Newport is more than just stunning mansions and coastal views; it’s a vibrant food destination brimming with unexpected delights. For those seeking culinary adventures beyond the classic New England clam bake, here are fourteen interesting and unique menu items and experiences.
1. Scotch Egg at White Horse Tavern
Experience contemporary twists within America’s oldest restaurant. The White Horse Tavern offers a unique Scotch Egg, a flavorful appetizer featuring a boiled egg wrapped in sausage, served with honey-bourbon aioli, sriracha, and pickled onion, offering a sophisticated and unusual start to your meal.
2. Tasting Menu Experience at Cara Restaurant (The Chanler at Cliff Walk)
Elevating dining to an art form, Cara offers a truly unique and refined culinary journey through their blind tasting menus. Located within the luxurious Chanler at Cliff Walk, this Forbes Five-Star restaurant provides a multi-course experience (often available as a five or eight-course option) where the specific dishes are a surprise, curated nightly by the chef.
3. Fried Calamari with Squid Ink Tempura at Giusto
Giusto offers a modern, freestyle Italian approach. Their fried calamari stands out with a visually striking squid ink tempura batter, providing a unique depth of flavor to this popular appetizer.
4. Slow Cooked Adobo Duck and Caramelized Onion Empanadas with Spicy Duck Gravy at Diego’s Newport
Diego’s brings a modern, creative twist to Mexican cuisine. These empanadas, featuring slow-cooked duck and a unique spicy duck gravy, are an inventive and flavorful appetizer that highlights their fusion approach.
5. The Bag of Doughnuts at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Don’t let the name fool you – these aren’t your average doughnuts. The Mooring offers unique fritters made with a delicious combination of lobster and shrimp, typically served with a flavorful chipotle-maple aioli for dipping. It’s an unexpected and delightful way to enjoy local seafood.
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6. Littleneck Clam Stuffies with Chourico at Castle Hill Inn (The Lawn Terrace)
Enjoy breathtaking views while savoring a distinctive take on a New England staple. Castle Hill Inn elevates the traditional stuffed quahog with the savory addition of Portuguese chourico, offering a unique, locally-inspired appetizer.
7. “Stuffies” (Baked Stuffed Quahogs) at Flo’s Clam Shack
A true Rhode Island classic, “Stuffies” are a must-try regional food. While Flo’s Clam Shack is technically in Middletown (very close to Newport), they are renowned for their award-winning baked stuffed quahogs, making the short trip worthwhile for this iconic local eat, featuring chopped clams, breadcrumbs, and spices.
8. Mike’s Portuguese Clam Pasta at Brick Alley Pub
This dish at the popular Brick Alley Pub is a nod to the region’s Portuguese heritage, combining local clams with flavorful chourico in a pasta dish that’s a longtime favorite and a unique regional find.
9. Duck & Lobster Quesadilla at Jo’s American Bistro
A coastal-meets-southwest mash-up: tender lobster and slow-cooked duck folded into a crispy tortilla with melted cheddar, diced tomato, and scallions, finished with a house red mole sauce that adds a smoky, mildly spicy kick. It’s an unexpected surf-and-turf appetizer you won’t find anywhere else in Newport.
10. Avocado Fries at Perro Salado
This lively Mexican spot, set in a historic Newport home, offers an appetizer that stands out from the norm. Their creamy and crispy avocado fries provide an unexpected and delightful start to a meal in a unique setting.
11. “Porchetta ‘Bout It” Roman-style Sourdough Pizza at Mother Pizzeria
Mother Pizzeria is known for its unique Roman-style square sourdough crust. The “Porchetta ‘Bout It” pizza stands out with its topping of housemade porchetta, broccoli rabe, and cheeses, offering a distinctive and delicious pizza experience.
12. Ravioli di Zucca (Butternut Squash Ravioli) at Mamma Luisa’s
Mamma Luisa’s offers authentic Italian in a cozy setting. Their Ravioli di Zucca, featuring butternut squash filling, is a less common and highly regarded pasta dish that provides a taste of Northern Italian flavors with a seasonal touch.
13. Snowball in Hell Dessert at Clarke Cooke House
An iconic and theatrical dessert, the Snowball in Hell is a beloved tradition at the historic Clarke Cooke House. This decadent creation features chocolate roulade and vanilla ice cream presented in a chocolate and coconut-coated goblet, a sweet and memorable finale.
14. The King Kong Omelette Challenge at Hungry Monkey Cafe
For the truly ambitious breakfast enthusiast, The Hungry Monkey Cafe offers the King Kong Challenge: a massive 15-egg omelette packed with meats and cheeses. Finish it within an hour and earn bragging rights (and a t-shirt!). It’s a breakfast experience unlike any other.
