A new culinary destination has arrived in the heart of Newport, offering a taste of coastal Mediterranean cuisine with a local twist. Flora, located in the recently opened waterfront hotel Gardiner House, welcomes diners with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of Newport Harbor.
The 110-seat restaurant, which opened shortly after July 4, is helmed by Executive Chef Miguel Somoza. With an expansive waterfront terrace and interiors designed by New York-based firm Space Exploration, Flora aims to become a gathering place for locals and a must-visit spot for tourists.
“At Flora, we will feature as much local and regional fresh fish, seafood and produce as possible, utilizing coastal Mediterranean techniques and light-touch cooking on our Plancha and grill,” says Chef Somoza.
The menu highlights Southern European classics such as Tuna Carpaccio, Beef Tartare, and Arroz del Senyoret – a traditional naked version of seafood Paella. A robust Crudo Bar, featuring ceviche, tiradito, carpaccio, and raw local shellfish, is set to become a Flora signature.
Chef Somoza’s passion for fresh ingredients stems from his childhood in the Spanish countryside. His culinary expertise has been honed under the tutelage of renowned chefs like Michel Bras and Anton Mosimann.
“Catch-of-the-day ceviche, tiraditos, fresh local clams and oysters will be served alongside seasonal crispy salads and the best meats from our local farms,” Somoza adds.
The restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing extends beyond seafood. Flora champions regional ingredients such as sweet corn, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and small farm-sourced meats. Somoza, a skilled pastry chef and boulanger, also emphasizes quality breads and house-made pastries and ice cream.
Flora joins Studio Bar, Gardiner House’s cocktail bar that has quickly become a social hub for Newport residents. The restaurant’s name draws inspiration from Flora Payne Whitney, an American artist and socialite with deep connections to Newport.
Howard Cushing, co-owner of Gardiner House, says, “The restaurant has always been a key piece of Gardiner House and has been carefully planned for many years. Its location and vantage point of Newport Harbor is unique and will be shocking to even seasoned Newporters.”
Charlie Holder, Head of Operations, emphasizes the restaurant’s commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere. “The atmosphere of the hotel makes you feel at home – like family – and we want anyone who dines with us to feel that same energy and elevated level of service in Flora’s dining room,” he says.
Chef Somoza brings over 20 years of experience to Flora, having worked in renowned kitchens from luxury hotels and resorts to private estates globally. His most recent positions include Executive Chef roles at Oil Nut Bay Resort in the British Virgin Islands and Morris Estate on Moskito Island.
Gardiner House, led by co-owners and local Newporters Howard Cushing and Wirt Blaffer, aims to transport guests to an enchanted world of art, whimsy, and culinary delights. The 21-room property draws much of its design inspiration from Cushing’s great-grandfather, American artist Howard Gardiner Cushing.
Flora currently serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with cocktail service until 1 a.m. The restaurant plans to introduce lunch service later this summer, further expanding its offerings to Newport’s residents and visitors.
As Newport’s newest culinary gem, Flora promises to blend the charm of coastal Mediterranean cuisine with the rich flavors of local New England ingredients. With its prime location, innovative menu, and commitment to quality, Flora is poised to become a standout in Newport’s vibrant dining scene.
