In the depths of a New England winter, the measure of a restaurant shifts fundamentally. The premium placed on patio views and sea breezes is replaced by a craving for the warmth of a hearth, the intimacy of low light, and the heartiness of the fare. For the 2025 to 2026 season, Newport’s culinary scene offers a sanctuary against the chill, ranging from colonial taverns that have hosted revolutions to modern bistros serving elevated comfort food. This curated list highlights twelve establishments that define cozy in the City by the Sea.
1. The White Horse Tavern
Location: 26 Marlborough St, Newport
Established: 1673
The Vibe: Colonial
There is perhaps no better place in America, let alone Rhode Island, to escape a winter gale than the White Horse Tavern. As the oldest operating tavern in the United States, established in 1673, it offers an atmosphere that simply cannot be manufactured. Walking through its red clapboard exterior on a snowy evening feels akin to stepping into a colonial snow globe. Inside, the architecture tells the story of centuries: low beamed ceilings, sloping floors, and massive fireplaces that dominate the dining rooms.
For the 2025 to 2026 season, the tavern continues its tradition of sophisticated local cuisine that belies its rustic setting. The sensory experience here is defined by the scent of woodsmoke, and the oversized fireplaces are lit only in the cooler months, making winter the prime time to visit. Guests can settle into a table near the hearth and indulge in a menu that highlights the bounty of Narragansett Bay and local farms. Signature winter dishes often include a classic Beef Wellington, praised for its superb preparation of tender meat wrapped in flaky pastry, and a rich Lobster Ravioli that brings the decadence of the sea to a warming winter format.
The bar area, dark and intimate, is the perfect setting for a Smokey Old Fashioned or a glass of port by the fire. It is a place where the weight of history feels protective rather than imposing. Travelers should note that the tavern will be closed for its winter break from January 5 through January 29, 2026, so checking dates before planning an early year visit is essential.
2. Aurelia – Castle Hill Inn
Location: 590 Ocean Dr, Newport
The Vibe: Gilded Age Seaside Luxury
Perched on a peninsula overlooking the churning Atlantic, Castle Hill Inn is the epitome of winter romance. While its lawn is the place to be seen in July, its interiors shine with quiet, dignified luxury in December and January. The Agassiz Mansion, the heart of the property, invites guests to linger in the Mansion Bar or the dining rooms where fireplaces cast a warm glow against dark wood paneling.
For Winter 2025 to 2026, the culinary team presents the Agassiz Supper Club, a series of themed 3 course menus on select dates in December. Themes such as a Veal Osso Bucco Dinner (Dec 2 to 3) and a Beef Wellington Dinner (Dec 9 to 10) offer a curated taste of luxury priced at $50 per person. These events transform dinner into a social occasion, reminiscent of the private clubs of the Gilded Age.
Even outside these special events, the Lawn Terrace menu, served indoors during winter, features warming classics. The Hopkins Farm Shepherd’s Pie, made with ground lamb and root vegetables, acts as a culinary anchor against the cold, while the Sweet Potato Bisque with Asian pear relish offers a sophisticated start. The Terrace Bar remains open with heaters, allowing brave souls to watch the winter waves crash against the rocks while sipping a Tide Turner cocktail.
3. The Clarke Cooke House
Location: 24 Bannister’s Wharf, Newport
The Vibe: Quintessential Yachting History
The Clarke Cooke House is a Newport institution that seamlessly transforms from a breezy summer hub to a cozy winter refuge. The structure itself is a piece of history, but in winter, the focus narrows to the Candy Store on the wharf level and the Bistro on the main floor. The Candy Store, legendary among the sailing crowd and former America’s Cup contenders, offers wide open views of the harbor framed by glass. In winter, this glass barrier protects diners from the elements while allowing them to watch the snow fall into the dark harbor water.
The atmosphere is thick with history, adorned with half models of yachts, sailing prints, and memorabilia that draw you into the city’s maritime soul. It is the ideal spot to seek shelter after a walk on the wharf. The menu remains a draw year round, but winter calls for their iconic dessert: the Snowball in Hell. This decadent creation, a chocolate goblet filled with chocolate roulade and vanilla ice cream, topped with hot fudge and toasted coconut, is the ultimate caloric splurge to combat the cold. Sharing one by the fire in the Bistro, surrounded by wicker and wood, is a rite of passage for any winter visitor.
4. The Reef
Location: 10 Howard Wharf, Newport
The Vibe: Modern Harborfront Igloo Dining
For those seeking a modern twist on winter dining, The Reef offers one of the season’s most visually striking and Instagrammable experiences: Igloo Dining. Situated dockside in Newport Harbor, The Reef transforms its patio into a winter wonderland with heated, themed igloos styled by Exquisite Events. These transparent domes allow guests to dine outside amidst the beauty of the harbor lights and snowfall without feeling the bite of the wind.
Under its recently revamped culinary team and updated menu, the 2025 to 2026 winter season feels elevated, with white tablecloth settings inside the igloos. It is a perfect blend of the elemental beauty of the waterfront and the coziness of a private, heated bubble. The menu features international cuisine inspired by sailors’ travels, offering a culinary escape that complements the visual one. Whether for a romantic date or a festive gathering, the igloos provide a unique way to experience the harbor on even the coldest winter nights.
5. The Safari Room at OceanCliff
Location: 65 Ridge Rd, Newport
The Vibe: Great Water Views
Located within the OceanCliff Hotel, the Safari Room offers some of the most dramatic views in Newport, looking out toward the Newport Bridge and Narragansett Bay. In winter, this venue is particularly inviting due to its seaside dining areas that are perfect for an intimate meal. The restaurant is known for its roaring fireplace and classic New England elegance, providing a warm vantage point from which to watch the winter storms roll in.
The menu features a famous homemade chowder and fresh seafood options like tuna poke, which can be enjoyed while watching the winter sun set over the bay. It is a favorite spot for couples, often cited for its romantic ambiance and the feeling of being perched on the edge of the world, safe and warm behind the glass. The combination of the fireplace’s warmth and the cool blue of the winter ocean creates a sensory contrast that defines the Newport winter experience.
6. Bar ‘Cino
Location: 22 Washington Square, Newport
The Vibe: Italian Conviviality
Situated in Washington Square, Bar ‘Cino brings a vibrant, communal energy to Newport’s winter nights. The restaurant operates with an open kitchen concept, filling the space with the aromas of garlic, herbs, and grilling dough. The interior is designed for coziness, with banquette tables running railroad style and a bustling atmosphere that mimics a busy Roman trattoria.
Their signature item, the grilled pizza, is served with shears for cutting, emphasizing a shared, hands on dining experience. The crust is impossibly thin and smoky, a perfect comfort food. The outdoor patio, neighboring the historic Colony House, is outfitted with heaters, but the true draw in winter is the lively, warm interior. It is the perfect spot to duck into after exploring the nearby square or attending a winter event, offering a casual yet sophisticated respite.
7. The Black Pearl
Location: Bannister’s Wharf, Newport
The Vibe: Maritime Legend
No list of Newport dining is complete without The Black Pearl. While its famous patio is a summer staple, its indoor Commodore’s Room and Tavern are quintessential winter destinations. The tavern, with its dark wood, brass accents, and low ceilings, feels like the hull of a luxury ship. It is a place where locals and visitors alike gather to escape the damp chill of the wharf.
The star of the show is, undeniably, the Clam Chowder. Creamy, rich, and packed with clams, it is widely considered the benchmark for New England chowder. For the winter of 2025, the waterside patio has been revamped with retractable pergolas and heaters, allowing for an al fresco experience even on crisp days, but the true winter magic lies inside, spooning hot chowder while the harbor water churns just feet away.
Planning a cozy winter escape to Newport? Staying downtown keeps you close to these restaurants, the waterfront, and the mansions, so you can walk to dinner and stroll back under the harbor lights. Check hotel availability and rates here.
8. Caleb & Broad
Location: 162 Broadway, Newport
The Vibe: Local Art and Chill
For a more casual, hipster friendly vibe, Caleb & Broad on Broadway offers a respite from the Gilded Age grandeur. This spot is a favorite among locals who know the best winter spots. The eatery features eccentric decor with murals by local artists and a relaxed, chill vibe. It is a place where you can wear your flannel and beanie and feel perfectly at home.
The menu focuses on comfort food with a twist, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. They have expanded their outdoor dining with heaters and Edison bulb string lights, creating a warm glow on Broadway. The interior remains a cozy spot to enjoy a craft beer and a hearty meal while escaping the winter grey, offering a slice of modern Newport life.
9. Corner Cafe
Location: 110 Broadway, Newport
The Vibe: Intimate Breakfast Nook
Winter mornings in Newport require fuel, and Corner Cafe is the cozy, intimate spot to find it. Often commanding a wait even in the off season, this cafe is beloved for its extensive breakfast and lunch menus. The space is small and warm, bustling with the energy of a local favorite. It is the kind of place where steaming mugs of coffee and plates of Irish benedict chase away the morning chill.
For the 2025 to 2026 season, they have added heaters to their outdoor seating, extending their capacity, but snagging a table inside remains a prized winter victory. The intimate setting fosters conversation and comfort, making it the ideal starting point for a day of winter exploration.
10. The Vanderbilt Dining Room
Location: 41 Mary St, Newport
The Vibe: Gilded Age Mansion Parlour
The Vanderbilt, an Auberge Resorts Collection property, offers a dining experience steeped in history. For Winter 2025, the hotel’s dining room and parlour are focal points for their festive programming. Guests can relax fireside in the Parlour, sipping handcrafted seasonal cocktails like the colonial era Hot Ale Flip, prepared by frothing the drink with a hot mulling iron right by the fire.
The dining room itself, adorned with fireplaces, serves hearty winter fare such as Sunday Roast with tender roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, or a special Christmas Eve Supper. It is a venue that perfectly balances the grandeur of a mansion with the intimacy of a private home, allowing guests to pretend, if only for an evening, that they are the masters of the manor.
11. Buskers Irish Pub
Location: 178 Thames St, Newport
The Vibe: Authentic Gastropub Sanctuary
When the temperature drops, the appeal of a genuine Irish pub increases exponentially. Buskers on Thames Street offers that warm, wood paneled sanctuary. It is a gastropub in the truest sense, serving high quality food alongside perfect pints of Guinness. The menu features winter staples like Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, and a savory Guinness Beef Stew.
The vibe is laid back and low key, often featuring live music that adds to the warmth. It is the place to go to shed your heavy coat, order a whiskey, and settle in for a long, comfortable evening. The authenticity of the experience, from the pour of the stout to the warmth of the service, makes it a cornerstone of Newport’s winter dining scene.
12. Bar and Board Bistro
Location: 282 Thames St, Newport
The Vibe: Chic Bistro Warmth
Located in a former bank on Thames Street, Bar and Board Bistro offers a chic, upscale refuge. The interior preserves the grandeur of the building while infusing it with a modern bistro warmth. Known for New England cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, the menu features large bistro boards of cured meats and cheeses, perfect for sharing over a bottle of red wine.
Their outdoor pergola features electric heaters, and the patio has propane heaters, but the interior’s stylish warm lighting makes it a top choice for a cozy winter dinner date. The combination of the historic architecture and the communal dining style creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.
