneling, an ever-present sensual soundtrack, and aromatic magnetism. The menu is varied, with everything from fresh seafood, to breakfast, or decadent entrees of steak, pork, and chicken. Service is always above and beyond, and the owners take pride in serving a growing Guatemalan community that has been subtly shifting the demographic of PVD since the early ‘90s, with increasing numbers in neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Mount Pleasant.
For those looking to prolong date night, Mi Ranchito is just a stone’s throw from Riffraff Bookstore and Bar on Valley Street. This literary gem is a marriage of alcohol and books, tucked away in a converted mill with little fanfare or flash. They host delicious custom cocktails and an eclectic collection of books from the subversive to the underground.
Shifting locales, we move to a much more affluent area just a few minutes’ drive from Olneyville. Blackstone Boulevard on the outskirts of the East side has the distinction of hosting some of the most expensive and grandiose homes in the city. At one end of this long, wide stretch, at 1060 Hope Street is India Restaurant. While this stretch of Hope conceals many quaint eateries, India has been a longstanding institution in fine dining. Expect standard fare here like curries, naan bread and kabobs; you can’t go wrong with any selection, but the real attraction here is their attention to detail and gorgeous decor. An immaculate fireplace sets the tone for lovers. In the summertime, their outside seating is dog-friendly, even providing canines with their own menus/water bowls.
For those couples looking to walk off this feast, Blackstone Boulevard’s pedestrian path which runs between the lanes of traffic, and is lined entirely by scenic trees, is a delight to stroll. Marvel at the mansions and make it a point to visit the statue of Constance Witherby, a local girl immortalized in bronze at fifteen when she died of heart failure in 1929. The daughter of a wealthy East Side couple who originally commissioned the sculpture for their backyard, Constance was a promising poet whose words are forever captured at the base of the statue: The wind roars by, I feel it blow, And know that I am free to go.
Our last stop is just over the PVD line in Cranston at 751 Park Avenue. The Lunchbox is the quintessential must-have for anybody seeking authentic cuisine from the Dominican Republic. Providence has no shortage of Dominican restaurants. Broad Street alone has a dozen at least. Many of these, however, are “cafeteria”-style, with varied selections under glass in heated trays and ultimately packed into styrofoam. The Lunchbox, on the other hand, is an ideal sit-down spot, perfect for any amorous duo. Its ambiance envelopes you in a warm embrace, neither dominating nor gaudy. Their menu is as authentic, and delicious, as you can get in RI or beyond. Keep this date going with a short walk to Legion Bowling down the street, where Duckpin still reigns supreme. This miniature variation of traditional bowling is uniquely New England, and there aren’t many places that still offer it.
PVD can be a lover’s paradise just about anywhere with some creative planning. Remember, the best dates are still simple at their core, but never cliche. Don’t overthink it: An amazing meal, unique sights, and one-of-a-kind company is all it takes. Let’s make 2025 the year to spread love, and not just the romantic kind either: love for humanity, love of self, love for the city! •
