Plan Your Year of Dining: 12 Must-Try Rhode Island Restaurants

Dining out is fun any time of the year, and we certainly have no shortage of amazing restaurants in Rhode Island. How about visiting a new restaurant a month for the entire year?

If that sounds like fun, take a look at these 12 exciting eateries—one for every month of the year—for a bit of inspiration. These are among the best restaurants in Rhode Island that'll delight your taste buds and cater to just about every palate.

1. January: Ebisu - East Providence

Start your culinary journey with a visit to Ebisu, at either location in Providence or East Providence. This Japanese restaurant specializes in ramen and comfort foods like shabu shabu—a hot pot dish with thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and various sauces. Come hungry: this place is sure to satisfy. Ebisu is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, plus Saturday from noon to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2. February: Rasoi - Pawtucket

Rasoi in Pawtucket, one of the best international restaurants in Rhode Island, offers absolutely mouthwatering Indian food that many say is the best in the state. The menu has a well-rounded collection of items for vegetarians and meat lovers alike, with delicious warmin spice. We love the samosas and sag paneer, but it's impossible to make a bad choice. Hours are Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m., and Sunday until 10 p.m.

3. March: Waterman Grille - Providence

As the weather warms up, the Waterman Grille in Providence is a great choice. This riverfront restaurant's menu is full of upscale classics perfect for all types of palates (we love the shrimp bucatini). Enjoy drinks and delicious food while watching the Brown University crew team sail by through the vast windows. Hours are Monday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Tuesday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4. April: The Slow Rhode - Providence

Looking for a creative twist on classic comfort foods? The Slow Rhode in Providence has you covered. Enjoy small and large plates, like the pork rillette with apricot relish, and a variety of craft cocktails, either at the bar or on the patio. It's a hidden gem that'll quickly become one of your faves—and a great springtime eatery. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

5. May: Matunuck Oyster Bar - Wakefield

Celebrate the arrival of warm Rhode Island weather by visiting Matunuck Oyster Bar in Wakefield. It's one of the best outdoor dining experiences with exquisite fresh seafood to boot. Choose fresh oysters from the massive raw bar, or cooked options like seafood salads, pastas, and lobster pizza. The cozy, welcoming vibe is also a huge plus. Hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday, until 9:30 p.m.

6. June: Garden Grille - Pawtucket

You'll want something refreshing and light once summer rolls around: Garden Grille in Pawtucket is the perfect spot for both. The menu is all locally sourced and vegetarian, but even the most die-hard carnivores will find something to love here. We can't get enough of the pastrami seitan Reuben for a hearty veggie lunch. Hours are Monday to Thursday (and Sunday), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 9:30 p.m.

7. July: Bristol Oyster Bar - Bristol

Bristol Oyster Bar in Bristol is an amazing July spot. The restaurant is known for its famous buck-a-shuck hours—a happy hour for fresh, savory oysters with zest lemon wedges, shrimp cocktail, and other delicious fare. Stop by for a meal and drink before a Bristol outdoor concert or the day after the town's Independence Day parade. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday until 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

8. August: The Lawn Terrace at Castle Hill Inn - Newport

In the heat of August, The Lawn Terrace at the historic Castle Hill Inn will provide the light, tasty fare, and waterfront views you're searching for. This classy, upscale patio and lawn area in Newport overlooks Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge, where you can watch sailboats float while sipping a cocktail and dining on ceviche, a lobster roll, swordfish, or coconut lemongrass shrimp, among other delectable menu items. Call ahead to make a reservation and get restaurant hours.

9. September: Los Andes - Providence

Los Andes in Providence is just the place you'll want to be come fall. The restaurant offers a breathtaking outdoor dining area in addition to its indoor dining room, complete with an aquarium, and its menu is packed full of Peruvian and Bolivian small plates. The paella is out of this world, but any choice you make here is guaranteed to be the right one. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, until 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

10. October: Chengdu Taste - Providence

For Chinese food, Chengdu Taste in Providence can't be beat. With a great combination of classic American and Chinese comfort dishes and recipes more authentic to Cheng-Du China, this menu is the perfect place for all lovers of authentic, home-style cuisine. The cold sesame noodles may sound simple, but they are so scrumptious. Hours are Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.

11. November: Prince Ali's Kebab - Barrington

Prince Ali's Kebab in Barrington is the ideal place to get some warming food, especially as it cools down in November. This Middle Eastern restaurant offers big portions at affordable prices, made with fresh ingredients and great care. Everything looks great, but we particularly love the shish kebabs. It's one of the best places to bring large groups of family and friends. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

12. December: Pastiche Fine Desserts - Providence

Pastiche Fine Desserts in Providence is not a restaurant per sé, but we would be remiss to leave it off our list. With all the ambiance of a true French café, the pastry offerings at this delightful little spot are truly unmatched, and the coffee is pretty hard to beat, too. It's a great spot to cozy up during the holiday season with a cappuccino and a fat slice of something scrumptious like fruit tart or tiramisu. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Which of these Rhode Island establishments are you hoping to visit first? If you're already dreaming up day trips or weekend getaways to get there, consider using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to get the best lodging and sightseeing recommendations nearby.