New restaurants in Newport and beyond are building buzz. These menu items are worth a try.
The restaurant community has certainly had its share of tough times over the last three years. From the pandemic and the shutdowns, through staffing shortages and supply chain disruptions, to rising costs of food and beverage; it’s been a bumpy ride. Sadly, we lost some great eateries along the way. It hasn’t been easy for anyone in this business. But recently, there’s a renewed sense of hope in the air. We are seeing more and more new restaurants popping up throughout the island and that means more great options to eat (and work). It’s time we celebrated these new arrivals.
Mother Pizzeria
Perhaps the most anticipated arrival is Mother Pizzeria at the Shops at Long Wharf in the former Panera building. Mother is the brainchild from the Giusto team of Kevin O’Donnell, Lauren Schaefer and Kyle Stamps and is serving up fresh, sourdough pizza alongside a creative offering of wines, craft beers, and Italian-centric cocktails. Enjoy a classic pizza like the Margherita or the Notorious F.I.G. (black mission fig, prosciutto, arugula and aged balsamic). Or, dare I say, put some pineapple on your pie with the Calabrian Luau – ‘Nduja (a spicy, sausage from the Calabria region in Southern Italy), pineapple, red onion, roasted pepper and caciocavallo cheese. They have an impressive selection for a create-your-own charcuterie too along with tempting appetizers like Cacio e Pepe Garlic Knots or the Octopus Salad. But save room for some of their refreshing gelato for dessert. Believe the hype about this new restaurant and make your way to Mother to give them a try.
Mr. R Fusion Street Food
Another new spot to get excited about is Mr. R Fusion Street Food at 7 Memorial Blvd. Chef Andrea Congiusta has put together a menu that combines Asian, Italian and American cuisines blending traditional flavors and techniques with innovative twists. This is food that is meant to be shared and without question, thoroughly enjoyed. Start with some small bites like a Prosciutto Croquette (fried potato and cheese croquette topped with balsamic caramelized onions and jamon Iberico) and Korean Chicken Wings with honey gochujang sauce and gorgonzola dip. Or try their dumplings like the Beef (pan-fried beef, gruyere cheese and onion) or the Parmigiana Dumpling (pan-fried eggplant served with a sweet and sour marinara sauce). For large plates, indulge in the Lobster Fried Rice or Mr. R’s take on “Spaghetti" with Meatballs – thick udon noodles, pork and beef meatballs, Asian Italian tomato sauce and a fried egg. It’s a BYOB place for now while they wait for their liquor license, but the food is fresh, delicious and exciting.
Hooked Seafood Bar and Grill
Down on Thames Street, the team at Viesté Simply Italian are opening a new spot in their adjoining space next door. Welcome Hooked Seafood Bar and Grill to the Newport restaurant scene. Currently, they are in their "soft open" phase as they look towards a mid-August grand opening. But for now, you can join them every Wednesday through Sunday when they open at 4:30 p.m. The team at Viesté has always served up great Italian food and the addition of Hooked will allow them to share more great and classic tastes. Fresh seafood options will be front and center alongside grilled steaks and fresh cocktails. We are looking forward to enjoying all the new offerings in their always cozy confines on Lower Thames.
Pinoy Kabayan Filipino Asian Cuisine and Sushi Bar
Over in Middletown, the former Sea Shay restaurant on Aquidneck Avenue is transitioning to new owners and is now the Pinoy Kabayan Filipino Asian Cuisine and Sushi Bar. They too are working through the "soft open" phase with a grand opening planned soon, so the hours now are somewhat fluid. But they are usually open from noon to 7 p.m. They started their venture with a special food tasting event for the community where they dished out samples of their offerings like Garlic Fried Rice, Lumpia (a Filipino spring roll), Pancit Guisado (a traditional noodle dish) and Beef Mechado (braised beef). It’s always great to have more options for traditional cuisines from other cultures on the Island.
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Jax Diner
In Portsmouth, on West Main Road in the former Cindy’s Cafe spot, owners Mike and Mackie Angell have opened up Jax Diner which is serving up breakfast and lunch daily (although closed on Tuesdays). Named after their son Jax, the diner serves up traditional favorites plus some house specialties. For a hardy breakfast, try the Portuguesa Omelette made with eggs, chourico, mushrooms and American cheese. Or if sweet is more your thing, opt for the Fluffernutter French Toast – peanut butter and marshmallow spread stuffed sweet bread French toast. For lunch, the Mother Clucker Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich is a crowd pleaser as is the Smash Burger (served as a single, double or triple). And how about a chocolate chip cookie milkshake to wash it all down? A great menu with some seasoned restaurant veterans running the show. We wish them the best!
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: New restaurants in Newport, Middletown: Mother Pizzeia, Mr. R and more
