Providence/Federal Hill - neighborhood in Providence

Federal Hill is a district in Providence, located just west of the downtown area of the city. Federal Hill (familiarly The Hill or Fed Hill) is one of the finest areas in Providence during the day, but really shines at night. Limitless restaurants and shops line Atwells Ave., the heart of the area, as customers and patrons wander up and down enjoying the scenery and each other's company. Federal Hill is also known as the "Little Italy" of Rhode Island and its shops and restaurants reflect the background and soul of the area.

Understand

The area begins at Westminster Street, the southern limit, and is enclosed by Routes 6 and 10 to the north and west and Route 95 on the east. Besides all of the great shops and restaurants, Federal Hill hosts many events throughout the year like the Italian Festival, and parades around the holidays. Live music is also held is DePasqual Square on the weekends and the sounds of the streets transport one to a different place and time. No matter what the occasion, Federal Hill is a great place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the streets and the delicious smells in the air.

The Armory District of Providence begins south of Atwells Avenue, West of 95 South while North of Elmwood Avenue. The district is defined by the 1907 Cranston St. Armory and the 19th century Victorian houses that make up most of the architecture. The district is the most quickly evolving area of the city while still containing the "old world charm" of the more posh East Side/College Hill area. While largely developed in recent decades, the Armory still maintains it unique roots in quirky restaurants and holistic medicine shops. The Armory is known for it's hipster scene with exceptional hang-outs and funky eateries localized around Broadway and Cranston St.

Get in

With the Hill being right next to downtown Providence, you can easily walk, ride a bike, drive, take a taxi or a bus to visit Federal Hill.

See Providence for details on how to reach the city Providence.

By car:

• From the south: Take Route 95 North to Exit 21, take a left on Broadway and you are right in the heart of Federal Hill
• From the north: Take Route 95 South to Exit 22 for Atwells Ave, then take a right

See

Do

Federal Hill is a very nice place to go for an excellent night, but is best enjoyed with company. The heart and soul of the area is the closeness of all the restaurants and bars that really inspires visitors to move about to different places and meet new people all while enjoying the fine sights outside. Though the area is often frequented by higher-class individuals, they are more often than not very friendly and welcoming as opposed to snobby or rude. The Hill itself does not have any nightclubs, aside from dance floors in some bars or restaurants, but the very popular clubs downtown and concerts at the Dunkin' Donuts center are but a short cab ride or walk away. Federal Hill is a perfect place to eat at one of the finest restaurants in the area before a night out on the town; whether with friends, family or a romantic night with that someone special.

• RI Market Tours with Cindy Salvato, +1 401-934-2149. Perhaps the best thing you can do to really experience Federal Hill. A three-hour walking tour of the Hill led by Chef Cindy Salvato, visiting various restaurants and shops to sample diverse food and drink, meet chefs and vintners, learn history of the different places and even get tips on how to use everything you try in your own cooking.
• Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, 41.82042°, -71.42630°, +1 401-621-9660. One of New England's oldest and most beautiful venues. It offers plays and productions for everyone, providing the "show" half of a fine "dinner and a show" evening.
• RI International Film Festival, 268 Broadway, 41.82040°, -71.42641°, +1 401 861-4445. Independent filmmakers from far and wide flock to Federal Hill for the RI International Film Festival every August. The Festival has quickly become one of the most popular of its kind, voted in the Top 12 Film Festivals in the United States.

Buy

A diverse array of shops adorns the streets of Federal Hill, all very close to each other, which makes for a great afternoon of walking and shopping before dining later on.

• Area 4zero1, 102 Dean Street, 41.82425°, -71.42487°, +1 401 383-8509. A store with the latest fashion in the U.S., featuring Diesel, Prps, Earnest Swen, True Religion, LRG, Melting Pot, and more.
• Garbolino Inc, 254 Atwells Ave, 41.82347°, -71.42632°, +1 401 273-0080, mgarbolino@aol.com. Tu-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. Designer womens boutique, premium denim, one of a kind accessories and sophisticated clothing. Paige Premium Denim, Joe's Jeans, Ella Moss, Splendid, Custo Barcelona and more.
• Gasparro's Wines, 361 Atwells Avenue, 41.82396°, -71.42959°, +1 401 421-4170. M-Sa 9AM-6PM. Gasbarro's has an extensive line of wines from California and Italy waiting for you, and four generations of the area's favorite customer service to help you decide what to buy.
• Rosebud Salon, 90 Spruce Street, 41.82417°, -71.42645°, +1 401 272-4676. Tu-F 9AM-7PM.

Eat

Federal Hill has a large variety of restaurants, including contemporary cafe, tavern or diner setting for some Asian, Cuban, Mediterranean, Southwestern or, of course, Italian cooking.

• Joe Marzilli's Old Canteen Restaurant, 120 Atwells Av, 41.82316°, -71.42194°, +1 401 751-5544. W-M noon-10PM. "Elegant Dining" with a taste of Italy. All meals cooked to order. It has a very old school Italian feel. Reservations and valet parking are available. Voted Best Restaurant RI Monthly and by Food & Beverage Magazine.
• Cassarino's, 177 Atwells Ave, 41.82349°, -71.42388°, +1 401 751-3333. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM. Dinner M-Th 3-10PM, F 3-11PM, Sa noon-11PM. Cassarino's Ristorante serves authentic Italian Cuisine. Voted "Best Italian Restaurant in Providence" by Rhode Island Monthly. Meals $7-$16.
• Angelo's Civita Farnese, 141 Atwells Ave, 41.82345°, -71.42271°, +1 401 621-8171. Su noon-9PM, M-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Angelo's serves award-winning home-style Italian food. Meals $6-$15
• Pastiche, 92 Spruce St, 41.82422°, -71.42657°, +1 401 861-5190. Tu-Th 8:30AM-11PM, F Sa 8:30AM-11:30PM, Su 10AM-10PM. An intimate European-style cafe serving sophisticated fine desserts, easily some of the best desserts in the city. Downside, it can be very packed and the space is very tiny, so grabbing something to go may be a smarter option.
• Caserta Pizzeria, 121 Spruce St, 41.82446°, -71.42788°, +1 401 621-3618 or +1 401 621-9190. Tu-Su 9:30AM-10:30PM. Good family restaurant. Originator of the Wimpy Skippy. Enjoy traditional style pizza in a casual atmosphere. Voted best pizza and spinach pie by R.I. Monthly magazine.
• Julian's, 318 Broadway, 41.81995°, -71.42821°, +1 401 861-1770. Famous for their brunch, dinner and drinks as much as the artsy wait staff. Julian's is a haven for the alternative/hipster scene with exotic and original foods, vegetarian and vegan specialties, rare beers and eclectic local art. The decor of Julian's is floor to ceiling contemporary art, featuring: sculpture, mixed media, paintings, prints and kitsch collectibles. Just about every inch of the dining room and bar is hipster chic modified. Julian's hosts special events like their Beer Dinners, where patrons pay a fixed fee for a meal, a special brew and some live music. Julian's also offers homemade catsup, hot sauce, granola and tote bags. A must-visit spot for an adventurous eater and an art appreciator.
• Nick's On Broadway, 500 Broadway, 41.81839°, -71.43483°, +1 401 421-0286. Open for dinner W-Sa 5:30-11PM, open for Breakfast/Brunch W-Sa 7AM-3PM, Su 9AM-3PM. A culinary masterpiece. The fact that it's only open 5 days a week for dinner makes it that much harder to get into. The food is all local, and boastful of the fact. Make reservations and expect to wait for your table even if you are on time. Entrees $20-34
• Broadway Bistro, 205 Broadway, 41.82112°, -71.42444°, +1 401 331-2450. Daily 5-10PM. Reservations only accepted for parties of 6 or more. A small upscale eatery in the heart of the Armory. Broadway Bistro is a small and intimate space with local artwork adorning every available square inch. The small and evolving menu reflects the atmosphere. Rich flavors with simple presentation and excellent ingredients. Entrees range from $8-20 with tapas style appetizers $6 and up.
• Nara's Lounge Providence - Nara's is the upscale Hookah Lounge located on Federal Hill. This Middle Eastern style lounge has a variety of both Middle Eastern and American drinks, food and dessert. This lounge is decorated in earthy colors, with dim lights and low Middle Eastern music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Nara also serves 15 flavors of Hookah to choose from, along with entertainment Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. Must be over 18 years or older to smoke Hookah and 21 or older to drink. Sunday-Thursday hours are: 4PM-1AM, Saturday and Sunday from 4PM-2AM.
• Chef Ho's Chinese Restaurant, 243 Atwells Ave., 41.82366°, -71.42605°, +1 401 831-0777. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su 12:30-10PM. Offers dine-in, take out, cocktails and limited delivery service ($10 minimum purchase and $1 delivery fee). The staff is very friendly and well-liked in the area, as is their homemade Chinese cooking.
• Providence Oyster Bar, 283 Atwells Ave., 41.82374°, -71.42745°, +1 401 272-8866. M-F 11AM-3PM, M-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM. Proper dress and no children allowed, the Oyster bar provides a shuttle to the Trinity Repertory Company and Providence Performing Arts Center, making it a hot destination for people attending events at those places.
• Zooma Bar/Ristorante, 245 Atwells Ave., 41.82364°, -71.42623°, +1 401 383-2002. Daily 11:30AM-late. Zooma offers a high-energy, Cosmopolitan-type surrounding and uses local ingredients for its award-winning dishes. They cook mainly southern Italian food and the drinks are highly regarded by patrons. The service is friendly and prompt without overdoing either, and the lunch menu is very affordable.
• Pane e Vino Ristorante, 365 Atwells Avenue (3/4 mile down Atwells on the right), 41.82390°, -71.42973°, +1 401 223-2230. Dinner 5 - 10PM. Italian ristorante and enoteca (wine bar) located on Historic Federal Hill, Providence, Rhode Island. It is where friends, family, and businessmen alike come to enjoy a relaxing and rustic Mediterranean environment, filled with the aura and sensation of the finest Neapolitan style Italian cuisine and wine. Pane e Vino celebrates the simple and basic things in life, without forgetting about the superior ways to enjoy them. Entrees $17-34
• Nick's On Broadway, 500 Broadway, 41.81839°, -71.43483°, +1 401 421-0286, +1 401 421-0287, info@nicksonbroadway.com. W-Su 5:30AM-10PM, closed Monday and Tuesday. Great breakfast spot. The focus of this restaurant is on modern, organic cuisine and offers a variety of options throughout the day.
• Sicilia's, 181 Atwells Ave, 41.82357°, -71.42397°, +1 401-273-9222. M-Th 5PM-midnight, F Sa 5PM-2AM. An Italian specialty serving, pizza, calzones, salads, and subs. Dine in, take out, and delevery offered.
• Siena, 238 Atwells Ave, 41.82344°, -71.42589°, +1 401 521-3311. Siena offers upscale Mediteranian cuisine in a luxurious atmosphere.
• Venda, 275 Atwells Ave, 41.82372°, -71.42708°, +1 401 421-9105. Venda has been in business for over 70 years. It is the most well known restaurant on the Hill and is famous for their homemade pastas.
• Walter's Restaurant, 286 Atwells Ave, 41.82356°, -71.42748°, +1 401 273-2652. Walter's has reinvented Italian cuisine bringing a creative modern flare to the dishes that will surely please.
• Andino's, 171 Atwells Ave, 41.82353°, -71.42374°, +1 401-453-3164. 1940s retro inspired this restaurant will transport you back in time while serving you classic Italian cuisine.
• Camille's, 71 Bradford St, 41.82281°, -71.42195°, +1 401 751-4812. Camille's specializes in private functions and is a great place for a business get together or family party.
• Constantino's, 265 Atwells Ave, 41.82371°, -71.42681°, +1 401 528-1100. Daily 5-11PM. Another veteran on Federal Hill, Constantino's has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine for over thirty years.

Drink

There are no establishments that are solely "bars" in Federal Hill, but nearby downtown Providence has plenty within a short walk or cab ride's time. However, each Hill restaurant offers a full drink menu, and some have bars that are open separate from the restaurant portion:

• Camille's, 71 Bradford St., 41.82279°, -71.42195°, +1 401 751-4812, info@camillesonthehill.com.
• Providence Oyster Bar, 283 Atwells Ave, 41.82373°, -71.42743°, +1 401 272-8866. M 3-10PM, Tu-Th noon-10PM, F Sa noon-11PM, Su 10:30AM-9PM.
• Nara Lounge, 248 Atwells Avenue, 41.82347°, -71.42628°, +1 401 273-6272. An upscale hookah lounge. This Middle Eastern style lounge has a variety of Middle Eastern and American drinks, food and dessert This lounge is decorated in earthy colors, with dim lights and low Middle Eastern music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Nara also serves 15 flavors of Hookah to choose from, along with entertainment Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. Must be over 18 years or older to smoke Hookah and 21 or older to drink. Sunday-Thursday hours are: 4PM-1AM, Saturday and Sunday from 4PM-2AM.

Sleep

Though Federal Hill does not have any hotels in its small area, there are some in downtown Providence that are the usual short walk or cab ride away.

• Hotel Dolce Villa, 14 Crout St, 41.82421°, -71.42756°, +1 401 383-7031. The only boutique hotel on the Providence Skyline. Rooms are spacious and clean, though the all-white atmosphere may take a little getting used to. However, the rooms are comfortable - each is equipped with memory-foam beds, kitchens, and whirlpool tubs. At the rear of the hotel is Smoke, a tobacco and liquor bar.
• Renaissance Providence, 5 Avenue of the Arts, 41.83015°, -71.41678°, +1 401 919-5000. The Renaissance Providence a visitor favorite, it's one of the highest visitor-ranked places to stay in the area. The service is friendly and quick and very accommodating. The building is an old Masonic temple, which provides beautiful structure and an interesting history for anyone's stay.