What do people talk about when they go out to a restaurant?

Why, other restaurants of course.

Everybody likes to talk about their favorite restaurant, whether it’s a pizza place or a five-star restaurant.

Newspapers and magazines conduct polls. Websites hold contests.

After writing dine out reviews for over 45 years, I have come up with my list. It has changed over the years, as restaurants come, go, and change chefs and owners.

BEST PIZZA — Twins Pizza, North Providence. The Twins special is the tastiest pizza, loaded with fresh toppings, cooked to your liking (regular or well done) and with anchovies. No pizza comes close to the taste and texture of Twins.

FISH ‘N’ CHIPS — Finn’s Harborside, East Greenwich. The fish is cooked to perfection, crispy crust, piping hot and juicy. Never greasy. I have never been disappointed. Huge bag of thin, white or sweet potato fries or onion rings with spicy sauce and tartar sauce. Recovering from a fire, Finn’s has yet to reopen…and we miss it.

RIBS — Governor Francis, Warwick. Forget the big, fancy rib houses. Governor Francis has the tenderest, tastiest ribs. A half-rack is more than I can eat. Get sides of carrots and turnips and their great cole slaw.

FISHERMAN’S PLATTER — Champlin’s in Galilee. Clams, scallops, fish, shrimp and fries are piled on the platter that serves two (at least it does for us). Sit on the porch and watch the Block Island Ferry come and go.

MEXICAN — Xaco Taco, Richmond Street, Providence. Best tacos in town. Try the lobster tacos or better yet, a combination plate.

INDIAN — Rasa, Main St. East Greenwich. Appetizers are to die for. I like their curry lamb best.

ITALIAN (Providence) — Angelo’s, Federal Hill. There are so many good, and expensive, Italian restaurants, but pricewise and quality wise you can’t beat Angelo’s. Veal and peppers, meatballs and fries, and lasagna are outstanding.

ITALIAN (Cranston) — Marchetti’s. Always crowded. Why? Because they serve humongous portions of good food, take out boxes are a standard issue, and they have an extensive menu (we like their veal dishes) and serve fresh Italian bread and a tasty large salad, and don’t charge an arm and a leg.

BAKED STUFFED SHRIMP — Twin Oaks, Cranston. Goes without saying. Get it with “mashed in the middle.”

DESSERTS — Greggs, Warwick. Death by Chocolate cake. ‘Nuff said.

CHINESE/THAI — Lemongrass, Post Road, Warwick. We’ve been through the menu. Joyce prefers Shrimp with basil. Don likes Crispy pork.

CHICKEN — Wright’s Farm, Northern RI. The reason to leave Cranston/Warwick. Family outing once a year for chicken, pasta, French fries and great salad.

ICE CREAM — Dear Hearts, Pawtuxet Village. Soft ice cream is smooth.