When people think of Newport; mansions, sailing and beaches come to mind. While these are all wonderful things about Newport, we are very blessed with many amazing restaurants. Guests often ask “which is your favorite?” To be fair, that is a very loaded question. First, we never recommend a restaurant we don’t visit ourself. There are so many great Newport restaurants that to choose just one is impossible. If you visit our “Area” page you will find a long list of restaurants, and they are not the only ones we love, just the most popular that seem to best suite our guests. So I will give you my top five Great Newport Restaurants for very different reasons…
Without a doubt, my favorite restaurant for a special occasion is Bouchard. This amazing Fine French Restaurant is only a five minute walk from the inn. The cozy atmosphere sets the perfect tone for celebrating an anniversary or special birthday and the food is absolutely delicious!
Another of my favorite restaurants for a special occasion or if you are in the mood for just really good food is TSK. This hip restaurant features delicious creations using local and seasonal ingredients. TSK had taken a break for a few years and we were so thrilled when they returned this spring to a new location, just next door to Bouchard and only five minutes from the Samuel Durfee House!
Since we are in a port town, we can not leave out a great seafood restaurant. While I love the Mooring and Scales and Shells, I must choose Benjamin’s as my favorite seafood restaurant. Casual, reasonably priced, popular with locals and tourists, Benjamin’s offers great seafood (and an amazing raw bar) served in two different dining areas (downstairs is super casual, upstairs more traditional) as well as a seasonal deck. On raw bar Tuesdays, oyster are only $1! About a 10 minute walk from the inn.
When I am in the mood for something different and fun, my go to choice is Diego’s! Located on Bowen’s wharf about a 10-15 minute walk, Diego’s offers creative mexican cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood. Recently expanded, the second floor dining room has views of the harbor and the downstairs courtyard is open air in the summer. I absolutely love the fish tacos!
Lastly, my favorite place for lunch on a beautiful day on the water is 22 Bowen’s. Upscale dining and amazing wine, 22 Bowen’s patio is the perfect place to enjoy a great lunch while enjoying the beautiful harbor scenery and watching the boats come in!
