Since half of us has a crazy sweet tooth, it seems only logical that part 2 of our Rhode Island Dining reviews covers desserts. Here are all our favorite spots for pastries, doughnuts, cakes, ice cream, and desserts.
Wowza. After Weny’s first dentist appointment near Brown, we stumbled upon a small bicycle-driven food cart serving croissants and coffee. The croissants were big, puffy, and you could see the neat lamination work. While we were a little skeptical about croissants from a food cart powered by foot pedals, we were blown away. The Dainty Pig is filled with prosciutto, gouda, and rosemary and is still my favorite croissant in Providence today. Overall, it’s probably a top 5 croissant I’ve had anywhere in the US. What followed was tracking down the cart early on the weekends to get a fix. Sadly, we couldn’t attend one of the last baking classes before COVID hit, but now the owner, Brian, is operating out of a croissant window.
Photo: Gina Lauren Mastrostefano
Seven Stars Bakery
Every city seems to have a newish local chain bakery. When I was in Boston, I saw the rise of Flour Bakery & Café. In Providence, I see the same things from Seven Stars Bakery. While Flour’s biggest claims to fame were its sweets, Seven Stars Bakery shines in bread. Their locations provide the full café experience pre-COVID with a great overall sandwich, pastries, and drink game. They’re currently at 4 locations with another on the way.
Photo: Foccacia from SevenStarsBakery.com
Knead Doughnuts
When you think of trendy doughnut spots, Knead Doughnuts is the type of place that comes to mind in Providence. I was so sad when they closed the location that was walkable for us, but they still have other locations on the West Side, East Side, and East Greenwich. We are particular to the brioche yeast-raised doughnuts.
Photo: Dramatic Doughnuts from Knead Doughnut's Instagram
Pastiche
Early on during a visit to Providence before moving here, we explored Federal Hill, which is the Italian neighborhood in Providence. Away from the main street, was a small street facing the highway, and we were surprised at how much we liked the desserts there. Our favorite is still the fruit tart, but over the time we’ve been in Providence, we’re always hitting up Pastiche for celebratory cakes, tarts, and treats.
Photo: Fresh Fruit Tart from PasticheFineDesserts.com
The Ice Cream Barn
The Ice Cream Barn is technically in Massachusetts, but it’s less than a 20-minute drive from Providence. Our first trip here was a late summer trip out of the city in search of dessert during our first month in Providence. After getting off the highway and weaving through some local roads, we arrived at a long line just out the door (pre-COVID). When we got inside, our mouths started watering from the smells and sights of the crew making fresh waffle cones. These waffle cones were game-changing. Crisp and thicc-k. One of these cones alone could easily elevate store-bought pints into the nostalgia of ice cream outside on a summer night. Black raspberry, Oreo, and coffee flavors were standouts. I don't even like coffee.
Photo: The Ice Cream Barn Instagram
Wright’s Dairy Farm
On the other side of Providence 20 minutes north of the city, is Wright’s Dairy Farm. They are a local dairy provider for MA, RI, and CT. In addition to a farm market, they have various baked goods and an ice cream stand. The was one of the first places we tried away from home during COVID and eating in the car was a nice getaway from quarantine mode. Black raspberry and anything with Oreo was also strong here. Park a bit further away to avoid barnyard smells while eating your cone.
Photo: Cross Sections from WrightsDairyFarm.com
Let us know if you have any other suggestions for sweets in Providence!