How many times have you heard the question before: “Where should we eat?”
Truth is, we lean on others to give us the inside information on many aspects of our lives. Before we drop a ton of money on a purchase, we read all of the reviews — the good and the bad. Before committing to a gym membership, we learn about others’ experiences via social media.
This reliance is why the website Yelp.com was created. Launched in October 2004 by Jeremy Stoppelman and Russel Simmons, the San Francisco-based website publishes crowd-sourced reviews of restaurants, other businesses and attractions. It attracts roughly 142 million unique visitors per month, and nearly 245 million reviews in 15 languages have been logged.
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So which Newport restaurants do Yelp users think are the best? We’ve compiled the top 10 highest-rated spots (as well as the first listed review), though it should be noted the number of reviews range from less than 100 to more than 1,000.
10. Megs’ Aussie Milk Bar
111 Bellevue Ave., Newport
There are 274 reviews for Megs’ Aussie Milk Bar, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“I loved this breakfast bar,” wrote Rebecca F. from California. “Casual relaxed atmosphere … with high back benches and chairs … all welcoming (and the food did not disappoint). I had fried eggs with their hash browns and rye toast … the bread a delicious the eggs cooked perfectly, the hash browns were the best I’ve had … crispy cubes seasoned beautifully. A must try!!”
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9. Scratch Kitchen & Catering
88 Broadway, Newport
There are 351 reviews for Scratch, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“I like the combo options they have,” wrote Sharon W. from Norfolk, Virginia. “Vegan friendly and essentially something for everyone. They have a breakfast and lunch menu but close in the afternoons so check their hours. Offerings are listed on a chalk board on the walls. Soup varies based on available ingredients and the chili has been delicious. Snazzy names for the food choices with detail on what the item has in case you need to know what goes into it. No fountain drinks, cans & bottles (Jarritos) for soda and water.”
8. Humming Bird
104 Broadway, Newport
There are 88 reviews for Humming Bird, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“My sister and I went here for lunch,” wrote Cyndy B. from Zephyr Cove, Nevada. “I had the Bean Stew and my sister had the Curry Chicken Stew. They both were so good. The food had the right amount of spices and the servings were filling … we both brought half of our lunch home. The restaurant is clean, cheerful and the server was great!”
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7. Bouchard Restaurant
505 Thames St., Newport
There are 332 reviews for Bouchard Restaurant, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“Fine dining at its best,” wrote Leila T. from Nanuet, New York. “For anyone who is unclear as to what fine dining really is — this is it. Impeccable service and outstanding food. Definitely a must try restaurant if you are in the area.”
6. Bar ‘Cino
22 Washington Square, Newport
There are 220 reviews for Bar ‘Cino, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“This place is so neat!” wrote Kim I. from Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Super small (lived in Texas so…), but well organized and very clean. Hailey was our server and she did a very fine job!! Food was great and I had not one … but 2 peppered vodka lemonade and I’m quite pleased!! Will for sure be back!”
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5. Mori Sushi
181 Bellevue Ave., Newport
There are 166 reviews for Mori Sushi, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“Their new location is now my go to date night spot, my partner is a very picky eater so their expansion on the menu was a pleasant surprise,” wrote Ryan A. from Newport. “We started with the fried chicken, seasoned very well and a bit spicy but not overwhelming. The noodles were great and the portion size is big so expect to have leftovers. The imperial roll is my go to, perfect twist on a plain spicy tuna roll. The server was very attentive and nice. They are understaffed as most restaurants are right now which puts a lot of pressure on the staff so be kind and patient with the people who still show up.”
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4. Cru Cafe
1 Casino Terrace, Newport
There are 390 reviews for Cru Cafe, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“Came here for brunch and got the avocado benedict!” wrote Joyce K. from Germantown, Maryland. “You have to first order at the counter and then find your own place to sit. They will bring your meal to you when it’s ready. For my avocado benedict, the egg was runny and perfect. I’m sure this means all their different benedict variations are just as delicious. They had sriracha, so I was able to add that for a nice kick. I thought the price was great and the flavor was great too. Would definitely come back!”
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3. Corner Cafe
110 Broadway, Newport
There are 1,091 reviews for Corner Cafe, with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5.
“We found this place last minute by seeing who had good lunch in Newport and was open. Wow — this is the bestest of cafes! Really chill vibe here,” wrote Edward B. from Pasadena, California. “It was busy and we lucked out getting seats at the bar. Staff were super friendly, super Irish (lol) and boy do they know how to make some great food. You could go comfort food or healthy — your choice. That said, when the Irish woman tells you “You gotta try the bacon,” you follow instructions. This is one of those places I wish was in my own neighborhood and I could go to on the regular. Oh yes — coffee game is strong here.”
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2. Drift Cafe
190 A Thames St., Newport
There are 90 reviews for Drift Cafe, with an average of 5 stars of out of 5.
“Drift Cafe is the epitome of a hip, local establishment,” wrote Greg W. from Cambridge, Massachusetts. “All the reviews hit the marks with long lines and wait times in peak season, but the effort is worth the experience unless you are a die-hard Starbucks or Dunkin’ person.
“Drift is as ‘crunchy’ as they come, and while that used to be viewed as a negative previously it has been all the rage in recent years. They have a feel of hippy meets hipster in terms of their offerings and ingredients used, including all the ‘in’ exotic and health-related items like acai, chia seeds, CBD, and of course everything is organic and sustainably-sourced.”
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1. Root
6 Broadway, Newport
There are 113 reviews for Root, with an average of 5 stars out of 5.
“So good we went 3 times in 24 hours! I’m not even vegan!” wrote Jane S. from Queens, New York. “The options are really delicious, filling, and clean. We’re from NYC so we can be picky about food but Root didn’t disappoint. The owners and staff were really nice and we loved going back to try something new from the menu each time. We’ll miss this for sure. Can’t wait to go back next season!”