We were staying at the beautiful Ocean House and decided to eat at The Bistro the first night for dinner. It was a Wednesday and the gentleman who gave us a tour when we checked in, told us to ask our server about the Westerly Wednesday which is a 3 course prix fixe that includes a glass of wine for only $59. Though we are small eaters, we decided to ask about it and then ordered it. We are so glad we did! My husband had the clam chowder then the steak frites followed by gelato. I had the burrata, salmon and then the spiced pear cake. The food was all outstanding! The wine was fantastic and the service was spot on. The restaurant is just beautiful and even though it's low season, the views are spectacular (for breakfast we were seated in front of windows overlooking the ocean). We enjoyed our dinner so much that we cancelled our reservation at a restaurant off property 2 days later and decided to eat at The Bistro again. My only slight complaint is the first morning we had breakfast there, the server was very slow which was surprising considering the restaurant was almost completely empty for breakfast. I'm pleased to report that for breakfast the next time, service was perfect for breakfast so it was our server the first morning who was not up to par. We can't wait to come back. read more

That was hands down one of the worst meals I've ever had. The tuna app was extremely fishy, my filet that I had to send back tasted like burnt charcoal (they remade it and it was just as bad the second time and they didn't take it off the bill. I took one bite) and even my Diet Coke was flat. The creme brulee wasn't cooked at all and was raw and runny on the inside. I am wildly disappointed with the entire meal and cannot believe that's what a hotel of that status serves. Asked for Eduardo the manager to call me back over 3 times now and he has yet to return my call. The experience here has been wildly poor all around and I do not recommend at all. Save yourself the money and go to a place that actually serves quality food and doesn't give you the run around. read more

I would have given three stars but dropped a star because the menu should , but doesn't, say everything is ala carte. I ordered the salmon entree. What I got was a piece of salmon on a plate with a lemon. So I then ordered a side of asparagus. I asked for a basket of bread and the waiter looked at me like I had three heads . A while later he came out with something and literally said "this is the best I can do". It was OK but not what I would expect at the ocean house. The second night I ordered the tuna appetizer and it was VERY disappointing since the only flavor was SALT. It was hardly edible. Since I was staying at the hotel I was hoping to eat at the hotel, but two strikes out OH. Next two nights were worth the trip away from the bistro. So surprised, as it used to be very good about five years ago. I'll go back to hotel but won't be eating at the restaurants there read more

We went here for my friend's bachelorette trip dinner and made reservations in advanced. We got here early to take photos because the views and scenery are gorgeous at the resort. There is valet parking that seems like you have to do it otherwise I'm not sure where you would park. Our waiter was nice, apologized for being slow as they were super busy but we weren't in a hurry. I did a mojito for my cocktail which was good. For appetizers, we did the calamari, tuna tartar, and Parker House rolls which were all delicious. For my meal, I did the steak frites with the side of the Brussel sprouts and bacon. It was all delicious, couldn't eat all the fries and Brussel sprouts. The bathroom is also very elegant. Expensive and classy place, would come here for a special occasion. read more

Probably the worst BLT iv had in my life. For $1000 a night, you'd expect the food to be good.

A place that was a disappointment, exceptional facility and surroundings, however outside of the Somm (who was exceptional) the service was horrible and the food was very rushed, on an evening where it was not busy. Totally did not meet expectations for what it should be. read more

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The best part of The Bistro is the location. Positioned on a bluff overlooking the water, this restaurant has an upscale, country club feel, classic American fare, an elegant interior, and great service. read more

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This place was recommended by a friend and did not disappointed. From the food, drinks and the view. The services was a bit slow but still will go back again. read more

Updating my 1-star review from November of 2023. I have returned to Ocean House twice since that poor experience, which I stand by. Both recent experiences were excellent. Our server for both experiences was attentive and friendly, and the food was excellent. It was frustrating to have two very controllable aspects of creating a positive customer experience detract from the amazing views and atmosphere at Ocean House, so kudos to listening to the feedback from myself and others who had negative experiences. I look forward to returning this summer! read more

I had very high hopes for my birthday dinner at the Bistro at the Ocean House. An "average" experience was not anticipated. We arrived early and we're directed to the bar area to wait a short time. We were a party of four so we sat by the window at two small tables by the fireplace. Neither table had been wiped clean after the prior occupant. They weren't dirty but were noticeable "used." We were just at the point of wondering if we would have to go to the actual bar for service when a very nice individual came with drink menus to take our order. When he returned, he set our drinks down before us. As a server, if I hadn't noticed the table hadn't been wiped down when I first approached, I would never have set the drinks down without rectifying the situation. The drinks were good but no napkin was provided. At some point, after about 20 minutes, we inquired about our table and were immediately seated. If the table were ready, the hostess should have taken the initiative. Our service table-side was good and personable with a few hiccups. Two starters were ordered but only one arrived, and our dinners arrived but were delivered to the wrong individuals. These are small details but this is a 5-Star establishment and should be held to a high standard. Water glasses and drinks were refreshed in a timely and precise manner. The food.. The Brie starter was tasty but disjointed, the flavors were good but the presentation didn't meld the flavors together. The jam on the bottom got lost in translation and the nuts, central to the taste and to provide crunch were almost an afterthought. The Brie could have been warmer for that perfect "ooze." We ordered two seared scallop entrees, a bistro burger, and the halibut. The burger was flawless, cooked as requested, and the fries were very good. The halibut was good but not memorable and the fingerling potatoes were unadorned. I hate using the word "meh," but... The real issue was the scallop dinners. Four scallops (I knew going in that they are rationed at fine dining restaurants like gold bullion so we weren't surprised) and a spoonful of mushroom risotto. The scallops were gritty, not grossly so but gritty nonetheless, and inexplicably tasteless although cooked well. The mushroom risotto was fine. If the chef was going for fine, it was achieved. For $45 it was a disappointment. I don't think I would have felt better about the meal if I had paid half the price. It was just not up to 5-Star standards. We declined dessert because nothing really appealed but our very friendly server brought a small plate with some lovely chocolates and a candle for my celebration. She was the bright spot of the experience. We can't justify another visit for dinner but we love the Sunday Brunch. Oh well. read more

The Bistro - a plate with chocolates and a candle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

Views are great, bartender was very nice + quick to help, and those were the only highlights. The service wasn't bad or good, server didn't know several pretty standard questions which was weird, the food was comparable to an overpriced Applebees, and the recovery was bad after we told the server and the manager. I hope they figure out because the hotel is amazing and this wasn't even close. read more

The Bistro - Salmon appetizer - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

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Honestly I do not review much, not picky at all, hardly ever send food back, and love the Rhode Island food scene. It was recently my birthday dinner at this place and the experience forced me to write this. Preface this whole thing with the fact that the ocean house used to have the highest service rating I believe. Apps: Oysters great/buffalo spring rolls great. Calamari was one of them most rubbery/overcooked displays I have ever seen. Honestly embarrassing for a RI spot. Now for the entrees: I ordered the lamb with Brussel sprouts for a side. Brussel sprouts came out burnt and I mean literally couldn't tell they were green anymore. There wasn't much in terms of lamb meat but what there was was dry. This meal also came with four whole baby carrots. I returned the Brussels...didn't get a new order for 15 mins, so basically ate my meal without them and ultimately boxed them so I could salvage something haha. My mom ordered the steak. Steak was rubbery and did not seem up to the quality a steak should be at a place like this. And oh ya there was a mountain of barely decent, dry truffle fries to compliment so I guess theres that. My Dad ordered the scallops. They were decent but again weird things like no lemon for the scallops...again at a place claiming a high caliber, ridiculous. After having to find the manager, I then told the manager about my experience and the food; she apologized (but somehow had no idea I had returned the brussels...again communication the manager should be on with the staff/patron. I then proceeded to wait a while to get the check where I was told that just the calamari and Brussels were comped...I worked in Newport restaurant group and we would go above and beyond to correct an issue like this, unlike the bistro. Then walked out after paying and the same manager standing at the front desk didn't even say a thing on way out not even have a good night. So ya I am done, but yes ruined a birthday dinner. Hope this saves some people from choosing this restaurant and also maybe causes some change at this spot. Embarrassment to the Ocean House and Rhody higher class dining. read more

Great breakfast! Wonderful breakfast with lots of different choices. Classical music playing overlooking the view of the back of the hotel. Feels like Europe. Lemon pancakes, granola, smoothies, eggs... Will be back for sure. Note they do stop seating breakfast at 10:30am. read more

Two stars mostly for the view and atmosphere. My chicken was super thick and eggplant sandwich was greasy and with a thick end onion cut. Did not eat it was not asked why. Bill was wrong. Mediocre service and food not Forbes 5 star by far. Cleaning during lunch?! Head to Castle Hill in Newport much better. read more

I had such a great few meals at Bistro last week, that I wanted to share my experience. I had two dinners here, a lunch, and a breakfast during my stay -- each were fantastic. The service here was amazing too; everyone was so attentive, professional and kind. For breakfast, I had the omelette with gruyere and bacon; the bacon was perfectly crispy inside which was perfect in the omelette. For lunch I had the caesar salad (great) and the crab cake meal. I asked to substitute the potato salad for french fries, and it was amazing! Also, the complimentary focaccia bread they bring is so good we asked for two portions each time. For the first dinner, I had the filet mignon and ordered a side of mashed potatoes; my mom got the mussels and fries. Both were excellent. The second dinner we had there, I had the lobster pappardelle which was amazing! I would go back just for this and my mom had the rigatoni pasta which she enjoyed too. We will definitely be coming back soon; thanks for a wonderful experience! read more

Last week we met some friends at the Bistro within the Ocean House to have a nice relaxing dinner. All of us appreciate good hospitality and food when we see and feel it. The Bistro staff were sensitive to 4 friends getting together and have an unhurried dinner. Terrific drinks and wine list. We appreciated that wine half bottles were on the list and the sommelier assisted us in choosing two wines. We ordered different white wines in half bottles along with one beer. Wines were perfectly chilled and not too cold. For an appetizer I choose the grilled octopus in a romesco coulis as I'm a sucker for perfectly cooked octopus. This dish did not disappoint and went perfectly with a Chablis we had ordered. My main entreé, as was my spouse's, was the pan roasted halibut over gnocchi and vegetables. The sauce was light, flavorful, and integrated the dish perfectly. The portions were perfectly sized and kept at the appropriate temperature when served. Servers managed to provide the hospitality we expected with perfectly timed engagement and service. The Bistro is well appointed and very comfortable. No loud noise which meant we could have a casual conversion the entire evening. The lit fireplace provides a nice warmth to a cold winter night. All of us felt we went on a mini-vacation without being far from home. So as a winter restaurant destination I would suggest you give this a try. We will be back again. read more

We have been coming to the restaurants at Ocean House since it reopened in 2010. We hadn't been back for a year or so but decided to go for lunch at the Bistro this Columbus Day. What a disappointment! The view and ambiance were as fabulous as ever, but everything else was decidedly subpar. The service was slow and inattentive and the food was practically tasteless. I had the Caesar salad as an appetizer which was fine although it was inexplicably covered with lots of anchovy filets. Now, anchovies are an integral part of a Caesar salad but should be incorporated into the dressing rather than draped all over the salad. For main course I had the Maine crab cakes which were absolutely tasteless with a mustard seed dressing which should have added flavor but did not. The accompanying salad had no dressing and was very bland. Kathy had the chicken pailard which was just a plain chicken breast not pounded out to a pailard with no seasoning and the same bland dressing less salad that I had. We were lucky that there was salt on the table. Even the basket of focaccia lacked seasoning. The bread basket that was a wonderful staple of the Ocean House dining experience in years gone by was very much missed. Given the disappointing prior courses, we decided to pass on dessert! Although it certainly is a breathtaking location with a stunning view, we won't be dining there again anytime soon. PS when we went to retrieve our car we were told by the attendant that there was a $5 parking charge. That was bad enough but when he brought me my change he asked how much I wanted to leave as a tip! The garage attendants in the seediest garages in New York don't even do that. We won't be back for a while. read more

My husband and I went to the ocean house for my birthday last night. Obviously the hotel and views are absolutely stunning. The Bistro is not their high end restaurant, however it's still in a high end resort and it isn't exactly cheap, so you expect perfect service. I'll say that the food (salmon tartare, oysters, shrimp cocktail, salmon entree and halibut entree) were all delicious. Fresh and overall very good. The service was not great for any restaurant, let alone the ocean house. First, we asked for the wine menu, our waitress forgot until we asked again. Then, they brought our apps before they delivered the bread and amuse bouche. We ordered cocktails (also delicious) and then ordered wine that we wanted to come with our entrees. Our wine was never delivered, nor did our server check on us after our entrees were delivered to see if we needed anything (like maybe the wine she forgot). Overall, nothing egregious with the service, but at a hotel of this caliber, super disappointing. They have a fancy wine list and then can't even remember to bring you your wine with your dinner? Eh. We're planning a visit to their fancier restaurant, Coast, but now I'm wondering if their service will also be lacking? read more

We are regulars here as we live in Westerly.. it is a fantastic place and always makes us feel that we are dining in paradise. We always choose the bistro as i like being cool when i eat. Outside on the Verandah is only steps away. It was interesting as we were leaving that we checked the Verandah menu and found the lobster roll that we had just enjoyed inside was 5 dollars more outside. Not sure of this reasoning as im sure it is the same delicious lobster roll.....Would love to know why.....???? read more

We almost never made it here. We were able to make a 2:30 reservation and even were told we would be accommodated when I called to notify we were running a little late. We literally took 5 minute showers after a long 5+ mile hike and drove there as quickly as possible to make it by 2:45. Once we arrived we were told we were out of luck and we're misinformed and kind of went on without offering a solution or options or apology. I was gracious and asked the hostess to explain now what? So Christos was able to get us a table for 5:30 and after much debate in the car as to whether we should still dine here, we decided we. So not a great start but we made the most of it. Lesson learned, don't book a table for 2:30! Onwards. Lovely setting that is classic and traditional yet not stale or stuffy. Gorgeous ocean view backdrop in select seating. NY strip was the disappointment; way too gristly and tough to chew. Had steak two nights previously in 2 different Mystic restaurants with notable chefs and this was disappointing after we became accustomed to this standard. Had to listen to my DH complain all night about us not sending back a $40 tough piece of meat! Loved that gluten free rolls were offered to me! I'm celiac and this was a first. Salmon tartare was excellent. Drinks were good. The view and ambiance are worth going for at least drinks and small plates. Our servers Ian and JJ and Christo the host were wonderful and fun. read more

The Bistro - a view of a large yellow building - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Westerly, Rhode Island

We have a tradition of brunch every year for my birthday and my Dad's birthday. I really wanted to go somewhere else after last years brunch. We reported that there were flies on the charcuterie and the staff did nothing to solve it. They left the food there. They did not seem to know which items were gluten free in the dessert buffet. They would Check but never came back. There just Seemed to Be a decline in the level Of service... it didn't feel Five star. My Dad is 88 and wanted to return again this year so we agreed. Our reservation was for 1:30 and we arrived prompt but our table was not ready...10 minutes later they were seating us in another room a distance away from the brunch. We explained Dad was 88 and it was. Not going to work for him to walk the distance and also the look on his face was such disappointment it was heart wrenching. He wanted to know why he couldn't sit In the other room. They explained our table was taken by a party that had been there for 3 and 1/2 hours. They were done eating but wouldn't leave. I asked them If they could say The next reservation was waiting and if they could please Move the party by the lounge and was told no they couldn't do that. We were Seated at 1:50 and brunch ends at 2:30 So the other party could sit for 4 hours but we got 40 minutes and paid the same price? We literally had all our food on the table at once... not the relaxing five star atmosphere of years past. Two years in a row means a habit not a one time thing. The food was good but not the level of service in prior years and attitude makes it so we will be looking for another spot next year if we are blessed to have Dad celebrating. It's unfortunate but management must have changed or spread too thin. read more

Classical food that is worth of the relais and chateau brand. Surprisingly good value and a fairly priced wine list.