The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar

"Sure, you might find sweaty tourists on Thames Street, but The Mooring’s cool, open-air patio is the place to escape all that. There are fans humming quietly above you, the energy is lively and upbeat but not rowdy, and all you can see is water and the boats in the harbor with Conanicut Island in the distance. Order the local classic Bag of Donuts lobster-shrimp fritters to start. The scallops, fish and chips, and statler chicken with chimichurri are excellent, and they also do a very well-executed, warm-buttered lobster roll. Plus, your smoky mezcal cocktail will seem as though it was specifically crafted to balance the briny sweetness of local oysters." - danielle rose

"Sure, you might find sweaty tourists on Thames Street, but The Mooring’s cool, open-air patio is the place to escape all that. There are fans humming quietly above you, the energy is lively and upbeat but not rowdy, and all you can see is water and the boats in the harbor with Conanicut Island in the distance. Order the local classic Bag of Donuts lobster-shrimp fritters to start. The scallops, fish and chips, and statler chicken with chimichurri are excellent, and they also do a very well-executed, warm-buttered lobster roll. Plus, your smoky mezcal cocktail will seem as though it was specifically crafted to balance the briny sweetness of local oysters." - Danielle Rose

"Head to this big, bustling Newport Wharf restaurant for lunch before visiting the museum and library just a few blocks away. It’s a no-frills and family-friendly affair during the day (lots of kids coloring on placemats), but the casual food is super tasty. In fact, it’s perfect waterside lunch fare, from the fresh and meaty Mexican white shrimp to the delicious Cajun Redfish Wrap. The real standout, though, is their Native Scallop Chowder, brightened up with bits of dill. Be sure to snag a table out on the patio overlooking Narragansett Bay."