The Ultimate Newport, RI Restaurant Guide

I live in one of those places where a common question during the mid-day is “so where are we eating tonight?” How lucky I feel to live on an island where we can even ask that question compared to many other places around the country where there’s only one restaurant in a 10 mile span (if you live in an area like that, I’m sorry and this is your cue to move to Newport STAT). Below you will find the answers to all of your hunger moods!

BREAKFAST or BRUNCH

For Location: Belle’s Cafe on Newport Shipyard

Must try: Honestly, everything is so good here, although my go-to is always the avocado toast. || Local’s Note: People forget about this little spot sometimes since it’s kind of off the beaten path from all the Newport chaos. Located right in the heart of the shipyard, you can enjoy your breakfast sitting amongst some pretty unbelievable vessels.

Where the Locals Go: Cru Cafe

Must try: The Newporter Breakfast Sandwich and any of their Avocado Toast options || Local’s Note: This place can get really busy on weekends; I’d suggest getting there around 9 am or ordering over the phone then picking up. They also offer BYOB and will have mimosa and Bloody Mary bars on weekends.

For a Unique Brunch: Stoneacre Garden

Must try: Dante’s Inferno cocktail (out of this WOOOORLD and will give you a proper brunch buzz if you have nothing going on afterwards) and their Chicken and Waffles dish || Local’s Note: They have a small upstairs seating that is outside and overlooks the harbor, great for the warmer months.

For a Quick Bite: Harvest

Must try: Ruggles Breakfast Sandwich (my mouth is watering just thinking about it)|| Local’s Note: This small market/breakfast spot shares a space with a coffee shop and an art gallery! You’ll definitely spend more time in here exploring the beautiful space than you anticipated.

APPETIZERS & DINNER

My Favorite Spot (at the moment): Bar Cino

Must try: Prosciutto Pizza, Chicken Piccata (I order this pretty much every time), “Lock, Stock and…” cocktail || Local’s Note: Reserve the front round table in advance if you’re planning on dining with a couple of friends- it’s one of my favorite tables in town! (and it’s no frills, very casual, I just love the ambience and environment)

For Italian: Pasta Beach 

Must try: Prosciutto de Parma e Burrata and the Pomegranate Fizz cocktail || Local’s Note: Prosciutto and Burrata is technically an app, but I order it as a meal and ask for crostini to make small sandwiches out of the cheese and meat; of course balsamic drizzled over the top. All of their dishes are just fabulous and they have a great outdoor seating option with firepits that definitely capture all the romantic vibes.

For Seafood: The Mooring

Must try: New England Clam Chowder- my favorite on the island|| Local’s Note: I personally enjoy going here more in the fall months instead; it’s honestly just too busy and too hard to get a reservation in the summer. It’s usually a long wait if you don’t make a reservation (I’m notorious for never making reservations) so I often opt for the bar seating, which is a wonderful alternative and just as nice as sitting at a table. There is a quaint little booth near the fireplace in the restaurant that is PERFECT for a romantic date night.

For Mexican & fun cocktails: Perro Salado

Must try: Fried Avocados, Sticky Ribs (iconic) || Local’s Note: Historic home turned restaurant- I love the atmosphere of this place, it feels like you’re having dinner in a true historic Newport home, which is exactly what you are doing! The back bar inside of the restaurant is so intimate and will sometimes have live music playing. The tiniest room that you could ever imagine, but it is so cozy especially in those cold winter months.

For classic Newport vibes & cocktails: Clarke Cooke House

Must try: Newport Water Cocktail, Warm Brussel Sprout Caesar (so insanely good) Penne with Chicken || Local’s Note: This one is a given and probably a restaurant you’ve already heard about. Good for people watching and sushi (although, I do not eat sushi, however my sushi eating friends enjoy it very much!) I get the penne with chicken dish pretty much every single time and it sounds boring, but I promise you it’s not!!!

For casual and good location: The Black Pearl

Must try: New England Clam Chowder & their chili with cheese and onions|| Local’s Note: The outdoor patio is pretty much guaranteed for a good time in any season of the year, however, they usually do close the exterior part in the very cold months like January and February.

For Takeout Pizza: Amano Pizza

Must try: Prosciutto di Parma || Local’s Note: This is a food truck that will post their whereabouts on their social platforms! Fun to grab a pizza if you happen to be parked out at Ocean Drive when they are located there for the afternoon. Great idea for a spontaneous picnic.

Where the Locals Go: Zelda’s

Must try: Steak Frites || Local’s Note: These days, this is the ONLY restaurant that I go to because it’s easy to get in, the food is amazing, there are not a lot of tourists, and it’s a guaranteed good, laid-back time (that sometimes turns into a wild night depending on how long you linger here because it’s such a comfortable atmosphere that you just end up ordering drink after drink after drink… guilty)

For the Ultimate Cheeseboard: Speakeasy Bar & Grill

Must try: The Cheeseboard of course! || Local’s Note: Get some apps later in the night and stay there for some live music and the “typical Newport scene.”

For Budget Friendly: Tickets Restaurant

Must try: Burrito Bowl || Local’s Note: Technically in Middletown, but located right near First Beach- this is another one of my favorite restaurants at the moment. I never have a bad meal here! Definitely a no frills, laid back atmosphere, but perfect if you are looking for something casual. Ashley and Tori work in the upstairs bar and they are the nicest people on the planet; they truly feel like family and will make you feel so welcome. They both make an unreal Long Island iced tea — if you order this, give my mom and I a quick shoutout (Chrissy + Jackie).

ROOFTOP VIBES

For a Historic Setting: The Viking

Must try: Summer Cooler Cocktail || Local’s Note: Open seasonally. The restaurant at the hotel hosts mixology classes every Thursday throughout the fall into December.

For a Higher Price Point: The Vanderbilt

Must try: Belcourt Cocktail || Local’s Note: Open seasonally. On the pricier side, but convenient if you are staying at this hotel. I also love going to the small bar on the main floor of the hotel; it’s intimate, chic and has really unique mixology.

For the Best View of Newport Harbor: The Brenton Hotel

Must try: Espresso Martini || Local’s Note: Maurice is one of my favorite (and the best!) bartenders on the island hands down. You’ll order the drinks in the main restaurant of the hotel and can take them right upstairs to the rooftop where you’ll enjoy the best panoramic view of Newport Harbor.

COCKTAILS & NIGHTLIFE

For Scenery: Castle Hill Inn on the Lawn

Must try: Blueberry Lemonade || Local’s Note: Open in the summer. Can get SUPER packed on those prime summer nights, but if you get here early enough you can definitely snag a couple of Adirondack chairs on the lawn to order some drinks.

For Interior Design Vibes: Gardiner House

Must try: Any of their cocktails. Trust me. || Local’s Note: Recently opened boutique hotel in the heart of Newport located right off of Lower Thames. Grab a cocktail and lounge on their leather couches around the ambient atmosphere that is exquisitely designed — to me, it gives White Lotus Season 2 meets Ralph Lauren Polo Bar vibes. (Does it get any better than that?)

For View of Newport Bridge: Newport Harbor Island Resort

Local’s Note: Also great for lunch! They have an amazing spa here so if you can plan a little treatment on top of a lunch reservation you are GOLDEN. Sometimes they will have live music so check their event schedule so you can coordinate properly!

For a Laid Back Setting: O’Brien’s

Must try: Mudslide (duh) || Local’s Note: Gosh, I love it here so much anytime of year. Even in the colder months the back bar can be SO much fun and they will host trivia nights and karaoke that’s always packed with locals and students. They also have really great food here too especially if you need to satisfy some drunk munchies!

For Good Casual Vibes: Midtown

Must try: Any cocktail is bomb here! I also just really love their French Onion Soup || Local’s Note: Downstairs bar and upstairs bar (Burgee Bar) are both great options- all the bartenders here are really great people too (and some of the servers are my BFFs! So be nice to them!)

For Younger Vibes: West Deck & Dockside (right next to each other on the water)

Local’s Note: I honestly never go here these days, however, I enjoyed it very much in my early 20s.

For Large Groups: Surf Club

Must try: Spicy Watermelon Margarita, tacos, pizza, everything|| Local’s Note: Reserve one of the large booths for a birthday celebration. I also love coming here with my friends for a cheeseboard and apps. It always has a fun atmosphere and vibe.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

For NYE Dinner: Bar & Board Leopard Lounge, Surf Club, Clarke Cooke House, Pasta Beach

For NYE Nightlife: Midtown, Clarke Cooke House, Boom Boom Room (RIP)

For a Bachelorette Party Dinner: Diego’s, Stoneacre Garden