As the COVID cases surge and the weather gets colder, I am looking for spots to have dinner that feel safe. One of the best things about Rhode Island is its amazing food. Eating at a restaurant is a good way to ensure that these eateries will still exist after these trying economic times. Although not everyone has the same comfort level, most everyone can agree that outdoor dining with seating 6-feet apart is the safest way to support our local restaurants during these times. But it is cold out. Local restaurants all over the state have been coming up with creative ways to eat outside but also stay warm. Enjoy this list of outdoor dining spots in Rhode Island that make me feel safe and happy.
Newport Vineyards
909 East Main Street Road, Middletown
The Set-Up of Newport Vineyards
Although no outside dining is available this late in the season, the vineyard feels very safe to eat at. The dining area is vast and open, with large windows looking over the vines. The tables are spaced at least 6-feel apart, most often much more, and doors are left open, providing ample airflow.
The Food at Newport Vineyards
The vineyard offers a large variety of wines and beer. There is also a large list of shareable plates, including decadent beer cheese and pretzel dips, an impressive cheeseboard, a skillet of cornbread-covered macaroni and cheese, and the roasted vegetables with ricotta cheese pictured at the top of the article. I often fill up on these small plates, although they do also offer large plates.
Rosalina’s
50 Aborn Street, Providence
Call for reservations (401) 270-7330
The Set-Up of Rosalina’s
Sit in a private igloo on Rosalina’s storefront’s alleyway among Providence’s brick buildings and beautiful murals.
The Food at Rosalina’s
Rosalina’s is my favorite Rhode Island Italian restaurant. They serve upscale Italian with a Greek flair. My favorite appetizer is the fried dough smothered in scallions and marinara.
Ocean House
1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill
Make a reservation on the Ocean House website.
The Set-Up of The Ocean House
This hotel on the ocean has a few ski gondolas that you can book for a cozy meal. They are plush and well-heated and seat 5.
The Food at The Ocean House
Choose between a breakfast of crepes, cereal and fondue, a crepe lunch, or a full fondue lunch or dinner. As you can expect from the Ocean House, it is an expensive but luxurious experience.
Beso’s Kitchen and Cocktails
378 Main Street, East Greenwich
Call 401-398-8855 for a reservation. A deposit is required.
The Set-Up of Beso’s
Located on the quaint streets of East Greenwich, Beso’s igloos sit in their pizza garden lit with twinkling white lights.
The Food at Beso’s
At Beso’s, you will find upscale American and yummy cocktails.
Coast Guard House
Call for reservation (401) 789-0700 or email [email protected].
The Set-Up of The Coast Guard House
The Coast Guard House has designer decorated igloos (they call them snowglobes) right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. There is a $75 rental charge as well as a food minimum.
The Food at The Coast Guard House
This restaurant is the place to go for gourmet seafood with a beautiful view.
Chaska
16 Midway Rd, Cranston in Garden City Shopping Center
The Dining Set-Up at Chaska
Inside the restaurant, tables are separated by clear plastic, but the private heated igloos will make you feel the safest. I haven’t asked for one but have heard that they have blankets if your feet get cold. I tend to bring my own with me for outside dining.
The Food at Chaska
Chaska is the newest of the Indian restaurant group that includes Rasa and Rasoi. In my opinion, the group serves the best Indian food in the state and is well-managed. The food at Chaska is modern and beautifully plated while still serving the traditional favorites. A menu highlight is the Naan boards, which are stuffed naan with dipping sauces.
For an After-Dinner Drink or Safe Sunset Experience in Rhode Island
Hot Chocolate Bar at The Chanler
It is the most expensive hot chocolate you will drink, even if you chose it without alcohol, but this rich hot chocolate with add-ins at the fire pit at The Chanler in Newport is quite a worth-while splurge. Combine it with a walk along the Cliff Walk.
What are your plans for the weekend? Are you going to try some outdoor dining? Where have you been that I missed? Please let me know in the comments.
Coming from a sub-tropical climate, it is wonderful to see the landscapes and food of Rhode Island. How cute are those little igloos around the outdoor dining tables? I bet they are cosy inside and you would still feel as though you were outside.
Exactly. I was so happy to be surrounded by trees, sky and white sparkling lights.
I always wonder how restaurants will stay open in the winter in your area. Thank goodness for the brains behind the igloo. The ski gondolas sounds cool, too.
sitting outside by the firepit at Chanler looks awesome and the spread and seating at the Ocean house looks amazing to me as well. I know for a fact that Darcee would love the whole Newport Vineyards experience cause she loves wineries.
When you come visit we would love to take you.
Makes me hungry all over again , great photography