Oberlin is the place to take your artsy friends from New York when you want to show them that Providence is chic and has good food, too. But it still has small city charm: it’s tucked away in the heart of downtown with an attentive waitstaff that’s happy to help if you’re stuck between dishes or don’t know which sake to order. Sit at the bar if dining solo, or grab a table outside when it’s nice out and order a little bit of everything, including some rotating crudos or any other seafood plates. And don’t miss the creamy salt cod brandade with herbs and grilled house-made country bread. 

photo credit: Grace Kelly