Summer is for slowing down, eating outside, and grazing all afternoon. Whether you’re spreading out a blanket under the trees or parking yourself on a sun-warmed bench with a view, a great picnic starts with what you bring to munch on. Luckily, Rhode Island is home to plenty of spots serving up fresh, flavorful fare that travels well and tastes even better under the sun. Here’s your go-to guide for delicious grab-and-go bites, and where to enjoy them while the sun’s still shining.
PICNIC-PERFECT PROVISIONS
Artisan Bites – Cranston
Salads, sandwiches, and an artisan “Lunchable” This new cozy Cranston café makes elevated eating easy. Artisan Bites has colorful, fresh salads and sandwiches that feel like a treat but travel like a dream. The real star? The Artisan Lunchable — a snack box built for adults, packed with curated cheeses, meats, fruit, crackers, and a few sweet bites tucked in for good measure. Pair it with one of their cold drinks or signature sips and you’ve got a picnic that feels like part farmer’s market, part European sidewalk café.
Bodega on Smith – Providence
Gourmet sandwiches with serious style By day, Bodega on Smith is your go-to for big, bold sandwiches that are as flavorful as they are filling. Located on Smith Hill, this isn’t your average deli: expect stacked creations layered with things like spicy slaw, marinated veggies, or slow-cooked meats. Vegan options hold their own here too, with plantbased eats that don’t feel like an afterthought. It’s fast, delicious, and made to move — aka ideal picnic fare.
Wildflour Vegan Bakery & Café – Pawtucket
Plant-based bites, smoothies, and sweet treats Wildflour makes vegan food feel indulgent. Their menu is packed with flavorful, picnic-friendly options like hearty sandwiches, wraps, and rotating soups and chilis that hit the spot any time of day. Packed with flavor and just the right amount of crunch, the Soba Noodle Salad is a picnic hero. For a laid-back brunch vibe, grab the overnight oats, a fresh muffin, or something sweet from their stacked pastry case. Don’t leave without a smoothie! The Rise and Shine, with blueberries, strawberries, banana, and granola, is practically sunshine in a cup.
Maruichi Japanese Market & Deli – Providence
Onigiri, bento boxes, and a strawberry sandwich you didn’t know you needed If you’re looking to level up your picnic game, Maruichi is the move. This Japanese market offers bento boxes, a variety of fresh onigiri, and specialty snacks you won’t find anywhere else. The standout? Their strawberry sandwich — pillowy soft bread, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and fresh strawberries in every bite. It’s simple, delicate, and ridiculously refreshing.
Roma – Federal Hill, PVD
Pizza, pasta salad, pastries — classic Italian comfort, to-go Sometimes you want your picnic to taste like it came from your Nonna’s kitchen. Enter Roma. This Federal Hill staple is part deli, part bakery, part Italian market — all of it perfect for filling your basket. Grab a pizza, a calzone, or something from their well-stocked prepared foods case — think marinated olives, tortellini salad, and sides galore. Don’t skip the cannoli. Whether you’re curating the perfect spread or grabbing a sandwich on the fly, there’s no shortage of local flavor made for eating outdoors. So, pack your cooler, grab your blanket, and pick a patch of grass that makes you smile. Because honestly? Everything tastes better outside.
WHERE TO ROLL OUT YOUR BLANKET
Perfect spots to park your cooler, kick back, and snack in the sunshine.
Roger Williams Park – Providence
A local favorite for good reason. Stroll through the Botanical Center, paddle swan boats on the lake, or post up near the Temple to Music. Bonus: multiple scenic spots mean plenty of picnic potential. Colt State Park – Bristol Bay views, picnic tables, and plenty of space to sprawl. With a fishing pier, kayak launch, and petfriendly trails, it’s an ideal spot to snack, relax, and stay awhile.
India Point Park – Providence
Urban meets nature at this breezy waterfront park. Grab a bench with a skyline view or sprawl out on the grass with your gourmet sandwich and watch the boats go by. Snake Den State Park – Johnston A quieter escape with wooded trails, open fields, and serious “secret picnic spot” energy. Great for peaceful bites and post-lunch wandering.
Ninigret Park – Charlestown
Wide open fields, coastal breezes, and space to stretch out. Ninigret Park has its all; walking trails, and quiet picnic spots that feel like your own secret escape. Bonus: stroll the trails to visit the park’s largerthan-life wooden Trolls, created by Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo, for a post-picnic adventure that’s both magical and eco-minded. •
