A bustling historical town with a wealth of excellent places to eat, Rhode Island’s Newport is a treat for any visiting foodies.
If you’re planning a trip there and you don’t wat to miss out, here’s our list of the best restaurants in Newport, RI, to give you some idea about where to start.
Best Restaurants in Newport
1. Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
At close to 40 years old and counting, Brick Alley is nothing short of a Newport institution. They serve classic pub-style food, including, as you’d expect, plenty of produce from the sea.
One of the highlights at Brick Alley is their lobster rolls, which are both reasonably priced and extremely tasty. Also, look out for the spicy fried buffalo shrimp or the classic baked scallops. They also offer a decent selection of salads as well as steaks for those who prefer meat.
The drinks menu is impressive, with a full range of martinis and other cocktails, assorted whiskies, vodkas, tequilas, rums and more along with a good selection of beer and an extensive wine list.
Reservations are possible, but even without one, you’ll still probably be able to secure a table. This restaurant is always popular, and the atmosphere is usually lively, making it a fun place to stop by for a drink and a feed in laidback and friendly surroundings.
Address: 140 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-849-6334
Price: $$
Website: www.brickalley.com
2. Sardella’s Italian Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for hearty classic homestyle Italian cuisine, there are few better places in town than Sardella’s, a restaurant that serves food according to family recipes that have been passed down through the generations.
Look out for such treats as the lobster ravioli or Zia’s meatballs, one of the house specialties. You can also order pizza from Imbriglio’s next door, giving you an even wider selection of irresistible food to choose from.
The décor is warm and cozy, and the service is fast and efficient. Furthermore, Wednesday nights are jazz nights, so that’s a great time to visit for an even more memorable experience.
Reservations are possible via the website or by calling – but usually, they’ll do their best to seat you even if you haven’t booked ahead.
Address: 30 Memorial Blvd W, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-849-6312
Price: $$
Website: sardellas.com
3. The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Unsurprisingly, Newport is a town with no shortage of seafood restaurants, and with an enviable waterfront location, The Mooring is among the best.
From the extensive raw bar, you can enjoy a selection of three types of oysters as well as chilled white Mexican shrimp, lobster claw or a whole chilled lobster. Alternatively, if you’re not sure what to order, you can go for the raw bar platter to sample a range of seafood treats.
There’s also a good selection of appetizers to choose from, and they offer a variety of fish and seafood mains too, all of which can be washed down with something from their award-winning wine list.
This is a relatively upmarket restaurant, so the food isn’t cheap. However, the prices are more than reasonable for this kind of quality, the service and the locale, so if you’re looking for an excellent seafood meal, The Moorings should be high on your list of possibilities.
Address: 1 Sayers Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-846-2260
Price: $$$
Website: www.mooringrestaurant.com
4. Jo’s American Bistro
As you can probably guess from the name, Jo’s specializes in all-American favorites, which are served in a classy yet casual environment.
The restaurant’s signature dishes include the bacon onion jam burger, the lobster salad roll and the dry dock fish and chips, each one guaranteed to make your mouth water.
Other menu items of note are the duck and lobster quesadilla and the steamed littlenecks – and their steaks are always popular too.
The bar stocks a good selection of beers, they have a range of interesting cocktails and the wine list contains both American and international wines.
Reservations can be made through opentable.com and are recommended, although outside of the busiest periods, you should be able to get a table without booking.
In short, this is the perfect place to head for familiar American classics at reasonable prices in a popular and lively eatery.
Address: 24 Memorial Blvd W, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-847-5506
Price: $$
Website: josamericanbistro.com
5. Pasta Beach Newport
Another great Italian option in Newport but with a more contemporary vibe than Sardella’s above.
As the name suggests, pasta dishes are one of the restaurant’s specialties, but they serve far more than just that – and since the executive chefs and pizza chef are all Italian, you just know it’s all going to be as authentic as it comes.
Expect to find classic Italian dishes such as Milanese di pollo, bistecca alla griglia and zuppa di pesce. They also have a good selection of antipasti to snack on while you wait for your mains to come, and the pizzas are the real deal and arrive loaded with toppings.
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to enjoy a meal al fresco when the weather permits. Reservations can be made by phoning ahead.
Address: 138 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-847-2222
Price: $$
Website: www.pastabeach.com/newport
6. The Fifth Element
The Fifth Element describes itself as being “where bar meets grill”, and it’s a great place to find some delicious, beautifully presented food in a classy yet unpretentious setting.
The vibe is laidback and trendy, and the menu is at the same time familiar yet creative – check out their take on poutine or the house special Fifth Burger with applewood smoked bacon, bibb lettuce, tomato, American cheese, sriracha aioli and sliced pickles.
They also serve succulent steaks, tasty ribs and juicy salmon as well as a few excellent vegetarian options too.
The drinks menu is just as impressive, with a wide range of original cocktails – try the Element Martini or the West Indies Old Fashioned – along with a decent selection of beers and plenty of choice when it comes to wine.
The restaurant also has its own beer garden, which is a great place to enjoy a few drinks or a bite to eat when the weather is fine.
Address: 111 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-619-2552
Price: $$
Website: www.thefifthri.com
7. The Red Parrot Restaurant
A popular restaurant located in one of Newport’s historic buildings, The Red Parrot serves a range of contemporary American dishes, burgers, pizzas and fresh seafood.
There’s a raw bar with only the freshest shellfish, including island mussels and clams, clams on the half shell or oysters, also on the half shell.
Don’t miss the lobster nachos or the lobster quesadillas – or if you prefer meat, the Sexy Steak and Gorgonzola might be more your thing. On the other hand, the lobster-stuffed New York strip steak is the perfect compromise if you can’t choose between seafood and beef.
They also serve a good selection of creative salads, and the pizzas come with toppings you’re unlikely to find anywhere else – the crispy calamari pizza is just one example.
In fact, the menu is extremely extensive, and there are far more dishes worth checking out than we have space to mention – so the best option is to head over to the restaurant and have a look for yourself!
Address: 348 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-847-3800
Price: $$
Website: www.redparrotrestaurant.com
8. Diego’s
When it comes to delicious yet affordable Mexican fare, Diego’s is one of the top picks in town. Featuring quirky and original décor and staffed by friendly and helpful waiters, it’s an ever-popular spot for lunch or dinner – as well as for weekend brunches.
The menu contains variations of all your Mexican favorites such as nachos, tacos, burritos and more. Alongside the classics, you’ll find some more unique takes on Mexican cuisine such as the Korean BBQ pork belly tacos to name but one.
The menu also contains many vegan and gluten-free options, so it’s a good place to visit for people with special dietary requirements.
The drinks menu is almost bewilderingly extensive and contains Mexico-inspired cocktails, tiki drinks, a huge list of spirits and a good selection of wines.
Something else that’s good to know is that out of season, Thursday nights are nacho nights, making it a great time to visit to sample some of the different versions they do accompanied by a few drinks among friends.
Address: 11 Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-619-2640
Price: $$
Website: www.diegosnewport.com
9. 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille
If you’re looking for tasty steak or seafood, friendly and attentive service, atmospheric décor and a location with a great view, you’ll find all of those things at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar and Grille.
The chilled seafood selection includes fresh oysters, Jonah crab, and littleneck clams – or a sampler that allows you to try them all and more.
Then there’s wild yellowfin tuna, halibut, steamed Maine lobster – or alternatively, filet mignon with blue cheese, duo of duck or veal osso buco if you don’t feel like something from the sea.
The drinks menu offers seasonal cocktails, the beer selection is particularly impressive, and those who prefer wine will have plenty of options to choose from too.
To finish, there’s also a dessert menu featuring many irresistible sweet treats to round off the perfect meal.
Reservations are not required – but they are encouraged if you want to be sure to get a table.
Address: 22 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-841-8884
Price: $$$
Website: www.22bowens.com
10. Bouchard Restaurant & Inn
For a special occasion, there are several upmarket restaurants in Newport, and one that’s unlikely to disappoint is Bouchard. Heavily influenced by French cuisine, this is one of the town’s top spots for fine dining.
Featuring elegant décor, the restaurant offers both four-course and five-course options.
These include French starters such as escargots or steak tartare and mains such as beef filet with demi-glace sauce or duck with pepper. With the five-course menu, it’s also possible to add caviar for a supplement.
The service is attentive, as you would expect, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of the meal – although this is still not a place to head if your budget is limited.
That said, if you’re looking for somewhere to splurge and you want to sample some of the finest dining Newport has to offer, Bouchard is unlikely to let you down.
Note that this restaurant has a dress code, and sneakers, flip-flops, jeans, t-shirts and similar items are not allowed. Check the website for further details.
Address: 505 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-846-0123
Price: $$$
Website: bouchardnewport.com
11. Perro Salado
Another place where you can get your Mexican fix while in Newport, Perro Salado is a small, intimate restaurant with friendly service and excellent food.
Many of the dishes they serve feature seafood – look out for the fish tacos or the lobster quesadillas. You’ll also find all the familiar classics alongside a good selection of plant-based options.
Reservations are not required but are highly recommended.
Address: 19 Charles St, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-619-4777
Price: $$
Website: www.perrosalado.com
12. Midtown Oyster Bar
A classic oyster bar with a large raw bar featuring not only a rotating selection of fresh-shucked oysters but also smoked bluefish dip, Hamachi sashimi, littleneck clams and chilled shrimp to name but a few.
Other items to look out for include the octopus tacos and The Leviathan shared platter that gives you the chance to taste a little bit of just about everything they serve.
The restaurant features classic décor, a laidback atmosphere and seating both indoors and out. Reservations can be made through the website.
Address: 345 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-619-4100
Price: $$$
Website: www.midtownoyster.com
13. White Horse Tavern
If you enjoy a bit of history to go with your meal, the White Horse Tavern is an essential stop on your itinerary since it’s the oldest tavern in the US.
Boasting classic colonial architecture, it has a story that stretches right back to 1673 when it was converted from a residence to a tavern. This makes it old not just by American standards but globally too – it’s considered to be the 10th oldest restaurant in the world.
As you would hope, the food in this storied eatery is of excellent quality, and you will find menu items such as caviar, oysters and assorted shellfish sampling platters to tempt you.
If you want a seafood main, you can opt for lobster or simply the catch of the day, and meat-eaters will be well-served with the likes of beef wellington or crispy duck breast.
Understandably, this restaurant is extremely popular and gets booked up quickly, so you are advised to make a reservation between two and four weeks prior to your visit. This can be done through the website.
Address: 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840
Telephone: 401-849-3600
Price: $$$
Website: whitehorsenewport.com
A challenge deciding where to go first
So as we have seen, from inexpensive pub-style restaurants to fancy seafood bars and restaurants for fine dining, in Newport, you’ll be spoiled for choice. In fact, probably the biggest challenge is going to be deciding which restaurant to visit first.
