Best Italian Restaurant In Rhode Island Revealed: Daily Meal

PROVIDENCE, RI — It's almost Valentine's Day (Wednesday, people, Wednesday!) While there's nothing wrong with staying home and making your loved one a PB&J, perhaps consider a night at one of the finer Italian restaurants in the country.

Fortunately you need not be a food critic to identify the cream of the crop in Rhode Island. The Daily Meal has done that for you, coming up with a list of the best Italian restaurants in every state.

In Rhode Island, it may not surprise anyone to learn that the Daily Meal dubbed Al Forno the best. Located in Fox Point, Al Forno has an incredible story - launched by husband-and-wife duo George Germon and Johanne Killeen, it's been thriving for well over three decades. Germon died in 2015, but Killeen continues to meet the lofty standard the restaurant has set. The Boston Globe last year wrote a tasty review of the restaurant.

The restaurant takes its New England roots seriously. "Dishes are re-crafted to reflect the products of New England's farms and waters cooked in blazing hot ovens and on grills over hardwood charcoal fires," the website reads.

You can see the menu here.

Why The Daily Meal loves Al Forno: They also, though, aim the culinary spotlight on Rhode Island's defining vegetables — corn, squash, beans, and tomatoes — prepared simply, with the authentic Italian panache one would expect of multiple James Beard honorees. Read more.

Where to find it: 577 South Water Street, Providence.

Phone number: 401-273-9760.

Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 5 pm – 10 pm; Sat, 4 pm – 11 pm

Website: alforno.com

Tell us: Do you agree? Where do you go when you want scrumptious, authentic Italian food in Rhode Island? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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