Providence is a place that combines the feeling of a small town with the culture and vibrancy of a big city. With a thriving art scene, renowned restaurants, and diverse neighborhoods, Providence is a small city with a major punch. Though the city has been criticized for its lack of Black-owned restaurants in the past, here are 10 that are standing strong serving pizza, seafood, baked treats, soul food, and so much more.
Food For The Soul
This southern-inspired restaurant has been serving your mama’s soul food and barbeque for 14 years in Providence. Located on Admiral Street, Food For The Soul is known for its fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and grade-A hospitality. The restaurant began as a hotdog stand. Over time, it has blossomed to include a multitude of soul food favorites. Stop by for lunch or an early dinner when in town.
- Location: Admiral Street
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Meat Meal With Two Sides
- Before You Go: Food For The Soul is closed on Monday and Tuesday. But catch them cooking up a storm every other day of the week noon to 7 PM.
Black Sheep
No matter if you’re looking for craft beer, cocktails, wine, or great food, Black Sheep is the perfect spot to end your day. Enjoy a varied menu of wings, burgers, salads, and starters like smoked brisket sliders and mac & cheese with local company and warm hospitality. Black Sheep is also in a great location. After your meal, consider exploring Downtown Providence and visit the Dunkin Donuts Center, Trinity Repertory Theatre, and Providence Performing Art Center all near Black Sheep.
- Location: Downtown
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Cheesesteak Grindah’
- Before You Go: The name Black Sheep pays homage to 90s Hip Hop and reminds guests it’s a haven for black sheep everywhere.
Island House
Island House Restaurant is the premier Jamaican restaurant in Rhode Island. From six-flavor chicken to beef patties and coco bread, diners get a mix of traditional Jamaican cuisine along with southern comfort food to feed the soul. The restaurant was built on a foundation that respects traditional Caribbean cooking. Now, the founder and his staff are serving everything you’d desire in a Jamaican food feast.
- Location: Providence
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican
- Menu Spotlight: Curry Goat
- Before You Go: Island House also hosts events, including game nights, drink specials, sporting event viewing, and more.
Kin Southern Table + Bar
The brainchild of a native Rhode Island daughter, Kin Southern Table + Bar has the soul food goodness you need when in Providence. The owner Julia Broome gave the restaurant its name so everyone would feel like family when they walked through the door. Since opening in 2021, the restaurant has had continued success and captured the hearts of the local community. An inclusive and safe space, Kin is the ultimate soul food destination in the city.
- Location: Providence
- Type of Cuisine: Southern
- Menu Spotlight: Fried Catfish
- Before You Go: Kin Southern Table was opened during the pandemic, just a year and a half after the owner was laid off from her job.
Black Leaf
Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop opened in 2019 and they have amazing tea blends just for you. Not only can you grab herbal beverages in the shop but they can also get loose-leaf tea blends to take home. The owner Amber Jackson started the shop to share her passion for tea while celebrating people and Black culture. It’s a well-known spot within the local Black community and a chill place to hang out and grab a drink when exploring Providence.
- Location: Providence
- Type of Cuisine: Tea Shop
- Menu Spotlight: Coco Bae
- Before You Go: Catch one of Black Leaf’s monthly events including the Young Black Professionals Mixer and Tea Talks.
Stack House
For a hefty dose of Southern comfort, stop by the Stack House near the University of Rhode Island. The owner Edmund Addai started cooking at 11 years old. He drew his culinary influence from African and American Southern cuisine. After getting his start in ghost kitchens, Addai opened his brick-in-mortar in 2022. Now, Stack House has a variety of brunch and breakfast items, sandwiches, and southern comforts to try.
- Location: Kingston
- Type of Cuisine: Southern
- Menu Spotlight: S’mores Waffles
- Before You Go: Stack House is only open on Saturday and Sunday.
Black Beans PVD
Food and activism go hand and hand at Black Bean PVD. The eatery started as a pop-up in Providence that eventually moved to a brick-in-mortar in the West End neighborhood where the owner grew up. Profits from certain menu items are donated to families caring for underaged cancer patients and the owner continues to give back to her community while keeping it fed. Currently, Black Beans is grab-and-go only. However, their website says customers should expect their dine-in setting to reopen soon.
- Location: West End
- Type of Cuisine: Breakfast
- Menu Spotlight: Breakfast Sammie Meal
- Before You Go: For the most accurate information on hours of operation and menu, be sure to check out the restaurant’s website.
Deddeh’s Kitchen
The self-proclaimed “best African restaurant in town,” Deddeh’s Kitchen has served Providence for years. They have all of your favorite, traditional African fare including fufu, palm butter, pepper soup, and more. Online reviews describe the food at Deddeh’s as being made with love, fresh, and delicious. It’s one of the go-to spots for African food in the city.
- Location: Providence
- Type of Cuisine: West African
- Menu Spotlight: Attike With Fried Fish Combo
- Before You Go: Deddeh’s Kitchen is open every day for lunch and dinner except for Sunday.
The District
Pizza is done the right way at The District. The Black-owned pizza parlor keeps customers coming through its door daily with unique flavors and specialty toppings. Travelers can enjoy delicious wood-fired oven pizza, savory wings, sandwiches, and more. The love for pizza is mutual and shared between the staff and customers at The District. The slices will keep you coming back for more.
- Location: Providence
- Type of Cuisine: Pizza
- Menu Spotlight: Burrata Pizza
- Before You Go: The District has a special brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday.
Maxine Baked
Named after her beloved Grandma Maxine, Schantel opened Maxine Baked to share her grandmother’s love for baking with her community. She’d grown up watching her granny cook as a child. Feeding her family and making them feel good through food was one of her favorite things. Now, Schantel has that same love for baking, food, and community and shares it with Providence each day.
- Location: Providence
- Type of Cuisine: Bakery
- Menu Spotlight: Red Velvet Cupcake
- Before You Go: Maxine Baked also offers special cupcake decorating parties perfect for kids, friends, and small group gatherings.
Providence is a special city in Rhode Island. A New England gem, it has its fair share of Black-owned businesses, and its culinary community continues to make waves. Find a dose of good eating at one of these standout Providence Black-owned restaurants the next time you’re on the East Coast.
