One of Downtown Providence’s Only Diners to Close

One of Downtown Providence’s Only Diners to Close

One of downtown Providence’s few breakfast spots - and diners - is closing.

Nico Bella’s on Dorrance Street, located just a block from City Hall, made the announcement on Friday.

Featuring such staples as eggs benedict and chicken and waffles, all-day breakfast was the centerpiece of the business. 

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“I built the restaurant old-school, selling food and paying for equipment," owner Daniel Crenca told GoLocal. "I was in really good shape before the pandemic, but I just couldn’t get out from under it,” 

Crenca noted that the restaurant is just the latest closure downtown. which in recent years has included Yoleni’s, Kin, and more. 

Nico Bella’s had been open for ten years.

It will now be shutting its doors at the end of April.

According to Crenca, the restaurant features the largest holding of the artwork of top local artist Bert Crenca, and all artwork is for sale at a substantially reduced price. 

“The restaurant will be open for business for breakfast and lunch seven days a week and Friday and Saturday nights, between now and April 27 and will be open for Easter Sunday, April 20 until 1 PM,” said Crenca. “The owners and staff would like to go out with a bang - please come in, enjoy some excellent food and drinks, and join us with our heads held high for a goodbye with a smile.”

“Please keep in mind we are still available for private parties, a great meal, or even just a coffee until the last day we are open,” he added. “Your support in these last days is needed and much appreciated by the Crenca family and staff.”

Crenca noted Friday his is moving forward with his newest endeavor - Angell Gallery on the East Side of Providence - and that he plans to expand his Christmas nonprofit now moving forward. 

 

Popular Spot

Nico Bella’s hosted a number of celebrities over the years.  

As GoLocal reported in July 2023:

There is a downtown Providence restaurant that is fast getting a reputation among Hollywood players as the place to eat while in the city.  NicoBella’s, just a block from City Hall, has recently hosted everyone from a former “People’s Sexiest Man Alive” to a star of one of the biggest box office hits of the 1980s. 

And on Monday, it had a visit from its latest celebrity customer -- Austin “Chumlee” Russell -- who is in Rhode Island to film “Pawn Stars Do America.”

 

This story was first published 4/11/25 7:03 PM