
The Black Pearl
A Newport waterfront institution famed for its legendary clam chowder, nautical ambiance, and prime patio seating on Bannister's Wharf.

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The Black Pearl

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Newport waterfront institution famed for its legendary clam chowder, nautical ambiance, and prime patio seating on Bannister's Wharf.
"The Black Pearl is a must-visit for its iconic chowder and stunning waterfront views!"
Casual Dining Options
For a relaxed meal, choose the Tavern or the waterfront patio.
Order Popular Dishes
Don't miss the crusted salmon or the iconic NE Clam Chowder.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Clam Chowder
A creamy, dill-infused New England-style clam chowder that's a must-try, even sold canned locally.

Waterfront Dining
Enjoy spectacular views and ambiance from the patio on Bowen's Wharf, right by the boat docks.

Nautical Ambiance
Experience dining in a unique nautical-themed setting, with a lively wharf bar and formal restaurant.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Casual Dining Options
For a relaxed meal, choose the Tavern or the waterfront patio.
Order Popular Dishes
Don't miss the crusted salmon or the iconic NE Clam Chowder.
Be Prepared for Crowds
Expect waits during peak times, festivals, or hot summer days.
Try the Mussels
The mussels are great, and the sauce is described as 'to die for'.
Tips
from all over the internet
Casual Dining Options
For a relaxed meal, choose the Tavern or the waterfront patio.
Order Popular Dishes
Don't miss the crusted salmon or the iconic NE Clam Chowder.
Be Prepared for Crowds
Expect waits during peak times, festivals, or hot summer days.
Try the Mussels
The mussels are great, and the sauce is described as 'to die for'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Black Pearl is celebrated for its iconic clam chowder and prime waterfront location, offering a classic New England dining experience. While many praise the food and ambiance, some diners have noted inconsistent service and cramped seating, particularly during busy periods. It remains a popular spot for seafood lovers seeking a taste of Newport's charm.
"The restaurant is really nice, we sat on the terrace. If you visit Newport is a great place to go.
The food is good.
The clam chowder is good not so heavy and has a lot of dill in it!
The mussels were great, but the sauce is to die for it.
The shrimp past is delicious."
march gar
"We went for the supposedly legendary clam chowder. The flavor was good. The texture was poor. Thin. You know what is one of the cheapest foods on the planet? Potatoes. Do you know what the chowder had hardly any of? Potatoes. It was class and broth with about five dice sized potatoes in an entire bowl of chowder. The server walked past our empty water glasses twice. The atmosphere was claustrophobic. They put as many tables into a small space as possible. You can barely walk through the chairs and have to be very careful not to bump other patrons. I was underwhelmed."
Celeste Andrews
"Me and my friends got a table by walking up, had to wait an hour, go sat inside which is very small.
We waited quite a long time for our food and for the bill which really irritates me.
I ordered a raspberry mojito and that was terrible, one of the worst I've had, thank god the food was good.
Overall the clam chowder is a thin brothered one which I don't really enjoy but there were a lot of clams which made it better. I also got the cod over rice which was surprisingly really good."
ELOCIN RUZAM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Black Pearl is most famous for its New England-style clam chowder, which is consistently praised and even sold canned locally.
Yes, the outside patio at The Black Pearl is dog-friendly.
You can choose between the formal Commodore's Room, the casual Tavern, or the lively waterfront patio.
Reservations are recommended, especially for the formal dining room, or be prepared to wait for bar seats.
The clam chowder is widely regarded as award-winning and delicious, though some find it a bit thinner than expected.
The restaurant has a nautical theme. The patio offers great water views, while the indoor dining areas can feel small and crowded.
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At this mainstay on the Newport waterfront, you can choose your dining experience based on the ambience and vibe you're looking for. The posh, plank-floored Commodore's Room (business casual dress required) features country pâté, escargot, rack of lamb, stuffed lobster tails, and other classic offerings, while the Tavern has a more casual experience, with standard American fare like salads, burgers, and grilled meat or fish, old nautical charts on the walls, and a four-season patio.
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Have especially enjoyed food at the Black Pearl and 22 Bowen's when I've tried them, maybe not the most panoramic water views but they're on Bowen's Wharf -- both are a little pricey. Views at The Mooring are good, food's not bad, also a little pricey. The Spiced Pear at The Chanler Inn has scrumptious food and a fine view, but dress better than jeans or shorts and bring a very healthy credit card -- this is a real special occasion dining spot.
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Sitting at The Black Pearl, you can almost hear the sailors from old-timey Newport singing and stomping on the floorboards. However, we’re confident the menu is leagues better than anything they were eating in the 1600s. You’ll see fresh fish and a raw bar, fancy pub food like chicken pot pie in a flaky buttered pastry, and a great burger with rosemary onion confit.
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For bars, no "insider" recommendations are needed; since Newport has everything from sort of upscale Jazz clubs to alternative rock to local pub-type establishments, all you do is walk down Thames around 9:00 pm and look through the bar windows or listen at a doorway to see if it is what you are looking for.
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The Black Pearl is famous for a few things: ice-cold mudslides and frozen dark 'n' stormies on tap, a killer clam chowder (creamy New England-style) and the best bar seats in town, on their waterfront patio in Bannister's Wharf, next to the boat docks. The former sail loft shop turned Tavern and Commodore's Room across the street also serves as a welcome shelter to hide from impromptu rain showers when they pass by. You'll see lifelong fans sporting Black Pearl sweatshirts all around Newport—and the East Coast for that matter—which they sell next door as souveniors, although you can also take home PB chowda for two, which we highly reccomend.
What to do and where to stay with your dog in Newport
There are also lots of restaurants in town where you can sit outside with your dog including Diego’s, Perro Salado, The Pearl outside, Malt, Fifth Element, and Corner Cafe. There are leash laws on the island and the beaches are very strict about dogs in the summer so it’s almost not worth it to go there from Memorial Day to Labor Day because they do issue tickets and they’re $100. But there’s no shortage of gorgeous and fun places to go with your furry friend, and they’ll be so tired after a day of exploring you can leave them in a cozy bed of their own at the Vanderbilt Grace!
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Choose to dine in the formal Commodore's Room or the more informal tavern or waterfront patio, complete with bar, pub-style eats and first class views of the harbor. Any way you slice it, the Black Pearl has the best clam chowder in the city. In fact, it's now canned and served in gourmet food stores and has been featured in "USA Today." The formal dining room serves a menu of classic American cuisine atop linen-draped and candle-adorned tables.
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The Black Pearl has been recognized for years and years as having the best clam chowder around so even though “hot soup” doesn’t scream summertime, you really shouldn’t leave Rhode Island without trying it. If you can snag a seat on the outdoor patio, it’s the perfect spot for watching boats go in and out of the harbor and relaxing with the sea breeze. Make reservations in advance or cross your fingers that you get lucky with a bar seat.
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The Black Pearl – Bannister’s Wharf – The Black Pearl, located in the heart of the city’s bustling waterfront, is one of Newport’s best-known and best-loved restaurants. From the warm ambience and classic cuisine of their Commodore’s Room and Tavern to the al-fresco charm of their Waterside Patio and raw bar, the Black Pearl has something to offer everyone.The Black Pearl is open seven days a week. Seasonally closed Jan. 3 to Feb 12.
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The Black Pearl can hardly be considered a hidden gem — it’s been parked on Bannister’s Wharf for the past 50 years. But the Annex just behind the outside patio serves the restaurant’s iconic, award-winning clam chowder, which is clam-packed, mildly thick and delightfully creamy with the perfect amount of dill. Your other options at the annex are meaty lobster rolls and hot dogs from the charming little service window.
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Their waterside patio is located smack dab in the middle of Newport's historic Bannister's Wharf and recently received a revamp, now outfitted with chic bistro seating and retractable pergola for enhanced shade. Savor harbor views and a new Brunch menu including Stuffed French Toast, classic Eggs Benedict, drink specials and more. Brunch Hours: Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10:00 AM.
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The Black Pearl is an atmospheric wharf bar and formal restaurant with nautical decor, famed chowder and a busy summer patio with tons of great ambiance. When we had a house share in Newport in my twenties, we used to sit here for hours in the afternoon and order local beers and cocktails. In other words, during the warmer months, be sure to sit outside — it’s great for people watching.
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A fixture on the waterfront, The Black Pearl was transformed starting in 1967 from a shanty to a fine dining restaurant with outdoor seating. Now, with its Waterside Patio covered and heated in colder months, the Pearl welcomes more guests than ever to enjoy its classic New England fare and raw bar. It’s set on Bannister’s Wharf near the famous Clarke Cooke House.
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The Black Pearl, right along the water’s edge, is the place to be in Newport. Dine in one of three distinct areas in the restaurant — the elegant and upscale Commodore’s Room, the traditional and cozy Tavern at the Black Pearl, and the always popular Patio at the Black Pearl. The dishes offered vary upon which section of the restaurant you’ll be visiting.
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The Black Pearl - right next to the Clarke Cooke House sits the Black Pearl, a low-ceilinged, dark bar and restaurant. Garrett and I like to have our anniversary dinners in the Commodore Room, which is a little more upscale (dress code: men have to wear sport coats and no flip flops allowed) and always has some of the island’s best fresh catch of the day.
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It would be remiss of us not to mention one of Newport’s most well-known restaurants, The Black Pearl. Located in the heart of the city’s thriving waterfront, this beloved eatery serves up classic American favorites like chicken pot pie, lobster salad sandwiches, crab cakes, and grilled oysters. Order their award-winning clam chowder—you won’t regret it.
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Each spot brings its own flavor and touches to its recipe while still delivering that classic clam chowder flavor with every bowl. (Note: Technically the Newport Chowder Company makes a seafood chowder and probably shouldn’t be part of the National Clam Chowder Day discussion, but it definitely earned its Best of Newport chowder nomination.)
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Located at 10-12 Bannister’s Wharf, The Black Pearl is an iconic dining spot in Newport. Known for its seafood specialties and stunning waterfront location, the restaurant promises a brunch that’s both delicious and scenic. With its rich history and a menu that reflects the flavors of the sea, The Black Pearl is a must-visit.
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On the wharf, you’ll find The Black Pearl, a Newport culinary institution that delivers casual dining on their outdoor patio (burgers and clams) and inside, drinks at their cozy Tavern bar. Come dinnertime, the Commodore dining room serves up catches of the day on white tablecloths—order the classic Black Pearl Clam Chowder!
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The Black Pearl: Tourists and yachters flock to this dignified converted dock shanty, where award-winning clam chowder is sold by the quart. Dining is in the casual tavern or the formal Commodore’s Room. The French and American entrees include duck breast with green peppercorn sauce and swordfish with Dutch pepper butter.
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The Black Pearl, located in the heart of the city’s bustling waterfront, is one of Newport’s best-known and best-loved restaurants. From the warm ambience and classic cuisine of our Commodore’s Room and Tavern to the al-fresco charm of our waterside patio and raw bar, the Black Pearl has something to offer everyone.
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Discover Newport describes The Black Pearl as one of the best-known and best-loved restaurants in the city. Diners can enjoy classic cuisine and a warm ambiance in the Commodore’s Room and Tavern. Alternatively, they can opt for al-fresco dining out on the Waterside Patio, which features a raw bar.
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You’ll find this historical lunch spot along the docks of Newport’s Bannisters Wharf. It has a nautical theme and the owners keep it updated and maintained while keeping to the traditions of years gone by. If you are looking for a classic New England clam chowder than this is the place to be.
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More expensively- never too thrilled about the Red Parrot, Mooring, or even Scales, but the locations are good in terms of people watching. Chowder at the Clarke Cook House/Black Pearl is well known. Many restaurants in the tourist area have always been expensive and just not that good.
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Located on Bannister's Wharf, the Black Pearl restaurant has seating on the outdoor patio, in the tavern, and in the Commodore’s room. It is known for its Black Pearl clam chowder (a good starter). Ask about the daily fish specials—the trout rotates on the menu and is a good option.
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Must try: Prosciutto di Parma || Local’s Note: This is a food truck that will post their whereabouts on their social platforms!. Fun to grab a pizza if you happen to be parked out at Ocean Drive when they are located there for the afternoon. Great idea for a spontaneous picnic.
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A Newport staple, The Black Pearl is best known for its world-famous clam chowder. Situated right on Bannister’s Wharf, this restaurant has been serving up New England classics for decades. The Black Pearl has a casual outdoor patio and a more formal Commodore’s Room.
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Clementine Cocktail Bar: Those seeking elegance and the opportunity to dress up should look no further. We recommend trying the Sunset Limited, described on the menu as "citrusy/tropical/bittersweet," or a simple-but-refreshing Pear Bellini.
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It has pride of place on historic Bannister’s Wharf right on the waterfront. Enjoy a drink on the open air patio and watch the boats coming and going in the harbour. And try to resist the urge to do your best Jack Sparrow impression.
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I worked at the Black Pearl hot dog stand in hig school, and in the tavern - good chowdah there. My parents also hung out at Christies, and The Mooring oh and what is that place out on ocean Drive - fancy - um Cliff House maybe ...
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The Black Pearl restaurant is one of the great waterfront dining experiences in the "City by the Sea". Check out the Waterside Patio and raw bar on a sunny afternoon!. And they've got the best New England Clam Chowder in town!
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The Black Pearl, 30 Bannister's Wharf, Newport, (401)846-5264. On the wharf overlooking the harbor, The Black Pearl has been a top choice for brunch for decades. Features classic brunch dishes and their famous clam chowder.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by The Black Pearl (@theblackpearlrestaurant). Come and experience an authentic waterfront dining experience at The Black Pearl.
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This is one of Newport's classic and best-loved restaurants. You are surrounded by the sights of an active marina on the open-air Waterside Patio and your indoor dining is the Commodore's Room and Tavern.
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The Black Pearl is an iconic eatery located at Bowen’s Wharf, renowned for its clam chowder and waterfront dining experience. It’s a staple of Newport’s culinary scene and a must-visit for food lovers.
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The Black Pearl: We put our names in and waited for a spot at the outdoor patio. Start with the seafood chowder--it's a classic. I ordered the lobster salad roll for my main course and it was delish.
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Lunch: Scratch Kitchen (amazing grilled cheese options), Diego’s (great Mexican), Midtown Oyster Bar (ask to sit outside on one of their two decks), and of course, The Black Pearl for chowder
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I enjoy dining indoors in the cooler months and the outdoor patio for a casual meal during the summertime. A good spot to bring the kiddos, I'm a fan of the burger and clam chowder.
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This is a local institution with a Classic Tavern Room, their Commodore’s Room for upscale dining and a popular waterside patio and raw bar. They are known for their clam chowder.
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The Black Pearl: This iconic waterfront restaurant and bar is known for its historic ambiance and great seafood. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
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Also check out the Red Parrot for a huge menu, but mostly just the calamari pizza!. Fried squid...ON A PIZZA!!!. It's very very very good.
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