Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
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 on Federal Hill's Atwells Avenue is a longtime stalwart. Veal scaloppine, snail salad and the canonical Rhode Island hot-pepper calamari.
OrderSnail salad, RI calamari with cherry peppers, then a veal scaloppine.
TipOpen daily until 21:45 (22:45 Fri-Sat); Al Fresco on the Hill street seating runs June through early September.
Massimo on Federal Hill's Atwells Avenue runs contemporary regional Italian under the DeQuattro family. Gluten-free menu, all-biodynamic Italian wines.
OrderWhatever pasta is being run as the regional special, with a glass of small-grower Italian red.
TipMonday through Thursday until 21:30, Friday and Saturday until 22:30. Resy reservations.
Alan Costantino's Venda complex on DePasquale Square pairs the 1938 pasta market with a full restaurant. Hand-pressed ravioli, the prettiest Hill patio.
OrderWhatever ravioli is being run from the market downstairs, with a pour from the Italian wine list.
TipFree live music on the DePasquale Plaza patio nightly in summer; the deli takes pasta orders to go.
Cassarino's, on Atwells since 1988, is the candlelit Federal Hill room locals book midweek. Northern Italian classics, marble bar, polished service.
OrderLobster ravioli or veal piccata, finished with the house tiramisu.
TipReservations via OpenTable; the bar serves the full menu walk-up.
Rhode Island calamari makes more sense with someone from Providence explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3.5 hours
Enjoy a food tour with a felonious twist. Come take a taste of Providence's Italian neighborhood while also learning about its historical characters who didn't always ...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Savor the flavors of Providence’s Little Italy on a guided dinner stroll. Enjoy a 4-course Italian meal with antipasto, house-made pastas, and desserts.
Water activity · 2 hours
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruise around Boston Harbor with a moderately narrated tour of the main sights. Savor brunch as you sail in style aboard a classic 1920s-style boat.