The restaurants in Newport, RI offer a wide selection of dining experiences to suit many different tastes. This is our short list of Newport's best restaurants -- where we know the food and the dinner service will be consistently good and meet your expectations. We are happy to make and confirm all Inn guests' dinner reservations -- which we strongly recommend on all weekends. Email or call us for suggestions or reservations. Directions will be available for you at the Inn.
For other Newport RI restaurants, take-out, lunch places, and other dining suggestions, check out Best of Newport.Com -- Newport's best online guide and recommendation site for all things Newport. We have also put together a wine tour guide with southern New England's best wineries and vineyards -- all of which are nearby.
TUCKER'S BISTRO A romantic and funky, Parisian-style bistro on Newport's new "restaurant row" Broadway. Most nights, colorful owner Tucker is on hand -- choreographing dinner and taking your orders. Eclectic American with interesting international twists. Good food and good service. A guest and staff favorite. Reservations accepted. Smart Casual. $ $ $ 401-846-3449
CAFE ZELDA Casual yet fine American cuisine with a nice mix of meat and seafood, and probably the best gourmet burger in town. Pass through the always crowded small bar into the quieter environs of the dining room. Nice wine list. Smart Casual. $ $ $ 401-849-4002
THE MOORING SEAFOOD KITCHEN & BAR In an oceanside town, full of seafood, this takes our vote for top seafood spot. The Mooring has left its tourist trap past behind and emerged as a stylish, waterfront restaurant, with a nice selection of fresh seafood and shellfish, true surf and turf combos, and finally, a decent dining experience where you can order a traditional lobster dinner. Great harbor views, a well-priced wine list and selection, and a good raw bar. Can get a little hectic on a busy night. Reservations recommended, especially during warmer months. Smart Casual. $ $ $ 401-846-2260
22 BOWEN'S WHARF WINE BAR & GRILLE Newport's best wine bar and steakhouse rolled into one. Unlike many of the mediocre waterfront restaurants, this is the real deal -- though be prepared to pay the price. Several dozen wines by the glass, a top shelf selection of meats and an equally enticing array of seafood. Several levels of dining, and nice outdoor space in season. Lunch too. Can be noisy on a busy night. Reservations recommended. Business Casual/Formal. Jacket recommended. $ $ $ $ $ 401-841-8884
RESTAURANT BOUCHARD Newport's finest French restaurant. A quiet, romantic country French setting in an elegant, historic Georgian-style house on Thames Street. Expect excellent service and a nicely chosen wine list. Reservations accepted. Business Casual/Formal. Jacket recommended. $ $ $ $ 401-846-0123
THE WHITE HORSE TAVERN Probably the best overall formal dining experience in Newport. The White Horse is famous for being America's longest operating tavern, opened in 1697. Elegant, leisurely, dining in historic, colonial surroundings. Fireplaces in the cooler months are wonderful. American cuisine nicely prepared. Consistently good service. Reservations essential. Business Casual/Formal. Though once required, jackets now recommended. $ $ $ $ 401-849-3600
NEWPORT TOKYO HOUSE Newport's top spot for sushi. Along with the usual sushi/sashimi offerings, the chef's special rolls are unique and very tasty. Be adventureous, you'll be glad you were. New Hibachi Grill tables pair chefing theatrics with good Japanese grilled offerings. Dinner served later than most other restaurants. Casual. $ $ 401-847-8888
PUERINI'S This family-run Italian bistro is located on nearby Memorial Boulevard. Well known for making its own pasta. Newly expanded outdoor seating. Reservations not accepted but we will help get you seated. Smart Casual. $ $ 401-847-5506