11 Coastal Rhode Island Restaurants Serving Ocean Views With Every Bite
Rhode Island may be the nation’s smallest state, but when it comes to waterfront dining, it delivers experiences that rival any coastal destination. I’ve spent countless summer evenings wandering its shoreline, chasing that magical pairing of just-caught seafood and unforgettable ocean views.
From the charm of Newport’s historic harbors, dotted with sailboats and colonial architecture, to the sweeping Atlantic panoramas that greet you on Block Island, every stop along the coast feels like something out of a postcard.
These restaurants offer more than food—they serve memories, plated alongside crashing waves, salty breezes, and the timeless beauty of the Ocean State.
1. The Coast Guard House: Narragansett’s Crown Jewel
Last summer, I watched the sunset paint the sky pink while perched at a window table in this historic former coastguard station. The renovated stone building stands majestically on Ocean Road, where waves crash dramatically against the rocks below.
The seafood here tastes like it jumped straight from ocean to plate. Their lobster bisque warms the soul on foggy evenings, while the locally-sourced oyster selection changes daily based on what’s freshest.
Pro tip: Make reservations well in advance for the west-facing tables. Nothing beats sipping a sparkling water while watching surfers catch the last waves of the day beneath a golden Rhode Island sunset.
2. George’s of Galilee: Where Fishing Boats Meet Fine Dining
The fishermen still unload their daily catch just yards from George’s kitchen door. I’ve watched them from the restaurant’s second-floor deck while savoring what might be the freshest seafood experience in New England.
Family-owned since 1948, this Narragansett institution offers five unique dining rooms and two tiki bars overlooking the Port of Galilee. The harbor channel views provide endless entertainment as boats navigate in and out with the tides.
My grandmother always ordered their signature clear broth clam chowder—a Rhode Island tradition that lets the sweet clam flavor shine without heavy cream. The recipe hasn’t changed in seven decades, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
3. Boat House Waterfront Dining: Tiverton’s Hidden Gem
“You can’t get any closer to the water without getting wet!” That’s what my server quipped as she led me to a table practically hovering over Mount Hope Bay. The Boat House’s glass-walled dining room creates the illusion of floating on water, especially at high tide.
Chef Jonathan Beres crafts seasonally inspired menus that showcase Rhode Island’s bounty. His pan-seared scallops with local corn succotash had me closing my eyes in bliss last August.
Weekends bring live acoustic music to the outdoor patio, where sailboats glide by so close you can almost touch them. Even on stormy days, watching dramatic skies over the bay turns dinner into theater.
4. 15 Point Road: Portsmouth’s Serene Riverside Escape
Tucked away on a quiet Portsmouth peninsula, 15 Point Road feels like dining in someone’s elegant waterfront home. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the serene Sakonnet River, where osprey often dive for fish while you’re enjoying yours.
Owner Bonnie Zimble greeted me by name on my second visit—a personal touch that’s increasingly rare. The Portuguese-influenced seafood stew reflects Rhode Island’s cultural heritage, brimming with littlenecks, mussels, and chorizo in a saffron-tomato broth.
Fall brings spectacular foliage reflections on the water, while summer evenings on their deck offer gentle river breezes that make even the hottest days bearable. Their unassuming exterior hides what locals consider one of Rhode Island’s best-kept culinary secrets.
5. The Gulf Stream Bar & Grille: Portsmouth’s Nautical Playground
Sailboats bob gently in their slips just feet from my favorite table at this casual marina eatery. The Gulf Stream embraces its nautical setting with playful touches—think signal flags and polished brass—without veering into tacky territory.
Fishermen bring their catch directly to the kitchen’s back door. I once watched a local captain proudly deliver striped bass he’d caught that morning, which appeared as the evening special three hours later.
Their sprawling outdoor deck transforms into Portsmouth’s liveliest spot during summer sunset hours. Children feed the ducks while parents unwind with mocktails and the kitchen’s famous stuffies—quahog clam shells filled with savory bread stuffing. It’s quintessential Rhode Island in the most delightful way.
6. The Beachead: Block Island’s Oceanfront Masterpiece
Sand might occasionally blow across your table at The Beachead—and that’s precisely its charm. Perched mere steps from Crescent Beach, this Block Island institution offers front-row seats to the Atlantic’s ever-changing moods.
My family has made our annual pilgrimage here for three generations. Their clam cakes—golden-fried puffs of dough studded with chopped quahogs—remain unchanged since my childhood visits. We always request a table on the wraparound deck, where the soundtrack is purely natural: waves, seagulls, and happy beachgoers.
Morning fog often creates a mystical dining experience as it rolls dramatically off the ocean. Even on cloudy days, watching fishing boats navigate the choppy waters makes for memorable mealtime entertainment you simply can’t script.
7. M Waterfront Grille: Block Island’s Elegant Harbor Viewpoint
White tablecloths flutter in the gentle harbor breeze at M Waterfront Grille, where I celebrated my anniversary last summer. This refined establishment occupies the sweet spot between casual island dining and sophisticated cuisine.
Chef Marco’s seafood risotto arrives studded with local lobster so fresh it practically winks at you. From most tables, the picture-perfect view of sailboats against Venetian Bay’s blue waters competes for attention with the artfully plated food.
Unlike many seasonal spots, M Waterfront remains open during quieter shoulder seasons. October brings spectacular sunset views without the summer crowds, when you can watch the harbor transform from bustling marina to peaceful anchorage as daylight fades to dusk.
8. The Spring House Hotel Restaurants: Block Island’s Victorian Viewpoint
Rocking chairs line the sprawling veranda of this grand Victorian hotel, where I’ve whiled away countless evenings watching the sun sink into the Atlantic. The Spring House, perched on a hill overlooking both sides of Block Island, offers dining with the island’s most commanding views.
Their main restaurant occupies a formal dining room with panoramic windows, while The Barn provides a more casual atmosphere. Both share the same spectacular vantage point and commitment to island-sourced ingredients.
Historic charm permeates every corner—the building dates to 1852. My grandmother told stories of celebrities dining here in the 1950s, when Block Island was New England’s hidden society getaway. Today’s menu honors tradition while incorporating modern touches, much like the island itself.
9. The Atlantic Restaurant at Atlantic Inn: Block Island’s Romantic Hilltop Haven
Fireflies dance across the lawn on summer evenings at this 1879 inn, where tables on the wrap-around porch offer sweeping views down to the harbor. The Atlantic Restaurant feels delightfully removed from time, with oil lamps casting warm light across white tablecloths as the sun sets.
Chef Evan Wargo transforms local catch into elegant presentations that never sacrifice flavor for fussiness. His seafood bouillabaisse—brimming with whatever the island fishermen caught that morning—pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s impressive drinks selection.
A century-old copper beech tree provides natural canopy for outdoor tables. The Atlantic’s slightly elevated location offers a unique perspective of Block Island Sound, where the mainland’s distant lights twinkle like earthbound stars on clear evenings.
10. The Mooring Restaurant: Newport’s Harbor-Front Classic
The gentle clink of rigging against masts provides natural background music at The Mooring, where Newport’s sailing heritage surrounds you. I’ve watched the America’s Cup boats parade past while dining on their famous “bag of doughnuts”—savory seafood fritters that have nothing to do with breakfast sweets.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase Newport Harbor’s constant activity, from gleaming yachts to historic schooners. The restaurant’s 800-bottle drinks collection earned Wine Spectator recognition, but their creative mocktail menu deserves equal praise.
Summer brings outdoor dining on their expansive wharf deck. Even winter visits offer spectacular harbor views through those massive windows, when dramatic storms provide dinner theater as waves crash against the seawall just beyond your table.
11. The Black Pearl: Newport’s Historic Wharf Treasure
Stepping onto Bannister’s Wharf feels like walking into a postcard of quintessential New England. The Black Pearl anchors this historic spot, where I’ve watched harbor seals playfully surface between the docks while enjoying their legendary clam chowder—so thick the spoon practically stands upright.
Founded in 1967, this Newport institution maintains its classic charm with dark wood paneling and brass accents inside. But the real magic happens on their dockside patio, where tables sit mere feet from bobbing boats.
Evening brings a special atmosphere as the harbor lights reflect on the water. Their tavern room buzzes with locals sharing maritime stories year-round, while summer brings international yachtsmen who’ve made The Pearl their traditional first stop when sailing into Newport.