This adventure is part of Wish You Were Here, VegNews’ vegan travel series in partnership with Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora, where we chase down the best plant-based spots and experiences around the globe. We’re excited to keep sharing more journeys like this one.
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but it’s bursting with creativity, flavor, and coastal charm. From historic brick streets to oceanfront dining, this New England gem proves that big things really do come in small packages, especially when it comes to vegan food.
We spent a long weekend hopping between Providence, Warren, Bristol, and Newport, exploring cafés, food halls, and fine-dining spots while soaking up the local sights. In every town, we discovered that Rhode Island isn’t just a quaint coastal state, it’s quietly becoming a plant-based powerhouse, offering everything from casual indulgences to elevated, award-winning cuisine.
Essential tips for a weekend in Rhode Island
A few tips for anyone exploring Rhode Island’s plant-based eats: pace yourself and let the meals guide your adventures, because you’ll want to savor everything. Providence’s murals and museums, Warren’s harbor, and Newport’s coastal streets and grand mansions all pair beautifully with flavorful stops along the way.
Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
Parking can be tight in popular areas, so consider arriving a little earlier than you think or check for nearby lots. Make it an adventure and rent a bike, use public transportation just like the locals, or get your steps in and walk. Be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes because part of the fun is walking between meals and soaking up the charming streets.
Vegan guide to Rhode Island
Throughout the weekend, Rhode Island’s vegan scene kept surprising us. Each restaurant had its own personality: playful, cozy, vibrant, or upscale. From the bustling energy of Plant City to the rich flavors and history at Cassarino’s to the whimsical breakfast at Rhody Roots and the fine dining at Foglia, every meal felt unique and thoughtfully crafted. Dive into the state’s must-visit restaurants and essential sightseeing below.
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Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
1Pianta
Providence, RI
Our culinary adventure kicked off with dinner at Pianta, a sleek Italian spot that manages to feel both polished and playful. The modern space is inviting, with warm lighting and minimalist decor that allows the dishes to take center stage.
Chef Michelle Politano, the mastermind behind Pianta’s glorious offerings, does an excellent job drawing inspiration from various cuisines and making them work well together on one cohesive and exciting menu. The three of us shared a medley of dishes, and we can confirm that none of them disappointed.
Some of our favorites included penne alla vodka, crispy steak and cheese egg rolls, country fried chicken, and mushroom risotto. The penne was perfectly al dente, coated in a rich, savory sauce, while the egg rolls were crisp on the outside and packed with melty plant-based cheese and meat on the inside. The country fried chicken tenders were paired with garlicky mashed potatoes, Pianta’s famous gravy, and fluffy cornbread. The risotto featured two huge king oyster mushrooms topped with vegan caviar. Each dish was so different from the next, which made for a fun, flavorful meal.
After dinner, a stroll through Federal Hill revealed historic streets lined with bakeries and local shops. The area’s energy matches the creativity of the restaurant scene, making it a fun place to explore even after the plates are cleared.
Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
2Apothica
Cumberland, RI
The next morning, we fueled up at Apothica, a delightful little breakfast and coffee spot that instantly made us feel at home. The walls and shelves are decorated with potted plants and modern art pieces, and the coffee bar is adorned with jarred herbs and spices. Much like an apothecary, the baristas serve up drinks that feed the soul and heal the heart.
It was hard to choose from their long list of drinks, but we settled on the seasonal salted caramel latte and the London fog latte. After receiving our drinks, we settled into a cozy corner by the fireplace, a welcome escape from the cold outside. To eat, we ordered egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches and a black bean Crunchwrap featuring creamy cashew queso. To finish off the meal, we enjoyed coffee cake and matcha cookies that paired wonderfully with our hot drinks. The combination of everything made for a lovely start to our day.
Fun fact: Apothica started as a tiny espresso bar and has grown into a fully vegan eatery known for turning classic breakfast favorites into creative plant-based dishes. Between the inventive menu, fresh seasonal ingredients, and welcoming energy, it’s easy to see why this place has become such a local favorite.
Nearby, Providence has a self-guided art walk with murals and installations scattered across the city, plus the RISD Museum, which is packed with incredible art collections for any culture loving foodie.
Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
3Plant City
Providence, RI
Lunch took us to Plant City, a vegan food hall complete with a marketplace, coffee bar, and dining area that spans two floors. Since our visit, they have remodeled and opened a new upstairs lounge called SĒZN, which offers its own menu.
We ordered our meal from the original Plant City menu, and let’s just say, we went big. The table was packed with plates of buffalo cauliflower, onion rings, sandwiches, different pastas, and mocktails.
Although buffalo cauliflower is pretty easy to come by as a vegan, Plant City’s take brings it to a whole new level, ranking in as some of the best we’ve ever had. It was the perfect balance of crisp and saucy, succeeding not only in flavor, but in texture, too. The cauliflower wings are paired with a side of blue cheese dressing, which provides a nice contrast to the spice. The onion rings, served with Plant City’s secret sauce, elevated the classic side dish to an entrée and a must-have on the menu.
We tried the cacio e pepe and rigatoni alla vodka pastas, each unique in flavor and texture; however, the rigatoni alla vodka was the winner for us because it came topped with a garlicky bread stick. With polished communal seating, stylish décor, a lively atmosphere, and food options galore, Plant City feels like so much more than just a meal—it’s a full experience.
Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
4Cassarino’s
Providence, RI
Dinner that night was at Cassarino’s, a timeless Italian restaurant with a warm, intimate atmosphere that feels like it has a story in every corner. The restaurant has been a Providence staple for decades, originally opened in the 1940s and known for bringing authentic Italian flavors to the community.
While not entirely vegan, Cassarino’s offers thoughtful plant-based options that stand out. We tried two different vegan sausage pastas: the Sausage Aurora and the Sausage and Rabe. The Aurora had a sweet, slightly spicy profile, while the Rabe was herb forward and hearty, making it impossible to pick a favorite. We also enjoyed spinach ravioli filled with vegan meatballs, smothered in a creamy, flavorful vodka sauce.
Besides the flavor, the portions stood out—generous, hearty, and easily shareable with a high chance of leftovers. The historic setting adds another layer to the experience, making it easy to savor the food and enjoy long conversations as our plates gradually emptied.
Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
5Rhody Roots
Warren, RI
The following morning, breakfast at Rhody Roots brought pure joy. Almost everything on the menu can be made vegan, thanks to plant-based substitutes like vegan egg, non-dairy milks and cheeses, and even ice cream and whipped cream. We indulged in fluffy waffles topped with ice cream as well as lemony pancakes.
On the savory side, we had the restaurant’s unique take on poutine, which featured romesco sauce and fried tofu, and a classic breakfast hash made with sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, sautéed kale, and vegan egg. The best part? We were eating on a swing, which instantly made the meal playful and fun.
Nearby, Warren Harbor offers a picturesque spot for a casual stroll along the water post meal, with small shops and charming streets to peek into along the way.
Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
6Diego’s
Newport, RI
Lunch at Diego’s felt like a mini vacation. The Mexican restaurant sits on the water, where views of pirate-like ships are plenty—a perfect compliment to the nautical decor. We dove into nearly every vegan option on the menu, from enchiladas to tofu tacos, and we paired it all with refreshing mocktails.
Every bite was full of bold flavor. The enchiladas were saucy and comforting, adorned with ranchero sauce and cheese, and filled with tofu, street corn, and roasted veggies. The fried tofu tacos came topped with refried beans, slaw, and pickled onions for a nice touch of acidity. We also ordered vegan nachos piled high with cheese, crema, diced tomatoes, plus more innovative fixings like roasted carrots and bell peppers.
Even though the restaurant isn’t entirely vegan, its plant-based menu was extensive and the sheer variety of choices made the meal feel like a tasting adventure.
Diego’s location makes it easy to pair lunch with visits to some of Newport’s most famous mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House. Walking through the grand halls, sweeping staircases, and ornate rooms of these Gilded Age estates adds a sense of awe and history to the day, making the combination of food and sightseeing extra special. This was such a special part of our trip, and whether you are a history buff or not, this area of exquisite estates is a must-visit.
You can also take a beautiful cliff walk along the water’s edge for incredible sweeping views of the coastline.
Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora
7Foglia
Bristol, RI
For dinner that evening, we dined at Foglia, an upscale, award-winning vegan restaurant that elevates plant-based dining to a fine art. We shared all kinds of dishes, ranging from cauliflower steak to lion’s mane skewers with curry and a deliciously crispy country fried tofu steak served with cornbread and Brussels sprouts. Each dish was executed perfectly, with layers of flavor, texture, and presentation that made the meal feel luxurious. It’s important to mention that the menu is ever evolving, so there may be different dishes upon your visit, but we’re certain that you can’t go wrong with anything you order at Foglia. With Chef Peter Carvelli behind the wheel, the menu will always be thoughtfully curated and cooked to perfection.
The cocktails shouldn’t be overlooked either. Options like the chocolate-covered strawberry martini and decaf espresso martini were delicious treats on their own, both indulgent and perfectly balanced. Foglia also offers a tasting menu for anyone looking to dive deep into a curated culinary experience. The space is elegant without feeling stuffy, making it the perfect spot for a special night out with friends or a memorable dinner date.
The meals, the people, the atmosphere, and the architecture of Rhode Island all come together to make a weekend here feel like a full sensory experience. Whether you’re in it for the food, the art, or just a weekend escape with friends, there’s something endlessly enjoyable about exploring this small state through a plant-based lens, tasting your way through hidden gems, and discovering how much flavor and fun can fit into such a tiny corner of New England.
You can watch all episodes of Wish You Were Here, Season 2 at @WishYouWereHereShow or on the VegNews Instagram.
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Meg and Komie Vora (@megandkomie) are activist sisters and founders of Delikate Rayne, championing sustainability, animal rights, and ethical innovation across industries.
Harley Quinn Smith (@harleyquinnsmith) is an actor, musician, and animal rights advocate based in Los Angeles, CA.
