Rhode Island Best Restaurants 2011

BEST POND-TO-PLATE
Matunuck Oyster Bar, East Matunuck
Dine a stone’s skip from where the oysters are cultivated by the bar’s owner. Try the “Buck a Shuck” ($1 oysters and littlenecks) from 4 to 6 p.m. weekdays. No reservations, but it’s worth the wait. Entrées: from $13.95. 629 Succotash Road. 401-783-4202; rhodyoysters.com

BEST EXOTIC MENU
Los Andes, Providence
Fair prices, family-size portions, and BYOB keep sticker shock low at this Bolivian/Peruvian restaurant. Ask for the off-menu ceviche. Entrées: from $7.95. 903 Chalkstone Ave. 401-649-4911, 401-369-8025; losandesri.com

BEST CHOWDER
Tallulah on Thames, Newport
Deconstructed, Tallulah’s outstanding clam chowder boils down to littlenecks in the shell, bacon, and cream poured tableside. Entrées: from $25. 464 Thames St. 401-849-2433; tallulahonthames.com

BEST COMFORT FOOD
Broadway Bistro, Providence
Feels like eating at home, minus the dirty dishes. A dozen cozy tables and contemporary comfort food from seasonal menus: Try the ribs and grits with orange-soy marinade, turkey meatloaf with pesto, or local haddock with spinach. Enjoy the surprise of a complimentary dessert. Entrées: from $12. 205 Broadway. 401-331-2450; broadwaybistrori.com

BEST CHINESE
King’s Garden, Cranston
Insiders ask for the authentic Hong Kong-style menu here. Items from the dim sum menu are made to order all day long and lure many repeat customers. Portions are generous; there’s an extensive takeout menu, too. Entrées: from $6.75. 90 Rolfe Square. 401-461-0646; kingsgardenrestaurant.com

BEST CASUAL ISLAND DINING
Harry’s Cafe, New Shoreham/Block Island
This is where the natives grab dinner and fill up on pad thai. When it’s nice, opt for the outdoor patio or picnic tables. Liberal portions and BYOB make it a budget-conscious choice compared with many other island restaurants. Entrées: from $16. 30 Water St. 401-466-5400

BEST BRUNCH
Nick’s on Broadway, Providence
The soul of a diner, but with stainless-steel chic and an artisanal menu. Try the frittata with wild mushrooms and duck sausage. Brunch entrées: from $7. 500 Broadway. 401-421-0286; nicksonbroadway.com

BEST DELI
Sonia’s Near East Market & Deli, Cranston
An Armenian-owned market packed with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern imports at domestic prices. Book clubs congregate here for Sonia’s sampler plates of grape leaves, falafel, hummus, and tabouli, served with homemade pita chips. Salads/sandwiches: from $5.99; wraps: from $6.49; samplers: from $6.99. 816 Park Ave. 401-941-9300; soniasdeli.com

BEST PASTRIES
Pastiche, Providence
Even Bostonians have been known to eschew the South End and brave I-95 for Pastiche’s seasonal fruit tarts and chocolate hazelnut tortes. Tarts: small from $25 (4-5 pieces); tortes: small from $24 (5-6 pieces). 92 Spruce St. 401-861-5190; pastichefinedesserts.com

BEST BARBEQUE
LJ’s BBQ, Pawtucket
LJ’s takes after the roadside “eat it and beat it” restaurants beloved by the owner’s late grandmother, Miss Leola Jean. Her whiskey-brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, and sweet-potato-pie recipes are done proud. Even the pickles are homemade, and food is cooked over apple and hickory wood. Entrées: from $14. 727 East Ave. 401-305-5255; ljsbbq.com