Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Providence County

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Providence County? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Gracie's

4.9

4.9 (4296)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

Gracie’s is committed to providing an unforgettable dining experience. Great lengths are taken to ensure each dish highlights local seasonal ingredients. Our team works closely with local farmers, fishermen, brewers, winemakers, and distillers to bring you the freshest ingredients available. Gracie’s team is trained to accommodate food allergies and a wide range of dietary restrictions.

We are conveniently located in downtown Providence’s theater district (across from Trinity Rep and a short walk from PPAC). We are also close to the Dunkin Donuts Center, the RI Convention Center, Brown University, RISD, Johnson and Wales University, and Providence College.

Thank you for choosing Gracie’s and supporting our passion.

Top review

Ann

Dined 3 days ago

The food was delicious, the service perfect, the attention to detail was wonderful. I had the scallops which were absolutely delicious; everyone else had the duck which they loved. Appetizers and desserts were very good but a bit small. I will definitely return for a special occason.

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Cafe Nuovo

4.8

4.8 (3246)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

Casually elegant Cafe Nuovo, at the Gondola Landing on Providence's famed Riverwalk, has been hailed by the New York Times and singled out by the Providence Journal as "RI's contribution to world class dining." The scenic waterside setting is matched only by the "fresh, seasonal flavor of Cafe Nuovo's contemporary American cuisine and heavenly dessert creations." Through glass curtain walls or while dining al fresco on the piazza, patrons enjoy attentive service and commanding city views while the river and gondolas roll by. Free valet parking evenings. **Sunday Open for Waterfire, Graduations, some Holidays or private functions

Top review

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

Food and service for our party of 12 were both excellent. Staff is very attentive and on top of things. Great menu choices with quite a few specials. All food came out as close to the same time as possible, all hot (or cold if appropriate). Everyone enjoyed the evening.

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Providence Coal Fired Pizza

4.7

4.7 (1748)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

Providence Coal Fired Pizza is Rhode Island’s only Coal-Fired Pizza Restaurant using authentic Pennsylvania coal. Our coal oven is even more unique - designed and manufactured in Bellingham, Washington, our custom oven cooks authentic pizza recipes, along with other coal-inspired menu items such as wings, chicken, and other traditional menu items.

Top review

Brendan

Dined on Dec 26, 2024

The place was empty when we arrived, but filled up fast. It was our first visit here, and the waitress did a great job explaining the menu, pizza size/options and recommended appetizers. The chicken wing appetizer came out quickly; one of our two pizzas arrived after that and then the waitress came back to explain that our other pizza had been overcooked and was too burnt to be served. She apologized and put in a new pizza order for us, but at that point the restaurant was full of diners and the re-do wasn’t expedited. Basically, it took well over an extra half hour for our second pizza to arrive. My kids had already finished the first pizza while my wife and I continued to wait. They did take the second pizza off the bill as a courtesy, but I have no idea why they couldn’t get that redone second pizza out of that kitchen faster. A coal fired oven probably cooks up a pizza in a minute or two, not 30+ minutes. The pizza itself wasn’t nearly as crispy as the waitress described it to be. While parts of the crust were charred, the middle was floppy/soggy and the toppings fell off most pieces. Meh. The service here was good and the appetizer was tasty but the pizza was just disappointing. The delay in cooking the replacement pizza was just unreasonable… dinner took two hours total. We probably won’t go back.

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Circe Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2252)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

Carlo Carlozzi, the popular bartender from Ten Prime Steak and Sushi for the past decade opened Circe, his first restaurant.
The menu consists of American-infused, Mediterranean dishes and drinks that are "exotic and special."

Top review

Anna

Dined 4 days ago

Our server, Camilla, was worth the visit to Circe , because of her bubbly personality. The food , was tremendous as always. We shared the Arancini with Aioli sauce first, it was a special and they were cooked perfectly! We then shared a Caesar salad that had a soft boiled egg on top and it complemented the salad beautifully. I had a Swordfish special over Risotto with spinach and two Sea Scallops on top. It was the best piece of swordfish I have eaten. I eat out often, so this is a huge compliment to the chef! The whole experience was so special. I was with someone very special and Camilla was a joy! Congratulations on your new addition to your restaurant group! I can’t wait to visit your Cranston location! Camilla, we will be back to see you soon! Oh, not to mention the Leche martini’s are fantastic!!! But Circe’ makes the BEST Espresso Martini, hands down! Wishing you much success in your new endeavor! Anna and Bob

Mill's Tavern

4.7

4.7 (2580)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

Taverns have had a constant important presence in American life since the late 1600's. Many of them, which were attached to inns, were opened as resting places for travelers needing a place to stop, relax and fortify themselves. Of course the local residents frequented the taverns too, purchasing drinks and meals as well as participating in lively conversations. Taverns were the focal point for neighbors to come together, exchange news, talk of politics, and share in the general feeling of conviviality. Taverns were firmly established as gathering places for the light hearted socializing, serious talk, and of course, a
hearty meal accompanied by a tasty libation or two.
In this American tradition, we at Mill’s Tavern welcome you with genuine enthusiasm. Our staff is warm, friendly, caring, and knowledgeable. So please come, relax, visit with friends and family. You will leave refreshed and nourished, body and soul.

Top review

Christopher

Dined 4 days ago

I chose the mill's tavern for my wife's birthday and we couldn't have been happier. Both the service and the food were excellent. I would definitely recommend for a special occasion or just an excellent meal.

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Popular dish

Oysters Caviar

Popular dish

14oz Prime New York Strip

Popular dish

Portuguese Bread Pudding

Parkside Rotisserie & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2223)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

The Parkside Rotisserie and Bar is a Manhattan-style bistro centrally located in the heart of Rhode Island"s capital city, Providence. One of the best restaurants in Providence since 1994. Serving lunch and dinner daily, the Parkside is surely a fantastic choice anytime. The Parkside offers a wide array of upbeat foods ranging from spicy crab cakes to grilled tenderloin and portobello salad. There are also several innovative pasta dishes as well as the Parkside's signature rotisserie meat items and daily specials. The Parkside's unique atmosphere is accented by an open kitchen where guests can enjoy watching our talented culinary staff prepare all of the enticing entrees found on the menu. Join us at the Parkside for a relaxing dining experience that is "casual elegance."

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Probably the best chefs in Providence. Highly recommend this restaurant.

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4.6

4.6 (2620)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

Red Stripe is an American brasserie - which is a modern take on the traditional European-style French café. In France, true brasseries are lively spots to enjoy quality lunch, dinner and brunch entrées or cocktails at affordable prices. Established in 2005, Red Stripe was designed by award-winning architect Judd Brown. The restaurant was expanded in 2018 and offers private rooms for catering and events for any occasion.

Explore a refined dining experience at our sister restaurant, Mill's Tavern, recognized by
Yelp as Rhode Island’s Best Steakhouse for 2023. Mill’s has earned Wine Spectator Magazine's prestigious "Award of Excellence" for eleven consecutive years.

Whether marking an occasion or simply going out for a bite, Red Stripe and Mill's Tavern are your neighborhood restaurants of choice.

Top review

Douglas

Dined 4 days ago

We hadn’t been to Red Stripe in like 10 years, so we weren’t sure what to expect. When we arrived, we were immediately seated and our waitress to our drink order. Our drinks arrived quickly, as were our appetizer. App was delicious, as were our entrees. My wife had the Crab Crusted Cod, and I had the Fillet Mignon. Both were reasonably priced, and both exceeded our expectations. Everything about this restaurant was excellent.

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4.6

4.6 (1402)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

The George is Providence's newest piano bar and upscale casual dining restaurant featuring American fare, elevated comfort food, delightfully crafted cocktails, and live piano every Tuesday - Sunday.

Enjoy Brunch with Live Piano every Sunday from 10am to 1:30pm and dinner from 2pm to 5pm.

Our Speakeasy Lounge opens every Friday and Saturday evening at 7pm. Seating is available on a first come, first seated basis. Live music starts at 9:30pm.

*Please Note* We will do our best to seat your party at your requested table upon confirming your reservation, but it is not guaranteed due to covid restrictions.

Top review

josephVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent ambiance and food were so glad we found this place

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Popular dish

Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Public Kitchen and Bar

4.6

4.6 (595)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

Throughout the space of Public, a modernist sensibility is blended with a classic American, Newport mansion drawing room theme. It's design is inspired by the existing architecture of the Masonic Temple and it's Rhode Island Capital Statehouse neighbor. Public's masculine and warm setting will be a meeting place for hipsters and Senators alike.
Please keep in mind that we are next to a theatre and it greatly affects reservations and seating times.
If you have requests for dining please reach out to the restaurant for specific requests...

Top review

Christopher

Dined 4 days ago

Took some friends and had a great time as always! Thank you August for taking care of us!

Providence G Pub

4.4

4.4 (559)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Providence

About the restaurant

G Pub has something for everyone to enjoy and welcomes those looking for a unique experience to come dine, hang, and party with us.

Located in the heart of Providence, G Pub has been the go-to spot for the best food, drink, entertainment, and game day fun since 2014. The space boasts an expansive bar where guests can catch all the game day action on the 17+ TVs located throughout the venue, and an expansive arcade area. G Pub also offers several comfortable tables and banquettes creating the ultimate setting that is perfect for any occasion.

Top review

Tony

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Busy pub with lots of TVs. Moderate noise level but we could hear each other. Food was good. They provided UNO to play while we waited.

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