The city of Newport sacrifices nothing when it comes to decadence and seaside luxury. Home to the Breakers and some of the most well-known historic mansions on the eastern seaboard, it's quite high-end, to say the least. It's also a city that specializes in all things that come from the sea thanks to its backward L-shaped inlet location, which positions it straight into the Atlantic.Some of the best restaurants in Rhode Island can be found in Newport along the coast, and one would be remiss to forgo seaside views to go with these incredible dishes. In Newport, anything from fine dining to food trucks on the water is fair game, and these should be on the list.* All costs are per person and for an average dinner dish.
Feelin' Fancy?
22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille
Found on a picturesque part of one of Newport's famed cobblestone streets, 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille is the epitome of the classic charm this city is so well-known for. As a traditional seaside tavern, diners can expect indulgent yet classic dishes, where old-world flavors meet modern techniques and presentations.
- Average Cost: $45, depending on steak cut or seafood variety
- Must-Try Dish(es): Lobster roll, any of the steak dishes
- Hours: Monday - Friday 12 PM - 3:30 PM, 5 PM - 9 PM
- Address: 22 Bowen's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
The Lobster Bar Newport
The great thing about dining at The Lobster Bar is its location in Historic Newport. After a long day of exploring this incredible city, diners can head to the end of Bowen's Wharf to find this waterfront restaurant. Coupled with 180-degree views of the harbor, it's both dreamy and delicious.
- Average Cost: $35
- Must-Try Dish(es):
- Hours: Sunday - Thursday 12 PM - 8 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM
- Address: 31 Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Giusto Newport
As the name implies, this unique restaurant is 'just right.' Giusto specializes in classic flavors with an experienced twist thanks to Chef Kevin O'Donnell, who has two decades of skill and talent behind him. The cuisine, which is called freestyle Italian, gives way to some incredible dishes.
- Average Cost: $20
- Must-Try Dish(es): Chef's Tasting Menu, Squid Ink Calamari
- Hours: Monday - Thursday 4:30 PM - 11 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 11 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM
- Address: 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
The Regent Lounge & Firepit
The Lounge & Firepit offers exclusive views from within The Regent, from the vantage point of a chic lounge filled with firepits. If the drama and atmosphere don't enrapture diners then the dinner menu (and drinks) certainly will. Diners have described the Lounge as romantic and upscale, with dishes that are equally as enticing and modern to match. It's the perfect place to have a relaxing sit-down dinner or stop for appetizers and drinks with stunning views of the harbor.
- Average Cost: $20
- Must-Try Dish(es): Seafood 'Snacks,' Lobster Roll
- Hours: Daily 5 PM - 10 PM
- Address: 1 Goat Island, Newport, RI 02840
Skiff Bar
The Skiff Bar is super casual and a great place to gather with friends over good drinks, great eats, and sweeping harbor views. The bar specializes in craft beer and a casual pub-style menu to match.
- Average Cost: $30
- Must-Try Dish(es): Flatbreads, Buffalo Wings
- Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 AM - 9 PM, Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM
- Address: 25 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Belle's Cafe At Newport Shipyard
According to Discover Newport, Belle's Cafe is one of the 'best-kept secrets' in Newport, Rhode Island - as far as breakfast and lunch are concerned, anyway! The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a menu that's fresh, bright, and local, with special dinner hours on weekends.
- Average Cost: $13-$25
- Must-Try Dish(es):
- Hours: Daily 8 AM - 2 PM, closed on Tuesdays / Friday & Saturday 5 PM - 9 PM for dinner
- Address: 1 Washington Street, Newport, RI 02840
Going Casual?
Food trucks are becoming more and more popular all across the country and Newport is home to two very unique mobile dining cuisines. If there's one thing to love about this city it's the sheer number of places one can grab a bite and sit down by the water, and these food trucks provide the perfect way to do that - with some incredible food, to boot.
A Mano Pizza + Gelato
A Mano Pizza + Gelato makes its own handmade gelato and brick-oven pizza. Owner and Chef Simone Ferrara make every pizza by hand (as implied by the name) with only four ingredients. The result? A Neapolitan pizza that makes diners think they've closed their eyes and been transported to Naples.
- Average Cost: $5 gelato, $14 pizza
- Must-Try Dish(es): Margherita pizza, Proscuitto di Parma, Gianduja
- Hours & Address: Find their food trail here.
La Costa
Owned by the same creators of La Forge Restaurant, La Costa is the only food truck in Newport putting out lobster and tacos. This full-range Mexican food menu is full of flavor and unique twists, leaving fans coming back time after time for these classic dishes.
- Average Cost: $5 tacos, $21 lobster rolls
- Must-Try Dish(es): Lobster taco
- Hours & Address: Find their food trail here.