Light Summer Meals in Downtown Providence
We’ve all been there before: it’s been a busy day spent in the hot sun and heating up the kitchen while cooking is the last thing anyone wants to do. Or, your stomach is still recovering from a weekend full of cookout hamburgers and hot dogs. Either way, on days like these, we here at InDowncity are extra thankful to be close to so many restaurants that offer light summer meals. If you’re not sure where to find nutritious, not overly-filling, chilled meal options in Downtown Providence, RI, then we’ve got you!
(Please note that many of these restaurants rotate their menus seasonally, so some dishes mentioned here might not be available.)
KLEOS
Dip Tasting at Kleos (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
When we think of cool, refreshing Mediterranean fare, Kleos immediately comes to mind. Their dip tasting is an excellent snack or start to any meal: dip pillowy pita and fresh cucumber in hummus, tzatziki, eggplant, fava and more. Looking for more vegetables? Just the thought of the horiatiki salad has our mouths watering. Chunks of tomato, cucumber, bell peppers, onions, capers, kalamata olives—from the owner’s family groves in Greece—and gorgeous feta all in one bowl.
SURA
Sushi at Sura (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
At this point, we can’t even call ordering sushi takeout a guilty pleasure- it’s just a pleasure in general. Our go-to sushi spot downtown is Sura. Whether we are craving something classic (such as the California or the tuna roll) or something special to Sura (the Providence roll is topped with a spicy sauce we absolutely adore), we always have a hard time narrowing it down for our order.
OBERLIN
Crudo at Oberlin (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
Although Oberlin is quite well known for their variety of pastas and fresh bread, we are big fans of their fish and salad selection! All year long, but especially on these hot summer days, we like to start our order with a variety of raw fish, drizzled with olive oil and lemon. (The fluke crudo is so good.) A salad—the current menu has a delectable kohlrabi caesar—or cheese plate is always a great next move.
GRACIE’S
Veggies at Gracie’s (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
We always love how creatively Gracie’s plates and presents their dishes. And when it comes to vegetables, they know how to whip up some magic. From marinated beets, to parsnip soup, to a gorgeous tasting of summer vegetables (obviously seasonal), we cannot get enough.
AMARYLLIS
PIta and hummus from Amaryllis (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
We’d be remiss to not mention Amaryllis when it comes to light summer meals in Downtown Providence. As a farm-to-table operation, Amaryllis always boasts a tasty variety of chilled, lighter dishes. From burrata served with snow peas and hazelnuts, to fun and colorful charcuterie, to saganaki salad, there’s a little something for everyone. (And leave room for dessert because the fruit crostatas are always gorgeous.)
GIFT HORSE
Seafood platter at Gift Horse (Photo by Abigail Clarkin for InDowncity)
The newest kid on the block could not have come at a better time! During each heat wave or gloomy, rainy day, we are so excited to have a raw bar option in Downtown Providence. Check out Gift Horse, located at 272 Westminster Street, for the butteriest local oysters, cold mussels, flavorful crudo, and more.
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