Nestled right on Newport’s picturesque marina, The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar serves up a luxury dining experience that perfectly captures the seaside charm of Rhode Island. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a lively, bustling atmosphere. Guests are fully immersed in their meals, laughter, and the ambiance, and just behind the luxury bar lies an impressive display of fresh seafood on ice—a promising introduction to what’s to come.
With a spacious indoor dining area and two beautiful outdoor seating sections, The Mooring offers the ideal setting to soak in the views of boats at the dock, all while enjoying the vibrant marina atmosphere. The outdoor seating is particularly charming in the early evening, where you can watch the sunset paint the sky over the water. It’s a perfect spot for seafood lovers to indulge in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
The service at The Mooring was attentive and friendly, adding to the upscale yet welcoming vibe. Our group sampled a few of the standout items on the menu, starting with the Crispy Redfish ($25), Sole Milanese ($28), and Fish Sandwich ($18), plus two side dishes: Broccolini ($7) and Brussels Sprouts with beet hummus and Brazil nuts ($9). The seafood selection was excellent, offering both classic cooked dishes and a raw bar for variety.
The Crispy Redfish delivered a delightful contrast in textures, with the crisp pan-fried fish pairing beautifully with the softer, savory dirty rice. The charred scallion vinaigrette added a tangy note, while the pickled green beans brought a nice bite to the dish. The Fish Sandwich, a fried haddock with shaved lettuce, cheddar, pickle, and kewpie mayo on brioche, was straightforward but expertly done—a perfect comfort dish, cooked exactly as expected, with every ingredient complementing the fish’s fresh flavor.
The true star of the meal, however, was the Sole Milanese. Perfectly pan-fried, the sole was tender and juicy, topped with a flavorful tomato confit and paired with German-style potatoes and fresh watercress. The lemon butter sauce was exceptional, balancing richness with a hint of citrus. After tasting it, we found ourselves wanting to drizzle it over every dish on the table—it was that good!
For sides, the Broccolini was a nice addition, cooked just right to retain its crunch. The Brussels Sprouts, however, felt underwhelming. Though supposed to be served with a creative twist of beet hummus and Brazil nuts, I didn’t get those extras in my dish so they lacked a bit of seasoning and inspiration, coming across as somewhat bland compared to the other standout dishes.
Overall, The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar offers a memorable 5/5 dining experience with a touch of Newport luxury. The vibrant setting, excellent service, and well-executed seafood dishes make it a fantastic choice for a meal on the water. The charm of dining at the marina, coupled with the restaurant’s signature plates, makes The Mooring a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Newport’s waterfront dining scene. We can’t wait to go back! Plus the espresso I had to finish off the meal was unique with their sugar rock stick they provided on the side!
Check out The Mooring’s website for more information regarding hours of operation, reservations, and hosting an event!
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