There's nothing I love more than trying restaurants in my little state of Rhode Island. One of the most popular questions I get every year from friends, family and followers is "Where should I eat in Newport?" This time, I thought it would be great to compile a list because I do have so many favorites.
Personally, I always love a place that is consistent, has a great vibe and delicious food and drinks. I tend to go to the same places during high season, but I also love exploring new spots. Some places are great with the kids and some I love going with just girlfriends, couples or on a date night.


Here are my top Newport restaurants for lunch and dinner:
TSK — By far, my favorite restaurant in all of Newport. A fun vibe with elevated dishes and excellent cocktails. The menu changes frequently, but expect delicious salads and veggies, pastas and high quality cuts of meat and seafood. During the summer months, book a patio table and be immersed in the lively scene on Thames Street.
Audette — From the team behind TSK, this spot on Thames has a chic bar and dining room serving authentic French food. Don't miss the Caesar salad, the veggie sides and the poulet en croute (also known as a chicken pot pie).
Flora — The drinks are yummy and the vibe is great. The halibut and appetizers were all really tasty. I need to go back and try some more options.
Clarke Cooke House — A Newport institution, I love going for a drink at the bar or lunch and dinner. You can't go wrong with the fresh local oysters, sushi and their burger. We also do a lot of birthdays and special occasions here. Always a great scene, too.
Aurelia at Castle Hill — If you are celebrating a special occasion or want an amazing date night this is your place. The food is elevated and wine and cocktails are really good. The chef's tasting is not to be missed.
Black Pearl — One of my favorites down on the wharf. I enjoy dining indoors in the cooler months and the outdoor patio for a casual meal during the summertime. A good spot to bring the kiddos, I'm a fan of the burger, salads and clam chowder.
The Dining Room at The Vanderbilt — A chic spot for a delicious cocktail or an elevated special meal. The elegant main restaurant offers dishes with lots of fresh New England ingredients—oysters, seafood and meats. The rooftop is one of Newport's best kept secrets for a sunset cocktail.
Giusto — One of my go-to spots year round, the menu is a spin on classic Italian dishes with lots of local ingredients in a great atmosphere. The cocktails and wine are also top notch. I love sitting on the lounge chairs on the deck or at the sleek bar.
White Horse Tavern — A great dinner spot in the fall and winter months with a cozy historic vibe (it is the oldest tavern in the US). The food and drink are great, too!
Mother Pizza — From the owners of Giusto, this casual spot has great pizzas and salads. It's also a good spot after a mansion tour or the cliff walk.
Little Clam — Inside at the newly reopened Wayfinder Hotel, this spot is great for dinner and drinks and it's a little off the beaten path. Order the crudo, cucumber salad and the calamari. Don't miss the Thai style whole fish.
The Carriage House at the Elms — I love the setting of this spot that just opened this past summer. It offers salads, pastas and sandwiches on the grounds of The Elms mansion.
Newport Harbor Island — I've had a few great nights at this hotel. Pre-dinner cocktails are a plus while you can watch the sunset (grab a fire pit during the fall and winter months) and ordering some snacks and apps at the Torpedo bar is always a good idea.
Bar 'Cino — A great spot for grilled pizzas, salads, pastas and wine. This one is kid friendly too, but also fab with friends or on a date night.
Pasta Beach — More of a local scene with a great vibe and cool bar area. I love the delicious pastas and thin-crust pizzas.
Perro Salado — Good margaritas and yummy Mexican cuisine in a historic Newport building.
Stoneacre Brasserie —I love the interiors of this space and it's a good spot for lunch. They make great cocktails, too!
The Lawn at Castle Hill — One of the best spots to be on a beautiful day in Newport. This restaurant is one of my favorites to take friends on a gorgeous summer day. Perfect spot to share some dishes and order a bottle of rosé.
CRU Cafe —Perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch with hearty portions right off of Bellevue Ave. They have great salads and sandwiches and it's always bustling.
Annie's — Old school all day cafe good for breakfast or lunch right by the Tennis Hall of Fame. They make a great turkey club.
Newport Lobster Shack —A casual spot for chowder and lobster rolls on picnic tables overlooking the water. A summer and early fall spot.
Yagi Noodles — Located in the shopping plaza right across from Mother, I still have not been to this place but peeked in many times and always drool over their ramen menu.
Forty 1 North —Another waterfront spot, perfect for a summer day or night overlooking some of Newport's fanciest boats. I love the outdoor bar for lunch and a cocktail.
Scales & Shells —One of the first Newport restaurants I've ever been to, this is a good spot for Italian classics with fresh local seafood such as the lobster fra diavolo for two and linguine with clam sauce. Upstairs a new lounge for cocktails and light Italian fare is open on the weekends.
Let me know in the comments if any of these spots are your favorite and if I missed any. Pics of Castle Hill Inn, Giusto. TSK are my own.
Share this story



