Newport County, Rhode Island, is renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, reflecting its coastal location and rich history. The area boasts an array of dining options that cater to all tastes, from seafood lovers to gourmet food enthusiasts.
As a coastal region, Newport County excels in fresh seafood dishes. You can find everything from casual clam shacks serving up fried clams and lobster rolls to upscale seafood restaurants offering elegantly prepared fish, scallops, and oysters, often sourced straight from local waters. The Lobster Bar and The Mooring are popular spots for high-quality seafood with waterfront views.
Newport County also has a strong local farming community. Many restaurants in Newport County emphasize farm-to-table menus, featuring seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. Restaurants like Castle Hill Inn and Jamestown Fish pride themselves on creating dishes that showcase the best of what local producers have to offer.
Here we will talk a little about some of the locals favorite options.
Jamestown has its own little thriving dining scene. Right along Narragansett Boulevard and North Road you’ll find more than a dozen restaurants, cafes, and bars. For such a small place, the selection is surprisingly wide, too. You can can get traditional BBQ, seafood, Italian, old fashioned delis, ice cream shops, and more. If you’re looking for live music, stop by the Narragansett Café (known as “the Ganny”) for local and touring musicians on Friday and Saturday nights. The Ganny is a destination spot for blues music and host some of the best blues musicians in New England on a regular basis.
Little Compton’s restaurant scene is fairly limited due to its small population, but there are a few local favorites that never disappoint. Most of your dining options will be north towards Tiverton in the Four Corners neighborhood and further along the Sakonnet River. Middletown, Portsmouth, Fall River, and Bristol aren’t too far away either and all offer plenty of dining options.
Being so close to Newport, Middletown residents have nearly endless options for fantastic restaurants and bars. And yet there are restaurants in town that are just as good as what you’ll find in downtown Newport. The beachfront area by First Beach and Memorial Boulevard has great seafood and bars, including the Atlantic Grille, Rusty’s, Tickets, and more.
Take a drive down Route 77 along Tiverton’s waterfront and you’ll find a handful of amazing restaurants: The Boat House, The Red Dory, Moulin Rouge, Plouf Plouf Gastronomie and more. The seafood selection here is some of the best you’ll find in the East Bay area of Rhode Island. You also have classic “town favorites” like Evelyn’s Drive-in, where you can sit at the picnic tables and enjoy their famous clam cakes and chowder.
Portsmouth has its own little community of local restaurants that attract people from all over the state. The Island Park neighborhood on the northern side of Portsmouth has several spots along Park Avenue, including Flo’s Drive In, 15 Point Road, and Thrive Coffee House. Most of the other restaurants and bars in Portsmouth line Route 114 and 138 heading towards Middletown.
The spring, summer and early autumn seasons in Newport bring in tens of thousands of visitors and seasonal residents every year. Naturally, the food & beverage industry is a highlight here. It’s home to nearly every kind of cuisine you can imagine, from fine-dining to casual dives. Simply walk along America’s Cup Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, Thames Street, or Broadway and you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Situated on an unbelievably picturesque estate on Aquidneck Island’s southern tip, Castle Hill offers a view of Newport that’s unbeatable. You can sit outside on the lawn, enjoy a cocktail and select menu offerings or get a reservation at their esteemed restaurant.
One of Newport’s premier dining and lodging establishments. You’ll find artfully-inspired dishes, award-winning hospitality, and a fine-dining experience like no other along Newport’s harbor district.
One of Newport’s destination restaurants for fresh seafood and dockside dining. It’s an established 35-year classic spot with raw bar offerings, extensive wine list, and private dining options.
Officially known as “America’s Oldest Tavern” the White Horse has been serving hungry mouths in Newport since 1673. It’s transformed into a tourist attraction altogether, offering fine American cuisine, a tavern shop, and private event space.