Best Restaurants in Rhode Island

Yankee Magazine chooses the best restaurants in Rhode Island for 2012. Did your favorites make the list?

BEST RESTAURANTS IN RHODE ISLANDBEST VEGETARIAN OPTIONJulian’s, Providence Vegetarians crave Julian’s for its deviation from the default gardenburger (try the black-bean burger instead). Hipsters pay homage to its aesthetic touches–a television in the bathroom, PEZ dispenser and Star Wars figurine collections–plus the debut of its food cart: the double-decker Omnibus. Brunch Entrées: from $8; dinner Entrées: from $14.50. 318 Broadway. 401-861-1770; www.juliansprovidence.comBEST ISLAND DINNEREli’s, Block Island Awaiting homemade pasta staples and creative pairings (like ahi-tuna nachos), a line snakes outside this no-reservations clapboard cottage; a special vegetarian menu is also available. Its walls are splashed with art by locals who moved here for the island’s ethereal light. Entrées: from $17. 456 Chapel St. 401-466-5230; elisblockisland.comBEST AMBIENCETucker’s Bistro,Newport There’s rococo decor by the yard-sale-devotee owner and an eclectic menu that earns the exclamation points at the ends of the names of certain dishes. Try the Thai shrimp nachos. Entrées: from $20. 150 Broadway. 401-846-3449; tuckersbistro.comBEST COMFORT BARThe Salon,Providence Ping pong, pinball, picnic tables, Nutella sandwiches, s’mores, and pickleback shots are the right ingredients for this hipster hangout. Sip a Cabernet and Coke upstairs or hit the dance floor below. Cocktails: from $5. 57 Eddy St. 401-865-6330; thesalonpvd.comBEST PICNIC PROVISIONSProvender,Tiverton With names like “The Freudian Slip” and “The Scarlet Letter,” these sandwiches may sound cute, but they’re all business. Try the turkey with cranberry or the curried chicken salad with mango chutney, and save space for a homemade almond-marzipan torte or lemon-buttermilk cake. Sandwiches: from $8.25. 3883 Main Road. 401-624-8084; provenderfinefoods.comBEST SCENEDuck & Bunny,Providence The owners call it a “snuggery,” the British term for a cozy place. With a fireplace, white-marble cool, couches, and a garden patio, the decor alone is worth a trip to this parlor/tea room. If you need another reason, try the Almond Joy and banana-Nutella cupcakes. (Flavors change daily, but they all sound great.) 312 Wickenden St. 401-270-3300; theduckandbunny.comBEST ETHNIC FOODEl Paisa Restaurant,Central Falls Carnivores delight in the tripe at this Columbian restaurant, as well as the blood sausage and tongue of the rarest quality. Entrées: from $6. 598 Dexter St. 401-726-8864; elpaisa.comBEST SCENIC SIPThe Atlantic Inn, Block Island Gatsby would have been at home at this white-clapboard inn with wraparound veranda and horseshoes on deck. With a hilltop view of Old Harbor from an Adirondack chair and a post-croquet cocktail, happy hour is redefined. Drinks: from $7. 359 High St. 800-224-7422, 401-466-5883; atlanticinn.comBEST VEGAN INDULGENCEWildflour Bakery,Pawtucket Start with a nutritious green smoothie or lavender lemonade; finish guilt-free with a peanut-butter brownie at this gluten- and animal-fat-free bakery. One bite of the banana-coconut-raspberry cake and you may swear off dairy. Desserts: from $1.95. 727 East Ave. 401-475-4718; wildflourveganbakerycafe.comBEST ROOFTOP BARSalvation Cafe, Newport The tiki bar has gotten balmier with a new version on the roof. Sip under the stars with a forkful of sailor’s delight: chocolate banana purses with ginger ice cream. Entrées: from $15. 140 Broadway. 401-847-2620; salvationcafe.com   Is our list of best restaurants in Rhode Island complete? What are your picks for the best restaurants in Rhode Island?