Newport, RI Weekend Vacation Getaway
Where To Dine
To us dining is a total experience; food, ambiance and service. Miss one and it just isn’t that special. Have them all and it will be a night you’ll remember for some time. Good food is a given in our recommendations, but alone it is just not enough. Our recommendations include all three elements and hope your experience is as good as ours.
The Spiced Pear
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Castle Hill Inn & Resort
Twenty Two Bowen's
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Clarke Cooke House
Mama Luisa
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@ Deck
Tucker's Bistro
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Sardella's
The Spiced Pear
17 Memorial Boulevard
SPECIAL OCCASION
Chef Kyle Ketchum brings 16 years of experience to the Chanler, most recently after a three year stint at The Lark in West Bloomfield, Michigan just outside of Detroit. The Lark was Detroit’s only Mobil 4 star restaurant and earned a stellar 28 food rating from Zagat.
I selected the 4 course tasting menu (at $69 a very good value) and paired wines which then ended up at $99. They even allowed me to select the items for my tasting menu from the regular menu. It’s not often my notes are interspersed with “wow”, but these were. Each course was better than the last and the wines could not have been more perfect with each course. The journey began with a delightful tuna salad amuse bouche with pine nuts, garlic and balsamic vinegar served with sesame crackers.
First course was a lobster cassoulet with Jerusalem artichokes, shell beans, onions and chorico sausage in a reisling sauce. Paired with a 2004 Bridlewood Estate Reserve Viognier, it was a perfect beginning.
Next up with a 2005 Nigl Gruner Veltliner was a Florida Mahi Mahi with basil oil, tomatoes and onions in a red pepper broth. My first “wow”!
Third course was a roasted veal loin & braised cheek served with Vermont white cheddar grits in a smoked shallot veal glace. This was served with a wonderful 2003 Domaine dArduhy Pinot Voir from Cotes de Beune. Second “wow”!
Finally a 1998 Chateau d’Arche Sauternes was paired with a decadent chocolate base and chocolate Napolean dessert.
The entire meal was orchestrated by the captain, Fabio, who couldn’t have been more attentive or knowledgeable. Each course and wine came with a brief description and served with perfect efficiency.
The wine list; good news and bad. The good news is it is filled with wonderful wines, the bad is that it is very expensive. Of about 50 Chardonnays, only 4 were under $50. Of about 90 Cabs, 65 were over $100 and of that number 19 were over $200. It would be nice to see something along the lines of what Aujourd’hui in Boston is doing; 40 wines for $40 along with their regular and extensive list.
This is a delightful dining experience in almost every way; the setting, the service and the food. I do not understand, however, the logic on the pricing. Appetizers range from $12 (soup)-$27 and entrees $36-$75 (Kobe beef). There are only two entrees under $40 and not by much. This is Newport, not Manhattan. Again, I can’t help but think, they would pack them in with a more reasonably priced menu and wine list. Until then, I fear it will be primarily a special occasion restaurant which is a shame because this is a wonderful experience.
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Wonderfully romantic, particularly with a window table overlooking the ocean.
WHAT OTHERS SAY…
1 of 12 “Spurge Worthy” Restaurants - Bon Appetit 2004
Wine Spectator Award of Excellence - 2004
“20 Burgers to Try Before You Die” - GQ Magazine #3 2005
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.
Castle Hill Inn & Resort
590 Ocean Drive
SPECIAL OCCASION
There’s good reason to come here for a celebration. The setting is spectacular, with water views from both dining rooms, and the food is equally as special. Chef Riley’s seasonal menu, coupled with a killer wine list will delight anyone.
Start with a drink on the terrace or take your drink down to the lawn, relax in one of the Adirondack chairs and enjoy a magnificent sunset. This is the best place in Newport to watch the sun go down.
My first reaction to the menu was that it was a little over the top. Kind of a “how many things can we add to this dish” approach. That might have been true if it didn’t work. But, it does. Yellowfin tuna carpaccio came with a sesame, garlic, ginger and coriander dressing, wonton chips with wasabi, sea salad and crushed peanuts. Lots going on here and each ingredient provided another taste level. It was wonderful.
For my entrée, I chose a pan roasted halibut with a crushed basil and shaved garlic crust served over a sweet potato ratatouille with a saffron infused foam. The delicate white fish, the pungency of the basil/garlic crust, the sweetness of the potato, the acidity from the tomatoes and the hint of saffron made this a marvelous taste sensation. I won’t be so quick the next time to judge a menu by its cover.
Ended the meal with some wonderful cheeses from Maine, Vermont and one from Spain, ruby port macerated sun dried cherries, fresh berries and toasted rustic bread.
Dinner for two (drink, appetizer, entrée, dessert, tax and tip) about $160. All credit cards. Jackets for men. Ask for a table on the terrace in nice weather or a window in the main dining room.
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High
WHAT OTHERS SAY...
Best Restauarnt in Newport - RI Monthly 2005
Wine Spectator - Award of Excellence 2006
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.
Twenty Two Bowen's
Bowen's Wharf
SPECIAL OCCASION
Start with the raw bar. All the usual items with some interesting twists like a cold baby lobster with a lemon tarragon mayonnaise or a crab cocktail with a spicy mustard sauce. For an appetizer, the lobster fritters with a sweet pepper remoulade were delectable and the fried black bean ravioli with salsa and spiked cream was remarkable.
The spinach salad was a standout among a number of good salads; crimini mushrooms, sweet onions, chopped eggs, warm pancetta and a sherry dressing.
Steaks are U.S. Prime from Allen Brothers in Chicago.
There is an extensive (24) list of wines by the glass priced from $6-$27 including some wonderful choices like Opus One. The regular wine list, a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner, numbers 250 labels. There are nearly 30 half bottle selections which is a wonderful option This is an exceptional wine list that is very fairly priced. When’s the last time you saw Dom for under $200 on a wine list? Lots of good choices under $50 and even the higher quality wines are good values.
Raw bar items priced by the piece. Appetizers $6-$14, entrees $23-$37. Dress is upscale casual. All credit cards accepted.
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High
WHAT OTHERS SAY...
Wine Spectator - Award of Excellence
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.
Clarke Cooke House
Bannister's Wharf
SPECIAL OCCASION
For some unknown reason, I had never eaten in the restaurant and a recent November 2008 visit made me realize what I was missing. This delightful spot has it all; atmosphere, food, service and a wonderful wine list.
When the weather is nice, the place to eat is the upstairs Porch. With its tented ceiling and comfortable banquettes strewn with pillows, it is the most elegant and stylish place to be. The harbor views, particularly at sunset are breathtaking. On this visit, on a cold November evening, the place to be was the cozy Bistro with its beamed ceilings and huge wood burning fireplace. Linen clad tables with glistening tableware and leather chairs surround a central bar. White paneled walls are adorned with the owner's collection of America's Cup prints and other sailing memorabilia. There was a pleasant buzz in the room and you knew you were in the right place.
I started with a simple order of chilled oysters that came with both cocktail and mignonette sauce, something that doesn't always happen but should. paired with a glass of champagne, this was a wonderful start. My dinner was a fantastic wood grilled, super fresh swordfish with grilled caponata, scallion cous cous, tomato coulis and a black olive vinaigrette....just delicious.
If you have room for dessert you won't want to miss the decadent chocolate fudge layer cake with an espresso creme anglaise or the warm apple and walnut tart served with walnut frangiapan, pate sucree and vanilla ice cream. If you are too full, an espresso or chocolate martini at the bar will do just fine.
The wine list is a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner and deservedly so. U.S., France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and even Rhode Island are represented. There are about 25 1/2 bottle choices which I always like. What is striking about this list is that while there is a good representation of the big guns; the Latours, Lafites, Haut Brions, Silver Oaks and Heitzs, there are lots of really great values like a $49 Gevrey-Chambertin, a $50 Puligny-Montrachet, a $65 Amarone, a $50 Barolo and much more. Bravo for such an approachable list.
If you have room for dessert you won't want to miss the decadent chocolate fudge layer cake with an espresso creme anglaise or the warm apple and walnut tart served with walnut frangiapan, pate sucree and vanilla ice cream. If you are too full, an espresso or chocolate martini is a great end to a wonderful evening.
Appetizers-$5.95-$14.95, entrees-$18.45-$43.95 (stuffed lobster), desserts-$6.25-$8.50. Open for lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Brunch on Sundays and dinner every night. All credit cards. Dress is casual.
This is now on my staple list when I am in Newport.
WHAT OTHERS SAY...
"One of the top ten outdoor dining spots..."
- TRAVEL & LEISURE
"Probably the best and most consistent restaurant in town..."
- USA TODAY
"Of all the restaurants in Newport, Clarke Cooke is by far the most enchanting..."
- GAULT MILLAU GUIDE
"The Essence of Newport..."
- ZAGAT BOSTON GUIDE
"By far the most sophisticated restaurant in Newport..."
- FOOD AND WINE
Open for lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Brunch on Sundays and dinner every night. All credit cards. Dress is casual.
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Wherever you eat, it is conducive to intimate conversation.
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.
Mama Luisa
673 Thames Street
SPECIAL OCCASION
Opened in 1992 in a former residence, the restaurant has three charming and intimate dining rooms. Although there is no bar, there is an upstairs "waiting" room if your table is not quite ready. The room I dined in was steps down from the entry way and had only 5 tables. Two of them were in small alcoves that looked out onto the street. Gold painted walls adorned with kitchen artifacts and ivy, a single pink rose on the table and crisp linens and tableware created an atmosphere that was at once homey and elegant. With opera playing in the background, candles flickering on the table and wonderful kitchen aromas, the setting is ideal for a special night.
The cooks are all women and most are vegetarians (there's also a vegetarian menu). As such they understand how to slow roast vegetables and it was evident in my first course, an amazing pasta fagiola, one of the best I have had. Served with hot bread and evoo, it was a great start.
My entree was a grilled veal chop served with a porcini mushroom sauce and rosemary roasted potatoes. The chop, which often comes overdone, was expertly cooked and the mushrooms and rosemary were a delicious and earthy compliment. I skipped dessert, but my server brought some homemade biscotti to enjoy with the rest of my wine.
Speaking of wine, this is a terrific list with mostly Italian choices from the major regions in the country. I enjoyed a delicious Barbera D'Asti "L'Orme" 2003 at only $32. There a few Amarones and Barolos on the list for under $80 which is unusual. Love the Gavis and Orvietos represented and some nice selections from California and Spain.
Appetizers: $6-$11.50. Pastas: $14.50-$17.50. Entrees: $17.95-$26.50.
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: High
@ Deck
Waites Wharf
EXCELLENT
But, most come for the food and it is excellent. Try the escargot on a Portobello mushroom with a garlic and red wine sauce or the salad of mesclun greens with goat cheese in a Parmesan crisp and sun dried tomatoes, roasted beets and a balsamic vinaigrette. As an entrée I enjoyed a panko crusted swordfish with a delicious tarragon and whole grain mustard sauce. Jenn had a wonderful pistachio crusted rack of lamb with an unusual pomegranate sauce.
Wine list is limited, but with some good selections at reasonable prices.
Dress is casual. All credit cards accepted. Appetizers and salads, $4.50-$13.00, entrees $18-$32
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Low, but it’s still fun.
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.
Tucker's Bistro
150 Broadway
EXCELLENT
The cooking is simple bistro style with a hint of Asian influence. As an appetizer the Thai Shrimp Nachos, crispy wontons topped with grilled shrimp, scallions, sweet red peppers and leeks in a coconut Thai red curry broth are legendary in these parts. Beef carppaccio with wasabi was a different twist to a standard and the Sopresatta Pizza, Sopresatta sausage, roasted peppers, aged provolone and mozzarella was wonderful.
For entrees the Statler Breast of Chicken with Oven Dried Tomatoes,
roasted semi-boneless chicken breast served with an Israeli cous cous salad, oven dried tomatoes, roasted garlic and a rosemary infused oil was tender, juicy and full of flavor. A grilled New York strip steak was served with an arugula, corn and grilled red onion salad, a delicious potato hash and an unusual truffled beet vinaigrette. Very good.
Appetizers $5.25-$11.50, entrees, $16.95-$27.95.
Dress is upscale casual. All credit cards except Amex. Wine list is adequate and fairly priced.
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT - High
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.
Sardella's
30 Memorial Boulevard West
EXCELLENT
Specials aside, this is a warm and romantic place, serving basic, but very good Northern and Southern Italian food. My favorite appetizers are the Zuppa di Vongole, Littleneck clams steamed in olive oil, clam broth, onions, garlic and white wine or the Crustini Fagioli, grilled Italian bread with shrimp, white Tuscan beans, garlic, plum tomatoes and herbs. Next I like to get an appetizer size pasta and the Pasta Bolognese does the trick. Gound beef and pork, garlic, a light fresh plum tomato sauce and fresh herbs over linguini. As an entrée, I suggest the Petti di Polo Romano, chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella and sautéed with garlic, parsley and white wine. Or, the Saltimbocca all Romana, veal medallions filled with proscuitto and sage and sautéed in a demi-glace.
The wine list, while not particularly creative, is adequate with some good choices and is very reasonably priced.
If you want some local color, ask for a front booth in the bar. In colder weather, I like the Tuscan Room or the side porch room with its candlelit tables. When it’s warm, the garden patio is delightful.
Salads and appetizers from $5.95-$12.95, entrees $9.95-$23.95. All credit cards accepted. Dress is casual.
ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Medium to High.
You can make dining reservations by going to our Weekend Planner for contact information. Dining reservations are part of our Trip Planning Services.