Newport's restaurant scene caters heavily to summer tourists, and quality varies. The waterfront concentration on Thames Street and the wharves is the obvious hunting ground; the better restaurants book up well ahead in summer. For a genuinely good meal, The Mooring on Sayer's Wharf does New England seafood — chowder, lobster bisque, grilled swordfish — in a waterfront room with good harbor views. 22 Bowen's on Bowen's Wharf is a reliable choice for a full dinner.
For something more casual, Anthony's Seafood on Thames is a Newport institution — fried clams, lobster rolls, and chowder served from what is essentially a takeaway window with outdoor tables. Gary's Handy Lunch on Mary Street is a classic American diner doing breakfast and lunch in a tiny room; the kind of place that reminds you Newport existed before the mansions and the summer people. Tallulah on Thames is worth knowing for a more considered meal away from the obvious tourist circuit. For coffee, Nitro Bar on Broadway has the best espresso in town.