Smithfield is brimming with unique, local restaurants that craft original dishes and deliver traditional comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a casual place to dine with visiting family or an Instagram-worthy spot for brunch with friends, grab your appetite and head into town because these 10 Smithfield-based eateries are worth the trip:

1. Laura’s Bar and Grill: From five mac and cheese choices to an extensive list of BYO-burger options, Laura’s Bar and Grill functions as the perfect locale for a casual meal or a celebratory occasion. With its American pub-style menu, the restaurant is open daily. For customers with a sweet tooth, don’t forget to try the homemade peanut butter cheesecake brownie or brownie sundae — these delectable delights will have you returning for more. laurasbarandgrill.com

2. Parente’s Restaurant: This eatery is a staple for Bryant students, and you’ll often find fellow Bulldogs amongst the restaurant's booths and tables. Located just outside the university’s main entrance, Parente’s Restaurant is open daily and offers everything from savory starters (think: chicken wings and onion rings) to melt-in-your-mouth handhelds (think: chicken parm sub and grilled cheese BLT). partentesrestaurant.com

3. Cafe Such A Bagel: Start your morning the right way with Cafe Such A Bagel’s “Bryant Works” bagel sandwich. Open daily, this local cafe features a variety of bagel and cream cheese options alongside classic coffees and a rotating list of specialty flavors. This summer’s specials included campfire coffee (s'mores iced coffee with chocolate drizzle and a Teddy graham) and birthday cake coffee (French vanilla iced coffee topped with cupcake cold foam and sprinkles). Instagram: @cafesuchabagel

4. Blackie’s: Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, Blackies is a prime destination for a girls’ night, guys’ night, or late-night snacking. The restaurant’s menu changes twice per year and features a host of gluten free and vegan options. With quirky entree names like “Chi-Town Hot Diggity Doggie,” and “Hi, I’m Reuben’s Sister, Rhonda, and I’m a Vegan,” Blackies is a trendsetter with its chic, laid-back vibe. Whether you’re chowing down on a cascading stack of pulled pork nachos or biting into a slice of “Sonny Boy Moves Back to Rhode Island” pizza, dining at Blackies is truly a culinary treat. eatatblackies.com 

5. Pick Pockets: If you’re fan of gyros, wraps, and salads, Pick Pockets is your one-stop shop for Mediterranean goodness. Located in the Mobil station on George Washington Highway, the establishment offers countertop seating or to-go options. With their chicken falafel wrap as a bestseller, this hidden gem has a range of yummy eats to choose from. smithfieldpockets.com

6. Tony’s Pizza: The menu at Tony’s Pizza will make your mouth water, especially if you skip to the dessert section, which features an oversized cookie pizza, baklava, and chocolate fudge cake. Serving traditional pizzas, calzones, and grinders, the restaurant also offers 15 gourmet pizzas, including taco, cheesesteak, and Greek options.  If you’re looking to order takeout for Sunday night football or simply want a relaxed place to dine and hang out with friends, Tony’s Pizza is the place for you. tonyspizzaofsmithfield.com 

7. Ichiraku Ramen and Fusion: Homemade pork dumplings. Hibachi steak and chicken. Spicy tuna rolls. These are just some of the flavorful foods served at Ichiraku Ramen and Fusion. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this restaurant offers a range of appetizers and entrees that will have you coming back for more. The spot is also a great meeting place for families. ichirakuramenfusion.com 

8. The Trap North: The Trap North is a relatively new edition to the Smithfield food scene and has been busy putting its twist on traditional pub fare. Menu highlights include the Cubano, pressed apple grilled cheese, and steak frites. With fun specials like Pasta Monday, where you build your own pasta dish, and Wing-It Wednesday, where you buy one pound and get one additional pound, this brew pub and grill is worth the visit. thetrapri.com

9. Slice and Scoop: At Slice and Scoop, you get the best of both worlds: pizza and ice cream. Upon entering this savory and sweet establishment, you’ll find pizza by the slice or whole pies on the shop’s left side and ice cream on the right. The pizza is New York style (think: thin crust, crisp edges), and the ice cream menu includes more than 24 flavors (think: blueberry cheesecake, sea salt caramel truffle, and mocha cappuccino) and 24 toppings for you to enjoy. sliceandscoop.com   

10. J’s Deli: Leaning into the college town vibes, J’s Deli has a trove of clever sandwich names that cater to undergrads and alums. From “The Dean’s List” (fresh honey maple turkey breast, honey ham on a torpedo roll with lettuce and honey mustard) to “The Bulldog” (roast beef with melted pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Russian dressing), you will also find other fun sandwiches such as “The Freshman,” “Final Exam,” and “The Graduate.” jsdeli.com