Federal Hill Providence

Providence’s historic Federal Hill neighborhood spans iconic Atwells Avenue and the surrounding streets. Largely settled by Italian-American immigrants in the early 1900s, Federal Hill effuses a sense of warmth and community that embraces visitors and locals alike. While the neighborhood has evolved, the influence of the Italian people and culture is ever present. When shopping or dining, take the time to talk to a shop owner or interact with a food purveyor, as they will likely share a story about the history of the store or neighborhood. 

Where to Shop

There’s shopping aplenty on Federal Hill. Visit Carrara’s Shoes for the latest in fashionable footwear. Nearby Garbolino is a contemporary designer boutique featuring women’s trend clothing and laid-back designs. Stop into Gasbarro’s Wine and peruse the selection. Established in 1898, Gasbarro’s is one of the top retailers of Italian wine in the country and the knowledgable staff is happy to chat and recommend a particular varietal. 

 

A post shared by Costantino's Venda Ravioli (@venda.ravioli) on Aug 3, 2017 at 10:22am PDT

Every Italian has their favorite deli/butcher shop and there are some exceptional stores to choose from. Ristorante Roma has a marketplace with sandwiches, dried pastas, cheeses and more. Their banquet hall offers live shows and entertainment including Italian musicians. Known for their selection of imported olive oils, Italian cold cuts, gourmet dried pastas, candies and confections, Tony’s Colonial Food has been around since the 1950s. Venda Ravioli is a full-service food emporium. Stop by the café for lunch or a cappuccino. Dine in or take home some of their braciole and fresh homemade ravioli and sauce for dinner. Look for the giant statue of a rooster (perfect for a photo op) and stop by Antonelli Poultry for the freshest selection of fowl. 

Places to Dine

It must be said that there are countless Italian restaurants on Atwells Avenue representative of the flavors of Federal Hill. These are just a few favorites. 

Grab a cup of coffee from Vanuatu. Made from exclusively sourced beans from the Republic of Vanuatu in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean, this rare coffee is not to be missed. We recommend you try The Rhody, Vanuatu’s kicked-up version of a cold-brewed iced coffee, perfectly sweet and balanced. 

 

A post shared by Vanuatu Coffee Roasters (@vanuatucoffee) on Aug 19, 2017 at 6:03am PDT

Caserta Pizzeria has been serving up traditional Italian pizza since the 1950s, but locals go there for the “Wimpy Skippy,” a spinach pie stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, spicy pepperoni and black olives. Comfortable, affordable and delicious, Angelo’s Civita Farnese is a Federal Hill institution, that has been serving up Southern Italian family meals since 1924. Be sure to order the meatballs and french fries! 

Enjoy seasonal, modern Italian cuisine at Massimo. Try brunch offerings, which include eggs benedict topped with fried mortadella, and check out their monthly drag brunch show. Enoteca Umberto is a tiny restaurant with an open kitchen where Chef Lia Bellini, a Johnson & Wales graduate, sources much of the food locally, frequenting shops and butchers on Atwells to create her dishes inspired by family recipes and meals. Call ahead — this restaurant only accepts reservations, and is well worth the wait. For a prime people-watching position, score a window seat at the popular Siena and try their deliciously authentic Bolognese sauce.

 

A post shared by Massimo Ristorante (@massimoprovidence) on Oct 4, 2017 at 3:55pm PDT

While Italian food and culture are constants on the Hill, the restaurants have evolved to represent worldly flavors and cultures. Restaurants and cuisines also include Japanese, Indian, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican, German, Thai and American. Thailand Modern Eatery offers authentic Thai street food, with accompanying dry spice mixtures and sauces presented tableside, so diners can adjust the heat to their liking. NAMI is a local favorite for contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi. Providence Oyster Bar offers a selection of fresh Rhode Island seafood, with a raw bar that includes littlenecks and cherrystones (both are native clam varieties found in Narragansett Bay). 

For a sweet treat, step into Scialo Bros. Bakery and be overcome by the smell of biscotti, luscious pastries, fresh bread and bakery pizza — a Rhode Island tradition. After dinner, stop by European-style café Pastiche for a cup of chai and choose a slice of one of their decadent cakes or tarts. Caffé Dolce Vita is known for their homemade limoncello and mamma’s tiramisu.  

 

A post shared by Siena Restaurants (@sienarestaurantsri) on May 22, 2017 at 2:33pm PDT

Things to Do

Visit DePasquale Square at the center of Federal Hill, an Italian style piazza and gathering space for music and dancing, tossing coins in the fountain and congregating with old friends. On warm summer nights, there are often concerts. The Savoring Federal Hill Tour is a great way to sip and sample flavors from many of the neighborhood’s oldest Italian establishments. This three-hour culinary tour introduces visitors to the bakers, chefs and restaurateurs of historic Federal Hill. For those interested in a more hands-on approach, Chef Walter’s Cooking School offers recreational cooking classes where students can delve into flavors and techniques in more detail. Gallery Z features paintings, photographs, mixed media, Murano glass, sculpture, Armenian handicrafts and more from local, national and international artists. The gallery also holds a monthly Gallery Night art and wine reception.  

There’s a wide humidor selection and great drinks and pub food at Tammany Hall Pub and Parlor, a cigar bar with a laid back feel. Nara is the perfect place to relax, order a drink and take in a hookah. If the weather is nice, there is also outdoor seating available. 

Easily walkable, Federal Hill has on-street metered parking, some surface parking lots, and is served by RIPTA. 

 

A post shared by Victoria Adams (@tori_adams10) on Jun 13, 2017 at 10:55pm PDT

Did we miss your favorite? Let us know on Instagram using #PVDPicks. We may use your photo on this page.