Karen Deutsch

Despite the state’s moniker, seafood restaurants remain surprisingly elusive in Rhode Island. Seasonal shacks — loaded with fried clams and lobster rolls Providence Oyster Bar expands with a second location in East Greenwich.

There are notable similarities between the Iberian Peninsula and the promontory we call Italy: a love of cheese and cured hams, a deep commitment to wine From the same chef-owners who brought us Bacaro, Otra in Providence, Rhode Island, spotlights Spanish and Portuguese cooking.

From the night Bellini opened its doors, its eager crowd settled into their seats like Al Hirschfeld’s “Algonquin Round Table.” On any given evening, the With its 1940s downtown glamour, Bellini is the trendy new place to see and be seen, with a vibe and menu to match.

Yagi Noodles in Newport, Rhode Island, serves ramen, steamed buns, squash blossom rangoons and more Japanese-fusion dishes.

Chow Fun Group’s Oz Tacos and Tequila in Lincoln, Rhode Island, offers a technicolor trip through food and drink.

Bayberry Garden isn’t so much a restaurant as a biodome: a repository of culinary ambition, local craftsmanship and camaraderie in an atmosphere as Bayberry Garden in Providence, Rhode Island, serves seafood and farm-fresh plates in a vibrant setting.

The opening of Kin Southern Kitchen and Bar in Providence, Rhode Island, marks a return to gastronomic intimacy with fried chicken and collard greens.

Boundary Kitchen, Bar and Events in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, offers a rowdy collection of beer and barbecue and a huge space to match.

Stoneacre Garden in Newport, Rhode Island, offers breezy decor, outdoor seating and an Asian-inspired menu that sates.

An Ivy League college, a cutting-edge art school and top-flight chefs have helped the city shed its reputation as a Boston suburb.