Newport’s Finest for Wining and Dining
While we all know that Newport is the ideal location for sailing, sunny beaches, and mansions, it’s also the perfect place for eating and drinking! Newport, RI is home to some of the most fantastic restaurants and bars in the US. Our team at Sightsailing has compiled a list of our favorite places to go. Be sure to make a reservation, and tell them that Sightsailing recommended you!
Restaurants:
The Black Pearl – Bannister’s Wharf – The Black Pearl, located in the heart of the city’s bustling waterfront, is one of Newport’s best-known and best-loved restaurants. From the warm ambience and classic cuisine of their Commodore’s Room and Tavern to the al-fresco charm of their Waterside Patio and raw bar, the Black Pearl has something to offer everyone.The Black Pearl is open seven days a week. Seasonally closed Jan. 3 to Feb 12.
The Clarke Cooke House – Bannister’s Wharf – Renowned for its innovative cuisine, it is legendary as a spot to meet and greet. For locals and visitors alike, the Clarke Cooke House is the quintessential Newport experience. Chef Ted Gidley uses the freshest ingredients to create imaginative dishes. Inspired by his experience in the finest French kitchens, his cooking remains true to Newport’s seaside New England heritage.
Fluke – Bowen’s Wharf – Located in the heart of downtown Newport, Rhode Island, Fluke overlooks Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf, offering harbor and sunset views of Narragansett Bay. Fluke has gained a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the Newport restaurant scene in less than five years. Fluke’s relaxed, modern American cuisine is perfect for any occasion. Fluke also has one of the best cocktail selections in town!
Bouchard – 505 Thames Street – Bouchard Inn & Restaurant is one of Newport’s premier dining and lodging establishments. For over 20 years, Bouchard has been providing artfully-inspired dishes and comfortable rooms and suites for visitors. All located within the very heart of Newport just steps from the harbor, Bouchard is close to everything Newport has to offer, from shopping and attractions along the waterfront to Newport’s famous mansions.
Perro Salado – 19 Charles Street – The name Perro Salado – the “Salty Dog” – speaks to the spirit of this vibrant seaside restaurant that serves fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine. Chef Dan Hall brings the wisdom of his years spent in Miami and New York kitchens to his Newport restaurant. His own unique and modern interpretation of Mexican flavors boasts beautiful ingredients – always fresh, and often organic and locally-sourced.
Scales and Shells – 527 Thames St – Scales & Shells is a seafood restaurant in every sense of the word. Their goal from day one has been to serve the freshest, highest quality seafood to their customers, and do this by running their own fish truck every day. (Cash only!)
TSK (Thames Street Kitchen) – 677 Thames St – TSK is farm to table food at its best. Located on Lower Thames, TSK specializes in bringing the freshest local ingredients into their kitchens, and serving them in unique and modern dishes. The menu changes almost every day, so every visit is a special occasion! BYOB.
Castle Hill Inn – 590 Ocean Drive – The Mansion’s chefs artfully craft fresh local fish, regional meats, and produce into a distinctly native, seasonal menu, served in four dining rooms. From appetizers to desserts, imaginative presentation and exceptional taste characterize Castle Hill Inn’s fine dining experience.
Aquidneck Pizza – 27 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown – For over 29 years, Aquidneck Pizza has served proudly as one of Aquidneck Island’s premier family restaurants. Located right across the street from Easton’s (First) Beach in Newport, Rhode Island, the newly renovated restaurant features two beautiful dining rooms, a full bar, fireplace, and lounge complete with stunning views overlooking First Beach and Newport, RI’s famed Cliff Walk. We love to sit upstairs and order from their wide pizza selection, which is the best pizza around!
OneEighty– 8 Broadway – Go to One Eighty° and enjoy casual upscale dining in the heart of Newport. Located on historic Broadway, One Eighty° offers a unique, year round dining experience to visitors as well as locals. The warm atmosphere of the restaurant, housed in an historic 1850’s building, reflects the comforting yet creative cuisine that has become a tradition here. Their diverse menu includes – small plates, grilled thin-crust pizzas, succulent rib-eyes, fresh seafood and daily specials to list a few. Great prices and great ambiance. There is also a bar in the basement called “On The Rocks”, which is an entertaining late-night hang out!
Griswold’s Tavern – 103 Bellevue Ave – Experience fine food and spirits at Griswold’s Tavern. The menu is generally American cuisine with a mix of Mexican dishes. From bar food and burgers to salads, steaks, and seafood, there’s something for any palate at Griswold’s. Experience patio-like dining during the spring and summer when their garage-door-sized windows open up.
Mama Luisa’s – 673 Thames St – Another Lower Thames favorite, Mama Luisa’s serves genuine Italian cuisine in a cozy ambience. Located in an old house, the restaurant is divided into two small rooms, lending an intimate air to the dinner. For authentic Italian food, straight out of Nonna’s kitchen, try Mama Luisa’s!
Puerini’s – 24 Memorial Blvd W – A favorite for locals and tourists alike, Puerini’s is a small family-run casual restaurant. Signature dishes include some of the best veal in town, as well as hearty pasta dishes and antipasti. They have a nice outdoor patio for those wanting al fresco dining.
Lucia Italian Restaurant – 186 Thames St #B – “Lucia Italian Restaurant” is located on Thames Street just across from Brick Market Place at the summit of a half-flight of stairs. Enjoy their authentic Northern Italian Cuisine, intimate atmosphere and friendly service. The founders came from Italy,
Vicenza ( a pretty city 30 miles west from Venice) and Rimini (a famous seaside city resort on the Riviera Adriatica). The restaurant serves authentic Northern Italian Food, unique flavors, fresh ingredients and creative recipes prepared by Italian chefs.
Pasta Beach – 7 Memorial Blvd – With the chefs and owner behind the counter conversing in Italian, it is clear that Pasta Beach offers truly authentic Italian food. The decor, like the menu, is simple and fresh with marble top tables and rattan bistro chairs. Menu items range from ultra thin crust pizza, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and salads. Everything is made with the freshest ingredients available. A limited number of reservations are accepted.
Trattoria Simpatico– 13 Narragansett Ave #1, Jamestown RI – Another great spot for al fresco dining, Trattoria Simpatico specializes in high-quality, fresh foods using local ingredients. Since 1993, proprietor Phyllis Bedard has dedicated herself to creating a fun, casual and welcoming environment for her guests to enjoy a great meal and good company. Often selected as a romantic spot, they have hosted a number of engagements, first dates and ongoing romances, in addition to making a fun and friendly atmosphere for friends and family to gather and enjoy good conversation and great food.
Rhumbline – 62 Bridge St – Rhumbline Restaurant is situated in a lovely old colonial home near the Visitor Center in the historic Point Area of Newport. The chef, Ian McIntyre, makes specials every night, and when available, will use what is fresh in his garden. He specializes in American continental cuisine and makes use of local seafood and produce. He has a varied menu serving fish, beef and pork. The restaurant will gladly create a custom menu for private parties of up to 100 people, and it is a popular place for rehearsal dinners. On Friday and Saturday evenings there is live jazz piano music for your listening pleasure. Overall, it is a very elegant and comfortable dining experience here. Parking is also available at the Visitor Center.993,
Proprietor Phyllis Bedard has dedicated herself to creating a fun, casual and welcoming environment for her guests to enjoy a great meal and good company. Often selected as a romantic spot, they have hosted a number of engagements, first dates and ongoing romances, in addition to making a fun and friendly atmosphere for friends and family to gather and enjoy good conversation and great food.
Franklin Spa – 229 Spring St – Newport is not a town well-known for its breakfast, but Franklin Spa takes the cake for best breakfast spot in town. Franklin Spa has been serving breakfast and lunch fare on the corner of Spring St. and Franklin St. since 1999. Located centrally just a block from Thames, makes Franklin Spa a great place to stop either for all-day breakfast or a quick bite before heading out to tour Newport. The restaurant’s great food and affordable prices attract both locals and tourists, while the comfortable, friendly atmosphere brings many back.
Atlantic Grille – 91 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown – “The Grille” serves up great pancakes, eggs, specialty wraps, killer eggs benny…variations on the benny too (served only on the weekends and holidays), and a slamming daily specials list. They have also added an extensive and delicious dinner menu, and now have a full bar.
Slice of Heaven – 32 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown – Since 2001, Slice of Heaven has been committed to achieving the highest quality bakery standards. All Slice of Heaven bakery items are scratch-made on the premises using only the finest ingredients available. Proprietors Steven and Maria Liebhauser invite you to enjoy a delicious treat at their place or yours.
Bars:
Pour Judgement – 32 Broadway – Hands down, the best beer selection in Newport. Their beer menu changes constantly, so you never know what special limited-edition microbrew will strike your fancy. They do have a complete bar with wine and mixed drinks. In addition, Pour Judgement serves the best bar food in town. This is a favorite spot for the locals, so getting a table can be hard.
Fastnet Pub – 1 Broadway – What would Newport be without an Irish bar? The Fastnet is where we get our fill of Kilkenny, Irish lasses, and live music. Great beer, excellent service, and guaranteed entertainment. If you like to see people in running clothing, stop by after 7 pm on Thursday nights, when Fastnet plays host to the
The Clarke Cooke House – Bannister’s Wharf – Yes, we listed the Cooke House as one of the best restaurants. It’s also one of the best bars… actually, 5 of the best bars, in town. The first floor is the Bistro, with live music and views of passersby on the wharf. One set of stairs up is the Midway Bar, more intimate with a fireplace. Up again is the Candy Store, where you can watch over action on the wharf and check out the classy folk on their way up to the Sky Bar, the Cooke House’s highest floor bar. In the basement level is the Boom Boom Room, where the dance floor is monitored by video cameras, playing the action on TV screens at the bar. There is NEVER a dull moment on any floor at the Cooke House!
22 Bowen’s Portside – Bowen’s Wharf – Believe it or not, outdoor restaurants and bars are few and far between in Newport. 22 Bowen’s has a great outside area called Portside, which sits right up against the side of the wharf (with our boats Aquidneck, Sightsailer, and Starlight all residing next door). The four sided bar allows for the absolute best people watching in all of Newport, with the drinks being an added perk!
The Rooftop at the Hotel Viking – 1 Bellevue Ave – Boasting incredible hill-top views and live jazz music, the rooftop bar at the Hotel Viking is a place that you can’t afford to miss. On the corner of Touro Street and Bellevue Ave, the Viking is perfectly located between restaurants, shops, parks, and more. The bar experience is classic and relaxed with a distinct Newport vibe.
Cafe Zelda’s -528 Thames St – Obviously, Newport has a few sailor bars. Just a few. Zelda’s is our favorite. The restaurant does make some amazing food, but the bar has a charm all it’s own. With regatta pictures, trophies, and signs plastering its navy blue walls, Zelda’s is the perfect spot for after-sailing beers that turn into all-night fun.
@ the Deck – 1 Waites Wharf – Formerly known as the West Deck, @ the Deck is a very happening spot in town. Located right on the water on Waites Wharf, the bar has a great view and a fun ambiance. This is not a quiet spot for those looking to relax with a glass of chilled Pinot Gris. Get ready to sing and dance!
The Fifth Element – 111 Broadway – The new spot for the Fifth Element brings a bit of NYC to Newport. With more of an urban lounge scene, the Fifth Element boasts a full bar, dine-in restaurant, and live music on weekend nights.
Narragansett Cafe – 25 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown – Affectionately known as “The Ganny”, the Narragansett Cafe is one of the coolest and most laid-back bars in the area. There is never a dull moment at the Ganny. Pool table, darts, shuffleboard, and live music are just a few of the things that attract all of the locals in the area.