Castillo Rancon
Who knew you could get an authentic taste of Southern Italy without leaving New England? Visiting Rhode Island, this town brings the flavors and warmth of the Italian South right to your plate. This is the kind of place where a meal is a cherished ritual. And with every bite, you’ll find that Southern Italian cuisine here is more than just food—it’s a way of life. Let’s find out more about this place.
The Town That Feels Like Italy
Step into this Rhode Island town, and suddenly, you’re not in New England anymore. The aroma of simmering tomato sauce drifts through the air, and conversations in Italian fill cozy cafes. Cobblestone sidewalks and bustling piazzas create an atmosphere that feels straight out of Sicily or Calabria.
Authentic Italian Restaurants And Cafes
Good Italian food is about the love poured into every dish. Here, restaurants serve recipes passed down for generations, often with a Southern Italian twist. Handmade pasta and fresh seafood are staples on nearly every menu. Trattorias and cafes offer specialties like Caprese salad made with heirloom tomatoes and perfectly seasoned braciola.
Traditional Southern Italian Dishes To Try
Forget plain old spaghetti and meatballs. This town offers dishes straight from Italy’s southern regions, where flavors are bold and deeply satisfying. Eggplant Parmesan is layered with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, while Arancini is stuffed with ragu and cheese. Seafood is a local favorite, and desserts bring a sweet ending with delicacies.
Freshly Made Pasta And Sauces
Hand-rolled gnocchi and silky fettuccine are made fresh daily, often by families who have been perfecting their craft for decades. Some shops even let visitors watch the process, from kneading dough to cutting delicate strands of tagliatelle. There’s also the bright and tangy puttanesca as well as the creamy and nutty pesto alla Trapanese.
Italian Bakeries With Classic Pastries
Sweet tooth? You’re in luck. Bakeries here are stocked with crispy sfogliatelle and ricotta-filled cannoli. Each bite bursts with the flavors of honey and rich custard. Everything is made fresh, just like in a Sicilian pastry shop. Many of these bakeries follow century-old recipes. Even a simple cornetto with a cappuccino makes for a perfect morning treat.
Local Markets With Imported Italian Goods
Walking into these markets feels like stepping into an Italian grocery store. Need handmade pasta or the perfect bottle of wine? It’s all here, waiting to bring Italian flavors into your kitchen. Shoppers can also find jars of briny Castelvetrano olives, fragrant truffle-infused condiments, and vacuum-sealed packages of guanciale for an authentic carbonara.
Festivals Celebrating Italian Culture And Food
Throughout the year, this town hosts lively Italian festivals where families gather to honor their heritage. Expect parades and plenty of street food. The most anticipated event is the annual Feast of Saint Joseph, featuring a massive table of Italian delicacies. Traditional folk dancers and live accordion music make these celebrations a valid showcase of Italian joy.
Family-Owned Wineries And Vineyards
Local family-owned businesses offer a selection of small-batch wines imported from Southern Italy or other regions, reflecting Italian quality. Many establishments, such as wine shops and restaurants, offer tastings where guests can sample wines alongside aged cheeses and freshly baked bread. Some even feature limoncello, the citrusy liqueur, a Southern Italian staple, either imported or crafted in-house.
Cooking Classes And Food Tours
If eating isn’t enough, why not learn to cook like an Italian? Local chefs offer hands-on classes for you to knead dough and perfect your pasta skills. Food tours also take you through the best eateries to give you a full taste of Italy without leaving Rhode Island.
Where To Stay For The Full Experience
After all that eating, you’ll need a place to rest. Quaint inns and boutique hotels near Federal Hill offer warm hospitality, with some featuring decor inspired by Italian charm. Some accommodations provide breakfast options, occasionally including fresh-baked items and espresso.
