The Castle Hill Inn’s restaurant, The Lawn, in Newport is a sought-after spot, especially during Newport Restaurant Week. Known for its waterfront dining and luxurious ambiance, The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn sets high expectations from the moment you arrive. You’re greeted by valet service, a beautifully dressed staff, and a warm, elegant entrance that hints at the opulence of the venue. With two distinct bar areas—one overlooking the water and another offering a cozy, warm-toned atmosphere—plus several dining sections, it’s no wonder a reservation is essential. The crowd is typically a mix of hotel guests, wedding parties, and locals looking to soak in the Newport views and sophisticated setting.
However, despite the high expectations set by the setting, the service fell short. After a day exploring Newport, I arrived at The Lawn with hopes of relaxing, only to be hurriedly told by the hostess to find my own way to the bar since no seating was available before dinner. Unfortunately, this was not the welcoming experience one might expect from such a high-end establishment. After finally settling into a bar seat by the window, which seemed ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail, I found myself waiting a solid 20 minutes without a menu or any service attention. To add to the inconvenience, the seating was backless bar stools and the window table ledge lacked any hooks or shelves for a purse or coat, which meant placing my belongings on the floor or table, neither of which felt ideal in such an upscale environment.
After finally securing water and a menu (both required multiple requests), my group decided to try everything on the Newport Restaurant Week menu to get a full experience of The Lawn’s offerings. Unfortunately, service delays continued, with the appetizers alone taking over 30 minutes to arrive. The Roasted Pumpkin Bisque was a highlight, with autumnal spices, native apple, guajillo chili, and gingerbread offering a warm, seasonal flavor that felt well thought-out. However, the Chilled Oysters with green chili-Carr’s cider mignonette and Parmigiano Reggiano, though fresh, lacked any unique touch or garnish that might have elevated them to a memorable experience. The Young Lettuce Salad, while brightened by pomegranate and pepita seeds, didn’t stand out among comparable dishes at other fine dining spots.
The entrées were equally mixed in quality. The Pan Roasted Atlantic Cod with white bean ragout, escarole, pickled beech mushroom, and smoked mushroom bouillon had delicate bland flavors and was more of an appetizer-sized portion than a main. The Pork Banh Mi, though promising with crispy pork belly, chicken liver mousse, pickled vegetables, and ginger aioli, suffered from overly hard bread that overshadowed the pork belly’s flavor. Removing the bread improved the taste but made it feel less gourmet. Finally, the Braised Beef Pappardelle with cipollini onion and lemon-Madeira jus had great seasoning, but the dish was mostly pasta, compared to the beef laid on top, making it more heavy and focused on carbs.
Overall, I’d rate this experience a 3 out of 5 stars. The initial impression upon arrival was wonderful, with luxurious décor and a stunning view, but the food and service left much to be desired. The Lawn seems to rely heavily on its breathtaking sunset views and historic charm rather than delivering a seamless dining experience. It’s certainly a picturesque spot, perfect for sunsets and perhaps special events, but for those expecting a truly upscale dining experience in both food and service, it may fall short.
Check out The Lawn’s website for more information regarding hours of operation, reservations, and hosting an event!
For more Lavish Places to go see and visit around the world, along with things to do, visit our website at https://www.lavishbylaulau.com
To view a tour of this restaurant’s lawn area brought to you by Lavish by LauLau – click here.
