The Best Restaurants in Newport, Rhode Island

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.

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Here are my top Newport restaurants:

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.

Clarke Cooke House —A Newport institution, I love going for a drink, a lunch with friends and dinner. We also do a lot of birthdays and special occasions here. Always a great scene, too.

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 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 bar.

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.

Stoneacre Brasserie —I love the interiors of this space and a good spot for year round Newport dining. They make great cocktails, too!

Pasta Beach —More of a local scene with a great vibe and cool bar area. I love the delicious pastas and thin-crust pizzas.

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 for a cocktail on the Adirondack chairs or meal on the patio.

The Reef —Everyone loves to dine waterside when they come to Newport. I'm a fan of the buttered lobster roll in the summer sitting al fresco.

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.

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, The Reef, TSK.

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