Rhode Island boasts one of the five best Little Italys in America, making its Italian food scene a standout experience comparable to that in Italy itself.
Choosing a restaurant becomes the most challenging part due to the plethora of options available. To simplify this decision-making process, The Providence Journal conducted an unscientific poll among its readers. Initially, readers were asked to nominate their preferred places on the newspaper’s Instagram page @ProJoEats. The suggestions were then transformed into a comprehensive poll, allowing readers to cast their votes for their favorite Italian restaurants.
After collecting hundreds of votes, the list has been distilled to the top seven reader-recommended picks, providing a curated selection of the finest Italian dining experiences in Rhode Island. Rhode Island boasts
Whether you’re looking for a classic Italian dinner or a really good grinder, you can find it at Spaghetti Lane, 8 Anoka Ave., Barrington, which is both a restaurant and café. This reader favorite also happens to be a favorite of our sports editor, Bill Corey, who called it cozy and very friendly in a round-up of the best things The Providence Journal employees ate over the summer. He had the chicken and eggplant parmesan and loved it.
Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen, located at 120 Atwells Ave., Providence, has been an iconic destination for Federal Hill diners since 1956. The enduring popularity of this establishment comes as no surprise, given its longstanding presence and reputation for exceptional Italian cuisine. Notably, Jeopardy host and Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik expressed her admiration for the restaurant, declaring it the “best Italian food I think I’ve ever had” after dining there in April. Such high praise from a prominent figure adds to the restaurant’s allure and reinforces its status as one of Rhode Island’s favorite Italian dining spots.