Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Providence | Upscale Italian Food

21 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Providence | Upscale Italian Food

• Gift Horse — Seafood · rated 5/5: The rhythmic shucking of briny Rhode Island oysters sets a lively tempo in this chic coastal sanctuary, where sunlight spills across a space designed for spirited, salt-kissed afternoons. Guests toast to the tide with effervescent glasses of Champagne and botanical Italian Coast martinis, savoring a refined experience where the ocean’s freshest bounty meets a sophisticated, low-ABV cocktail culture.
• Providence Vegan Deli — American · rated 4/5: This bustling neighborhood gem reimagines the classic delicatessen experience, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of plant-based meats and tangy, house-made dressings. Towering, overstuffed grinders like the zesty Frank Italian and the smoky, sauerkraut-laden Zeuben arrive on crusty bread, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to layers of bold, nostalgic flavor. Whether diving into a spicy buffalo chicken sandwich or sharing a bowl of creamy, zesty dip, guests find a soulful sanctuary where traditional deli comfort is masterfully reinvented for the modern palate.
• figidini — Italian · rated 4/5: The crackle of a wood-burning oven serves as the heartbeat of this sleek, industrial-chic sanctuary, perfuming the air with the intoxicating scent of charred dough and roasting vegetables. Artisanal pizzas emerge from the flames with perfectly blistered crusts, accompanied by small plates that celebrate the raw beauty of fire-kissed ingredients and vibrant, seasonal flavors. This intimate destination marries the primal art of open-fire cooking with modern sophistication, inviting guests to linger over craft cocktails in a warm, glow-lit atmosphere.
• Boulevard Pizzeria — Italian). * American: · rated 4/5: Boulevard Pizzeria hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood staple, where the irresistible aroma of toasted dough and bubbling cheese spills out to greet every guest. Inside, the kitchen transforms fresh ingredients into a symphony of flavors, ranging from the delicate simplicity of a classic Margherita to the hearty, robust layers of the signature Ocean State and Meat Lovers pies. It is a welcoming haven where every hand-tossed slice captures the essence of a perfect, golden crust and the warmth of a shared meal.
• Bettola — Italian · rated 4/5: Bettola serves as a spirited neighborhood gathering place where the comforting scent of bubbling eggplant rollatini and savory meatballs fills a space that balances rustic charm with modern energy. The kitchen transforms familiar favorites into indulgent experiences, from the earthy decadence of truffle fries and golden arancini to the bold, addictive crunch of their signature "Bangin' Broccoli." Whether diving into a hearty bowl of pasta and beans or sharing a plate of crispy mozzarella, diners find a vibrant atmosphere where every dish is crafted to spark conversation and satisfy the soul.
• Francesca's — Italian · rated 4/5: Francesca’s invites diners into a warm, soulful space where the smoky allure of Mexican spices meets the hearty comfort of American tradition. As the evening unfolds, the kitchen sends out vibrant plates ranging from zesty, hand-pressed tacos to succulent grilled classics, all served in an atmosphere that hums with neighborhood charm and genuine hospitality.
• Pizza Marvin — Italian · rated 3/5: This vibrant neighborhood hub pulses with energy, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of "Heady Oregano" and the sizzle of perfectly charred crusts. Each slice is a bold, aromatic celebration dusted with signature "Slice Spice," while the space invites guests to go behind the scenes through intimate private classes that reveal the soulful artistry of the perfect pie.
• Oberlin — Seafood · rated 3/5: This light-filled urban sanctuary hums with a vibrant energy, where the scent of freshly baked sourdough mingles with the briny, clean aroma of the local coastline. Glistening plates of artfully composed crudo and bowls of toothsome, hand-rolled pasta take center stage, complemented by a soulful collection of natural wines that invite long, convivial evenings of shared discovery.
• Vivaldi's Pizza — Italian · rated 3/5: Vivaldi’s Pizza captures the rhythmic charm of a traditional pizzeria, where the scent of toasted flour and aromatic basil drifts through a warm, sun-drenched dining room. The kitchen balances time-honored techniques with a creative flair, serving up crisp, coal-fired masterpieces that turn a simple neighborhood dinner into a vibrant celebration of texture and taste.
• Casa Azul Taqueria — Mexican · rated 2/5: Vibrant colors and a spirited atmosphere set the stage for a menu that surprises the palate, blending the soul of a lively neighborhood haunt with the sophisticated, sun-soaked flavors of coastal Italy. Hand-rolled malloreddus and earthy grano arso pastas mingle with the delicate sweetness of Mazara prawns and the bright, tropical accents of fresh mango and avocado. It is a space where rustic comfort meets modern artistry, offering everything from savory artichokes dusted with bottarga to the deep, satisfying richness of a perfectly simmered pappardelle ragu.
• Nice Slice — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt buzzes with energy, where the nostalgic glow of neon and the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella invite guests into a space defined by casual charm. Hand-tossed dough transforms into crispy, golden-brown canvases for zesty sauces and molten cheese, delivering a satisfying crunch that captures the very essence of the perfect urban slice.
• Mare Rooftop Restaurant — Italian: Perched high above the city, this chic sanctuary invites guests to dine amidst the clouds, where panoramic skyline views pair perfectly with the refreshing scent of a salt-kissed breeze. The kitchen celebrates the vibrant flavors of the coast, serving up artfully plated seafood and botanical cocktails that capture the essence of a Mediterranean summer. It is an elevated escape where the transition from golden hour to starlit night creates a backdrop of pure, effortless glamour.
• Restaurant Capri — Italian: Sunlight spills across crisp white linens and azure accents, instantly transporting diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. The air carries the bright scent of zesty lemons and sea salt as vibrant, coastal-inspired plates arrive, inviting guests to linger over an experience that feels like a breezy afternoon at a private seaside villa.
• Plant City — Mexican: Sunlight streams through the expansive windows of this vibrant plant-based food hall, where a bustling energy pulses through a collection of open kitchens and lush, greenery-filled dining spaces. The air carries the enticing aroma of wood-fired pizzas and artisanal pastries, inviting guests to explore a diverse landscape of flavors that transform fresh, seasonal ingredients into elevated, planet-friendly comfort food. It is a modern sanctuary of sustainable dining, where every colorful plate celebrates the earth’s bounty in an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and communal.
• Fellini Pizzeria — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood gem captures the cinematic charm of its namesake, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of wood-fired crusts and slow-simmered tomato sauce. Beneath soft, ambient lighting, diners savor thin-crust masterpieces adorned with artisanal cheeses and garden-fresh herbs, creating a spirited atmosphere where every meal feels like a celebration of simple, rustic flavors.
• PIZZA COIN — Italian: This vibrant urban pizzeria pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible scent of blistered dough and bubbling mozzarella. Artisanal pies emerge from the glowing heat of the oven with perfectly charred edges and inventive toppings that balance classic comfort with contemporary flair, offering a sleek yet welcoming atmosphere where every bite feels like a discovered treasure.
• Sharpe Refectory — American: Sunlight streams through the soaring windows of this mid-century landmark, where the rhythmic clatter of trays and a hum of spirited conversation create a vibrant, communal energy. A tapestry of global aromas wafts from bustling stations, offering everything from hearth-fired pizzas to nourishing comfort classics that fuel the creative pulse of the campus. It is a storied gathering place where shared meals and chance encounters transform a grand dining hall into the warm, beating heart of the university experience.
• Maiz — Mexican: Maiz pulses with a vibrant energy, where the earthy aroma of toasted corn and zesty chilies fills a space that feels like a modern celebration of street-food culture. The kitchen’s signature Mexi-Pizzas arrive as a colorful collision of worlds, layering bold, spice-kissed toppings atop crisp, golden crusts that bridge the gap between traditional cantina flavors and artisanal comfort.
• The Hut — Italian: Tucked away like a cherished secret, this rustic retreat envelops diners in the warmth of weathered wood and the soft, amber glow of lantern light. Hearty, soul-warming plates celebrate honest flavors and seasonal ingredients, offering a comforting sanctuary where the outside world fades away over lingering drinks and shared stories.
• Flatbread Company — Italian: The scent of wood smoke and bubbling dough fills this lively gathering spot, where a roaring clay oven serves as the heart of a warm, rustic dining room. Artisanal flatbreads emerge with perfectly charred edges, ranging from vibrant organic salads to inventive seasonal creations like the hearty Irish Boiled Dinner, which reimagines classic comfort food atop a crisp, hand-stretched crust. It is a place where communal energy and wholesome ingredients come together, offering a soulful dining experience that celebrates the simple joy of a meal shared by the fire.
• Antonio's — Italian: Antonio’s captures the vibrant energy of a classic neighborhood pizzeria, where the intoxicating scent of toasted flour and bubbling mozzarella draws passersby into its warm, bustling interior. Each oversized slice is a masterclass in balance, featuring a crisp, golden-brown crust that shatters satisfyingly to reveal a rich layer of tangy tomato sauce and perfectly melted cheese. It is a place where the simple joy of a quick, hand-held feast meets artisanal craft, offering a timeless slice of comfort that feels both nostalgic and expertly refined.