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casual family dining in newport ri

Despite Newport's reputation as an expensive and sometimes exclusive place to dine, there are an increasing number of family-friendly casual restaurants throughout Newport and its neighboring town of Middletown. From classic burgers to pizza to pasta and seafood, Newport's casual restaurants offer those seeking traditional meals a good value for their dollar in a relaxed environment. Always keep in mind that casual dining in Newport does not mean a step up from fast food. On the contrary, it simply means you can enjoy some great food in a laid-back casual atmosphere, with or without the kids in tow. For those picky eaters in your family, we've got you covered with chicken nuggets available on a lot of kid's menus around town too!

Featured Casual Dining Restaurant in Newport RI

Midtown Oyster Bar

345 Thames Street
Newport, RI
(401)619-4100

  • Featuring Newport's largest raw bar
  • Serving lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch
  • Focus on fresh seafood, coastal favorites and classic decor throughout
  • Located directly in the center of town with al fresco dining on the 2nd and 3rd floors for great people watching and views of the harbor
  • Available for private parties, corporate functions, weddings and special events

Over the years, the restaurant landscape here in Newport has changed some, and many new establishments have opened that cater more to the relaxed dining environment that visitors crave. Many restaurants have even gone the extra step of creating a kid's menu to show their patrons they really want families at their restaurants. The benefit to adults is that everyone in the family can enjoy what they like, with items like mac 'n cheese and chicken nuggets for the picky child eater and maybe a lobster or filet mignon for mom and dad. Everyone leaves happy and satisfied - mission accomplished!

For lunches on the go and maybe snacks at the hotel later, there is plenty of small take-out places in town, featuring everything from homemade soups and sandwiches to cupcakes, pizza and fudge. Check out this section on the site as well as the Lunch Section for more ideas on eating well and keeping the kids happy while visiting Newport.

Featured Casual Dining in Newport RI

The Helmway @ The Pell Hotel

425 East Main Road
Newport, RI
(401)846-3555

  • New restaurant in the Pell Hotel serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Crave-worthy upscale casual menu focusing on local purveyors of fine meats, seafood and produce
  • Weekly specials like Burger Thursdays and Flatbread Night on Mondays.
  • No-hassle, free parking and easy access from anywhere on the island

Featured Casual Dining in Newport RI

Lucia Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

186B - 190B Thames Street
Newport, RI
(401)846-4477

  • Authentic northern Italian cuisine in an intimate bistro atmosphere
  • Open for lunch weekends from 12pm, dinner nightly from 5pm. Closed Wednesdays. Centrally-located in downtown Newport next to Brick Market Place on historic Thames Street - public parking available behind building in lot
  • Delicious Italian dishes from salads, appetizers and pizza to pasta, chicken, veal and seafood beautifully-prepared with fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian options too!

real southern bbq at beckysBecky's BBQ
82 E Main Road
Middletown
(401)841-9909
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If you're after real southern hickory-smoked barbeque, Becky's is definitely the place. Inside you'll find the finest smoked brisket, pork and chicken so good you'll be coming back again and again! This is a small family-run business just a short drive from downtown Newport, and it is definitely worth the effort! They even offer catering for family and group events, let the barbeque come to you! Dinner specials for 4 starting at $50.99
caleb and broad casual american fare restaurant newport riCaleb & Broad
162 Broadway
Newport, RI (401) 619-5955
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This restaurant/bar features tradtional American fare with a new twist in a friendly and funky tavern-like atmosphere. A large wrap-around bar with intimate booths throughout make this establishment an easy choice for lunch, dinner or brunch on the weekends. A really well-rounded menu of delicious items well-prepared in a fun and cozy environment. Fun bar crowd featuring indoor/outdoor seating during the warmer months.
Mondays- all entreés just $12!

cluck house chicken and classic sides newport riCluck House
515 Thames Street
Newport, RI (401)399-7845
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Located right in the heart of downtown Newport on Thames Street. This food truck turned brick and mortar features all things chicken, from sandwiches to fried chicken to wings with about 20 different sauces to choose from. To complete your meal, they serve up delicious sides to accompany your chicken including creamed spinach, mac & cheese, sweet potato fries, cornbread and coleslaw. If you want the classics, this is definitely the place.

la forge casino restaurantLa Forge Casino Restaurant
186 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI (401)847-0418
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Whether you're into tennis or not, La Forge is a real dining tradition in Newport. Situated on Newport's famed Bellevue Avenue, this restaurant overlooks the courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and you can eat al fresco in the summer months. The food doesn't disappoint either, and inside you can expect to find classics like a cobb salad, lobster bisque, french onion soup and great selection of sandwiches and entrees featuring cod and shrimp. If you want the true Newport experience, this place is a must!

taproot brewing company at newport vineyardsNewport Vineyards - Taproot Brewing
909 East Main Road
Middletown, RI(401)848-5161
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Located just a couple miles from downtown Newport and set in a real working vineyard, Taproot Brewing offers visitors a delicious local farm to table experience. Their seasonal menus offer snacks, appetizers, sandwiches, pizza and home-made desserts fresh from their bakery. A great escape from the hustle and bustle of Newport, relaxing amongst the countless acres of a beautiful vineyard. Highly recommended!

salt water restaurant harborside dining newport riSalt Water Restaurant - The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
49 America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI (401)847-9000
(800) 955-2558
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Situated in the middle of Newport on the harbor, Salt Water is arguably one of the best places to dine harborside in Newport. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers satisfying fresh local seafood favorites, delicious sandwiches and burgers and its all beside one of the best views in Newport. Whatever the season, Salt Water is worth a stop while you're in town, even if you're not staying at the hotel. Fun and lively atmosphere featuring live music on the enclosed and heated outdoor patio during the warmer months.

wally's wieners newport riWally's Wieners
464 Thames Street
Newport, RI (401)236-1760
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Located right in the heart of downtown Newport on Thames Street. Don't let the name fool you- Wally's has a lot more to offer than just hot dogs. With more than a dozen specialty wieners, Wally's also serves up 7 kinds of fries along with other treats like ribs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, wings and salads. There's something for everybody on the menu, from picky kids to adults, and you can wash down your meal with an adult beverage from their full bar! Great casual atmosphere inside.