A stone’s throw from Slater Mill, the steel railroad car Modern Diner (364 East Ave., Pawtucket, 401/726-8390, 6 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun., $5–7) serves huge plates of fluffy pancakes, burgers, and homemade blueberry pie.

The bounty of the nearby ocean makes it no surprise to find such fresh dishes at Horton’s Seafood (809 Broadway, E. Providence, 401/434-3115, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., $5–12). Make sure to order the fish-and-chips.

The local Portuguese community has yielded a gem in Madeira (288 Warren Ave., E. Providence, 401/431-1322, www.madeirarestaurant.com, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Thu.; 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat.; noon–10 p.m. Sun., $12–20), known for authentic dishes of paella, grilled linguica, and kale soup.

Ye Olde English Fish and Chips (25 S. Main St., Woonsocket, 401/762-3637, 12 p.m.–10 p.m., $3–8) may sound ominous (unless the idea of old fish appeals to you), but the fare is in fact quite fresh. Order up a plate of rich stuffed quahogs or a bowl of chowder and savor it outside, with a front-seat view of the Blackstone River.

The casual, bustling Mezza Luna (4077 Mendon St., Cumberland, 401/658-0449, 1 p.m.–11 p.m., $8–15) is extremely popular locally for its spinach-and-sausage pizzas.

A little more daring but just as delicious, the specialties at Thai Garden (280 Main St., Woonsocket, 401/765-7010, $15–30) include platters of spicy lemongrass mussels, crispy shrimp pad thai, and green-tea ice cream.