Clarke Cooke House

New England restaurant · Newport ·

Clarke Cooke House

New England restaurant · Newport ·

New England fare, sushi, and "Snowball in Hell" dessert

Information

24 Bannister's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840 Get directions

$100+

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

The 16 Best Restaurants In Newport, Rhode Island - Newport - The Infatuation

"Clarke Cooke House is the type of place where you’ll find couples taking a break from their yacht, CEOs power lunching in the downstairs dining room, and a summertime-only sushi bar overlooking said yachts moored nearby. There’s a lot happening, but prioritize a table upstairs where you’ll get a more expansive view of the harbor and a pricey-but-excellent meal. While this is the place for classic Newport-style food like local oysters, lobster, and native cod, the steak au poivre or sauteed filet of sole with caramelized onions and fancy French brown butter won’t disappoint either. Whatever you do, don’t miss their signature dessert: the snowball in hell. Big enough for two, it’s ice cream served in a chocolate-coated goblet and drizzled in chocolate syrup." - danielle rose, carlo mantuano

https://www.theinfatuation.com/newport/guides/best-restaurants-newport-rhode-island

Emmy Hamilton

Clarke Cooke House

@infatuation

132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Clarke Cooke House - Review - Downtown Waterfront - Newport - The Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/newport/reviews/clarke-cooke-house

Emmy Hamilton

Clarke Cooke House

@goop

4,111 Postcards · 173 Cities

"This Bannister Wharf eatery is the quintessential Newport dining experience. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, the summer sushi is a must order (even when it's not on the menu). Tom Gidley, fresh off a stint in The French Laundry kitchen, has been the Clarke Cooke House Executive Chef for twenty years and knows what the locals love to eat. After dinner, wander upstairs to the candlelit sky bar, after eleven the tables are pushed to the side and the dancing starts."

Newport, Rhode Island

The Clarke Cooke House

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,685 Cities

How to See Newport, Rhode Island, According to Two Volvo Ocean Race Sailors

"Both sailors said Clarke Cooke House, and Dana specifically likes 'the sushi bar downstairs.' Any meal, Enright says, should 'end with the ‘Snowball in Hell,’ a chocolate and ice cream masterpiece.'"

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-see-newport-rhode-island-according-to-two-volvo-ocean-race-sailors

Clarke Cooke House

Sara Volpatti K.

Google

A must-visit in Newport. The Clarke Cooke House absolutely delivers. The oysters were pristine and briny, served ice-cold with great accompaniments. The crab cake was perfection—crispy outside, packed with crab, zero filler. The pasta was rich, silky, and deeply comforting without being heavy. The burrata was a standout: ultra-creamy and nestled in a warm, savory broth that made every bite feel intentional. Even the herb soup was flawless—simple, cozy, and full of flavor. Add in polished service and a classic, lively atmosphere, and this place reminds you why it’s such a Newport staple. Everything we ordered was excellent. Would happily come back and order it all again.

Stephanie C.

Google

A wonderful experience! We went for a drink the night we arrived and just loved the bar filled with locals and friendly staff so made a reservation to return the following night for dinner and requested a table near the fireplace. So quaint and cozy! We arrived and had a delicious meal….oysters, sushi, lamb, and lobster! 😋 As we were finishing dinner a server going up the stairs next to us tripped and dropped an espresso martini shattering the glass and spilling on us. Once we realized we weren’t cut by the glass and just some spots on our clothes we couldn’t believe how concerned the entire staff was. Olivia our server, the management team, and Reggie were all great! Accidents happen, nobody was hurt and they were extremely apologetic. Reggie even found us at the next bar to buy us a drink. That is service and what being in the industry is about! Will also go back when in town! Good food and great people!

Jeff

Google

While we were walking around the harbor in Newport, we wanted to grab a drink. When we walked by, it looked like a nice and fun place. We asked if we could sit at the bar and we were able to find two seats. There were locals and visitors alike, and we could tell we found a gem. Kevin the bartender was friendly, attentive, and made great drinks! When he left his shift, Shawn took over and made sure to keep our water glasses full. We’re so glad we stopped by that afternoon!

Carol W.

Google

5 stars all around! This place is delicious! Off-season, Wednesday night October, and it was packed. Despite the crowd, our server was attentive and helpful. Highly recommended daily oyster selection and the clam chowder. I enjoyed the featured halibut…. Not sure how often that makes the menu, but if you see it, try it! And save room for the snowball from hell. It’s worth it! Met the GM who graciously gave us a tour and treated us like celebrities. I wish we had more time here… I’d eat here everyday!

Kem C.

Google

Enjoyed a burger with my cousin who came from Dallas to visit. Atmosphere was good and there was a pianist playing (?) above us. It was a bit loud in there between the patrons and music but it was a Sunday and it was full of people enjoying brunch. Slightly snobby attitude from the hostess when greeted and seated but our waitress was good for the most part. I would have preferred a slightly shorter amount of time in between check ins and when it was time to ask for the check we were waiting for her return for a bit too long. Burger was cooked perfectly to order, medium well, and the fries has the exact crunch on the edges and tenderness on the inside. No soggy fries here. It came with a pickle on the side. There is a slight walk from the parking area but considering this is Newport, you have to find parking and it's all paid parking from what I could see.

Kat W.

Google

The service here was not the best, the waitress couldn’t give me descriptions of ANY of their oysters, I was pretty disappointed, however I still ordered an assortment of oysters as an appetizer and then the lobster roll has my meal. Overall the food was pretty good. Luckily my friend and I had the pleasure of sitting right next to the water! Don’t know that I would recommend this place to anyone but glad I walked in & gave it a try!

John R.

Google

We came here at 1pm on a Wednesday in early Aug 2025. We sat alongside of the entrance to enjoy the beautiful weather and hustle and bustle of the wharf. Our waitress was great. She was prompt. Drinks were quick to arrive and stay topped off. We wanted a snack and not lunch, so oysters and heirloom tomato with burrata salad was just enough. Everything was so fresh. The chefs choice oysters were buttery and delicious, and the salad, bright, sweet, and the perfect partner to a beautiful summer day. Can’t wait to return!

Max S.

Google

I think the photos speak for themselves. The food was exquisite, although the atmosphere felt rather cramped since we were placed near the entrance to the kitchen. Nonetheless, the service was phenomenal (if not a little over bearing at times).

Sara V.

Yelp

A must-visit in Newport. The Clarke Cooke House absolutely delivers. The oysters were pristine and briny, served ice-cold with great accompaniments. The crab cake was perfection--crispy outside, packed with crab, zero filler. The pasta was rich, silky, and deeply comforting without being heavy. The burrata was a standout: ultra-creamy and nestled in a warm, savory broth that made every bite feel intentional. Even the herb soup was flawless--simple, cozy, and full of flavor. Add in polished service and a classic, lively atmosphere, and this place reminds you why it's such a Newport staple. Everything we ordered was excellent. Would happily come back and order it all again.

Henry P.

Yelp

We've been to Clarke Cooke House about a dozen or so times over the last few years. This is the absolute best restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island. The best. Incredible location, right on Bannister Wharf and right on the water. Highly recommend making a reservation in advance. They have the best, freshest, biggest and coldest oysters in their raw bar. A most delicious chowder. All of the main dishes are top-shelf. A wonderful fully stocked bar with a great wine selection. Fantastic service too, friendly, quick, and responsive. The only negative (which is not really a negative) is the bathroom, which is down a half-staircase and exceptionally small - on par with an airplane bathroom. A staple of Newport. Internationally known, and well worth it!

Jonathan M.

Yelp

WHAT an experience! The ambiance and atmosphere were everything. Service was great and our waiter (who was training) was super personable and knowledgeable. The food was great, but be ready to spend! Would definitely return next time I'm in Newport!

Leena J.

Yelp

Clarke Cooke House is in such a great spot right on the wharf. We walked in and were told to grab a seat at any of the bars, which made it feel super easy and chill. We originally stopped in for oysters and a drink, but ended up staying longer and tried the mussels instead. They had a happy hour with some great summer sushi options, and everything we tried was fresh and really tasty. The mussels in a wonderful broth hit the spot. More garlic broth would have been divine. Service was great and the bartender was really friendly and helpful. Just a fun, laid-back place to relax by the water. Definitely coming back next time we're in Newport

Cayenne D.

Yelp

I hate leaving any kind of negative review! But for this place I will. I was really excited about dining here. We saved it for our last meal before leaving. First, we were one of the first patrons when they opened up. Server could not explain the oysters other than other customers liked them. Water was only filled once. Our food took forever to come out. Like I said we were one of the first in. Coke was flat and never refilled much like our water. then there was this lady who worked there with abnormally, large black rimmed glasses clearly a manager of some sort, who also could not refill water. She literally stared at us the entire time we ate. Made us feel very uncomfortable. Like honestly, stood up on her stair perch with her hand on her hip and stared down at us from behind her abnormally, large black rimmed glasses. The lobster roll was quite good! Although for $36 it was on the small side. I feel like there were much better options in Newport. We tried probably 10 while we were here. The oysters were fantastic! And the burger was very good as well. I just feel like this restaurant was very overhyped for what you got. Probably would've had a way better experience. Had we not been dying of thirst, stared at, and had a better experience with menu knowledge. Also, we were clearly two different parties and they were unable to split our bill into what we ordered even though we told them at the beginning, we were two different parties. Watched very carefully how other tables were being treated and they were clearly having a better experience than we were. Not a good look when other Tables come in Way after you do and they are done with their meal before you even get your food . We were warned to eat local and not go to someplace down there. Next time, we'll listen.

Olivia B.

Yelp

Always a great experience from Clarke Cooke House... seated promptly and service was excellent. The food came out at appropriate intervals and the quality was perfection. We started with cocktails and apps, followed by delicious entrees and ending with a snowball in Hell and a nightcap. We were sat close to the fireplace, creating a nice, cozy atmosphere. There were definitely conversations happening around us, but it's not like anyone was too loud that we heard entire conversations. Everyone's dishes were cooked to perfection and the wine and cocktails were cold and scrumptious. Can't wait for our next time here

Ksenia K.

Yelp

Yum yum yum! The food was absolutely amazing and have nothing but good things to say. Such a fun place to go during a long day out in Newport and you want a good meal and good service. The restaurant wasn't too loud so it was easy to talk to each other. The tables are a little close but not terrible. Make sure you make reservations on a weekend, it does get busy! I would recommend to everyone!! I got the baked half chicken and wow was it amazing. It's a lot of food. My husband got sushi rolls and said they tasted super fresh. The desert was so good and so fresh.

Shelly S.

Yelp

This place is pretty good! Started with the tuna tartare and we got the seafood tower and the fish. Tuna was amazing along with seafood tower however seafood tower was a little pricy for the amount you got. I wasn't crazy about the fish but the person I was with loved it. Espresso Martini and michelada were delicious

Kayla Y.

Yelp

We had a reservation and assumed we would be next to the water but we were water adjacent, which is good enough I guess. The interior decoration was super cute and the service was good. We ordered quite a lot of food and it was good, not stand out ish in my opinion. the mussels were excellent with a tasty broth and the tuna salad was surprisingly great! the lobster salad roll was alright, i wish they served it hot instead of cold and with less celery. the native cod was fresh and buttery and had a distinct flavor. would recommend if you wanted to eat near the water/try a classic place in newport

Dominic C.

Yelp

I was born and raised in Long Island, New York and my wife hails from Newport Rhode Island. I feel fortunate that we have had so many local dining options that we have enjoyed over the years. Clark Cooke House is another example of that. We were in town for my birthday and I wanted to make sure I had at least one meal at this establishment. We started out with a few cocktails. I had an Old Fashioned and my wife had a lemon drop martini. She said the martini was excellent. My old-fashioned was OK. One of the problems with the drink is that they use chopped ice in it. This causes the drink to water down easily. Additionally I believe they over muddled the cherry, and the drink basically was lacking sweetness. We both had a cup of clam chowder. Not my favorite style of New England clam chowder. Tasty but thin. I prefer a thicker creamier texture. For dinner, my wife had the whole steamed lobster. This seems like a lot of work to me. However, my wife a self proclaimed "sturdy New England girl" handled the lobstahhh quite easily. I went with the sirloin steak and mashed potatoes. Steak was delicious. A nice size portion cooked perfectly. The mashed potatoes were OK. A little bit bland but still tasty. We closed out the meal with the Snowball from hell . This was a really tasty brownie sundae. Unfortunately I did not know we were getting it and I was unable to snap a picture of it. I would definitely recommend it however. I would definitely recommend the Clarke Cook House. The atmosphere brings you back to the early colonial days. The decor is beautiful. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxing. The service is excellent. A must if you are in Newport.

Siena F.

Yelp

Clarke Cooke (SkyBar/Porch) was at the top of every recommendation TikTok that my friend and I saw, so we decided to check it out! The location is stunning and the porch was so beautifully decorated -- we had amazing summer weather and it was right at sunset! The service was very prompt. Our waiter checked in on us often, gave us great recommendations and made us laugh. Really a great experience! The food was pretty solid as well. We had the cauliflower (which is $18 for one piece of cauliflower...?) and the heirloom tomato salad to start. The tomato salad was really yummy and a fantastic portion size, but in retrospect we probably would've skipped the extremely overpriced cauliflower (I'd say dish but again, it was one piece of cauliflower?). For our mains we had the halibut which was pretty yummy and reasonably priced, and then my friend had two apps (she is vegetarian and the menu is limited in that aspect) of the fig salad and the truffle pasta. She really loved the tagliatelle but it was only about 3-4 bites of pasta. She'd pay more to have a bigger portion was our conclusion on her end. We ended it with the snowball from hell which was delicious and a great size for two people! Overall, we knew we were going more for vibes but were pleased with the food we got to enjoy!

Marc W.

Yelp

Prompt service, great view, good food. If you can get in, make a reservation and visit. It's in the heart of the marina with great walking all around. The oysters were delicious as was the chowder. Greens salad was a little bitter. Try the smoked salmon appetizer

Justin H.

Yelp

Our family was in town visiting Newport and we decided to go to the Clarke Cooke House for lunch and a drink. The restaurant has a small interior so it's on the cozier side, but there is some outdoor seating which is perfect for the summer, and they even have a nice little "dog bar" area which is for our furry friends to drink water. We've been to this restaurant before so we were excited to bring our family-- really wanted them to try the espresso martinis. Unfortunately, we left disappointed this time. We got there today Friday morning at 11:20 which is 10 minutes before they opened. The restaurant was empty at the time we were there-- we were first in line. We had 7 people and a stroller. While we were told strollers weren't allowed inside -- we thought no big deal that was fair enough. We did offer multiple compromises including splitting into two or even three tables, sitting outside, mixed inside / outside, or even doing separate checks. Still, the staff gave us a hard time and never gave a clear reason as to why they couldn't accommodate us. The interaction was awkward and left a sour feeling. It's a shame because we've enjoyed being here before, but this time around, the poor customer service and lack of transparency really turned us away from the business so we supported another business instead. Hoping they can improve in this area as it's definitely not a good look on their business.

Jasmine J.

Yelp

Came here last week with a friend to get some seafood and will probably never come here again. We ordered the lobster roll, fried calamari with marinara sauce and then we had a sushi roll with lobster and crab meat. I will say that the sushi roll was really good however, the fried calamari came out cold and the marinara sauce was watered down. The lobster roll. I wasn't really a big fan of my friend also thought it tasted as if the lobster was bad. The ambience though was really cute. It gave that ocean vibe and the service is good as well. I just don't like how tight it was in there.

Sonya T.

Yelp

Amazing food, service, and ambiance. Leave room for dessert. The Snowball from Hell is to die for! The hype is legit!

Natty C.

Yelp

Very historic place, used to be a candy store. Came for drinks only and sat on the very top floor. It does get busy. I can't speak for the food.

Srđan Đ.

Yelp

On a beautiful Monday late afternoon/early evening, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Clarke Cooke House. We were seated in the main dining room, right next to the fireplace. From the moment we arrived and took our seats, our server was attentive and precise with every aspect of the service. The food was excellent; we began with a special dish of heirloom tomatoes, pistachios, and goat cheese, which was delightful. Following that, we had sushi, and it was just as delicious! As locals who come all the time, and love this restaurant, we always appreciate great service and exceptional food. The highlight of Clarke Cooke House and our evening is a man behind the scene, Mr. Peter Barry, a lovely gentleman who goes above and beyond to ensure his guests feel welcomed and well accommodated. Despite the busy atmosphere, he managed to find the perfect spot for us, and we are truly grateful for that. Thank you, Peter! Sincerely, Kate Lowis and Srdan Dokovic

Kristi W.

Yelp

The food was fabulous, but unfortunately the poor service completely ruined the experience. I strongly encourage others to choose another restaurant as Newport has numerous other options for fabulous food. I should've read the reviews on this restaurant, it was recommended by a friend and so I didn't even look them up. We were seated upstairs, with three tables on either side of us. The staff were actively serving the tables around us, yet no one even acknowledged us for quite some time. We eventually had to ask who our server was and if we could place an order. What followed was a frustrating two-hour wait for our food. The two tables beside us--both seated after we were--were served their meals, finished dessert, and left, while we still hadn't received ours. The waiter continued serving the tables right next to us (in very tight quarters) without so much as a word or update. When I finally mentioned that we'd been waiting two hours, the only response I received was, "I don't know why it's taking so long." I was surprised the manager was never sent over, and in hindsight I wish I had asked for one myself. It's a shame, because the kitchen clearly knows what they're doing, but the lack of basic attentiveness and accountability from the staff turned what could have been a great evening into a very disappointing one.

Kerri L.

Yelp

This place will always have a special place in my heart! My husband and I had our first date here ten years ago, and we make it a point to go at least once per year. We most recently enjoyed their well known Snowball for dessert, and it was absolutely scrumptious! For dinner, I got the BEST tuna sushi; it melted in my mouth if sushi can even do that. My husband treated himself to a delicious steak that was cooked perfectly. Our waiter went out of his way to make sure we were enjoying our food and drinks. Although you have to dress up to go here, it is worth it. It makes date nights extra special. Even though the building itself is old and lacks air conditioning, there is a certain charm in the furniture and decor that is reminiscent of simpler times. It's like taking a step back in time. I absolutely adore this place!!!

Michael D.

Yelp

The food, service and ambiance are at the highest level here. The Cooke House is Newport. It's right down on the wharf in the center of Newport. It's a historic building with great old charm and sophistication. Having been here many times in the last 30 years I can say the food is exquisite. Chef Ted's passion for food is clear. His mastery of flavors and techniques are impressive. I have had many wonderful meals here. The staff are true professionals. The Cooke house runs flawlessly under GM Stefan and Manger Reggie. He is true class. Bartender "Ferbie" is highly skilled. His drinks and humor are the star of the show. This is a Newport staple. It's all ways an amazing time at the Cooke House.

Marc F.

Yelp

Have you ever walked into a restaurant where you get the feeling upon being waited on that, "YOU should be thanking them for being allowed to dine there". Well, welcome to The Candy Store Bistro at Clarke Cooke House. Despite our high expectations for an exceptional dining experience at Clarke Cook House in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, our visit was marred by subpar service, exceptionally long waits for food service (~ 45 minutes)and the apparent inability of the kitchen to accommodate any substitutions as it would "interfere with their ability to plate the food in a timely manner" The Candy Store Bistro might be a fixture in Newport Harbor with a long renown history of impeccable service and quality, but that most definitely was not our experience as our steaks arrived cold after a 45 minute wait, and the side dishes ordered were incorrect after our excessive wait. Whether this was a hiccup or a bad night our experience was less than stellar. Our hope is that they take a step back, re-evaluate their personnel and procedures and move forward and remember that their customers are priority one.

Samantha S.

Yelp

This place was so interesting to me. I asked around all day where I should go to dinner, and I asked the locals so I knew they would know. I am not a fan of the touristy spots sometimes they're hyped up and not good you know? Anyways, despite the average reviews for this place I trusted and I went. When I asked the hostess if there were any seats at the bar she said, "Well there are three bars so." I didn't know if that was an answer or? So I took it upon myself to go in and see. There were in fact three bars on three different floors and only one had an available seat. The place was hoppin' on a Wednesday evening. All signs of a great restaurant in my experience. I sat at the bar and the bartender was, he was just a little, wild, disheveled, overwhelmed perhaps. I am honestly not sure what was going on with him. But I sat and he didn't seemed thrilled when I ordered a water. I asked for a food menu and ordered the edamame, tuna and salmon roll and a kale salad. The edamame was covered beyond belief in sea salt, which was my mistake I should have asked for no salt, but it was like a snowstorm of flakes on there. The salad was absolutely delicious, flavors were insane, perfectly dressed just awesome. The sushi came out and he realized it was the wrong order before bringing it to me so he sent it back and I waited for the right order, which didn't take long at all. The sushi was bomb. Fresh, flavorful, just really freaking good. I watched the bartender serve other guests to my right and he was just clumsy I don't know how else to put it, not that nice either, but kind of friendly, I don't know, we didn't jive. Which was a bummer because I was alone and it would have been nice to have some banter with the bartender but that didn't happen. All good. Then I ordered the brussels sprouts caesar salad to go because I wanted to have a somewhat healthy option when I got back to my room later that night in case I got hungry. People who I had met earlier that day raved about so I thought I had to. Didn't have to, did not have to at all. I'll literally eat anything, rarely do I say I don't like something but this I did not like. The anchovies on top with the warm cheesy brussels just did not work for me. I had a few bites and I couldn't continue. The place comes off as fancy, but it didn't give me high end vibes at all. The food was good for the most part, just a weird experience I don't know how else to describe it.

Lisa B.

Yelp

We liked this place. Here from out of town and found it a nice place on the water. We enjoyed the lively atmosphere and loved the room. We had brunch and the French toast and game sandwich and fries were all good. The service was also friendly. Check it out.

Paul E.

Yelp

The Clark Cooke House is about as Newport as it gets. The walls are covered in storied pictures from a century of The Americas Cup as well as many other sailing regattas over the years creating a great atmosphere for any boat or water lover. Adding to the atmosphere is how lively & quick moving everything is inside due to its tight areas and large crowds. The service is fantastic because of the friendliness and care of the staff but you need to know what to expect. It is not a pump out food quickly kind of place. Every dish is complex & fresh & takes time, especially during dinner time in the summer when its as busy as it possibly could be. Great things take time so have reasonable expectations & enjoy a drink or two while you wait for your food to come out. There is also a dress code depending on where you are with the Candy Store Bistro being business casual & the dining room to require jackets for men. The sooner you can make a reservation the better.

Victoria M.

Yelp

Made a reservation here during our stay at Newport. The food was delicious. I ordered the salmon special, which was excellent. I did find bones in my fish, but that comes with the territory. I always try to be extra precautious when eating fish. We also ordered the steak frites. The steak was cooked perfectly. The fries where underwhelming. My husband ordered the lobster roll. It was definitely more of a lobster salad as described. Tons of celery in it. My bay breeze tasted great. I ended up ordering another after we received our check. They do get busy so definitely make a reservation, and it's a tight space. It's on the more expensive side, so save this for a really nice dinner.

Ashley S.

Yelp

Really gorgeous and fun environment! So many different types of seating and decor. Our server was polite. Our food and drinks came out quickly and as described.

Lauren L.

Yelp

This was a very nice nautical spot that I went to over the summer with a large group. We stopped in for their brunch. The food was yummy, a bit overpriced. The service was fantastic.

Don I.

Yelp

came out quickly for our table of 8 We did appetizers of calamari, sushi a few salads and oysters tuna, cod, seafood linguine and a few lobster rolls 4 deserts including my favorite snowball in hell

Joe H.

Yelp

We made a reservation which was a good idea this place gets packed. It's right on the wharf so it's in a popular location. Our table had a nice view of the boats and our server was super helpful and cognizant of our daughter's allergy. Everything we ordered we love. Def give this place a try.

Mark L.

Yelp

A great local restaurant, one that evokes our Colonial past. We go to Clarke's on every trip to Newport. Great food, nice people, outstanding ambience. Worth every cent!

Rob W.

Yelp

I'm perfectly happy to don a sports coat or put on some "to the manner born" airs for a classy spot with incredible product, impeccable service, or classy, old-school vibes but this just felt like an old doyenne trying to desperately cling to viability with its random, antiquated rules, all while the walls around it are crumbling down. The setting felt no different than the sports bars/pubs on nearby Thames street, and the drinks were certainly no better--mediocre gin martini and a disappointing rye sour at the bar--there was a convivial vibe, and we talked to a couple of locals at the bar, but, again-, the setting is odd and feels more like a dive bar than a place that would have a dress code. Then, as we were waiting for the check, I got berated for putting my baseball cap on--sir, I am trying to leave your mediocre establishment--just let me on on my way! You've got to earn that level of hubris--and this place does not.

Tiffany H.

Yelp

Just when you think the food in Newport can't get any better ! This place has amazing food. Super fresh oysters, we had 2 dozen! At $3.50 each. The lobster roll was do fresh n so delicate. If you love seafood this is the pace! Book in advance bc for dinner it's had to get a reservation

Sandra M.

Yelp

This was a special dinner out. We reserved the "porch", which had a dress code. Jackets for men. Our table was super cute with floral pillows on the bench seat. Appetizers were ordered caviar 180. Yikes! I had been looking forward to colossal shrimp cocktail and was shocked when they said it wasn't on the menu. This is Newport RI expensive restaurant on the water, so I was super disappointed. The waiter said they offer a different menu downstairs. So I wasn't sure why they couldn't get it. They kindly brought me an appetizer of shrimp (small) buried in ice. I literally only like the big white crunch colossal ones, but it was a nice effort. The staff was very professional. Dinner was a fillet mignon which was delicious. Others got lobsters and were pleased. We did have drinks and wine. The bill was over 900.00 not including tip. I thought a bit over priced but it was a fun night. Probably won't be going back to that porch floor again, and definitely looking at the menu before going to the first floor.

Rickey T.

Yelp

The most fabulous. I absolutely love Clark's Cookhouse. The sky bar in the summer is the definition of a perfect evening. Their drinks are fantastic. Very pleased the sushi chef decided to stay through the off-season. Excellent experience with service every time I dine.

Kathryn R.

Yelp

A delightful and delicious experience! The service was very professional and attentive. The quality of food is the best in town. Succulent, briny oysters on the half shell! The Sole was extremely fresh with luscious caramelized onions and a nice balance of chopped tomatoes all on a bed of spinach. Snowball dessert shared with friends was the perfect ending to a special dinner. A must stop for a memorable dinner in historic Newport.

Kendra W.

Yelp

Yummy food, preppy vibe. Went for St. Patty's Day lunch. They have raw bar, great drinks, large food menu. Had a few appetizers and drinks. Clam chowder was lighter than most..it was a refreshing change. Didn't get to try the famous Snowball in hell dessert. I can see this place getting super busy so try to get reservation ahead if you can. Small bar seating area.

Sally R.

Yelp

The food is fantastic for fresh new england seafood, service impeccable, location extraordinary. The best seafood raw bar and sushi on the island. Thai style lobster is uniquely special - savory and light but not too strong of spice. Service and atmosphere perfect. I had given a card to hold the reservation which accidentally charged the next day as no show. I spoke to the manager and they resolved it same day.

Stacey T.

Yelp

Food was okay. Ambiance was great. You cannot beat the location. Service was attentive.

Ken B.

Yelp

My wife and I were visiting Newport for the first time during Thanksgiving. We got a reservation for Black Friday evening at 7pm. We were promptly seated in a charming corner nook that overlooked the street/wharf. Our server could not have been more attentive and friendly. We started with cocktails and tuna carpaccio - all excellent. Then came our mains of Sole Lyonaisse and the Scallops special, both were absolutely divine. We were tempted by their signature dessert, the "snowball in hell" but since it was a particularly cold and windy evening we opted for the chocolate torte with Frangelico which hit the spot. Kudos to chef Ted Gidley and his amazing team. This was an evening to remember and the high point of our visit to Newport!

Bridget W.

Yelp

My husband and I ate here this weekend; ambiance was lovely and the food was good. I'd been so excited that we got a reservation bc it was my birthday celebration, and I was looking forward to sampling the summer sushi and their signature dessert, Snowball in Hell. The food was not the best I've had in Newport but the ambiance and fun of the specialty sushi/dessert certainly made up for it. The reason for the low stars is due to the fact that just as we were about to leave (had been given our check probably 2 mins earlier, my husband and I were discussing one of the items on the bill and realized it was correct, were just about to put our card down), the hostess came over to tell us that they needed our table and basically that we needed to leave. It was incredibly rude and I've truly never experienced anything like it, especially bc we were not idling at the table - we had eaten a full meal including appetizers, dessert, cocktails, etc. and literally just been handed the check (and were certainly polite, quiet customers). When my husband said something to the waitress, she just backed away with the check and never even acknowledged it. I spoke to a manager on our way out and he was not very apologetic either. It's certainly a busy time in Newport but had they waited about two more minutes, we would have been on our way without such a terrible taste in our mouths from this treatment. Also, if the reservation only covers a specific amount of time, that should have been shared upfront when we made it; otherwise, perhaps the establishment needs to scale back the amount of reservations offered.

Dewi S.

Yelp

Great place to hang out. Really busy, especially on the weekend. Food is great! Oyster bar is wonderful, i would sit there and never leave. Mr. Leonard is wonderful and very helpful.

Laura S.

Yelp

I'm surprised by the rave reviews, honestly. This restaurant was a major disappointment. It tries to come off as upscale and exclusive, but there's nothing to support that vibe. The place itself looks like a 1980s crab shack, complete with no air conditioning, yet they have a dress code requiring men to wear jackets. The day before our reservation, I saw patrons inside who looked like they just came from Walmart, so I asked the hostess if the jacket rule was really enforced. She assured me it was, especially in the formal dining area. So, my husband showed up the next night in a button-down shirt, suit jacket, and khakis. He was the only one out of 14 men in the so-called "formal" area wearing a jacket. Others were in collar shirts but looked sloppy, some even wearing shorts. As for the food, it was just fine but a bit bland. My dirty martini was perfect! My husband ordered a sirloin, but what he got definitely wasn't a sirloin. This review might sound pretentious, but it's because I expected a classier experience because of the dress code and the way the staff acted. The no-phone policy felt pretentious, and to top it off, the menu and check both had reminders to "pay your server." Save your time and money and go somewhere that either genuinely offers a classy experience or doesn't pretend to be something it's not.

Cat G.

Yelp

Wonderful Newport restaurant- we had no reservations but they managed to squeeze us in on a Wednesday evening and only waited around 10 minutes. It's a very large space and I couldn't believe how full it was but after we had our dinner I understood- everything was perfect, from the bread to dessert just an all around solid meal and I can see why it's rated one of the best restaurants in Newport. Our server was new, not super friendly and not too familiar with the menu but that's ok- I had the native cod, my boyfriend had the seafood linguini and we split the hazelnut:chocolate mousse pie. Recommend 1,000%

Erica J.

Yelp

The ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner or even for business if you're looking to impress with the location. It was very loud around 6 pm on a Saturday night so go earlier if that's a problem for you, but it's so charming and you can't beat the view. I had the lemon spritz (meh), cream of tomato soup and the steamed lobster both were delicious! We felt rushed and that the server was a little pushy so that's the reason for a 4 vs a 5.

Molly M.

Yelp

You definitely come to this spot for the ambiance- I've never felt so New England. The wait staff is knowledgeable and well trained to give a fine dining experience. Everything felt fresh and well thought out. The lobster was great but their appetizers and starters really stole the show.

Morgan C.

Yelp

It's the worst kept secret that I love love love the Cooke House. I literally consider this place my home away from home. From sushi dinners to Porch Snowballs apre-gala, the best moments in life are spent in this hallowed and historic eatery. But that's not what this about. This is about the Smoked Salmon Sandwich, which is quite possibly the best sandwich I have EVER had not only in Newport, but in Boston, New York, or anywhere else. We came here a few days ago for a sensible Ladies Who Lunch moment following a Newport Classical concert at the Elms. I'm a night owl at Cooke House since work usually prevents daytime meals, but holy cow, I am so glad we came here for lunch, especially since the Smoked Salmon wondrousness is only on that menu (BUT IT SHOULD BE ON THE OTHER MENUS I WOULD EAT THIS ALL THE TIME). The salmon is fresh (I venture to guess it's smoked in house), the pumpernickel bread a soft and toothsome compliment to the fish, the dill cream cheese is FIRE, and the seasonal heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers pull it all together. It's like a tea sandwich turned up to eleven. Served alongside dressed mixed greens and a Newport Water cocktail, I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon. Seriously. So good. And that's a lot from me!

Narra G.

Yelp

My favorite restaurant in Newport. Any time anyone asks where they should dine, I send them to this staple. I want to win the lottery to do the caviar, but love the tuna and sushi. The Candy Store provides great memories. The staff and management at the restaurant also need a huge round of applause for all they have to deal with during the summer tourists.

Stephanie P.

Yelp

My family and I enjoyed dining at the Clarke Cooke House. It's a very lively atmosphere with lots of personality. Our waitress was very attentive to our needs. I would recommend ordering seafood because those dishes packed a lot of flavor. I loved my lobster roll; it was a perfect size. The sea bass special was very tasty. The popular snowball in hell dessert was a hit packed with lots of chocolate and coconut, you can't go wrong. Definitely worth a visit!

Kelly H.

Yelp

We came to Newport to celebrate my birthday, and I HAD to come to Clarke Cooke house as I had the most phenomenal lobster roll the last time I came. Hot take, but I prefer a cold roll over a hot one. I knew I wanted to come here when we were planning. We ordered 3 different kinds of oysters, the majority of us got lobster rolls, my mom got a steak, and my sister got fries and a Caesar salad. Our server was super nice and we had an amazing time. Can't wait to come back again!

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Emmy Hamilton

Clarke Cooke House

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Clarke Cooke House - Review - Downtown Waterfront - Newport - The Infatuation

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Clarke Cooke House

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Newport, Rhode Island

The Clarke Cooke House

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Clarke Cooke House

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Sara V.

Yelp

A must-visit in Newport. The Clarke Cooke House absolutely delivers. The oysters were pristine and briny, served ice-cold with great accompaniments. The crab cake was perfection--crispy outside, packed with crab, zero filler. The pasta was rich, silky, and deeply comforting without being heavy. The burrata was a standout: ultra-creamy and nestled in a warm, savory broth that made every bite feel intentional. Even the herb soup was flawless--simple, cozy, and full of flavor. Add in polished service and a classic, lively atmosphere, and this place reminds you why it's such a Newport staple. Everything we ordered was excellent. Would happily come back and order it all again.

Henry P.

Yelp

Jonathan M.

Yelp

Leena J.

Yelp

Cayenne D.

Yelp

Olivia B.

Yelp

Ksenia K.

Yelp

Shelly S.

Yelp

Kayla Y.

Yelp

Dominic C.

Yelp

Siena F.

Yelp

Marc W.

Yelp

Justin H.

Yelp

Jasmine J.

Yelp

Sonya T.

Yelp

Amazing food, service, and ambiance. Leave room for dessert. The Snowball from Hell is to die for! The hype is legit!

Natty C.

Yelp

Very historic place, used to be a candy store. Came for drinks only and sat on the very top floor. It does get busy. I can't speak for the food.

Srđan Đ.

Yelp

Kristi W.

Yelp

Kerri L.

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Michael D.

Yelp

Marc F.

Yelp

Samantha S.

Yelp

Lisa B.

Yelp

Paul E.

Yelp

Victoria M.

Yelp

Ashley S.

Yelp

Really gorgeous and fun environment! So many different types of seating and decor. Our server was polite. Our food and drinks came out quickly and as described.

Lauren L.

Yelp

This was a very nice nautical spot that I went to over the summer with a large group. We stopped in for their brunch. The food was yummy, a bit overpriced. The service was fantastic.

Don I.

Yelp

came out quickly for our table of 8 We did appetizers of calamari, sushi a few salads and oysters tuna, cod, seafood linguine and a few lobster rolls 4 deserts including my favorite snowball in hell

Joe H.

Yelp

Mark L.

Yelp

A great local restaurant, one that evokes our Colonial past. We go to Clarke's on every trip to Newport. Great food, nice people, outstanding ambience. Worth every cent!

Rob W.

Yelp

Tiffany H.

Yelp

Sandra M.

Yelp

Rickey T.

Yelp

Kathryn R.

Yelp

Kendra W.

Yelp

Sally R.

Yelp

Stacey T.

Yelp

Food was okay. Ambiance was great. You cannot beat the location. Service was attentive.

Ken B.

Yelp

Bridget W.

Yelp

Dewi S.

Yelp

Great place to hang out. Really busy, especially on the weekend. Food is great! Oyster bar is wonderful, i would sit there and never leave. Mr. Leonard is wonderful and very helpful.

Laura S.

Yelp

Cat G.

Yelp

Erica J.

Yelp

Molly M.

Yelp

Morgan C.

Yelp

Narra G.

Yelp

Stephanie P.

Yelp

Kelly H.

Yelp

Clarke Cooke House

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The 16 Best Restaurants In Newport, Rhode Island - Newport - The Infatuation

Clarke Cooke House - Review - Downtown Waterfront - Newport - The Infatuation

How to See Newport, Rhode Island, According to Two Volvo Ocean Race Sailors

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The 16 Best Restaurants In Newport, Rhode Island - Newport - The Infatuation

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