RI’s best Italian restaurants: Federal Hill to South County our favorites
From Federal Hill to South County, the best Italian restaurants across Rhode Island.
Journal Staff
Newport Festa Italiana proudly announces the return of its much-anticipated annual celebration, Festa Italiana 2025, bringing together the rich traditions, flavors and spirit of Italy to the City by the Sea. This year’s festival will run from Sept. 26 to Oct. 13, offering a series of events for all ages that honor Newport’s deep Italian-American heritage.
Since its founding, Newport Festa Italiana has grown into a signature community celebration, showcasing authentic Italian food, live music, cultural programs,and religious traditions. Visitors can look forward to favorites such as:
John Panaggio Original Ziti Night – Friday, Sept. 26 at the Vasco da Gama Hall, 15 Fenner Ave. in Newport. 5 to 7 p.m. $30 Adults/$5 Children. Take-out available. Proceeds to benefit the Anna M. Ripa Memorial Scholarship Fund. Reservations call 849-7087. Sponsored by Forum Lodge #391, Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America.Cheese Making Workshop – Thursday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. MOZZ is thrilled to partner with Newport Festa Italiana to offer this unique experience in the heart of Newport Rhode Island. MOZZ is proud to welcome guests to our Italian caseificio where the owner, Molisano and Maestro Casaro, Luca Mignogna, will demonstrate the art of stretching mozzarella by hand. Passed down from generations, Luca learned his craft in his home region of Molise and is thrilled to share this tradition in the Italian community. After demonstrating the art of stretching the mozzarella, Luca will share samples of the warm mozzarella with each participant. MOZZ Newport, Bellevue Gardens Shopping Center. $30 Per Person. Purchase tickets at www.mozznewport.com/festaitaliana2025 Password: MozzItalianaItalian Festival on the Lawn – Saturday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Vasco da Gama Grounds, 15 Fenner Ave., Newport. Free Parking Available and Free Admission.Rain or Shine … will move indoors for inclement weather. Italian food, Novelties, Assorted Vendors, Doughboys, Live Music by Calabria Bella, Dancing, Raffles, Children’s Activities & Elmo. For information call 683-4378Nicolas King In Concert -Friday, Oct. 10 at the Knights of Columbus Hall 7 Valley Road, Middletown. 7 p.m. Complimentary Italian appetizers; Cash bar, 7:30 p.m. Concert. Sponsored by Sardella’s & Imbriglio’s. Tickets: $20 – Available on both Sardella’s and Newport Festa Italiana’s websites, from Newport Festa Italiana Committee members, or call 683-4378. To benefit Sen. John O. Pastore Cultural Scholarship Fund that sends 2 area high school students to Newport’s Sister City, Imperia, Italy.Roman Catholic Mass – Monday, Oct. 13. In memory of the deceased members of Aquidneck Island’s Italian-American Community. At 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church on Broadway & Mann Avenue, Newport.Italian Heritage Parade – Monday, Oct. 13 with an 11:30 a.m. step-off from St. Joseph’s Church to the Columbus Monument, Memorial Boulevard at Bellevue Avenue Brief Ceremony at the Columbus Monument at 12:15 p.m. Sponsored by Forum Lodge #391, Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in AmericaAfter The Parade Luncheon – Monday, Oct. 13 at 12:30 p.m. at Sardella’s Italian Restaurant on 30 Memorial Boulevard West, Newport. Tickets $25. per person Advance tickets available at www.sardellas.com. See menu selections online (not a buffet) Tickets available at door; in advance preferred.
“Festa Italiana is more than just a festival – it’s a homecoming,” said Diane McCaffrey, chair of the Newport Festa Italiana Committee. “It’s a time for families, neighbors, and visitors to come together to celebrate the values of heritage, hospitality, and togetherness that have shaped Newport for generations.”
All events are open to the public, with select programs requiring tickets. A full schedule of events and ticket information will be available soon at www.newportfesta.org.
Dining and Cooking