Where should I eat in Newport, RI?

August 31, 2015 6:02 AM

I'm in Rhode Island for a business trip, with some but not all meals provided at the conference. I'm on my own for two dinners and one lunch, and I'd like to make the most of them. Are there any places (that aren't exorbitantly expensive) I shouldn't miss? Please recommend me some deliciousness!
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish to Food & Drink (14 answers total)

We've had a good seafood meal at http://www.mooringrestaurant.com/ once or twice.
posted by amy27 at 7:03 AM on August 31, 2015

Newport restaurants, especially those on or around Thames St, are either very touristy (and not that good) or very expensive. If you have a car, I think you'd be better off heading into Middletown for food.

Flo's Clam Shack for lunch with a great view of First Beach. Be sure you have some time, it can get busy in the summer.

Buskers Pub is a option on Thames St. Decent prices and the food is usually very good. Get's more crowded at night than during the day.

Anthony's in Middletown is also a great place for lunch, about 5 minutes from Newport.

Siam Sq in Middletown is a good place for dinner - great Thai food, not expensive.

Lots of people I know love Pasta Beach, but it's only been 'ok' when I've gone.

Coddington Brewery is a good place for dinner and a beer.
posted by Fidel Cashflow at 7:20 AM on August 31, 2015 [1 favorite]

Black Pearl is our go-to place. Mmmmm.
posted by picopebbles at 7:53 AM on August 31, 2015

Nontouristy Thames Street = Thames Street Kitchen. $$$ Many awards and deliciousness.

Sister restaurant, burgers and falafal, lunch = Mission

Both could be super busy this time of year
posted by xaryts at 8:45 AM on August 31, 2015

There's a good lobster roll special at first beach- it's our new favorite stop -- like two for $15 or something, and they're tasty. Otherwise, yes, Anthony's in Middletown is great but usually packed.
posted by kelseyfrost at 8:58 AM on August 31, 2015 [1 favorite]

I think I have to put in a plug for getting some ice cream at Newport Creamery. My mom's from RI and she mentions the peppermint stick ice cream all the time. Yum.
posted by ferret branca at 9:15 AM on August 31, 2015

The best falafel I ever had - and go out of my way to eat anytime I can - is at East Side Pockets in Providence.
posted by punkrockrat at 9:32 AM on August 31, 2015 [1 favorite]

ferret branca, Newport Creamery is supermarket-grade ice cream at best. Your mom, bless her, is doing them a great favor with her fond nostalgia. :7) Thankfully there are a lot of good, small ice cream shops around the state -- and if you can't find one of those then look for a "Hershey's" or "Bliss Brothers" sign and you will still get decent ice cream.

If you have a car, go Real Rhodey and find a clam shack. I think that Iggy's is to far from you, but there should be something local in Yelp. Rhode Island is full of normal food (and Newport is full of pricey food), but very few places do fried-to-death seafood like Rhode Island. Get Clam cakes for a ball of dough with a few token flecks of clam, or a fisherman's platter so full of batter & grease that, with the help of a tall boy of Narragannsett, you will empty out the whole conference center single-handed the next day.
posted by wenestvedt at 10:05 AM on August 31, 2015

If you have a car and have time to get a ways out of town, my friend who lives in Newport took me to Matunuck Oyster Bar and it was amaaaazing. Every dish we had was wonderful and she's gone multiple times.
posted by brilliantine at 10:11 AM on August 31, 2015 [2 favorites]

Brick Alley Pub
posted by Seeking Direction at 10:52 AM on August 31, 2015

Best answer: Seconding Brick Alley Pub and the Black Pearl. Also check out the Red Parrot for a huge menu, but mostly just the calamari pizza! Fried squid...ON A PIZZA!!! It's very very very good.
posted by LouMac at 11:38 AM on August 31, 2015

Brick Alley Pub and Busker's are both pretty good and not super expensive. Scales and Shells is great but a little spendy. I like Firehouse Pizza fora cheap lunch or dinner.
posted by xbonesgt at 3:24 PM on August 31, 2015

Best answer: I'm seconding the Red Parrot. It's one of my favorite restaurants and I always make a point to stop there when I visit Newport. The menu is ridiculous - there's so much to choose from. But, everything I've ever tried there has been very delicious!
posted by FireFountain at 4:06 PM on August 31, 2015

Response by poster: Red Parrot was Dinner #1, and it did not disappoint. Thank you!

Next up: Either Black Pearl or Mission. Depends on how seafood-y I'm feeling.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 6:40 PM on August 31, 2015 [1 favorite]