From Chef/Owner Benjamin Sukle of Oberlin, debuts a new full-service raw bar and restaurant called Gift Horse in downtown Providence, Rhode Island.
With a strong focus on local shellfish, seafood, and daily catches from New England waters via raw bar dining in a style distinctive of Chef Sukle’s approach to seasonality, as well as the cultivated relationships he has with farmers and fishermen alike.
Our bar menu highlights low-ABV cocktails while also showcasing our interpretations of the classics–think creative takes on Spritzes and Martinis inspired by the Italian coast. The expansive wine list features a range of small-scale producers, champagne, and other selections to complement the raw bar experience.
Gift Horse
Welcome to Gift Horse, a raw bar, bar located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The tongue-in-cheek saying from which the restaurant takes its name …
Mario Alex Gonzalez
An absolutely sensational dining experience, with every dish surpassing expectations in terms of quality, presentation, and flavor. Even with a wide variety of fish available, it’s hard to go wrong with any of it. The chef has carefully curated a balanced flavor with every single bite, and I was impressed every time something new graced my palate. Some of the standout dishes included the raw scallops and the raw fish sampler plate, both of which we ended up coming back to because they were so high quality and delicious. If you are in Providence – do yourself a favor and go to this restaurant, you will leave impressed and in awe that good could be so tasty. Cannot recommend this enough.
… moreEric Vasallo
Wow wow wow. One of the best meals of my life here. Best oysters ever – hands down. Lighting, ambiance and decor are chef’s kiss for this little sexy place. Food is just stellar. Every single thing was super delicious. oh and the meringue desert thing was oh my gawd!
… moreC Burton
Spontaneously popped into Gift Horse while visiting Providence, complete unaware of the accolades. Ordered bubbles, raw bar oysters, monkfish toast, and Jonah claws.
Oysters were absolutely fine, served ice cold with delightful mignonette/accoutrements. Could see that the Jonah crab claws (despite a lovely presentation) had been sitting ready-to-serve with the flesh exposed long enough to develop a dry exterior that negated any pleasure in eating them. Lastly, the monkfish toast filling had the texture of an egg-salad sandwich exclusively composed of overcooked egg whites. We opted to eat entrees elsewhere.
Looked it up later and was totally surprised at it’s accolades! Lowkey bummed our food didn’t deliver the same quality as countless reviews. Service was a little awkward; not an issue but as a server myself, worth mentioning. If ever visiting Providence again, I would absolutely go back and explore the menu, but my husband would probably suggest trying somewhere different.
… moreStacey Hall
Gift Horse is such a cool, unique spot in Providence! The atmosphere has that perfect mix of laid-back and stylish, making it a fun place to hang out and enjoy great food with friends.
The menu is creative and full of flavor, but the claws were definitely the standout for me — fresh, meaty, and absolutely delicious. Pairing them with one of their cocktails made the experience even better.
The staff was friendly and attentive, which added to the relaxed, welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place that feels both trendy and approachable, and it’s one I’ll definitely return to the next time I’m in Providence.
… moreT L
Had a seat at the bar for a solo dining experience. Incredible wine list, had some specials – baked oysters were magnificent, service was impeccable.
… morePaul Vogel
Delicious food and wine. Great service. Loved it. We had a range of oysters. The whole fish of the day. Peri peri. Incredible deserts
… moreKyle S
Great bar program. Raw bar was fresh. Staff was kind. Kitchen left a little to be desired. Seems like they are trying to find their identity. I tried the pancake and the squash. Squash was decent but basically just deep fried squash. Pancake was confusing and left more to be desired. Bummed because menu looks interesting and exciting but missed the mark a little. For price of small plates and reviews I expected more. Maybe just an off night for back of house ♂️
… moreJustin Snider
Super cute place with delicious oysters and some fun happy hour options. Gets a little snug in the bar area but in the clerb were all friends. Or however that goes.
Seriously a very fun space to be in, on top of the great food. They have really nice business cards too!
… moreJoseph Ngui
Came here at 4pm for the oyster happy hour. The place filled up quickly! Super friendly staff and we loved the artistic and intimate decor and setting. Great vibe and nice place to hang out that’s for sure. Cocktail list was amazing and well crafted.
The main event – 11 different types of oysters from the region. All excellent and fresh. My suggestion is to tell the server your preference, start with a variety then go for second (or third) rounds. Staffs had great knowledge and we had a fun time.
The other raw dishes were fantastic too.
Note that hot food is only available after 5pm.
… moreKerf Squared
Seriously, when you’re in the area and looking for a great evening, after leaving Chris at Congress, STOP HERE. The staff, atmosphere and oyster bar is top notch. The hostess is a delight and charismatic. Our oyster connoisseur, whom I affectionately nicknamed DC… as in Discovery Channel… because she is an absolute genius ! Tell her your pallet and she’ll serve you EXACTLY what your taste buds crave. THIS TEAM, everyone; even Brady, IS SOLID GOLD ! I wish I was their manager.
Bravo TEAM !!!! IMHO
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