A seaside New England summer resort destination, Newport, Rhode Island, has one of the richest histories of any North American city, with roots stretching back to the 17th-century colonial era and the American Revolutionary period of the 18th century. Newport is famous for its coastal scenery and impressive architecture including mansions from the Gilded Age, when some of the nation's wealthiest families summered in the town. Today, Newport is the home of a thriving waterfront downtown including many shops and restaurants.
Named the best location for wedding rehearsal dinners and the restaurant with the best Italian dishes in 2010 by local Rhode Island publications, Sardella's Italian Restaurant has been serving traditional Italian favorites in Newport since 1980. The restaurant offers a selection of small plates including escargot with gorgonzola, garlic and brandy, mussels in olive oil and clam broth, and Sicilian meatballs. Dinner specialties include littleneck clams, veal saltimbocca, grilled shrimp wrapped in prosciutto and ricotta-filled ravioli.
Established in 1993, Lucia Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria serves authentic Northern Italian food in an intimate atmosphere. The restaurant's owners are originally from Vicenza, a city 30 miles west of Venice, and Rimini, a seaside resort city on the Adriatic Riviera. Dinner specialties include veal scaloppine, baked breaded filet of haddock, manicotti with four cheeses, ravioli filled with wild mushrooms and ricotta, and sole sauteed with extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange liqueur, white wine and fresh lemon juice.
A family-run casual Italian restaurant, Puerini's draws tourists as well as Newport locals. Its specialties include veal dishes and hearty pasta dishes. Its extensive anitpasti menu includes hot cherry peppers stuffed with prosciutto and provolone, homemade polenta served in a variety of styles and fresh portobello mushrooms sauteed with spinach, zucchini, roasted red peppers and balsamic vinegar. Fresh squid and shrimp sauteed in a mildly spicy tomato sauce and served over linguini is a highlight of the restaurant's seafood selections.
Known for its cozy atmosphere and home-style food, Mamma Luisa Ristorante Italiano has been attracting seasonal travelers and Newport residents since it opened in 1992. Its wine list spotlights wines from the northern, central and southern regions of Italy along with wines from California and other parts of the world. A homemade ricotta and spinach gnocchi served with marinara sauce from a family recipe is a highlight of the pasta selections. Other specialties include a grilled veal chop and a seared tuna steak in a spicy tomato sauce.
