Warwick dining options expand with three new restaurants opening - by Frank Picozzi

Warwick’s many restaurants, delis, and bakeries already offered something sure to suit just about any of your culinary cravings, but those options have now expanded with the addition of Mediterranean-style and Middle Eastern restaurants along with a family-owned restaurant that’s a great addition to the landscape for those who enjoy Mexican-inspired food.

Head on over to Cava at 1009 Centerville Rd. for a Mediterranean-style menu, including a variety of bowls like spicy lamb and avocado, falafel crunch, and steak and harissa, along with build-your-own options for greens and grains, salad, and grains bowls. They also offer a variety of pitas, kids’ meals, sides like chips and hummus, and tasty desserts. A national chain co-founded in 2010 by four individuals, including three who are childhood friends, Cava’s mission is to use food as a unifier to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, helping people live and eat well, and supporting the Earth, farmers, purveyors, employees, and the communities in which they’re located. Cava offers catering as well as a rewards program, while dine-in, delivery, digital drive thru, and pickup options make it easy to enjoy Cava’s food in whatever manner is most convenient for you! The Warwick location, which recently opened, marks Cava’s second restaurant in the Ocean State. The newly-constructed building joins Shake Shack and VEG emergency veterinary services on the site of a former TGIFriday’s restaurant.

Mandeez Deli & Restaurant, at 335 Jefferson Blvd., a highly-traveled commercial corridor, is a locally-owned restaurant offering traditional Middle Eastern fare. Start your meal with delicious baba-ghanoush, hummus and chips, or falafel. Sandwich options are plentiful and include beef or chicken shawarma, shish kebab, veggie delight, and falafel, along with American options like burgers, grilled chicken wraps, and steak and cheese. Chicken or beef shawarma, steak, sautéed veggies, or shish kebab over rice are platter offerings, while main courses include the best-selling lamb kabsa, fahsa, lamb haneeth, and more. Salads, kids’ chicken nuggets and fries, and a variety of fresh juices are also on the menu. Eat in, takeout, and delivery offered.

Over in the Warwick Neck neighborhood, in remodeled space at 1705 West Shore Rd., is the new Rancho Chico Mexican Restaurante & Bar, owned by the same family that operates a Rancho Chico in Massachusetts. This family-friendly restaurant offers a huge menu filled with traditional Mexican fare, including a kids’ menu and gluten-free options. Rancho Chico prides themselves on using only the best ingredients, like aged natural cheeses and fresh vegetables. Their sauces, meat, condiments, and marinades are made fresh daily, and their chips are cooked within hours of making their way to your table! Enjoy your meal with one of their famous margaritas, sangria, mojitos, or other specialty cocktails. Be sure to check out their guacamole bar! Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Before you head to Warwick, be sure to explore our restaurant listings to learn more about the 200+ dining and dessert options we have here in Warwick!

Frank Picozzi is the mayor of the city of Warwick, R.I.