The Iconic Italian Restaurant In Cranston For Casual Lunch Or Dinner

It’s cash only (see sign above) at this iconic eatery tucked inside a VFW hall on Randall Street in Cranston.

Had lunch with Alexia of U Had Me At Kitchen today at one of Rhode Island’s hottest spots for casual Italian eats.

Have you ever been to Mike’s Kitchen at the Tabor-Franchi VFW Post in Cranston?

Those who are in-the-know rave about the old world menu (their polenta which was famously featured in a cookbook by the owners of Al Forno back in 1991, seafood, the pasta of course, and the stuffed artichokes…recipes are said to be handed down from the original owner’s, Mike Lepizzeria, grandmother…he passed in 2017 and the restaurant is now run by his niece and her husband, Paula and Anthony Conti), the friendly staff, and the unpretentious atmosphere.

No bells and whistles here, just tables full of friends, co-workers, restaurateurs (according to a 1997 profile in the NY Times the owners of Al Forno were indeed regulars) and families digging into some of the yummiest Southern Italian fare like fried calamri, swordfish francaise, scampi and more.

We split their delectable stuffed artichoke (it’s big enough to split with 3-4 people), a lunch portion of their melt-in-your-mouth sole francaise served with a side of pasta, and an order of their broccoli rabe.

It’s usually packed (I mean…ginormous portions, homemade taste, and you’re greeted with a basket of bread…come on!), so be prepared for a possible wait for a table.

Also, it’s cash only, so stop at the ATM beforehand.

Mike’s Kitchen is open Mondays, and Wednesday thru Saturday for lunch and dinner.

They are located at 170 Randall Street in Cranston, Rhode Island.

As always, if you go after reading THIS, please let them know you were inspired by Patty J and PattyJ.com.