Walking up to Federal Hill from downtown felt a bit sketchy but it was well worth the slightly scary trip up. Once on Atwells Ave, we took a nice slow stroll to check out the restaurants and shops along the way. There are so many places to eat and not all of it is Italian themed, so if you like variety or aren't in the mood, there is something for you. There are quite a few parks and places to sit outside for free. DePasquale Square is a nice place to hang out, even if you're not eating at one of the restaurants. There is a lot of outdoor art work, like murals and sculptures to look at. Overall, a great place to visit while in Providence. read more

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Federal Hill located in Providence, Rhode Island was ranked among the Top 5 Little Italy neighborhoods in the country along with Boston, San Diego, New York, and Philadelphia. Among all the restaurants, bakeries, and shops on Atwells Avenue, there is a fountain in DePasquale Square and parks. If you're not in the mood for Italian, you can also enjoy delicious Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Caribbean, and Cuban food. Federal Hill has festivals, strolls and special events planned throughout the year. One of those festivals that I've attended a few times is the Columbus Day Festival during Columbus Day Weekend. The Federal Hill Commerce Association welcomes sponsors and vendors for the festival. There is live entertainment in various locations along the avenue and vendors from Federal Hill and from neighboring towns. Also, on Saturdays in the summer from 5 p.m.-12 a.m., restaurant seating expands onto the street called Al Fresco on the Hill. I also did the Crime and Cuisine on Federal Hill hosted by Providence Tour Company. The tour stops at restaurants in Federal Hill and talks about some historic characters who dabbled on the wrong side of the law. Federal Hill is definitely worth a visit. read more

Federal Hill - Italian Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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So Foo loves to go to the Hill. In the morning a get an espresso from Roma and the go over to Tony's Colonial for a Copocolo sandwich for lunch. "Hey, Foo, where you been?" "Foo been around, just chilling!" "Well, what will you have?" asked Mr. Service with a smile! "Capocolo sandwich with provolone, vinegar peppers and some burrata." "Coming right up Foo!" And boy was that sammie good. I sat outside of Tony's with my chums, Paulie, Christopher, Silvio and Junior. We just talked about how to avoid the Feds. It was a good time on the Hill! read more

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We were waiting to catch our flight and had some extra time to spare so we decided to swing by this area based on what people recommended. I'm so glad we did! It's such a cute spot. So many shops and restaurants. It's like a little taste of Italy. We probably could have spent all day here walking around! A must see area in Providence. read more

There's a beautiful full moon rising Above the mansion on the hill (Bruce Springsteen) Strolling down Atwells Avenue in the heart of Federal Hill is one amazing culinary experience. Both sides of the street are ringed with restauarants, specialty food stores, delis, and bakeries. We shopped in three stores and walked out with something from all three. Stop #1 - Tony's Colonial where we picked up a bag of Autumn Ravioli with sweet potatoes, pumpkin and squash. Stop #2 - Venda Ravioli where we picked up three giant meatballs, two soft as a pillow and intoxicating garlic scented breadsticks, a jar of Orange Pepper jam, and a container of pea ravioli. I had half a breadstick with that hot pepper orange jam for lunch and holy crap was it fantastic. Stop #3 - Scialo Brothers Bakery where we picked up one apple turnover, one blueberry turnover, one apple twist, one cinnamon twist, and two packages of chocolate macaroons. I know we'll be eating good this Week!! read more

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The area is full of delicious restaurants and cool shops, but we felt a bit unsafe here at times.

The old Italian section of Providence filled with gourmet shops, bakeries & restaurants. It's next to I95, minutes from downtown & literally uphill. The businesses have been in this area since the 19 century. It's a nice evening to walk around and people watch. The Bakery's have beautiful breads in the windows as do the Italian restaurants. read more

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Federal Hill is RI's version of Little Italy or the North End. Years ago this was a neighborhood filled with Americans of Italian descent. Today the residents are a mix, but the Italian atmosphere remains. Enter the neighborhood by driving under "La Pigna: - the pine cone arch, a sign of luck and prosperity - on Atwells Avenue near Rt.95. You'll soon pass Garibaldi Park on your right, a memorial park established in 1976 in honor of an Italian patriot who assisted Italian unification efforts. A new housing complex is currently going up nearby to help ease the housing shortage in Providence. Looks like a good location to live with all the restaurants and stores nearby. Parking on Atwells Ave can be difficult. If you are unable to find on-street parking, use Valet offered by some businesses, or one of the paid lots along the road. There are *many* restaurants in and around Atwells Ave. Don't just stick to this 'main drag', there are more shops down the adjoining roads. There are a number of grocery stores selling pre-made and packaged items. Besides Italian restaurants and grocery stores there are American, Mexican, Japanese, seafood and Mediterranean restaurants and an Oyster bar. If local, you might like to frequent the bakery, barber shop, beauty salon, clothing and shoe store. There is also a liquor store, tattoo parlor, mini-mart, coffee shop, art gallery and a gift shop. Pretty much anything you would find in a city neighborhood. In DePasquale Square you will find a large, recently repaired, fountain surrounded by umbrella topped tables hosted by an adjacent restaurant. It's a very 'touristy' spot good for Insta shots and a drink. Several other restaurants behind the square also offer dining al fresco. Famous Caserta Pizza is one street over on Spruce. You can seriously dine in the area for a week and not hit every restaurant. Whether you are visiting or live in and around Providence, Federal Hill is a part of RI culture everyone should experience at least once. read more

Federal Hill is home to some of the best Italian food in the world, as well as a wide range of dining options from Cuban to Chinese to Mexican to Lebanese cuisine and more! Al Fresco on the Hill has returned! From May 13 - October 1, 2022, each Friday and Saturday night ....Atwells Avenue becomes a lively European atmosphere with the majority of the Avenue closed to vehicle traffic. Experience dining Al Fresco style sitting right on the Avenue with 30 restaurants to choose from. Enjoy live entertainment while you sip, stroll, and people-watch along the Avenue. Each participating restaurant accepts reservations and it's recommended to make them when possible. Dining on the Avenue takes place from 5 pm -12 am each Friday and Saturday night. Sustained heavy rain will be the only reason to cancel the event. Check out the DePasquale square for live music, a beautiful fountain and several restaurants offering al fresco and indoor dining. Stroll around Atwells or some of the side streets for a flavor of the Italian heritage in the area. read more

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As a life long Rhode Islander I can tell you this is not the federal hill of old. If you want an authentic Italian neighborhood experience go to Boston's north end. Years ago federal hill was all Italian restaurants. Now it is far from an Italian neighborhood. The north end has held true to its heritage unlike federal hill. It is unsafe at night because of all the night clubs that never existed before. Go during the day when the clubs aren't open. Do yourself a favor and go to Boston's north end where you can walk the many side streets and a full neighborhood. Federal hill is just the main street Atwells Avenue. I do not advise anyone to walk down the side streets. read more

Boston has nothin' on Federal Hill in our very own Providence. Years ago it would be special to meander through Boston's North End. It brought back memories told to me from my grandmother growing up there in the 1920's and 1930's. Now? It's nothing but a high-priced, charged for everything tourist trap. You can find parking at Federal Hill. You can eat your way from one end to the other and not have the same thing twice. From Scialo's Bakery (yes, let's start there after all just because we can), down one side and up the other. Tony's Colonial, Roma's, Oysters, Pasta anyway you want it, Wine at Gasbarro's. Pick a place. Any place. This might be the most corrupt state in the union, but nothin's corrupt about our Federal Hill. Boston? They can sleep with the fishes... read more

I always make it a point to visit a little Italy whenever I'm in a new city. There's a great variety of restaurants but I get the feeling its best days are behind it. Loud motorcycles and cars with stereos cranked up high frequently pass through. Parking is hit or miss on side streets which are lined with graffiti. read more