Squid rings flash-fried in seasoned flour and tossed with sliced pickled cherry peppers and garlic-butter, served with marinara or lemon; the official Rhode Island state appetizer since 2014.
Rhode Island has long been the largest squid fishery on the US East Coast, with the bulk of the catch landed at the State Pier in Galilee. Federal Hill kitchens turned the local catch into the canonical hot-pepper fried calamari in the 1980s and 1990s. The state legislature designated calamari the official state appetizer on June 12, 2014, beating out clam cakes and stuffies. Almost every Federal Hill Italian-American kitchen runs a version; Andino's, Massimo and Costantino's Venda all serve the Hill standard.
4 editor picks for Rhode Island calamari in Providence, ranked by editorial score. All Providence signature dishes · Rhode Island calamari across every city.
Andino's ★ 4.3
federal-hill · 171 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903
Andino's on Federal Hill's Atwells Avenue is a longtime stalwart. Veal scaloppine, snail salad and the canonical Rhode Island hot-pepper calamari.
Massimo ★ 4.3
federal-hill · 134 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903
Massimo on Federal Hill's Atwells Avenue runs contemporary regional Italian under the DeQuattro family. Gluten-free menu, all-biodynamic Italian wines.
Costantino's Venda Bar and Ristorante ★ 4.2
federal-hill · 275 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903
Alan Costantino's Venda complex on DePasquale Square pairs the 1938 pasta market with a full restaurant. Hand-pressed ravioli, the prettiest Hill patio.
Cassarino's ★ 4.1
federal-hill · 177 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903
Cassarino's, on Atwells since 1988, is the candlelit Federal Hill room locals book midweek. Northern Italian classics, marble bar, polished service.