Stoneacre Garden
Newport, Rhode Island is one of my favorite places in the world, and this is one of the most interesting and tastiest destinations in Newport: Stoneacre Garden.
Stoneacre is unlike any other restaurant we’ve ever been to. It’s a big place, with almost four hundred seats, but it’s not overwhelming because there are so many different areas. There’s a beautiful dining room, a great bar and lounge, a greenhouse patio, even a roofdeck with views of Newport Harbor. The atmosphere is definitely whimsical and eclectic. There’s lots of greenery and funky artwork. And if you ask me, any restaurant that has a life sized disco ball horse, is a restaurant I want to experience. And it was all designed by husband and wife team Chris Bender and Nicole Canning.
“I consider this kind of a New England seafood forward spot, inspired by all of the local foods and farmers. Our cuisine is really special. I think it's kind of the only thing like it in Newport… freshly sourced, locally sourced food that is from dock to dish, right here. We put a little bit of an Asian spin. My husband and I love to travel, so we kind of take our travel inspiration and pour that into the cuisine that we have here on site. It's pretty awesome to be able to…eat your lobster, and look straight out at the ocean and watch the boats go by as you do.”
Dips are one of things Stoneacre does best, especially the signature Lobster Dip. It’s made with fresh shucked lobster, fresh herbs, three cheeses, and a potato chip crumble, along with some veggies and tortilla chips for dipping.
“So the lobster dip is kind of our take on a classic New England… dish, but a little more shareable, a little more fun, a little more casual. So when you're out for drinks, if you want to stop in, just have a like, quick drink and have a snack. This is the most ideal dish. It's perfection.”
There are Asian influences all over the Stoneacre menu. And their sushi is a big seller. Just check out the Crispy Rice with beautiful bite sized cubes of deep fried rice topped with tuna, a little kewpie mayo and fresh chives. Or you could go for the Green Tail Roll. That has avocado and serrano peppers outside, with yellowtail, basil, and yuzu inside. And then there’s the New York Roll, which is pretty much everybody’s top pick.
“So the New York Roll is always a favorite… It is something you cannot miss on the menu. It's a great balance, that avocado creaminess, the tempura crunch, the shrimp all comes together and layers underneath that like base of the spicy tuna, and it just can't be beat… One of the most delicious tuna rolls you're going to find here in in Newport, Rhode Island.”
There are plenty of Pan-Asian choices for entrees here as well. You can get Pad Thai packed with fresh herbs, veggies, peanuts, and rice noodles. And there’s even a Mexican-Japanese fusion dish: Yellowfin Tuna Tacos with avocado crema and a super crispy wonton shell. But if you just want to sink your teeth into a great steak, the sliced sirloin with crispy potatoes and asparagus is the way to go.
“The grilled eight ounce sirloin is an absolute staple on the menu…. Sometimes you just want meat and potatoes. And as someone who has a massive steak eater. This one is cooked to perfection on the grill. Our grill is so well seasoned, the meat is the highest quality… When you take a bite of this steak, it is one you are not going to forget.”
On the weekends, Stoneacre serves one of the best brunches in Newport. You can get everything from a perfectly executed plate of Chicken and Waffles, served with plenty of whipped honey butter and Vermont maple syrup… To the Garden Veggie Hash, which has perfectly poached eggs, local vegetables, and housemade Hollandaise, along with some sourdough toast for dipping. And now matter when you come in here, you should get the Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
“So the hazelnut chocolate mousse is incredible… It is perfection. The chocolate mousse has layers of chocolate ganache, salted caramel, little bit of crunch on there. It is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It is the perfect way to end your meal.”
Stoneacre is one of those restaurants you have to experience for yourself. It’s eclectic, it’s artistic, and it’s an ideal destination for a restaurant road trip.
“It is the perfect amalgamation of a spring summer and fall day in Newport, when you're visiting, it's a must see. It's a must happen. We have so many pieces of art and cuisine that just aren't like anywhere else at all in town. It is a one of a kind place you're not ever going to find someplace like it.”
