One of the biggest things I miss when we move to another city is the food. Finding a favorite restaurant and then having to leave it is torture! Especially for hubby and I, who are closet foodies. Actually, who knows what the term “foodie” even means…?
But we do love our date nights and trying new dining spots! We’ve lived in some awesome places for food (such as San Diego). Pretty much if you ever get the chance to live in Newport Rhode Island, plan for a large eating out budget because it’s there are just too many good restaurants.
Newport Rhode Island is home to some of the most amazing, cute, quaint & delish restaurants.
One caveat to this post is that we left Newport in February of 2011. A few years have passed, and while I did my best to make sure these restaurants are still up & running and amazing, I did hear recently that a bunch of new hot spots has opened up. I’d love to hear from you in the comments if you have a new favorite not listed here, or if you have an update on any of these spots. Thanks!
Here’s the list of the best restaurants in Newport RI
- Brick Alley Pub. Our absolute favorite in Newport, the Brick Alley Pub was a fun sports-themed restaurant, very kid-friendly and tasty food for all. It was home to our all-time favorite clam chowder– and when you live in New England, you taste a lot of chowders. We miss it!
- Sardella’s Italian Restaurant. We loved this little spot, especially in the winter. A lot of restaurants shut down in the winter for holiday or doing renovations. Because it can get stinking cold here! During the slower months (not sure about the summer) Sardella has a Dinner for Two special on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights that’s a real steal for a nice Italian place. Great weeknight date!
- 22 Bowen’s. Not surprisingly, 22 Bowen’s is at 22 Bowen’s wharf. Think Ruth’s Chris of Newport, with surf & turf in a steakhouse environment. Waterfront views are a nice perk! It’s worth a pause to mention that 22 Bowen’s is a member of the Newport Restaurant Group, which has a rewards program for eating out at certain Newport restaurants as well as some in the surrounding areas. I’m not sure if it still works the same way it did when we lived there, but it’s worth looking into.
- The Mooring. Also a member of the Newport Restaurant Group. Delicious cuisine from land or sea, with a view. On the pricey side but perfect for a special occasion or when relatives are visiting and you want a nice dinner out.
- Pour Judgement. On the more economical side, Pour Judgement is an all-around winner. I’d heard good things about it during our brief time in Newport, and we didn’t eat there until it was almost time to move again. I really wished we had tried it sooner because I know I would have been back many times. We had a lot of friends who put this as their #1 restaurant in town. Down to earth pub food as well as a few “fine dining” options, craft beer, and a fun environment make this a go-to spot.
- Diego’s. There weren’t a whole lot of Mexican food choices in the area when we lived there. We found a yummy spot up in Portsmouth but I just learned that it’s closed permanently. Diego’s is a vibrant, trendy place in downtown with fresh ingredients, tasty guac, and great food. I even took a little cooking class there sponsored by the base spouse’s club, where I learned how to make fish tacos and met a spouse that I’m still friends with!
- Tokyo House. Delicious Japanese food including bento boxes, sushi, and hibachi/teppanyaki-style cooking. We loved this spot and it was a nice change from all the seafood/chowder and pub type spots in New England. We had a lot of fun at the hibachi grill with friends watching them build the onion volcano. =)