New England charm for an NJ native like myself is the epitome of summer. Lobster rolls – hot with butter, of course – blue and white hydrangeas, sail boats in the harbor and bustling wharfs all evoke that quintessential coastal summer feeling. 

Newport, Rhode Island is famous for all of this, and its historical downtown, mansions and waterfront buildings that date back as far as the seventeenth century almost take you back in time.

During my recent summer trip there, I found a pleasant intersection of Newport classics famous to visitors, and trendy hot spots that also entice the tourists, specifically when it came to dining options.

The true essence of the Newport experience today lies in the crossover between timeless favorites and a new wave of trendy food and drink destinations, bringing fresh energy to the city’s culinary scene.

Check out the must-visit spots:

Clarke Cooke House

Let’s start with a classic.

Clarke’s is a restaurant on Bannister’s Wharf in a stunning eighteenth century building. It’s home to The Candy Store/Bistro and the Porch, two different dining settings in the restaurant.

This establishment truly feels like a Newport gem. Maybe it’s because the reservations fill up quickly, or the preppy dinner crowds bustling under dim lights, but it feels special to enjoy a lobster dinner at Clarke’s. The ambiance sets the scene for a memorable dinner, and the food is pretty good, too.

Try the oysters with an impeccable mignonette.

Or opt for their sushi menu featured on the weekends.

Between the entrees, the signature cocktails, and the Snowball In Hell classic dessert, Clarke Cooke House has delicious options for your next trip to Newport.

Luke’s Lobster

Luke’s is home to a New England staple.

Try a lobster roll, hot with butter or cold with mayo, and a cup of rich clam chowder. It almost seems sacrilegious to be in Newport with having some sort of Lobster sandwich.

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out their lobster roll flight so you can sample multiple options.

But if lobster is not exactly your style, Luke’s also offers crab and shrimp rolls.

The location at Bowen’s Wharf is takeaway, so enjoy your meal anywhere. 

Nitro Bar

Here’s a trendy hot-spot that any coffee lover already knows about.

Yes, there’s always a line, but I think I know why!

The coffee is an art at Nitro Bar. The black raspberry chip latte has a thick – like piped-on thick – raspberry cream full of chocolate shavings that tops a perfect latte. It was like dessert.

And the caramelized banana matcha latte? Wow. A matcha lover’s dream.

Don’t stop at the drinks, though. Add a Farmer’s pizza bagel to your order (with sun-dried tomato cream cheese) and you’ll understand that the hype is not just the coffee, but the bagels and baked goods, too.

Co-Dough

Sourdough treats have taken America by storm recently as sourdough baking at home has become increasingly popular. If you’re looking for a Newport spin on sourdough creations, CoDough is the spot.

This bakery has also had its fair share of viral coverage online, so it only seemed right to try it out. 

Try a sourdough cinnamon roll or sourdough custard filled donut made fresh in several batches throughout the day. Once they sell out, they are done for the day, so make this an early stop on your itinerary.

The cinnamon rolls are huge – plan to share! But so gooey, sweet and delicious, you cannot go wrong with a treat from Co-dough.

Castle Hill Inn

At last, we arrive back at a timeless hotel, this time with a modern feel.

The lawn at Castle Hill Inn full of white Adirondack chairs and overlooking the sound is a must see in Newport.

Enjoy dinner overlooking the water and modern cuisine with a vintage Newport essence. 

The views and handcrafted cocktails cannot disappoint.

Castle Hill Inn is the kind of place that reminds you why Newport has remained such a fabulous summer destination.

Classic Newport, With a Modern Twist

Whether you’re visiting Newport for the first time or returning for another summer by the sea, these spots capture the best of both sides of the city: the timeless restaurants, waterfront views, and old New England charm alongside the newer food and drink destinations bringing new energy to the area.

Add these spots to your list for your next New England adventure!