Providence Federal Hill: Food Tour & Mob History Stories

Summary

Italian bites, mob tales, and laughter echoing on Federal Hill

You’ll wander Providence’s Federal Hill tasting pasta, pizza, pastries, and more while your local guide shares wild mob stories and neighborhood secrets. Expect two wine tastings along the way plus an edible souvenir—and plenty of laughter echoing off the old brick walls.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it: I mostly signed up for the Federal Hill food tour because I was hungry and curious about all those mafia stories you always hear whispered around Providence. Walking down Atwells Avenue with the group, there was this smell—garlic, tomato sauce, something sweet in the air. Our guide (I think his name was Tony? Fitting) started right off with a story about a mayor squaring off against a mob boss. I half expected someone to pop out of one of those old brick buildings in a pinstripe suit. Instead, we got our first bite—pasta that reminded me of Sunday dinners at my grandma’s, except with way better cheese.

We bounced from one spot to another—prosciutto here, eggplant rollatini there. The plaza was noisy in that good way: kids running past us while an older man argued (loudly but smiling) with someone over espresso. At one point I tried to pronounce “sfogliatella” before biting into the pastry; Li laughed and told me I’d just ordered a small sofa in Italian instead. The wine tastings were generous enough that I felt bold enough to try again anyway. There’s something about sipping red wine outside on Federal Hill that makes you feel like you’re part of some secret club.

I didn’t expect to care so much about the old crime stories, but hearing about the dice game raid that sent a cop through a window—while chewing on pizza fresh from the oven—felt weirdly cinematic. The guide didn’t sugarcoat anything; he just told it how it happened, like these streets still remember every detail. By the end, we got a little edible memento to take home (I won’t spoil it), but honestly, what stuck with me was how alive the whole neighborhood felt at dusk—like everyone knew each other’s business but welcomed you in anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Food tasting and local history tour

• Enjoy pasta tasting
• Explore plaza sights and sounds
• Taste prosciutto, cheese, and olives
• Sample eggplant rollatini
• Try pizza tasting
• Have pastry tasting

Top questions

Is alcohol included on this Federal Hill food tour?

Yes, there are two wine tastings included for guests 21 and over.

Are children or infants allowed on this Providence food tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized seats and stroller access are available.

Is the Federal Hill tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

How many food stops are included on this tour?

The tour includes tastings from five different vendors across Federal Hill.

Does this tour include any non-food experiences?

Yes, your guide will share stories about Federal Hill’s mob history and local culture as you walk between stops.

What kind of foods will I try on this Providence food tour?

You’ll taste pasta, prosciutto with cheese and olives, eggplant rollatini, pizza, and pastries.

Do you get any souvenirs during this experience?

Yes, each guest receives an edible memento from their time on the Hill.

What’s included

Your day includes tastings at five different vendors across Federal Hill in Providence—think pasta dishes, prosciutto with cheese and olives, eggplant rollatini, pizza straight from the oven, pastries for dessert—and two wine tastings along the way. You’ll also get a delicious memento to take home after exploring with your local guide.