This story was originally published on September 25, 2015. It has been updated and republished. Last updated: March 25, 2021
There are many Newport restaurants that have survived new ownership, economic meltdowns, hurricanes, the American Revolution, millions of tourists and the test of time.
Many of these restaurants are filled with history and are considered institutions, landmarks, and in most cases iconic.
The What’sUpNewp Crew has compiled a list of the oldest continuously run restaurants that remain in business today here in Newport and the surrounding area.
While it’s not an exhaustive list, here’s a look at some (if not most) of the longest-running, still-operating restaurants in Newport.
Celtica Public House – 2001 (20 years)
Custom House Coffee – 2001 (20 years)
Norey’s – 2000 (21 years)
The Coffee Grinder – 1997 (22 years)
Newport Blues Cafe – 1995 (26 years)
Bouchard Restaurant – 1995 (26 years)
Coddington Brewing Company – 1995 (26 years)
West Main Pizza – 1995 (26 years)
Lucia Italian Restaurant – 1993 (28 years)
Salvation Cafe – 1993 (28 years)
The Red Parrot Restaurant – 1993 (28 years)
Ma’s Donuts and More – 1993 (28 years)
Mama Luisa – 1992 (29 years)
China Star – 1992 (29 years)
Atlantic Grille – 1992 (29 years)
Flo’s in Middletown – 1991 (30 years)
Scales & Shells – 1987 (34 years)
Annie’s – 1983 (38 years)
Newport Playhouse – 1983 (38 years)
Cafe Zelda – 1982/1986 (39/35 years)
Mel’s Cafenio –1982 (39 years)
Mama Leone’s – 1981 (“been selling pizza in the city for more than 40 years”)
The Mooring – 1981 (40 years)
Aquidneck Pizza – 1981 (40 years)
Nikolas Pizza – 1980 (41 years)
Sardella’s Restaurant – 1980 (41 years)
Brick Alley Pub – 1980 (41 years)
The Landing – 1979 (42 years)
A -1 Pizza – 1976 (45 years)
One Pelham East – 1975 (46 years)
Benjamin’s Restaurant – 1974 (47 years)
Clarke Cooke House – 1973 (48 years)
Ben’s Chili Dogs – 1969 (52 years)
Gary’s Handy Lunch – 1967 (54 years)
Bishop’s Fourth Street Diner (4th Street) – 1967 (54 years)
The Black Pearl – 1967/1974 (54/47 years) – In 1967, Barclay H. Warburton III transformed the seedy dock shack on Bannister’s Wharf and named the place after his beloved brigantine rig, The Black Pearl. Warburton sold the restaurant in December 1973 to its present owner, who closed it down for extensive renovations and reopened it in May 1974.
Franklin Spa – 1960 (61 years
Valley Inn – 1957 (66 years)
Anthony’s Seafood – 1956 (65 years)
O’Brien’s Pub – 1945/1979 (76/42 years) – O’Brien’s Pub has been operating continuously since 1945, the current operation was established in 1979.
Newport Creamery in Middletown- 1940 (81 years)
Cappy’s Hillside Cafe – 1938 (83 years)
Flo’s Drive-In in Island Park – 1936 (85 years)
Crowley’s Pub at Laforge Restaurant – 1880 (141 years)
The Whitehorse Tavern – 1673 (348 years)
Know of a restaurant that we missed? Email us at Ryan@whatsupnewp.com.