Cielito Mexican Kitchen

Came to Cielito on a Monday night and was seated right away with a reservation for 5 people. The place was pretty empty but they only have a few large tables for big groups. The drinks here were good and the food was okay. Some of our entrees were a bit cold since they were left on the serving counter when waiting for the other dishes to finish, they should really get heating lamps! I enjoyed my chilaquiles however, they were cooked perfectly. I’d come back for some smaller dishes in drinks and would recommend others to do the same!

Food and beverage were excellent! Service was excellent too. However, we did spend almost 2 hours at the restaurant on a Monday evening. You can tell everything is fresh and made to order with quality ingredients, so it's worth waiting the extra time. Just know that if you're pressed for time, this may not be the best place to quickly get in and out.

Solid Mexican food (beautifully styled) in a nice space with solid service. Recommend you stick with the taco menu for better value. Maybe missing home (AZ) after a week in Providence, went to find some Mexican food. While different than our normal Sonoran fair in AZ, we thought this place looked awfully good. We started with guac and tostadas. Loces the crispy, fresh tostadas, and the guac was obviously fresh. It was a slightly under-seasoned. I had the Arrachera Campesino (essentially Carne Asada with the usual trimmings). My wife had the chuleta de puerco, and my daughter ordered off the much lower priced taco menu - birria and carnitas. Every plate noticeably well plated, neat, colorful, and artistic. My carne asada was a solid effort. It was mildly under-seasoned, and the tortillas, while pleasantly fresh, also lacked any seasoning and were under for my preference. My wife’s pork chop was nicely cooked, seasoned aggressively, and heavily smoked. The result was a nice tasting and tender pork chop, but flavor was very reminiscent of eating sausage (smoke + salt). Good, but again, left a little to be desired for the price. My daughter turned out to be wisest one. Her birria tacos were probably the best thing on the table. The carnitas were also done extremely well. Service was pleasant and competent throughout. Overall, it was solid, but the entrees didn’t quite blow us away, at a pretty high price point. Would definitely repeat, but would stick with the simpler (and more reasonably priced) taco menu.

Amazing staff, incredible food, great vegetarian options, and phenomenal drinks. The tres leches with Abuelita’s chocolate is to die for. I’ve been a few times and they never disappoint

Cielito has very friendly staff and nice decor, making for a pleasant atmosphere despite the small space. It’s cold by the door so keep that in mind. The cocktails were a highlight—both the margarita and Paloma were flavorful and well-balanced. We started with the shrimp empanada, which was tasty and cooked well, but the filling was sparse. For the price, we expected it to be more generous. For dinner, we tried the pork entrée and the prime rib, each priced at $35. While the food was good, it didn’t feel worth the high price. Way too expensive. The short rib, in particular, was very fatty, which was disappointing. Overall, it was an average experience. While the drinks were great, the food and prices didn’t live up to expectations.

I had a fantastic meal at Cielito today. The Esquites and Pozolito were exquisite, with many dishes beautifully showcasing the rich flavors of corn. The ambiance was warm and inviting, creating a comforting sense of home. Service was impeccable. The Mole Rojo was beautifully rich. I would also recommend the Tres Leches to anyone who visits.

So I want to start off by saying that the food and service at this restaurant is excellent. As someone who just traveled back from the Yucatan a few days prior to having a meal at cielito I was very impressed with its authentic flavor. Are server with excellent about communicating dietary restrictions that I had to the staff.. However I will say that the cost of the meal was extravagant. For only two cocktails, one appetizer, and two entrees our meal came out too $160 prior to tip.. our server who was so sweet and so kind throughout our whole meal had offered to bring us salsa which we assumed was just something that they offered for us because we didn't ask for it and wound up being charged for it. Again it is absolutely delicious food, a beautiful location that is staffed with educated servers.. But it is not simple Taco prices be prepared to spend more than you are expecting. Make sure you are double-checking the market price for some of the items that you were asking for.

The food was incredible—it truly stood out compared to the typical commercial Mexican menus around the city. It reminded me of home, so comforting, and the flavors were amazing. The drinks were just as impressive; I highly recommend the cantaritos. Plus, the playlist was spot on, perfectly curated. Diego really went above and beyond, treating us to the best hospitality.

Everything about this place was amazing. Great drinks, amazing food with modern twists and a welcoming atmosphere

What a find! I am always hesitant when trying Mexican restaurants. This place was close to my hotel on a business trip so I figured I'd try it since it had good reviews. I was greeted immediately upon entering by the friendly gentleman behind the bar which is right as you walk in. I grabbed a seat at the bar and everything exceeded my expectations. The food was unbelievable, it reminded me of my visits to Mexico. The whole family works there. I watched them cooking as I sat there in a very clean kitchen, and they all laughed and were enjoying themselves. Truly authentic experience. I cannot wait to come back!

My friend and I tried Cielito tonight. The restaurant wasn't busy, but we made a reservation just in case. I started with the Mariposa margarita, which was pretty good! We shared the guacamole and tostadas -- the guac could've used a bit more flavor (tasted mostly like salt), but the tostadas were good. We also tried the al pastor and chicken tinga tacos. They were okay -- the al pastor had pineapple infused instead of chunks on top, which was interesting but not my favorite. For my entrée, I had the halibut with Mexican rice risotto. It was tasty, but not really worth the $45 price tag. Overall, the food was just okay -- nothing bad, but nothing super memorable either. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, though, with beautiful decor, friendly staff, and fast service. Not sure if I'd go back, but it's a nice spot if you're looking for great ambiance.

First Look at Cielito -- A Welcome Newcomer to the PVD Food Scene Finally, some truly exciting Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine is showing up in Rhode Island, and Cielito is leading the way. Focused on the flavors of Michoacán--a region in west-central Mexico known for its corn-based dishes, slow-cooked meats, freshwater fish, and street food--this spot is a fantastic addition to the Providence dining scene. The space is welcoming and stylish, and the service was excellent from start to finish. Our visit started with drinks: a Mariposa Reposado margarita (fantastic) and a non-alcoholic Jamaica hibiscus drink, which was also refreshing. We split an order of guacamole and tostadas--fresh, chunky guac paired with crisp, deep-fried tostadas. My only minor quibble was the green salsa, which lacked spice. Next time, I'll ask if they have a hotter option. For mains, we had the quesadilla de campo and three tacos--all served on corn tortillas: al pastor, carnitas, and chicken tinga. The tacos looked small at first glance, and at $5.50 each, I initially thought they were pricey--but I was wrong. Each taco came generously stuffed with well-seasoned meat, finished with simple toppings of onion and cilantro. Everything we had was downright delicious. Total damage (with tip) came to $95, and honestly, it felt well worth it.

Cielito Mexican Kitchen in Downtown RI was such a yummy experience! Super down to earth but also elegantly elevated, this restaurant balanced the home good feel of traditional Mexican food with their own modern twist. The only complaint I have is that we felt the salsa verde and general seasoning would have been even more delicious if it had a bit more of a kick! Staff was friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend the following- Tres Leches with Abuelita Mexican Chocolate Chilaquiles Rojas Shrimp Stuffed Empanada ***if you had to choose, YES Gordita Eqsuites *if you had to choose, YES Guac & tortilla chips Quesadilla champion (cheese & local mushrooms) Traditional Horchata

I would give it 3.5 stars but not 4. In our quest to try more restaurants in Providence, we tried Cielito. It was a pretty good experience. The ambiance was nice. Lots of differently sized tables that were comfortable. Lots of glass for a nice bright space. Our hostess and servers were good. We were seated right away, and the waiter explained the drinks and the menu. They had a pretty eclectic menu. We started with drinks. My wife and her friend, who was visiting from SoCal, ordered some type of margarita, and they enjoyed them. My wife said nothing special, but OK. I had a Manhattan, which was made reasonably well, but it was a bit small for what they charged compared to other Providence restaurants. I had the Carne Asada with a Mexican Salad and refried beans, which was pretty good. I have had better. My wife and her friend both had enchiladas, and both said they were OK. The general opinion was that it was a pretty good meal, but for the price, it was just OK.

Cielito has very friendly staff and nice decor, making for a pleasant atmosphere despite the small space. It's cold by the door so keep that in mind. The cocktails were a highlight--both the margarita and Paloma were flavorful and well-balanced. We started with the shrimp empanada, which was tasty and cooked well, but the filling was sparse. For the price, we expected it to be more generous. For dinner, we tried the pork entrée and the prime rib, each priced at $35. While the food was good, it didn't feel worth the high price. Way too expensive. The short rib, in particular, was very fatty, which was disappointing. Overall, it was an average experience. While the drinks were great, the food and prices didn't live up to expectations.

In the former Oberlin space, Cielito has quickly become a must-visit spot for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts in Providence. Brought to life by the owners behind Central Falls' beloved James Beard-nominated Tuxpan, Cielito brings the same authentic flavors with a refreshing, elevated twist to each dish. The restaurant's intimate ambiance combines cozy lighting and thoughtfully designed decor, giving it a warm, modern vibe that feels both vibrant and inviting. Much like Tuxpan, the menu at Cielito is deeply rooted in authentic Mexican cooking but with refined touches and creative presentation. Cielito's starters impress right from the beginning. The house margarita: Mariposa is gorgeous with its magenta hue from the butterfly pea flower powder & packs a punch! The Esquites bring street-style corn to a whole new level. The Empanadas de Camarón were perfection in three bites. Our server split the main course of Enchiladas Verdes so you are seeing a half portion. You can add chicken but this was a beautiful & tasty veggie option. Cielito is the perfect addition to Providence's dining scene for both longtime fans of Mexican food and newcomers alike. We had to run but we'll be back for a Tres Leches very soon! NOM NOM NOM #YUM

A really delicious experience! I can't wait to go back! It's definitely more of a high end Mexican restaurant and the prices reflect that. I really loved the mariposa margarita, chicken mole, and chocolate tres leches. I want to try many more things so I will definitely be back! The ambiance and decor is nice. I love the tiles on the front of the bar and the gorgeous colorful painting above it. Service was good but not overly personal or warm. Just efficient which is fine. This will definitely become one of my go to Mexican spots in Providence.

Favorites included: pozolito soup was so tasty and had awesome flavors, esquites/street corn for obvious reasons, chiles anchos rellenos- a pepper stuffed with juicy meat, and don't miss out on authentic mole, we got the chicken mole rojo.

One of the tastiest burritos I've ever had. Perfect size not too big not too small and full of flavor. Went with a large group for lunch and service was a little slow, to be expected. Will definitely go back.

I walked by Cielito on its opening day, and was immediately intrigued. I made sure to come back as soon as I could to try it out. I was a bit nervous at first that the food wouldn't taste very authentic, especially given the lack of reviews and photos since it was new. My friends decided to try it anyways because it still looked very interesting. Cielito is where Oberlin used to be, and I think they've done a great job at decorating since it doesn't even remind me of Oberlin anymore! It felt very homey inside, so we were even more excited to try the food. I particularly enjoyed their dishware! I got a margarita with jamaica to start off, which was delicious. For food, I ordered enchiladas, which I didn't realize didn't have meat until I ate it. However, it was still delicious, especially the sauce. My friends also got the stews to share and the shrimp quesadilla. They were both good, but the chicken tinga was particularly yummy to me. We also got tres leches, which was the perfect ending to our delicious meal. l would definitely go again to try more dishes and desserts, and also would like to go during the day since they're bringing more street food during certain hours!

Delicious, fresh Mexican cuisine with a gorgeous presentation. Personally, the star of the show was the Chiles Anchos Rellenos. Excellent, friendly service. Had no problem getting a seat on a Saturday afternoon. Happy to welcome this new restaurant to the neighborhood! Excited to visit again and try the rest of the menu. ¡Muchas gracias!

i just had a company función there. everyone was happy and raved about the food. i worked with Jaime. He was very helpful with the planning and made a few good suggestions. I highly recommend for group funciona. birthday parties, small gstherings. I love this place and highly recommend the esquites & the guacamole with chips (not tostadas). Thank you Jaime!

Great Mexican spot in downtown Providence. It was pretty crowded on a Friday night--maybe a bit too much for my liking--but we snagged seats outside. Despite the chill, it ended up being a nicer option. For drinks, we had the Michoacan Margarita and the Cielito Cantarito, both of which were excellent. As for the food, we tried the pozolito, tuxpan chicken mole, and Arrachara Campesina. The pozolito, made with pork, was a little greasy but still delicious. The chicken was fantastic--tender and juicy, with amazing mole flavors. The steak was decent, but not particularly stand-out. For dessert, the chocolate tres leche cake was really good. Overall, it was a very good experience, though on the pricier side. Service was excellent.

Came in with a couple girlfriends for dinner and drinks. The inside is beautifully decorated. However, we made the mistake of sitting near the door and I was freezing the entire time. The door kept getting stuck open and no one was closing it, even the staff that was in and out. We ordered a couple apps and entrees. Overall, the food was good. I wouldn't say it was great, especially for the prices. The guacamole we ordered was pretty bland and a very small portion. My entree, a roasted chicken, was good and I was full afterwards. I did really enjoy the drinks. Service was a little slow...it took a while to get anyone's attention for refills of water and our drinks. I ended up going to the bar at one point to get a carafe of water. I'd go back for the drinks and sit at the bar.

The food and drinks were delicious!! Jaime was super helpful and made us wonderful drinks.

Boujee Mexican - don't try to compare this place to a favorite local spot, it's great in its own way! The homemade tortillas, service, and overall aesthetic of the food and restaurant were on point! The only con was the chips and salsa (no flavor) - I'd stick to the guacamole which comes with a small side of salsa. Table runners were constantly coming to the table to refill water and our waitress did a great job of checking in on us, even while we were sitting outside. The agua de Jamaica was also amazing, it reminded me of cranberry juice.

The food was delicious. The service was friendly and quick. They have outdoor seating and a good space for families. There's a nice view to downtown.

Fantastic fresh authentic food. Crazy good drinks. And a delightfully nice team! Thank you!

Cielito is a new Tuxpan, Michoacán family owned/operated Mexican kitchen that opened in August 2024. This spot in downtown Providence used to be home of Oberlin before they moved to Westminster Street. Cielito has a similar feel, but the table layout is different and the walls have lotería cards framed. Cielito is open for lunch Monday-Saturday 10am-2pm and for dinner Monday-Thursday 4pm-9pm and Friday-Saturday 4pm-10pm. Closed on Sunday. I came to Cielito for the first time on a Saturday at 4pm. Since they had just opened for dinner, we were seated right away and then a few minutes later there were guests at the bar and all the tables next to us were occupied. The menu offers appetizers, entrees, desserts, cocktails, wine, and agua frescas. I started with the agua de Jamaica, hibiscus flower, and it was very good. I would definitely get this again. My husband had the agua de tamarindo. He enjoyed it, but it was a bit too tart and tangy for me. For appetizers, we got the empanadas de camarón. This came with 2 pieces. The shell of the empanadas was crunchy and the filling was very good. Dipping them in the pickle slaw and chipotle aioli was delicious. For entrees, I had the mole de olla, which was 12 oz braised short rib in guajillo pepper broth, chayote, local potato, corn and green beans. The braised short rib was so tender that a knife wasn't needed at all to cut it. It separated on its own. The broth was also very tasty and I enjoyed dipping the homemade tortillas in it. A wonderful and tasty dish. My husband had the tuxpan mole rojo, which is 10 oz free range chicken statlar covered in tuxpan mole. He enjoyed my dish more than his. Our dishes also came with a side of Mexican rice, beans, and fresh homemade tortillas. The sides were very good as well. Lastly, for dessert I had the tres leches, which is house made vanilla sponge cake with two choices of milk-elote milk and abuelita chocolate milk. I chose elote milk which has elote diplomat cream, cajeta, edible flowers, tulle crumb, and powder sugar. I like my tres leches to be more creamy and this was one wasn't as milky. My husband had the housemade conchitas with hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was in a huge mug. He enjoyed this dessert. All the dishes were flavorful, tasty, and came out steaming hot. Jaime was our server and he was very pleasant. My husband really liked the music playing in the restaurant. It reminded him of his childhood. The meal was on the pricier side, but it is worth it for a nice night out. I'm glad I had the opportunity to try Chef Diego Alcantar's restaurant and he is also the owner and chef behind Central Fall's popular Tuxpan Taqueria nominated as a semifinalist for "Best New Restaurant" by the James Beard Foundation.

I've been wanting to give this restaurant a try since it opened, and we finally made it there this past Thursday after being shut out on a Saturday by eager diners wanting to try this new spot. The atmosphere is lovely with both indoor and outdoor tables and a bar. Be aware that the inside can get pretty loud. We had to shout to be heard a few times. The tables are close together and we struck up conversations with neighbors on both sides. Our server was friendly and offered helpful suggestions on drinks and dishes. Now on to the important stuff -- the food and drink. I tried two cocktails the Cantarito, a refreshing citrus forward drink served in a clay cup, and a margarita with blue flower that made it a beautiful lilac color. Definitely sample the cocktails! We started with the shrimp empanadas which were cheesy and tasty, but for me the star of the show was the enchiladas verde with a vegetable filling. The homemade tortillas were outstanding as was the sauce. Simple but perfectly prepared. A great addition to downtown opened by James Beard nominated chef, Diego Alcantar!

Service was not good. Sat at 725 and we were not greeted until around 745. We immediately ordered drinks and apps however, our drinks were "sent to the wrong table" and our apps came out 10-15 minutes after we ordered. I am a pretty patient person but I wasn't going to wait another 30 minutes before I actually got my drink or even placed an entree, so we paid our tab and left. Side note: Apps were very okay lol

Wife and I had an amazing Friday night date-night dinner here! Chef Diego, recently nominated as a James Beard chef, sent out a complimentary Esquites to start us off as we sipped on a Cielito Cantarito and a Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Both wonderful and tasty. We proceeded to eat like puercos and enjoyed the appetizers of Empanadas de Camarones and Corundas (w Carnitas). We then split the Mole de Olla for dinner. Everything was delicious! Save room for dessert because the Tres Leches con elote milk and Helado de Horchata were fabuloso. Truth be told, I might come back to just start with the desserts! Ambience was great. We struck up conversations with neighboring tables. Service was top notch. You can tell that it is a family owned small business and that they care about every detail! Vamos a volver!

I have been so excited to try Cielito, and it exceeded my expectations! This location is brand new and has comfortable seating, though it is pretty intimate. The service is efficient and attentive- we were seated quickly on a Monday evening and our orders were taken without much delay. I got the Verde enchiladas and was able to add chicken to them as well as the Tres leches cake. Everything was spectacular! The tortillas in the enchiladas are SO fresh, and all the ingredients harmonize perfectly. It's also not too spicy yet incredibly flavorful. I'm a huge fan and will certainly be back again and again!

this is mexican fine dining, so let's be clear before we start roasting the $6 tacos lol. which i also have a hard time with $6 tacos but still, came here because my friends were in town and said it's delicious. the space decor is a vibe and they kept it cool on a 90 degree day. our server was prompt and minimal in conversation which worked for us doing a quick meal in between meal times. the tortillas for me were the highlight because they make them. even the tostadas that came with the nopales were their house made tortillas then fried. also the nopales were so delicious, i am used to them being a little less salty but i enjoyed them none the less. the carne asada meat was a bit flat for me, i wanted more seasoning or lime or oil or something. my friends enjoyed their gorditas and tacos and hibiscus. nice spot in downtown providence and easy to accommodate if you have people with dietary restrictions.

Cielito, owned by the passionate and welcoming Diego, is a standout spot for truly authentic Mexican cuisine. There is nothing else like it in the City of Providence. From the vibrant décor to the rich flavors of every dish, this restaurant feels like a celebration of Mexican culture. The Arrachara Campesina and Enchiladas Verdes were perfectly seasoned. The guacamole is fresh and delicious; portions were large! It is the owners personal touch, that makes Cielito's so special. He visited our table personally to check on us. This is a true family business, and you can taste the heart and soul in the food itself.

Jamie is an amazing bartender. His smile was as sweet as the pineapple burrito we shared oh, and the house Margarita was to die for!

Jamie was an excellent bartender. Their house margarita is delicious as was the burrito he recommended. Highly suggest!

The serving of soup and salad was the smallest I've ever seen in my life. The salad was the size of a meatball and the soup was in a normal size bowl but only half full and the service was painfully slow. On the positive side, the drinks were delicious. Unfortunately, I do not recommend.

It was somewhat busy on Saturday night when we went to try this spot. We were sat right away. It's a comfortable spot, smelled amazing with its open kitchen. Our waiter was very good, attentive and thoughtful. Brought us extra tortillas. Love that! We tried the pozolito and corundas, both were very good. Well balanced flavors, and very hearty and warm. I had the arracharra campesina. The steak was tender, well spiced, and came with homemade blue corn tortillas. The homemade salsa was very good, medium spicy. We had a hard time deciding what to order. Everything seemed delicious. Will definitely be back to try more delicious things!

Our meal at Cielitos can be summed up in three words: Authentic, Mouthwatering, and Dynamic! I hardly give 5 star reviews, but we were wow'd with this family-run restaurant and have to give it the highest praise. We started with basic beers and margaritas, each beautifully garnished with limes and fresh flowers--an unexpected touch that immediately set the tone. For lunch, we ordered a burrito and a quesadilla, going in with modest expectations (we just hoped it would beat Chipotle). But wow, were we blown away! The flavors in each dish were absolutely next level. The rice and beans were savory, hearty, and undeniably authentic. The sauces were vibrant, flavorful, and had a heat that builds gradually, keeping every bite exciting. The mushroom quesadilla was a standout--it was made with a homemade corn tortilla that transported me straight to the papusa dishes of El Salvador. Authentic, authentic, authentic! No store-bought flour tortillas here. If you're looking for a meal that exceeds expectations, packs in bold, authentic flavors, and comes at a very fair price, Cielitos is the place to go. Highly recommend

Everything about Cielito is incredible. The food is amazing, the dish ware, tables, and vibes are immaculate, and the staff are so warm and welcoming. What a gem in downtown Providence.

We stopped in on a Thursday night, and it was very quiet. Decor is very pretty and service was very friendly. The food was also very tasty! I have to say that we were very disappointed in the portion sizes for the steep price. We paid extra to add carnitas to our tamale... what we got was maybe a tablespoon? Of pork. ‍ the highlight of our date was the beautiful and tasty cocktails. Unfortunately we did need to stop at Sott for another appetizer which was priced similarly for triple the amount of food. It's not a great sign when you leave a restaurant still hungry...

Food is great authentic Spanish food. Service was quick and we were able to walk in without a reservation on a Thursday night. Music playlist was also a vibe.

Everything was absolutely delicious. Full of flavor and good portions. They were busy but good came out fresh and hot. Great drinks and the service was amazing. Sat at the bar and we loved the vibe. Definitely get the tres leches.

This place is fantastic. The food is always really solid and beautifully displayed. I feel like I can get all the standards here like a taco but also some unique and really yummy new things as well. Love their margaritas!

This authentic Mexican food is the best thing I've eaten since moving to Providence. The ambience and decoration s are also very pleasing. The service was excellent and my pork burrito was delicious Sorry I didn't get pictures. My wife's mushroom quesadilla was to die for deeelishous."

We went to Cielito for the first time after a show at the PPAC and were blown away! The food and drinks were absolutely delicious and the vibe was warm and inviting. Even the service was perfect! I highly recommend this little gem if you are looking for incredible authentic Mexican food.

Amazing foooood love this place so much!!!! Maria and her sons have mail every single plate!!!!! A must try spot!!!

Excellent service and excellent food, I recommend it100%. I love it. The cocktail are to die for. The prices are affordable and the serving are good size. Can't wait to go back to try a different dish until I try all of them they all look very appealing.....

Cielito offers delicious Mexican food and a beautiful space in a great area! My wife and I ordered tinga tacos and an al pastor torta for lunch at the bar. The tacos came with a very spicy salsa that had incredible flavor that took the tacos from good to great. The bread on the torta was unexpectedly a huge highlight,, and the pork Al pastor had the perfect texture, tender but with crisp caramelized bits of pork and bright and sweet pineapple bits throughout. We didn't try a cocktail, I was fighting a cold and my wife on lunch break from work, but the next time we go it will be for dinner to try what looked like expertly crafted drinks. We loved it, compliments to the chef, we'll be back!