My list of things that excited me about returning to campus this fall was quite long — friends, our
beautiful campus, upcoming trips–but unfortunately, food just didn’t make the cut. Don’t get me
wrong, Brown dining hall food isn’t all that bad, though it could use some upgrades. But after a
long and wonderful summer of eating my way through Tokyo, I wasn’t exactly dreaming about
what was waiting for me in Providence.
But lately I’ve come to realize that the Providence food scene is better than I gave it credit for.
We’re home to Johnson & Wales, one of the top culinary schools in the country, and things just
keep getting better, with plenty of new spots that opened over the summer while most of us are
away. Here’s my guide to the new openings and eats you need to add to your list!
1. Nitro Bar
A Rhode Island favorite, Nitro Bar has officially opened a new location on Ives Street! Starting
from its original spot in the West End, Nitro Bar has become a viral social media hotspot, known
for its unique flavored drinks and fun seasonal menus. If my conversations with friends and all
the Nitro cups with those recognizable blue straws around campus are any proof, students
couldn’t be happier. The new location was announced back in April, and locals have been
eagerly waiting through some delays. It had a soft opening on Friday, September 25th, and
recently hosted their grand opening on October 1st. I’ve already made plans with friends to hit
the new edition to Ives Street, eager to try their fall drinks and famous pizza bagel!
Also in its soft opening phase is La Fe Taqueria, a “neighborhood taqueria” on Hope Street that
opened its doors on September 9. Although they’re not serving the full menu yet, the tacos are
already receiving much praise from early customers. This Mexican food spot actually started off
as a Thayer Street taco truck serving Mexican-Asian food. Some of the items on their eagerly
anticipated menu will be a nod to their history as a restaurant, serving up signature items like
their matcha wings, which I have yet to decide how I feel about.
I’m a big fan of cobbler, so this one is a must-try for me. The Peach Cobbler Factory is a
fast-growing dessert chain from Tennessee, and it just opened its first Rhode Island location in
Federal Hill. There’s something for every sweet tooth: their famous peach cobbler, pudding,
brownies in a cup, and a wide range of sweet or fruity flavors beyond the signature peach.
Definitely a good dessert spot to hit if you’re in the area for dinner, or just want a little sweet
treat!
4. Ciao Ciao
If you ever went to KG Kitchen Bar on Hope Street, it’s been replaced by Ciao Ciao, an Italian
spot that opened in May 2026 serving homemade pasta and other Italian-inspired comfort
foods. One of the owners is Adam Stabile, a Rhode Island local who previously worked at the
famous Providence Oyster Bar, so he’s a bit of a known name around town. The menu has a
long drink and wine list alongside classic Italian dishes like Chicken Milanese and Vongole, plus
some fun twists, like the Melanzane Al Sugo, an eggplant dish with Japanese flavors that’s
already making my mouth water.
So grab your friends, pick a spot, and treat yourselves for surviving the first few weeks of a new
school year! Whether it’s a Nitro run between classes or a cozy dinner at Ciao Ciao, these new
places are worth leaving the dining hall for. And if you’re not up for leaving campus, we’ve got
some easy dorm recipes for you too.