Whether you call it Federal Hill or Providence’s “Little Italy,” there’s no doubt that the neighborhood is changing, but there’s still a lot to love that’s exactly the same. Let’s appreciate what we have while we still have it, and also embrace some of the newer multicultural businesses that are making their home along the city’s famous red, white and green-striped stretch.
Andino’s - If the Rat Pack chose a restaurant on the Hill for a hangout, it would be Andino’s. The casual Italian spot, which opened as a social club in 1988, features a lively bar and packed dining room with a hand-painted mural memorializing Federal Hill as we’ll always remember it. Photos of Frank Sinatra, the Sopranos, boxer Rocky Marciano, the Godfather cast and the late owner of the restaurant, Andino Merola, line the walls of the bar while Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby croon for eternity.
The ambience pays homage to Federal Hill’s history, and it’s been bringing regulars back for decades for a menu of martinis, fried calamari, arancini bigger than a bouncer’s fist and veal and chicken dishes piled with enough meat and pasta for two meals. Either bring a big appetite or bring the rest home for take two.
Must-try: The veal and chicken saltimbocca are the house specialties with thinly pounded chicken or veal, sliced prosciutto, mushrooms and butter and wine sauce. Famous for their Veal Dishes, Seafoods and Snail Salad. A must try is one of the many flavored "Hand-Crafted" Sangria's. (Available by the bottle "To Go")
