Postcard Getaway

Food Tour of Newport’s Most Underrated Restaurants

Written by Kaelie Piscitello

Did you know Newport, Rhode Island, has delicious Mexican food? Sparkling Newport sucks in tourists and locals alike with its beautiful beaches, gilded mansions, and charming downtown.

But it’s also a foodie’s paradise with delicious seafood concoctions and many tasty bites. Many know the Newport restaurants for their expensive seafood and expect to eat a fishy meal there. 

However, many forget to venture outside popular options, such as Brick Alley Pub and the Mooring. Newport has more to offer than just lobster and clams (though, admittedly, they taste delicious).

If you want to think outside of the box for your next Rhode Island meal, then you should try the following Newport restaurants.

Lucia

Many people forget about Italian food when they go to the beach in Newport. However, I still don’t know why more people don’t go to Lucia. My college friends and I went there for four years, and we all had “our dish.” 

Many preferred the creamy manicotti, but my favourite dish is the farfalle alla Venezia. Its savory, cheesy flavor makes the small scallops adorning the pasta melt in your mouth.

I returned to Lucia one more time to eat this specific dish before moving home, and I believe I spent every penny well.

Tavern on Broadway

It’s surprising that some tourists view Tavern on Broadway as just a bar, as it offers a great mix of bar food and a delicious array of the typical pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. 

During my last meal there, I tasted the blue cheese-coated buffalo chicken pizza. Many others around me got sandwiches and salads and felt happy and complete at the end of their meals.

Pour Judgement

Also on Broadway, Pour Judgement has a great atmosphere that mixes a restaurant and a bar. It has limited seating, but you should wait for a table or seat at the bar. 

At Pour Judgement, their crispy homemade onion rings and cheesy house fries are the perfect accompaniment to their extensive beverage menu. With a wide range of options, you’re sure to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal. 

Beers start at $6, and they serve ciders and IPAs from all around the world. Pour Judgement offers the perfect venue for a casual night out, and you won’t leave disappointed.

Antonio’s Pizza

Any UMASS Amherst alumni will be excited to learn Newport has a branch of  Antonio’s. Unless a family member went to UMASS, many Salve students have never heard of Antonio’s, and it is far enough out of the way that tourists miss it altogether. 

However, if you’re looking for pizza, you must go here. I’d argue it’s better than any of the pizza places downtown. The pizzas live up to the excellent Amherst reputation, and it has just about every kind of pizza slice you could want. 

If you’re craving chicken, bacon, or ranch, I recommend stopping in for a slice. If you can, try to go on “Wacky Wednesdays ” because slices only cost $3 each!

Wally’s Wieners

Who doesn’t want weenies and tinis? Every Salve Regina student knows that Wally’s Wieners does more than just hotdogs. It’s a great place to try a strong and unique espresso martini.

They have many variations, including the Golden Ticket (triple chocolate), Elroy’s Blues (blueberry), and a giant original to share with a friend! It’s another great place to spend a casual night out. Though the martinis cost a bit more than your average drink, they taste very strong, and you will never need more than one.

Tijuana’s Burrito Grill

People need to remember the restaurants on Broadway. Tijuana’s is the better version of Chipotle. You can design your burrito or bowl or their nachos to your liking. 

The cooks fill the soft tortilla to the brim with whatever you choose, and their empanadas have crispy shells surrounding the flavorful meats and cheeses. It’s another favorite of my Salve friends because of our leftovers! It’s always cheap, and each meal would last us 2-3 days.

Boru Noodles

Ramen in Newport? Believe it or not, yes. Boru has delicious house ramen for a New England harbor town. It contains a tender pork belly and a tender cooked soft-boiled egg. 

They also have a delightful rotating variety of Korean pickles, but their staples, kimchi and pork buns, are always the best way to start a meal. I wish they kept the tasty black garlic beef ramen on the menu!

Leo’s Market

I loved Door Dashing Leo’s Market in college because of the variety. It offers many more authentic dishes, including tamales, empanadas, and pupusas, beyond burritos and tacos. 

I always order their tamales and chimichangas. The tamales are chock full of homey meats, and the chimichanga cheese makes the meal flavorful. I highly recommend stopping in to satisfy your Mexican cravings.

I M Sushi

This is the one time you do not need to be wary of cheap sushi. Located in the Bellevue Shopping Plaza near The Elms, I M Sushi has some of the most affordable fish in Newport, and the options go far beyond the average salmon and tuna rolls.

I M Sushi serves crab, yellowtail, mackerel, eel, and salmon roe. I’m also a massive fan of their miso soup. 

I love ordering it on a chilly day. The cooks coat the tempura assortments with a crisp, light batter that supplements the fishy meal. Their website encourages you to get takeout, but I recommend eating in! The staff always offers kind and speedy service.