Sail Into Flavor At 9 Portuguese Restaurants Rhode Islanders Keep Close To Heart
Rhode Island may be America’s smallest state, but it’s home to one of the largest Portuguese-American communities in the country.
This cultural influence has blessed the Ocean State with amazing Portuguese eateries serving authentic flavors from the old country.
1. O Dinis: Family Recipes That Transport You to Portugal
Hidden in East Providence, O Dinis feels like stepping into a Portuguese grandmother’s kitchen.
The complimentary olives and crusty bread arrive the moment you sit down – a perfect start to your culinary journey.
Their signature bacalhau à brás (shredded salt cod with potatoes and eggs) has locals booking tables weeks in advance.
The portions are generous enough to feed a small fishing village, but you’ll want to finish every bite.
2. Riviera Restaurant: Where Seafood Dreams Come True
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Riviera’s grilled sardines might make you weep with joy – perfectly charred, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with sea salt.
Family-owned since 1976, this East Providence gem specializes in cataplana, a copper pot seafood stew that’s both dramatic and delicious.
Their wine list features Portuguese varieties you won’t find elsewhere in the state.
3. Madeira Restaurant: A Taste of the Portuguese Islands
Named after Portugal’s famous wine-producing island, Madeira Restaurant delivers island flavors with mainland hospitality.
The espetada (beef skewers) arrives hanging dramatically from a special rack – a true showstopper!
Locals swear by their garlic shrimp and homemade bread for soaking up every drop of sauce.
The restaurant’s warm lighting and wood-paneled walls create the perfect backdrop for long, leisurely meals with friends or family celebrations.
4. Sagres Restaurant: A Fall River Favorite Worth Crossing State Lines For
Technically just over the Massachusetts border in Fall River, Sagres is so beloved by Rhode Islanders that it deserves a spot on this list.
Named after Portugal’s historic cape, this restaurant serves the most authentic caldo verde soup outside of Portugal.
Their grilled octopus achieves that perfect tender-yet-charred texture that’s nearly impossible to master.
The dining room’s azulejo tile accents and maritime paintings create an atmosphere that’s both elegant and comfortably casual.
5. Campino’s Restaurant: A Taste of Northern Portugal in Rhode Island
Campino’s specializes in northern Portuguese cuisine, where hearty, rustic dishes reign supreme.
Their cozido à portuguesa (Portuguese boiled dinner) is a magnificent feast of meats, sausages, and vegetables that arrives at your table steaming hot.
Football (soccer) fans gather here to watch Portuguese league matches while enjoying vinho verde and petiscos (Portuguese tapas).
The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and weekend family gatherings.
6. Aguardente: Modern Portuguese Cuisine with Traditional Soul
The newcomer to Rhode Island’s Portuguese restaurant scene, Aguardente brings contemporary flair to traditional recipes.
Named after Portugal’s fiery spirit, this Providence hotspot serves reimagined classics like bacalhau fritters with saffron aioli that would make any Portuguese grandmother nod in approval.
Their craft cocktails featuring Portuguese ingredients like Port wine and Ginjinha cherry liqueur are worth the trip alone.
7. Sol De Portugal: Sunshine-Filled Flavors in West Warwick
As the name suggests (Sun of Portugal), dining at Sol De Portugal feels like basking in Mediterranean warmth.
Their bifanas – marinated pork sandwiches on crusty rolls – have achieved legendary status among locals who drive from all corners of the state for this simple pleasure.
Weekend specials often feature regional rarities like feijoada transmontana (bean stew) or lamprey from Portugal’s Minho region.
8. Assados Kitchen & Bar: Where Grilled Perfection Meets Portuguese Passion
Assados (meaning “roasted” in Portuguese) lives up to its name with the most incredible wood-fired meats in Rhode Island.
Their piri-piri chicken will have you licking your fingers and questioning why you’d ever eat chicken prepared any other way.
Don’t miss their house-made linguiça sausage, which pairs perfectly with a cold Super Bock beer – Portugal’s favorite brew available on tap.
9. Otra Restaurant: A Portuguese-Brazilian Culinary Love Story
Celebrating the shared culinary heritage between Portugal and Brazil, Otra offers the best of both worlds.
Their feijoada comes with all the traditional accompaniments – orange slices, farofa, and collard greens – creating a complete cultural experience on one plate.
Portuguese wine and Brazilian caipirinhas flow freely at this lively establishment.
