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    Benjamin's Raw Bar

    3.5 (992 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Benjamin's Raw Bar Photos

    BENJAMIN'S RAW BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Holly L.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's a downstairs seating that's more dive/sports bar-y with a TV, and an upstairs area with a nicer view and more restaurant vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]No AC in the summer in the downstairs part.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Got the seafood platter, but the shrimp still had the poop chute in it and the mussels were unpleasant. The scallops and fish part were good. Clam chowder was way too salty and watery with a hint of sour aftertaste. Entrees are expensive given the price which is unsurprising for Newport but you can get better seafood for the same price elsewhere. Service was good but a little long.

    Susan S.

    $1.50 HH 12-2 pm. Pic, the Bartender very friendly and gave us tips on where to go. We ordered a hot lobster roll-a little smaller than I expected for $27.95 but It was tasty and we had the fries with malt vinegar. Also ordered a dozen oysters. Sat at the bar in front of the oyster bar. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Noise level was normal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Mussels
    Giovanni D.

    We saw this place while we shopped and decided to come back for dinner and honestly it did not disappoint. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Downstairs is a little louder and has more of a bar feel while upstairs is a restaurant feel.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When we ordered, we were greeted by a very nice waiter who took our orders. We got the New England clam chowder and Raw Oysters to start with a side of garlic bread. No words can describe how good it was. For dinner, we ordered the hot lobster roll and muscles zuppa style. Overall delicious and fresh. Costs were reasonable and I will return.

    Calamari $15, Clams Casino $1.50 ea
    Susan C.

    We were looking for light eats and drinks. We were with my cousin who knew the area - walked into Benjamin's around 4:30. We didn't have a reservation but they had a four top that was perfect for our party of 3. Lauren was quick to bring us water and then take our drink order. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lots of Newport vibes here with nautical themes, Fenway Park signs, lots of Christmas decor. Lots of music, spots on the tv[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. We loved the food! The calamari app $15 had perfectly fried rings and no tentacles. Yummy marinara served with the calamari. The oysters were shucked well - no shell fragments and all the oysters were freed from the shell. Clams casino are warm and delicious with toasted breadcrumbs. $1.50 each for both oysters and casino. Lauren kept our group happy!

    Oysters Rockefeller
    Melissa P.

    Upstairs at Benjamin's did not disappoint! We made a reservation ahead of time and got right in at our time. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dining room was cozy and reminded me of the seafood places we grew up with.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had kids menus ready for ours which is great (some restaurants in Newport aren't so child friendly).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff worked together to get us what we needed and pre-bus the table in time for our food to come out. We started with the Oysters Rockefeller- one of my faves! I went with a lobster roll with a salad instead of fries and coleslaw. That slaw was some of the BEST I've ever had! The hot lobster roll was good but a little fishy- maybe it needed more butter? The platters were all huge- someone in our group had the stuffed lobster- presentation was beautiful. We will be back!

    Oysters
    JP P.

    Avoid this place and try another spot. I was actually going to the place next store but stopped here due to their menu and raw bar. Staff is ok.... We were sat fast and then forgotten about. Two other tables came in after us and ordered before us. I finally got my oysters.... They were ok. The food was finally ordered about 45 minutes later. I went with the 1 lb lobster with a side of clam chowder. Clam chowder was barely warm and probably the worst I have ever had. Now, let's get to the real reason for the 1 star. You served me a bad lobster it smelled of ammonia when it arrived and I knew it was bad but I did not want to make a scene. I regret that. I paid and we left. Avoid the hell out of a place were they do not care enough to do the right thing and serve you bad seafood.

    New England clam chowder
    Irene A.

    Good service, good food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat on the table by the window and it was very refreshing without being bothered by passing people or cars.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the fisherman platter and my husband got a burger. All good, we will be back.

    Our first plate from the raw bar Oysters, Oyster Rock-a-fella, Littlenecks
    Alissa W.

    Love their happy hour/lunch specials! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Looking for a place to sit and relax and eat fresh oysters and clams? This is your place!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got a big plate of oysters and clams and very large shrimp! Also got some Rockefeller cooked oysters and a garlic bread to balance things out. We had a good time with all the food. Raw items were super fresh, the shrimp were nice and big, and the cooked items had good flavor. Yes they had a full menu of other items, but we didn't really look at that. There is a nice bar with good drinks and beers. Our waiter was good too - helpful and funny. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a great place to stop midday for a fun, fresh lunch![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Jennifer T.

    3.5/5 Great spot for oyster happy hour with strong drinks (the margarita packs a punch, and the Newport Sunset is a nice balance). Service was excellent and really made the visit. Food was more hit-or-miss: the fried shrimp were good and tasted super fresh, but the seafood pot pie had overcooked shrimp with the tails still on, which made it tricky to eat. Didn't love the little neck clams. Limited street parking, but the ocean view and the quirky Grand Marnier Club wall of bottles give the place a fun, local charm.

    Shrimp Scampi
    Dominic C.

    My wife and I were in Newport for a mini vacation. We had been here one time in the past and thought it was good. So we decided to return . Bad idea. We started with the island punch, which was actually very good. That's where the highlights end. We then moved onto the lobster bisque. This can best be described as tomato soup with no lobster flavor. To start, the color was a dark murky brown. Unlike any lobster bisque I have ever seen. If I was blindfolded and asked to name what I was eating, lobster bisque would not be my guess. On to the entrees. My wife had the Stuffed Sole. It was supposed to have a cream Sherry sauce stuffed with lobster , scallops and shrimp. None of these items were evident in the dish. In fact, the sherry sauce turned out to be nothing more than retreaded lobster bisque. I had the shrimp scampi with linguine. This dish is quite puzzling. The best way I can describe this is shrimp cocktail over linguine and a bowl of flavorless soup covered with mozzarella cheese. You heard right ,mozzarella cheese. In what world does mozzarella cheese go on shrimp scampi? This establishment clearly does not have a chef. There is no cooking acumen whatsoever contained in the slop they are serving. My wife ate 2 packages of oyster crackers and considered that the highlight of the meal. On a positive note, our sever Connor was Excellent. He was very apologetic and arranged for my dinner as well as 1 Bisque to be deducted from the Check since they were barely touched. Unfortunately we will be crossing Benjamin's off our list. I suggest you do the same.

    Mini Shucker Platter
    Claudine R.

    Haven't been to Benjamin's in 2 years, and it's still the same. The bartender, Andrew, was great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We came on a raw bar Tuesday night, and it wasn't busy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We enjoyed the oyster Rockefeller, Benjamin's linguine, and ribeye steak. Coming back soon.

    Steamers
    Cheryl T.

    I can't say enough about the seafood here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Pretty small seating area inside but we were lucky to get seated right away.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Very nice servers too. They were very busy but the servers were hustling and kept up. Our order was correct, hot, and delicious. We had Oysters Rockefeller, Clams Casino, and steamers. Spot on excellent!

    Andrew R.

    Best raw seafood spot ever. I eat a lot of raw seafood. Their Oysters and Clams are the best half shells you will ever eat!!!

    Yummy!!!!

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    Review Insights

    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Great service and enjoy sitting upstairs. Saturday afternoon is the time to go for the oyster and calm special.

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Not the same since Paulie's passing. The chef isn't very good...probably lack of supervision. Inconsistent food quality. Prefer Red Parrot.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    The place to go for oysters! They're fresh and great service. Oyster happy hour on Sundays and all day on Tuesdays.

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    Page 2 of 25

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    Hi! Im just wondering if this place have a happy hour on oysters?

    Yes they do! See the website for days and times!

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    Bar 'Cino Newport

    Bar 'Cino Newport

    4.6
    (577 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Great spot to go to in Newport, RI! Came here two years ago and just recently had it again this…read moreMay. The food is so good here! Very fresh and honestly, very affordable for the aesthetic, quality, and taste. Plus the service is great. I've had their pastas, entrees, apps, pizza, and drinks and there is nothing you can go wrong with. My personal favorites is their kale salad, chianti marsala braised beef and mushroom tagliatelle. Again, the quality is great and everything is seasoned/ flavored well. Plus their pastas are homemade! They also give free bread, who doesn't love that? I cannot recommend this place enough. Perfect for a date night or night out with friends.

    We sat at the counter right in front of all the magic. The chefs are definitely hard at work and it…read morewas really fun watching them make it all happen. The service was really good. We loved the olives and the roasted beets! The whipped Gorgonzola was a perfect match for the beets, not overpowering at all. After much thought over the menu, I decided to go with the short rib. The short rib was not fatty and it was super tender. I was able to pull it apart easily with my fork. The mashed potatoes were great and complimented the dish with the short rib sauce. I wasn't a fan of the tequila drink that I ordered, but my glass of wine paired very well with the short rib.

    Photos
    Bar 'Cino Newport
    Tuscan kale salad, avocado, pine nuts, parmesan, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette
    Tuscan kale salad, avocado, pine nuts, parmesan, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette
    Bar 'Cino Newport

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    Anthony's Seafood

    Anthony's Seafood

    4.2
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    The food here was so good. There were 6 of us so we had a wide sample of food, we had a hot and…read morecold lobster roll, New England and Rhode Island clam chowder, clam cakes and a seafood platters. It came out quickly, the portions were nice sized and it was great. The staff was very friendly and made room for our large group. Great seafood!

    Anthony's Seafood offers a good amount of seafood (duh!). So you place your order at a counter then…read moreyou're given a number and your food will be brought to you. I went on a rainy Monday around noon and there was still a steady flow of customers. It seems to be a pretty popular spot. The staff is all very friendly. The soups were served to us immediately after paying. The New England Clam Chowder was good. Nice amount of clams and very creamy. I had never had Rhode Island Clam Chowder before and this seemed like the place to try it. The clear broth was surprisingly flavorful but I still prefer New England. My girlfriend and I ordered a good amount and the food came out pretty quickly. My favorite was the kung pao calamari. The squid was fried perfectly and having the sauce on the side was nice as it didn't leave the breading to get all soggy and I had control over how sweet it would be. The stuffed Quahogs tasted good but I feel like I tasted more of the stuffing over the actual shellfish. It still tasted good, but I feel like I should've gotten more shellfish. We were told they ran out of shells to serve them on so the presentation was off, but they were still tasty. The lobster rolls were both good. They were $27 which seems pretty steep to me but they were actually on the cheaper side compared to other places we saw around Newport. The lobster tasted fresh and the bread was good. They were solid lobster rolls. The food was all solid, but for the price I wasn't wowed.

    Photos
    Interior. Fine for solo or group dining.
    Interior. Fine for solo or group dining.
    Baked scallops, potatoes and corn at Anthony's Seafood, Middletown
    Baked scallops, potatoes and corn at Anthony's Seafood, Middletown
    Yummy lobster roll

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    Yummy lobster roll
    Giusto Newport

    Giusto Newport

    4.2
    (359 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    This fancy restaurants served some delicious food! They have indoor and patio seating- very…read moreaesthetic and cute. Went here for dinner and I got some Oysters, Scotch Meatballs, Mother Sourdough Crostini, and the Garganelli. Everything was amazing! For dessert I got the Olive Oil Cake- this was the show stopper! I loveddd this cake and I highly recommend it! Service throughout the whole time was good- helpful staff and server.

    Came here for an impromptu dinner with coworkers since we were staying across the street at…read moreHammetts Hotel, which unfortunately didn't have a restaurant on-site. The restaurant was packed, and since we didn't have a reservation, we ended up sitting in the bar area. Honestly, that wasn't a bad thing--the views of the sunset and the wharf were beautiful. The drinks came out quickly, although my cocktail had way too much citrus. The oysters arrived next, and they were fresh and delicious, so we were all feeling pretty good about the meal and looking forward to our entrées. Unfortunately, that's where things went downhill. We waited an entire hour for our entrées to arrive, and the waitstaff wasn't very forthcoming with updates. We had to track someone down anytime we had a question or needed something, which became very frustrating. Once the food finally arrived, it was disappointing. Several of the dishes were extremely salty. I ordered the swordfish, which was slightly overcooked, and the vegetables were overwhelmingly acidic, as if an entire bottle of vinegar had been poured over them. They were also topped with a generous amount of capers, making the dish even saltier. Overall, it just wasn't enjoyable. I mentioned my concerns to our waitress, but unfortunately, she didn't seem particularly concerned. Hopefully, she passed the feedback along to the chef so some adjustments can be made. The beautiful waterfront setting and fresh oysters were definitely highlights which gained a star here but unfortunately, the long wait, lack of communication, and disappointing entrées overshadowed the experience.

    Photos
    Seating area
    Seating area
    Maltagliati * hopkins southdowns lamb sugo, swiss chard, harissa, umbrian chickpea
    Maltagliati * hopkins southdowns lamb sugo, swiss chard, harissa, umbrian chickpea
    Black Manhattan

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    Black Manhattan
    Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant

    Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant

    4.2
    (1.9k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We just had another fabulous dinner at Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant--our second time dining here…read moresince last fall, and it was just as wonderful as we remembered. We arrived a little early for our 4:00 p.m. reservation, and the place was already packed. While we waited by the bar, a very nice waitress took our drink order--a lemon drop martini, beautifully crafted, well-balanced, and pleasantly strong. We were seated shortly after and, of course, ordered another. (Both times, I took several sips before remembering to take a photo!) Our waitress, Mikela, was truly lovely--sincere, sweet, and very courteous. She was attentive throughout the meal without ever being intrusive, which made the experience feel relaxed and effortless. At the end, I told her I wished I could give her 6 stars, but Yelp only allows 5. For dinner, we both ordered the seared rare ahi tuna steak. I had mine with garlic bread, while my husband chose mashed potatoes. I also added the $9.95 salad buffet, which is such a great deal--you definitely won't leave hungry. I especially love their buffet-style salad bar, which offers nearly every option one could want. Both of our ahi tuna steaks were fantastic--fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Once again, I dug into my tuna before remembering to take a photo! We finished the meal with a cheesecake to share--another delicious ending to a wonderful dinner. We're already planning our next visit--there are still so many dishes and drinks we'd love to try.

    They don't take reservations but the wait wasn't too bad. The atmosphere was lively with a fun…read moreenergy. From the moment we sat down, the service was excellent. Our waiter was kind, attentive, and very patient with us as we managed two hangry kids. One employee who was on break even helped me find a quiet spot to take a work call which I really appreciated. The kids' meal came out almost immediately. My son got the cheeseburger, and I was surprised by how big it was. It was adult sized, and he enjoyed and finished all of it. The mussels were the standout of the meal and the best I've personally had. They were incredibly fresh with no fishy smell and the broth was so flavorful. The bread that came with it was perfect for soaking up every last bit of the broth. The salmon was very fresh and cooked well. The shrimp scampi was also really good. The clam chowder was an 8 out of 10 for me. Not the best I've ever had but definitely one of the better ones. Pricing was mid range and felt fair for the quality of the food and the portions. Overall, we were really happy with the meal. Great service, fresh seafood, generous kids' portions, and a fun atmosphere. I'd definitely come back, especially for the mussels.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Clams were cooked perfectly
    Clams were cooked perfectly
    Pumpkin and butternut squash ravioli

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    Pumpkin and butternut squash ravioli
    22 Bowen's

    22 Bowen's

    4.0
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    I was looking for the best steak in Newport and I sure found it. I ordered the $56 New York strip…read morecooked with a warm red center and it came out perfect! It is not heavily seasoned and it was tender and flavorful. The juices surrounded the steak, really that's all it needed. I did order a side of Demi, but hardly used it. We sat at the upstairs bar and had the best service and even got to watch the Red Sox game. 22 Bowen's Wharf has a crazy selection of steaks, I'm sure I didn't pick their best, but it was exactly what I was looking for. We started with the local farm stand salad with fresh burrata cheese and locally gown tomatoes. It was amazing...nothing like fresh summer grown tomatoes and basil from Rhode island. The bartender sold me on the key lime pie as they make the key lime pie with key limes outsourced from the Florida keys. Always a great meal at 22 Bowen's.

    We chose 22 Bowen's to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, and it couldn't have been a more…read moreperfect choice. When making our reservation, we noticed there was an option to mark that we were celebrating an anniversary, and I have to say, they truly acknowledged it in such a thoughtful way. When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who immediately wished us a happy anniversary. We were then escorted upstairs to our table, where we were treated to a beautiful view overlooking the harbor. The restaurant itself is elegant without feeling stuffy, making it the perfect setting for a special occasion. Our server, Cailin, greeted us promptly, wished us a happy anniversary, and offered us a complimentary champagne toast. While neither of us are big champagne drinkers, it was such a thoughtful gesture that immediately made the evening feel even more special. It's little touches like that that turn a nice dinner into a memorable celebration. Moreover, it was just nice to hear the champagne flutes clink. (Plus the champagne was great!) To drink, we both ordered the dragon fruit margaritas. They were not only delicious but absolutely beautiful, with their vibrant pink color and striking black salt rim. To start, we shared the Caesar salad (without anchovies) and the stuffed artichoke. The Caesar dressing tasted homemade and was packed with flavor. The stuffed artichoke was easily the best I've ever had--perfectly cooked and served with a divine green goddess sauce that I could have eaten by the spoonful. My husband also ordered the clam chowder, which he absolutely loved. I don't eat seafood, but I tried a spoonful of the broth and even I thought it was excellent. For our entrées, my husband ordered the pork, and I chose the New York strip steak. Both were cooked perfectly and full of flavor. I paired my steak with both the horseradish crema and Bowen's steak sauce, while my husband enjoyed the chimichurri with his pork. Every sauce complemented the dishes beautifully. For sides, we ordered the seasonal vegetables, which were perfectly cooked green beans, the four-cheese potatoes au gratin with crumbled bacon, and the truffle mac and cheese. The potatoes were rich and comforting, the green beans provided the perfect balance, and the truffle mac and cheese was absolutely incredible, not to mention a very generous portion. Before our entrées arrived, our table was presented with beautiful steak knives, another thoughtful detail that elevated the experience and made cutting into the steak effortless. By the end of dinner we were completely full, so instead of dessert we each ordered an espresso martini. They were perfectly balanced and the ideal way to end such an incredible meal. From the stunning harbor views and elegant atmosphere to the impeccable service and outstanding food, every part of our evening felt special. We left feeling celebrated, and we're so happy we chose 22 Bowen's for our first wedding anniversary. If you're looking for a restaurant in Newport to celebrate a milestone or simply enjoy an exceptional meal, this is one I wholeheartedly recommend.

    Photos
    22 Bowen's
    Four Cheese Potato Gratin
    Four Cheese Potato Gratin
    22 Bowen's

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    Benjamin's Raw Bar - seafood - Updated August 2026

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