Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Rhode Island

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Rhode Island? 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 (4284)

$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.

We believe in full transparency; a 22% service fee (Teamshare) is added to each check to compensate our team of trained professionals with a consistent and reliable salary. Additional gratuity is optional and will be dispersed to the Hospitality Team.

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

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

A tremendous holiday meal! Festive, creative, artful - absloutely first-rate!

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Experience

Seven Course Chef's Menu Tasting

Experience

Five Course Chef's Menu Tasting

Cafe Nuovo

4.8

4.8 (3228)

$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

Steve

Dined 3 days ago

Cafe Nuovo blends an elegant setting with a relaxed and informal ambience. Our waiter, Joey, was friendly, informative and efficient, and we felt pampered by the service. The menu appears to have something for everyone, and our meal was delicious. Cafe Nuovo’s price point is on the upscale side, and our experience was worth every penny. I would definitely recommend Cafe Nuovo as a place to enjoy a special evening out.

Mill's Tavern

4.7

4.7 (2564)

$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

Carol

Dined 4 days ago

We love Mills! Great food, service, ambience! Will definitely return!

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Popular dish

Oysters Caviar

Popular dish

14oz Prime New York Strip

Popular dish

Portuguese Bread Pudding

Providence Coal Fired Pizza

4.7

4.7 (1743)

$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

sue

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

The food was very good. We took advantage of a theater package which included a mound of wings which were cooked to perfection and a Margherita pizza which was excellent. It also included a bottle of wine for $59.00.

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Circe Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2238)

$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

scottVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and great service. Carlo always does a nice job with his restaurant.

The Red Dory

4.7

4.7 (598)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tiverton

About the restaurant

The Red Dory is a casual fine-dining restaurant located in the Stone Bridge village of Tiverton, Rhode Island, overlooking the Sakonnet River. Chef/owner Aaron DeRego offers his personal versions of Mediterranean-style seafood dishes and sources most of his ingredients from the area’s farmers and fishermen.

Top review

ellenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We love the Red Dory and always have a great experience there- the food, service and ambience are outstanding- every time

The Café at The Chanler

4.7

4.7 (919)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Newport

About the restaurant

The only restaurant along Cliff Walk, The Café at The Chanler offers picturesque ocean views of Easton's Bay while serving upscale coastal cuisine. During the warmer season, guests can indulge in their meals on the outdoor covered terrace, while in colder weather, guests can enjoy a refined atmosphere complemented by stunning views and a cozy fireplace.

Top review

Lawrence

Dined 1 day ago

Service was exceptionally good. Perfect balance of attentive but not intrusive.

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Experience

Christmas Eve: Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu

Experience

Christmas Day: Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu

Experience

New Year's Eve: A Night of Frozen Enchantment

Jo's American Bistro

4.7

4.7 (2922)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Newport

About the restaurant

A fresh take on American cuisine using the finest ingredients, served in a classy yet casual setting with a family-friendly atmosphere. We prepare delectable seafood, numerous gluten-free options, and natural meats raised without hormones or antibiotics wherever possible.

All reservations will only be held for 15 minutes. Please call if a later arrival is needed and we will tell you our next available reservation.

We are unable to honor more guests than made on the original reservation due to limited seating. Please call the restaurant directly to see if changes to your guest number can be accommodated. We apologize, but guest number increases will not be able to be accommodated upon arrival to the restaurant. We also are not able to honor additional numbers left in the notes.

Carriages cannot be taken into our dining room. We will place them at the host area while you dine.

Top review

Mark

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

We made a reservation for 3 for a busy Saturday during Christmas Holiday season. We were seated immediately and ordered two appetizers: chicken bites and scallops. We also ordered some draught beer and wine. Good options were available for hoth. The appetizers were excellent. The scallops had a fantastic grenoblaise sauce with capers. For our entrees we ordered fish & chips, a pork dish and steak frittes. Every dish was prepared perfectly, served hot and timed with finishing our appetizers. Each dish was excellent. Our waitress was polite, charming, new the menu well and made great suggestions. The experience was really great overall ...zero complaints and would highly recommend.

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Parkside Rotisserie & Bar

4.7

4.7 (2212)

$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

TonyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We’ve now been to Parkside twice and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. Great menu, good service and a nice friendly neighborhood atmosphere. We will be back.

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Kimberly's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (207)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Block Island

About the restaurant

Kimberly's was established in June of 2014 in the former home of Harry's Restaurant. The people behind it have been mainstays in the industry, on Block Island and New England, for decades. We always strive for the freshest, most local ingredients. We have a wide variety of seafood dishes, fresh salads, steaks, and pasta dishes. In addition, Kimberly's has a large wine list, beer selection and full bar. We have indoor, outdoor and bar seating. Open Wed-Sat 5 pm, closed Halloween & Thanksgiving. You can make a reservation @kimberlysblockisland.com from 5 to 8:15 pm. For parties greater than 6 you must reserve by calling 401-466-8600. You must cancel 24 hrs in advance or a charge of $15/pp charged. Same if you make and cancel reservation on same day or no show.
Kimberly's Catering can host large parties , the most sought after off-site caterer on BI (it's true, ask any local!).

Top review

KathleenVIP

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Great meal & great service . Never disappointed ! Would recommend this restaurant . Something for everyone and preparations are unique & creative .

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