Top New--And Opening Soon--Places To Eat In Rhode Island

Top New--And Opening Soon--Places To Eat In Rhode Island

In a small state like Rhode Island, restaurant openings aren't a daily occurrence. But there are few things we appreciate as much. We set out on a mission to get the scoop on some new spots. These are the places you'll find us this fall....

Public Kitchen and Bar, Providence

The Renaissance Hotel, in Providence, features a very cool restaurant spot that has been in need of a very cool restaurant. Enter Public Kitchen and Bar. The gastropub concept has been around for some time now, but the difference between a good one and a bad one is striking. This is a good one. You only need to venture as far as the soups and salads part of the menu to see that. To wit: a compressed melon salad with olive oil powder is refreshing. The pub stuff--Narragansett beer-battered fish and chips, deviled eggs, chicken wings--are all very good too. The fried chicken and waffles was the real star. The cheddar jalepeno waffles were the perfect little spice to go with the crispy chicken. 120 Francis St. 919-5050, www.publickitchenprovidence.com

Fratelli's, Burgers, Gelato and Bar, Providence

We would like to publicly thank the genius who decided to develop the bottom of the Biltmore Garage as a series of retail locales. In this little strip, we have been gifted four new dining spots. Ellie's Bakery was the first to open, quickly followed by Figidini. The latest to join the taste party is Fratelli's. We ventured in soon after opening and found Chef Jules Ramos--he of Mill's Tavern and 1149 fame--cranking out burgers in the open kitchen. We knew we were in good hands. The burgers and fries were fresh and delicious. All the beef is local and grass fed. The fries were good and crisp. We started with the onion rings which were flavorful and just greasy enough--if you know what we mean. On our visit there was a problem with the gelato maker so we didn't get to try but fear not...that just means another visit! 71 Washington St. 273-2462, www.facebook.com/fratellis.providence

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Basta, Cranston

While this is not a new restaurant, it has undergone a much-needed rebirth. Long a bastion of old-school Italian--food and people--Basta is located in Pawtuxet Villiage between Edgewood and Warwick. A recent visit found a total makeover into an upscale, sophisticated restaurant. The star is an incredible pizza oven that heats to 1000 degrees and cooks a pizza in 60 seconds. The crust had a good chew and nice burnt edges. The toppings were appropriately simple and minimal. The tomato and cheese and olive oil bubble together in near perfection. We began the meal with a nice Ceaser salad and a couple of glasses of wine. The bartenders walked us through the menu which features tasty sounding entrees, but it was just pizza for us. Again...more reason for a return visit. 2195 Broad St. 461-2300, www.bastaonbroad.com

Ken's Ramen, Providence

Our last two selections look to the near future--like later in October. One of the dining genres that is sorely lacking in Providence is the noodle bar. In other dining destination cities, noodles are, well, manna for the masses. Usually cheap and quick and noteworthy for their depth, noodle bowls are fast food done right. In Providence, a select few--the guys at North being among them--make noodles and noodle bowls to die for. Well, in Boston, Ken's Ramen was famous. Diners flocked for authentic noodles and flavors. And now, Ken's is re-opening here. They have set-up soft opening events in Providence and people have been raving about the dishes. We can't wait. Oh yeah...this is also the fourth spot in the Biltmore Garage you need to try. 51 Washington St. 859-1988, www.facebook.com/KENSRAMENPVD

Mission, Newport

Our last stop also expects to open later in October. Mission is the latest venture from the good folks at Thames Street Kitchen and it takes over the former location of Newport classic Billy Goode's. The concept is simple: compelling beers and even more quality burgers. The story here is familiar one amongst really talented chefs: yeah we cook high end seasonal food but we also love the stuff we were raised on as kids.We have several top chefs cooking comfort food on the side and we are psyched to see what these talented guys do with burgers. The beer selection will similarly composed of local and regional beers to accent the food. 29 Marlborough St. www.thamesstreetkitchen.com