Al fresco dining is coming back to the Hill and so are 5 new restaurants

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Al fresco dining is coming back to Federal Hill in Providence, and so are five new restaurants.

Rick Simone, president of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, said the restaurants will be opening over the next five weeks.

The Patio just opened, said Simone. Island House Grille & Bar opens on May 25, Saint opens May 26, Mona Lisa Restaurant will open on June 16, and Federal Hill Café opens on June 20.

“Federal Hill continues to grow as a destination, and we are excited to welcome these small business owners to the Hill,” said Simone.

He said that in March 2019, when the coronavirus pandemic hit, Atwells Avenue had nine empty storefronts. That number grew to 16 within four months of the pandemic. Now, he said, Atwells Avenue has only two.

Simone said Al Fresco on the Hill returns this Saturday for 14 weeks every Saturday.

Twenty-five restaurants and five retailers will be on Atwells Avenue. Dean Street to America Street will be closed to traffic. Dining and shopping will start from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Simone said this year, there will be two entertainment stages and aerialist and roving performers.

For more information on Al Fresco on the Hill, visit federalhillprov.com.