There are so many lists these days, but this one seems legit. The Eater’s Where to Eat in 2025 guide is limited to 18 cities from around the entire globe, and Providence made the cut. There are only two other U.S. cities included: Paso Robles, California, and one other in a state where it is not safe for women to travel no matter how good the food is. The Providence section includes a photo of Frank & Laurie’s, which certainly makes the grade. Writer Erika Adams is Eater’s northeast editor and named some of our favorites and we have written up most of them:
Providence is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., with plenty of well-established eateries to its name. But diners also embrace upstarts, making the tiny coastal town a dynamic combination of old and new. Among an exciting crop of fresh flavors, you’ll find the juicy burger from There, There, one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants in 2023; the signature bowl of chewy, tingly noodles from Subat Dilmurat’s Uyghur restaurant Jahunger; and the pizza from Robert Andreozzi’s much-talked-about Pizza Marvin. You’ll also find happy customers at 45-year-old rustic Italian restaurant Al Forno (the birthplace of grilled pizza), fancy-night-out stalwart Persimmon, and Mexican favorite Dolores.
I like that she gave a nod to the effect that JWU has had on our food scene.
One of the country’s top culinary schools, Johnson & Wales, supplies talented up-and-comers, while longtime hospitality leaders promote new generations of businesses. After experimental pop-up Thick Neck at the well-established Dean Hotel, in 2024 chef Eric Brown launched sunny corner cafe Frank & Laurie’s with partner Sarah Watts, serving generous slices of custardy quiche and charred pancakes dripping with maple syrup. Despite Providence’s miniscule footprint, you’ll find it tough to cover all the city’s great meals.
I don’t disagree with any of these entries. I have yet to eat at There, There., but the grilly hamburger aroma was wonderful when I poked my head in the other day. I will return. Well done everybody.
********************************
The Eater’s Guide to the World has been streaming on Hulu since 2020. The excellent Maya Rudolph hosts.
More from Gail Ciampa at the ProJo.
*********************************
Below is the interior of There, There. at 471 West Fountain Street. The restaurant also features a front porch for warmer weather.
