The Best Waterfront Restaurants in Newport (2024)

22 BOWEN'S WINE BAR + GRILLE

A classic harbor-side restaurant with al fresco seating, indulgent food and sophisticated charm,22 Bowen'sis situatedamid the buzz of Bowen's Wharf. Opt to dine on their patio, or head across the cobblestone path toPortside (open seasonally), the restaurant's open-air, harborside barserving up co*cktails and bites.

@ THE DECK

Tucked away on Waite's Wharf overlooking the harbor is@ The Deckwhere a casual atmosphere and fresh, local seafood reign supreme. Their waterfront patio serves up lighter fare like fish & chips and RI calamari, alongside a selection of craft co*cktails.

BELLE'S CAFE

Thisdockside cafetucked away in Newport Shipyard (an actual working shipyard)is often referred to as one of Newport's hidden gems, and with good reason.The cafe'soutdoor seating is situated next to some of Newport's most impressiveboats and yachts; not to mention we've heard people say the pancakes are some of the best they've ever had. We won't deny it. (Open seasonally)

THE BLACK PEARL

The Black Pearlis pretty mucha Newport icon.It opened in the 1970s and has been serving award-winning chowder since. Their waterside patio is located smack dab in the middle of Newport's historic Bannister's Wharf and recently received a revamp,now outfitted with chic bistro seating and retractable pergola for enhanced shade. Savorharbor viewsand a new menu includingraw bar options, sandwiches, soups and more.

Pro tip: Don't skip the chowder. Like we said,it's kind of world-famous.

CASTLE HILL INN

Make your way down scenic Ocean Drive where you'll findCastle Hillpeacefully tucked away. Their upscale, elegantdining roomoffers 180 degree views of the bay and overlooks a 42-foot highflagpole built to replicate the mast and rigging used on the 1905Herreshoff NY-30 class sailing yachts. In sum,you feel like you're dining on an exclusive ship. Opt to dine indoors, or head outside to theirwaterfront lawn spotted withAdirondack chairs overlooking the bay—asummer staple. Offeringpanoramic views, classic New England fare and warm-weather co*cktails, you might find it hard to leave.

THE CAFEAT THE CHANLER

Step outside onto the patio adorned in a sunset-inspired paletteand soft flowing draped fabric panels commissioned from a local sail-maker for an ethereal experience. Like something out of a dream,The CafeatThe Chanleroverlooks the Atlantic Ocean and First Beach below. Enjoy aMediterranean-inspired menu with classic New England fare for lunch and dinner.

CLARKE COOKE HOUSE

A classic Newport dining experience, the legendaryClarke Cooke Housedressed in America's Cup prints and sailing memorabilia on Bannister's Wharf overlooksNewport Harbor.The first-floor Candy Store serves casual fare and crave worthy summer sushi while the second floor offers casual dining in the Bistro. On Friday and Saturday nights, head to the third floor Porch and Club Room for elegant fine dining (proper dress required).After dinner, wander upstairs to the candlelit sky bar where the tables get pushed to the side for dancing after eleven.

DIEGO'S

Welcome tothe placewhere the food has just as much character as the atmosphere, laden with string lights, Day of the Dead skulls,and a Buddha or two strewn about. The menu hereboastsCalifornia-styleMexican dishes contrived with fresh ingredients and homemade, to-die-for sauces with bold flavor. Grab a seat on theoutdoor patiofor alively experience in the heart of downtown Newport, or by the window in their new upstairs dining room with front rowviews of the boats leaving harbor.

Pro Tip: Do not skip the blood orange margarita *chef's kiss*

THE PAVILION AT FORTY 1 NORTH

Located right on Newport Harbor, the Pavilion atForty 1 Northis a modern outdoor bar overlooking the iconic Newport Bridge and offering a scenic spot to savor classic fare or lounge on area sofas and armchairs. Soak in the sights while sipping on signature co*cktails.

GIUSTO NEWPORT AT HAMMETT'S HOTEL

Located at the newHammett's Hotelon the waterfront in downtown Newport, this freestyle Italian restaurant isthe first solo venture from renowned Executive Chef and Rhode Island native Kevin O'Donnell.His original take on Italian dining comes complimented by a carefully crafted bar program offering a mix of classic and reinventedco*cktails, beer from local breweries and a predominantly Italian wine list. As for the menu, think small but robust, with offerings including Ricotta Love Letters, Tagliolini and Corn Found on an Italian Street (AKA the only corn we want.)

THE RESTAURANT AT NEWPORT HARBOR ISLAND RESORT

A quick ride toGoat Island (don't worry, you can drive or walk) will land you atNewport Harbor Island Resort. When it comes to outdoor dining at this chic seaside hotel, you have your fill of options. Choose between The Restaurant,delivering fresh fish, ripe vegetables and hand-selected specialties with both indoor and outdoor seating options; TheFirepits,offering light bites, co*cktails and entertainmentalongside a collection of outdoor fire pits overlooking the bay; and The Pineapple Club (open seasonally), a casual gathering spot situated on the bay offering specialty co*cktails.

THE LANDING

Located dockside at the end of Bowen's Wharf,The Landingoffers commanding views of Newport Harbor and the Newport Bridge. Savor a variety of seafood, raw bar options and more from their outdoor deck overlooking the water.

THELOBSTER BAR

You'll be hard-pressed to find a seat closer to the harbor than on the deck atThe Lobster Bar.This waterfront restaurant at the end of historic Bowen's Wharfoffers scenic bayviews and a menu made for lobster lovers. Lobster rolls? Check.Baked stuffed lobster? Got it.RI lobster bake? Got that too. Not a lobster fan? Not to worry, their menu offers plenty of other delights from the sea.

SKIFF BAR AT NEWPORT MARRIOTT

Skiff Bar at Newport Marriott overlooks the adjacentharbor. Menu options here include American favorites from locally sourced ingredients.

MARINA CAFE AND PUB

Just over the causeway on Goat Island is Marina Cafe and Pub, a small eatery overlooking the harbor that specializes in seafood with staples like the Marina clam chowder, Newport lobster roll, fish & chips and more.

THE MOORING

A lively atmosphere, panoramic harbor views and locally sourced cuisine compliment your experience at thisNewport staple. Choose from a lengthy selection of oysters from their raw bar.Pro tip: In the warmer months, head outdoors to their mahogany deck with pristine water views.

THE PINEAPPLE CLUB

The former iconic Pineapples on Goat Islandhas been transformed into an easy,breezy place to sip, swim and while away the afternoon into the evening. The Pineapple Club at Gurney's Newport offers unobstructed views of Narraganset Bay and the Newport Bridge. The menu offers small bite and raw bar offerings along with salads and sandwiches. Catch DJ Nook playingevery Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 - 10:00 PM. (Open seasonally)

PORTSIDE AT 22 BOWEN'S

Portside is like22 Bowen'slittle sister restaurant: an open-air, harborside barserving up co*cktails and bites amid the liveliness of Bowen's Wharf.

THE REEFRESTAURANT

The Reefis your spot for a piece of tropical paradise without leaving New England. Set on the harbor overlooking an impressive collection of boats, their outdoor patios are outfitted with palm trees, lounge seating, a collection of fire pits and three bars.The menu here isall about celebrating international flavor, inspired by the travels of sailors to ports around the world. Think: lobster rolls, sea scallops, Moroccancrusted salmon and more.

THE SAFARI ROOM AT OCEANCLIFF

Just off historic Ocean Drive in OceanCliff, home t010 acres of rolling lawns withocean views and 24 stylized guest rooms. The resort's onsite restaurant, The Safari Room, overlooks Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge for a scenic dining experience.

SALTWATER AT NEWPORT HARBOR HOTEL

SaltwateratNewport Harbor Hotelcombines New England charm and cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Enjoyclassics likedeconstructed New England clam chowder andbuckets of waffle fries (not an exaggeration) all with a waterfront view.

SKIFF BAR AT NEWPORT MARRIOTT

The outdoor deck atSkiff Bar atNewport Marriottoverlooks Newport Harbor and offersa menu of craft and local brews, specialty co*cktails, and delicious appetizers including flatbread pizzas, signature wings and more. Lounge at one of the outdoor tables or plush seats and savor the sea breeze.

DIEGO'S BARRIO CANTINA

The sister restaurant of the downtown Diego's location,Diego's BarrioCantinain Middletown serves up classic favorites from the original location including a variety of vegan offerings like the vegan nachos, vegan burrito, vegan tacos, a kale and peptic salad, and a vegan quesadilla. The outdoor deck overlooks Newport's reservoir for Mexican with a side of picturesque views.

FLO'S CLAM SHACK

Featured on Food Network's Best of Rhode Island,Flo's Clam Shackhas been a staple for life-changing seafood in Newport since 1936. Grab a menu and place your order at the counter—we recommend the award-winning clam cakes—then grab a seat on either floor ofthis casual, oceanfront shack. For a worthwhile view, head upstairs to the front sun room overlooking Newport's First Beach.

Pro tip: Food Network's Chris Cosentino named the fried clam rollthe best thing he's ever eaten.Don't skip it.

JAMESTOWN

WALRUS & CARPENTER OYSTER BAR

Nothing like enjoying oysters on the day they're harvestedoverlooking the ocean where they're grown.The farmstand located at Dutch Harbor overlooking the harborin Jamestown is home to Walrus & Carpenter Oyster Bar,servingup fresh oysters from WCO's two oyster farms in Jamestown and Charlestown. While it's a take-out operation, there's plenty of picnic tables to indulge at while enjoying the view. Open Friday - Sunday, 12:00 - 5:45 PM.

JB'S ON THE WATER

The sister restaurant of the main land, family owner restaurant, Wickford on the Water, presentsJB's on the Water. Located inside theWyndham Bay Voyage Inn, overlooking Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge, with outstanding food and incredible co*cktails.

Menu highlights include a classic New England Lobster Roll, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Clam Cakes and more.

PORTSMOUTH

15 POINT ROAD

15 Point Roadin Portsmouth is known for upscale menu items (think: pesto crusted salmon and cajun pan-seared native swordfish) in a casual setting. Their menu is largely influenced by local offerings and their expanded front and back patio overlooks the Sakonnet River making for a serene experience.

BLUE ANCHOR GRILL

From the owner of neighboring comes this casualeatery in Portsmouth's Island Park. The menu the new Blue Anchor Grilloffers a little bit of everything, including flatbreads, tacos, small plates and entree options from land and sea. When the weather is warm, head outside to the restaurant's beer garden outfitted with umbrellas, picnic tables and a canopy of string lights.

FLO'S DRIVE-IN

Welcome to the OGFlo's Clam Shack. Originally opened in Portsmouth in 1936, the renowned shack started as a chicken coop moved from Flo's farm to Island Park. The drive-in location serves most of the favorites from the Middletown location, including award-winning clam cakes, homemade 'chowda,' stuffed quahogs (a Rhode Island staple), and combo plates.

GRAZIANO'S 501 CAFE

The type of neighborhood eatery where, in time, they'll know your order before you reach your seat, Graziano's 501 Cafe has been operating out of Portsmouth's Island Park for 11 years. It started as "Barnacle Bill's," then transformed into what we know today as Graziano's, where breakfast is servedall day, and the expansive lunch menu offers burgers, salads, *deluxe* sandwiches, seafood favorites and more.

Locally sourced ingredientstake on an innovative twistat where the menu fuses New England flavorswith recipes from regions along the Gulf Stream. Located in Narragansett Bay's largest marina, this is your spot for comfortable, casual dining with a water view. Choose from raw bar offerings, sandwiches like the Caribbean Pulled Pork sandwich and the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad sandwich, and entrees from land and sea.

Pro tip: Bring your BFF to experience their doggie menu.

LOCALZ KITCHEN + co*ckTAILS

The menu at this neighborhood restaurant in Portsmouth's Island Park is full of comfort food, from New England clam chowder and a crock of French onion soup to fajitas, pizza and pasta. Located on the waterfront, Localz offers a coastal atmosphere with an expansive menu, live entertainment and an outdoor patio overlooking the Sakonnet River.

BOAT HOUSE

Named among the most scenic restaurants in the country by OpenTable,Boat Housein Tiverton combines all the best things about New Englandinto one fine dining experience: fresh seafood, an ocean breezeand nautical charm. Savor fresh, local seafood along the Sakonnet River.

EVELYN'S DRIVE-IN

This family-ownedseafood shackopen seasonally is located on Nanaquaket Pond in quaint Tiverton and has been a fixture of Rhode Island since its inception more than 40 years ago. Aside from scenic views, you'll find all your seafood favorites, like fried clams and traditional RI clam chowder; plus a few items with a twist, like lobster chow mein. Reservations Monday - Thursday only (must be made same day as dining experience). All parties limited to 5 or less guests.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out forEvelyn’s BIOBUG, a diesel VW Bug powered by clam cakes andNewport Biodiesel.Newport Biodiesel picks up the used fry oil produced by Evelyn's fried offerings, processes it, and then fills the BIOBUG with biodiesel.In 2010, Evelyn’s recycled 27,000 lbs of fry oil!

THE RED DORY

Specializing in Mediterranean inspired farm-coast cuisine, The Red Dory in Tiverton is highlighting the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms and fishermen. With views of the Sakonnet River,andal fresco seating in the warmer months, enjoy selections from their raw bar, or choose classic entrees like fish & chips and steak frites.

THE BEACH HOUSE

The Beach Houseis situated along the East Bay Bike Path in Bristol boasting scenic waterfront views of Bristol Harbor. Their outdoor patio is adorned in enchanting string lights, high-top seating and a spacious outdoor bar. As for the menu, think contemporary American meets classic New England: Clam chowder, clam cakes, flatbreads, pasta, burgers and more.

DEWOLF TAVERN

Located in what was previously the 1818 DeWolf Rum Distillery on Thames Street Landing is DeWolf Tavern, a harborside restaurant boasting entrees you would expect of a restaurant located on the bay: stuffed lobster, swordfish, and salmon, to name a few; but you'll also see a good deal of Indian influence thanks toChef Sai Viswanath. Think: Lobster cooked in a tandoor oven (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), chickpea battered shrimp pakora with sweet chili sauce and pakora battered cauliflower manchurian.

THE LOBSTER POT

Make your way over toThe Lobster Potfora taste of classic New England flavor.Opened in 1929, this seaside eatery offers traditional New England fare with a menu largely based on what's fresh from the market. Seafood lovers, feel free to build your own raw bar plate complete with oysters, littlenecks, shrimp and lobster co*cktail to your heart's content. Did we mention its located right on the harbor? Grab a seat on the back patio, a bowl of quahog clam chowder (it'll change your life) and watch the boats bobble along the bay.

QUITO'S

Founded in 1954,Quito’sstarted as a local fish market. Today, it operates as one of Bristol's most beloved eateries for cozy dining and delicious seafood. Their patio offers beautiful sunset views of Bristol Harbor for a dining experience both scenic and savory. Reservations only.

Enjoy outdoor dining on the deck overlooking Bristol Harbor atThames Waterside Bar and Grille.The menu offers fresh local seafood and classic comfort food dishes likepulled pork sliders, flatbreads and lobster Mac and cheese.

With more than two decades of experience, Chef Brian Thimme combines apassion for locally sourced ingredientswith his love of family to bring a unique style of contemporary cuisine to his newest restaurant concept, Bluewater Bar & Grill. Thefamily-friendly restaurant offers a lively outdoor patio and an approachable menu with a contemporary flair.

BLOUNT CLAM SHACK

Named the best cheap eats in RI by Travel & Leisure,Blount Clam Shack's menu may lack dollar signs, but nothing else. The award-winning, waterfrontseafood shack opened back in 1943 and has since been serving up seafood favorites with a twist, like clambake chowder crafted with all the best parts of a clambake in a delicious soup; or their giant lobster rollmade with 1/2 lb. lobster chunks. Not to mention, the quaint shack is located right on Warren's scenic waterfront.

THE WHARF

This recently renovated waterfront restaurant was established in 1955, but the building and surrounding wharf date all the way back to the 1700s. You'll be hard-pressed to find a seat closer to the water than here, where the menu maintains a focus on fresh-from-the-sea offerings alongside a collection of boards, sandwiches, tacos and specialty co*cktails. Make your way to the rooftop bar (seating available first come, first serve) outfitted in couches and cozy seating for the best view in the house.

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