The 30 best restaurants in Newport (2023)

The opening of the multi million pound Friars Walk retail development has brought a buzz back to Newport.

More than 350,000 people visited it on its opening weekend and, since its launch, lots of new smaller, independent shops, bars and restaurants have been springing up in its wake.

It's also thrown the spotlight back on the huge, eclectic range of eateries that already exist in and around the city.

Here are 30 of the best places you can go for a meal right now.

They are listed in alphabetical order.

1. Curry on the Curve

Direct from Mumbai, delicious curry made from locally sourced ingredients

Sample dish: Southern Indian-style chicken thigh cooked in a homemade spice blend with cracked peppercorn.

Where: 34 Clarence Place, NP19 0AG

Website: www.curryonthecurve.co.uk

2. Dirty South Smokehouse

Down home Americana cooking in the heart of the city

Sample dish: Brisket, pulled pork, chicken , ribs, double burger, fries, slaw, pit beans, dirty chilli, corn bread and burnt ends AKA The Backwoods Bar-b-q Challenge (£35)

Where: 10 High Street, Newport, NP10 1FQ

Website: www.dirtysouthsmokehouse.co.uk

3. Drago Lounge

Light and airy quirk-fest, serving custom burgers, a great selection of tapas and numerous specials

Sample dish: Two poached eggs served with hollandaise sauce on a toasted sourdough muffin and your choice of back bacon or field mushroom or spinach or smoked salmon

Where: Friars Rd, Newport NP20 1DU

Website: www.thelounges.co.uk

4. Dutchy's Jamaican Jerk Shack

Instagram

They can't offer you the same climate and scenery, but the Shack does authentic food and fresh Jamaican cocktails and a warm, relaxed atmosphere

Sample dish: Goat curry, which is Jamaica's most popular dish. £10.95

Where: 15 North Street, Newport NP20 1JZ

Website: www.dutchys.co.uk

5. Gemelli Zafferano

Upscale Italian food served with stylish presentation in an intimate, ornate dining room (plus, there are desserts to die for)

Sample dish: Hand carved duck fillet with a light pesto sauce, served with a crispy Mediterranean salad

Where: 42 Bridge St, Newport, NP20 4NY

(Video) Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Newport, Rhode Island RI

Website: www.gemellizafferano.co.uk

6. Gourmet Burger Kitchen

New Zealand's take on a US tradition is a fill-you-up treat

Sample dish: The bun-free Kiwi burger wth beetroot, fried egg, pineapple, mature Cheddar and house mayo (£9.25)

Where: Friars Walk Shopping Centre, Usk Plaza, Newport, NP20 1HG

Website: www.gbk.co.uk

7. Junction 28

Great food, village feel and and interior decor modelled on the carriages of the Orient Express

8. Las Iguanas

Sample dish: 8oz rump cap steak, char-grilled, sliced & sprinkled with coarse sea salt: served with molho à campanha; tomato, chilli, onion, green pepper, lime & parsley salsa

Where: Friars Walk Shopping Centre, Usk Plaza, Newport, NP20 1HG

Website: www.iguanas.co.uk

9. Le Bistrot Pierre

Embracing and celebrating the French's culture and love of food

Sample dish: Braised fillet of seabass with chive beurre blanc, mussels and creamed leeks

Where: Friars Walk Shopping Centre, Usk Plaza, Newport, NP20 1HG

Website: www.lebistrotpierre.co.uk

10. Mama Lina's

Authentic Italian cooking from a chef and team with more than 50 years of experience behind them

Sample dish: King Prawns sauté in garlic, white wine and fresh herbs

Where: Ruskin Avenue, Rogerstone NP10 0BD

Website: www.mammalinas.co.uk

11. Marenghi's Italian Coffee Shop

Instagram

A real taste of rustic Italian and Sicilian cuisines with the personal touch from Mario and his team.

(Video) Top 10 best Restaurants in Newport, Oregon

Sample dish: Baked stuff turkey wrapped in bacon with a light rosemary sauce. Priced £17.90 as part of a Christmas special

Where: 434 Chepstow Road, Newport NP19 8JG

Website: They don't have one, but here's their Facebook page.

12. Meat Bar and Grill

Does what it says on the tin - simple tasty burgers made from the best brisket and chuck mix

Sample dish: 7oz chilli-infused beef burger with lettuce, salsa and guacamole with tortilla and sour cream (£7.50)

Where: 3 Clytha Park Road, NP20 4NZ

Website: www.meatnewport.co.uk

13. Mojo The Food Bar

Over the Usk, this place is bringing style back to a tired, but up-and-coming section of the city

Sample dish: Pancakes, French Toast and Waffle with maple syrup & berries

Where: Clarence House, Clarence Pl, Newport NP19 7AA

Website: www.mojothefoodbar.com

14. Parc Pantry

Malpas' hip place to grab coffee, cake whilst browsing some artisan crafts

Sample dish: Courgette & lime cake

Where: 163-165 Larch Grove, Malpas, Newport, NP20 6LA

15. Pretentious Burgers

Pretentious, moi? No such stuffiness here , just good , honest grub

Sample dish: Gourmet burger with bacon and sriracha coated onion rings (prices start from £7)

Where: 16 High St, Newport, Gwent NP20 1FW

Website: www.pretentiousmeat.com

16. Secret Garden Cafe

Instagram

Big food for big appetites made with big love and a side of humour. Handmade burgers, steaks and grills

Sample dish: David 'Hameron' Burger is 'an old rich' pattie with double bacon, blue cheese and lots of lovely extras you'd never get this side of Number 10. £12.95

Where: 25 Charles Street, Newport NP20 1JT

Website: There isn't one but they have a Facebook page.

17. Terry M, The Celtic Manor

The iconic Newport resort goes from strength to culinary strength

(Video) Disneyland Paris - CAPE COD Buffet (Disney's NEWPORT BAY CLUB)

Sample dish: Torchon of duck liver cooked in port with a walnut wafer, a rib of Welsh beef, with potato gallette and truffle butter jus, blueberry soufflé with sweet chilli jelly and banana ice cream or mango and passion fruit kulfi, tropical fruits and coconut espuma

Where: Coldra Woods, The Usk Valley, Newport NP18 1HQ

Website: www.celtic-manor.com

18. The Bell

Historic coaching inn offering Welsh and Breton dishes, cask ales and excellent house wines, traditional live music and boules (!)

Sample dish: Roast top side of Usk Vale beef with Yorkshire pudding

Where: Bulmore Road, Caerleon, NP18 1QQ

Website: www.thebellatcaerleon.co.uk

19. The Green

An old converted pub with years of history which has been lovingly converted into a new relaxing, modern and shabby-chic eating venue

Sample dish: 8oz flat iron steak, rocket pesto, grilled mushroom, chunky chips and salad garnish

Where: Goldcroft Common, Caerleon

Website: www.thegreencaerleon.com

20. The Groes Wen Inn

Good food, good company, cask-conditioned ale...sorry, was there something else you wanted?

Sample dish: Peanut butter & chocolate cheesecake

Where: Penhow, Caldicot, Gwent, NP26 3AD

Website: www.vintageinn.co.uk

21. The Priory Hotel and Restaurant

Set in a stone-built monastery dating to 1180, you'll soon get in the habit of making return trips

Sample dish: Rack of Welsh lamb with root veg in a red wine jus (Two courses, £10.95 per person)

Where: High Street, Caerleon, NP18 1AG

Website: www.thepriorycaerleon.co.uk

22. The Ridgeway Bar & Kitchen

West Newport's foodie must-visit.

Sample dish: Cider braised welsh pork belly, caramelised welsh pork cheek, black pudding beignets with champ potato, carrot pickle, crushed peas, with apple and wholegrain mustard sauce, pork scratching and jus (£15.25)

Where: Ridgeway Ave, Newport NP20 5AJ