I wouldn’t call Newport a foodie town, but we did manage to have a few great meals. As you can imagine, seafood is their specialty, and al fresco dining was especially nice along the harbor, set away from Thames Street crowds.

The Terrace Bar

Our favorite place to sit and eat was at The Terrace Bar inside the Castle Hill Inn, a little excursion from the downtown on the scenic 10-mile drive. The outside tables were booked, but we snagged a couple of corner seats at the bar, which was open on all sides, and an inviting breeze had us sighing with joy. This place offered the style of food I admire, with fresh unusual ingredients, and attention to presentation. We started our lunch sharing a salad, which they split for us and beautifully styled. Photo above, the tables with the view out to the harbor was the place to go to for sunset cocktails, I had heard. Right, I am just as happy at the bar, with refreshing breeze.

Left, the entryway to Castle Hill Inn where the valet awaits to park your car. Right, Bob ordered the Lobster Roll. I had the fish tacos, which were great, and ample.

Castle Hill Inn, 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, RI

The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt

Our first night in Newport, RI we decided upon the Vanderbilt for dinner, which was once a Vanderbilt mansion, then a YMCA, now refurbished to look antique by Auberge Resorts. The dining room was dark and dreamy and almost brought you back to the Gilded Age with its mood. The Octopus appetizer was fantastic.

Bob ordered the salad, which was the perfect size and had lots of chunky walnuts in the mix.

Chef William Rietzel’s passion for classic French fine dining led him to Paris, at L’Office with Chef Kevin O’Donnell (who now owns Guisto). He also had a stint at Castle Hill Inn, Ocean House’s Seasons and in 2022, he was a James Beard Award semifinalist in the “Best Chef in the Northeast.” Though it was summer, there were hearty items on the menu. I had the chicken breast which was served with mushrooms in a rich creamy sauce. Bob went with a oversized serving of Black Bass.

The Vanderbilt Hotel, Dining Room, 41 Mary St, Newport, RI

Guisto

On the day we arrived we walked down Thames Street and could not wait to get off it. It was about 90º and very crowded that day. Giusto proved to be the perfect little getaway, right on the water, just off the drag. We sat outside in a covered area and enjoyed several goodies from chef Kevin O’Donnell. This chef specializes in creative Italian dishes, having worked in Italy, then was at Newport’s Castle Hill Inn. In NYC he worked at Del Posto, then moved to Paris and opened L’Office as Executive Chef where he garnered rave reviews and recognition for the bistro’s melding of French and Italian cuisine. The menu had the season’s Caesar Salad, this one with cucumber as the main ingredient. Very refreshing. We also indulged in some local oysters, a mortadella snack with pistachio and melon, and a really fresh squid Ink pasta with octopus and peperonata. Highly recommend.

Giusto, 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI

Forty 1° North: The Pavilion Bar

We discovered the The Pavilion Bar spot also along Thames Street, but set back, closer to the water. It’s part of the Leed Certified Hotel Forty 1º North, which we walked through and admired. Thought it would make a nice choice for dinner at the bar, which sits out over the water.

The space proved more interesting than the food. We did enjoy the tuna tartare appetizer and I thought it was nicely presented.

We both had a hankering for spaghetti in clam sauce, but told the server to leave off the chilis, since we don’t really care for overly spicy food. As a result, it turned out to be not very flavorful sauce, so was a bit disappointing. Also, the portion of pasta was obscene, we only could eat half. (when we got back to NYC we had dinner at Aria Wine Bar and ordered the same dish and it was just right). The crudite was nice and light but served with so much ice, that once it melted was a hazard for spilling.

The mocktail Pina Colada was extremely sweet, almost dessert ready. Don’t get me wrong, we enjoyed the dinner here but maybe did not order the right entree.

Forty 1° North, The Pavilion Bar, 351 Thames St, Newport, RI

Pasta Beach Newport

Newport, the original Pasta Beach location, has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Authentic Italian cooking is the name of the game here. Located on historic Bellevue Ave, in an area that features a few shops (Alloy) and galleries. Pasta Beach Newport boasts s funky space, with banana leaf wallpaper, kind of incongruous, but works. We had a quick lunch here then moved on futher downtown on Bellevue, to view more mansions.

Pasta Beach Newport, 138 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI

The White Horse Tavern

This spot is the plan-ahead, special treat in Newport. The White Horse Tavern is the oldest operating restaurant in the US, having served guests since 1673. The building represents the colonial period of Newport—with its classic barn-like appearance. Truly a step back in time.You can see the history for yourself on their website, if you like the history aspect of it. We didn’t plan ahead, but did manage to squeeze into a small table in the bar, right in front of the window, which was welcome, due to the fact of the interior being quite dark. We opted for the raw seafood platter for 2, which arrived  with enough food for an army. I thought it was odd how the tuna was served in huge slices, rather than a chopped tartare.

Upstairs provided some cozy nooks, in their assortment of tiny rooms.

Outside, the landscaping was nicely done, providing a wonderul little garden to meander. Chef Kevin DeMarco also did a stint at the famed Castle Hill Inn, before ending up here and presents a delectable, and juicy swordfish, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

White Horse Tavern, 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840

Midtown Oyster Bar

Midtown Oyster Bar was a sprawling space, with a traditionl bar downstairs, soaring celings and room to breathe upstairs, with a XXX covered porch that looked out onto the harbor. They claim to have te largest raw bar in town. We had our final lunch here, wanting to just do a simple, local XX and it hit the spot. Burgers and fries.

Midtown Oyster Bar, 345 Thames St, Newport, RI

See more on the 3-day trip, Newport, RI: Viewing Art and Newport, RI Scene and Seen posts.