The Newport embodiment of fashion over function. Quite the pomp followed by disappointment for a restaurant that takes itself this seriously. They cut corners, and the vibe is loud and uninspired. For a good Italian meal with a holistic, aesthetic vibe, I recommend Pasta Beach instead.Hostess was mean and clueless, which soured the mood from the get go. We were asked to provide our phone number when notified there was a wait, so we obliged. “I can have a table ready for you in a few minutes if you don’t mind waiting.”Anyone who’s been to a restaurant lately is asked for a phone number when putting their name down knows it’s for either 1) text notifications or 2) contact tracing (a now uncommon COVID measure). After waiting directly outside the front of the restaurant for over 15 minutes, I asked the hostess how much longer the wait would be. “I was WONDERING where you went!” she grumpily stated. “Your table has been ready for you.”“Oh, that’s odd because I didn’t receive a text… why did you need my phone number then?” She snaps back, “That’s for the RESERVATION!” I’m thinking, what kind of backwards host setup is this? Judging by other reviews, this is a common thread… I’m still confused as to why my personal information was needed if it wasn’t to text me. Also, if the host needed me, they could’ve literally looked out the window.For $25 a plate (we ordered the lamb ragu rigatoni), the taste was strong, but its flavor and serving size still left a lot to be desired. Their menu commands high prices, and I wasn’t confident that they were worth it and therefore resisted ordering drinks or dessert.Some additional detractors: our waitress was like a ghost and the wall-mounted light fixture next to the table was loose and easily jiggled in place (it’s akin to those $150K Teslas with panel gaps and creaking plastic).
Truly awesome experience, tasting menu is a must and a great waitress to top it off
A trip to Newport would not be complete without having dinner at Giusto. The restaurant is located right behind the main strip in Newport. While most restaurants are in the busy hustle, Giusto is setback just enough that you still feel part of the area but it is relaxed, comfortable, and effortlessly chic. It’s located right above a dock, over looking the water, giving you the best of what Newport has to offer. Even with the stunning location and aesthetics in the restaurant, somehow that is the least interesting thing about Giusto. Giusto has an UNPARALLELED team, the bartenders, managers, servers, back waiters, hosts, every single person we interacted with was friendly, helpful, attentive, and genuinely cared. This is something you don’t always find in restaurants and makes all the difference.We decided to go with the Tasting Menu, which is a multi-course experience that features some plates that you can find on the regular dinning menu and some things that you can not. Our server (Evan) described every single plate to us as if he had made it himself. It showed that he not only knew everything there was to know about it, but that he also believed in the food. **AND THE FOOD WAS PHENOMENAL**We had a delicious Sauvignon Blanc recommended to us personally by the bar manager, Olivia, which was perfectly dry and flavorful while being complementary to our meal. We loved everything so much, we even got Giusto sweatshirts!This is a MUST VISIT restaurant if you’re in Newport. I would recommend making reservations, because they do fill up quickly. This is the perfect location for an intimate date, a family dinner, group get togethers or celebration, or even a solo night out at the bar. You will not be disappointed.
Great welcome and dining environment! Freestyle Tasting Menu great selections?????
Excellent dining experience! Giusto were able to squeeze in a party of two during Daffodil Days and Restaurant Week which was incredibly convenient. Our waiter was knowledgeable providing insight on a variety of dishes. He even had the bar make up a fun mocktail based on my preferences. Very delicious! All of the staff were hospitable and professional. For starters, we tried a few apps (Scotch Egg, Bibb Lettuce Wraps, and Arancini) were well executed and each with their own unique twist. Lots of places do Aracini balls but few do it well without a red sauce. Bibb Wraps had this super light and citrus dressing with a hint of chile that made you want to try more. The Scotch Egg was by far the star of the apps. Just try it! The Orechiette with Lamb and Nona's Tagliolini and Meatballs were incredible. Each with a depth of flavor that left you wanting more. Despite cleaning our plates we were tempted to order a pasta dish to go...its that good. Portions were generous leaving no one hungry. We are very much looking forward to a future visit!
Great location and awesome views from the patio outside of the restaurant.Appetizers and dinner was good but I do not recommend the tiramisu, was not good.The scotch Meatballs were something different and very good. We got duck and rigatoni and both were very good! The brioche dessert was not bad.
Drink and food were excellent but service was disappointing. We were 1 of 3 couples at the bar initially and the bartender struck up conversations with each of the others and not us. Conversations that we could very much relate too as we're 'foodies'. Then those people left and 2 more sets of customers came in and he struck up a convo with one couple. We felt very much ignored and not sure why. Not something you should do when there's so many other places to go within walking distance!
Aaron was an absolute super star. He helped us make a reservation for a large group with a private room. His attention to detail, service, friendliness and accommodation to every single detail(especially with a bunch of little kids) was impeccable. Even more importantly the food was exquisite. They incorporate lots of culinary innovation married with homage to ancient Italian traditions. By far our best dining experience in Newport to date and we’re regulars.
Great place for food and desserts. We took all desserts. So chocolate ice cream, tiramisu and brioche are the best. Coffe also good but not great.
What a dinner! We were in Newport for one night and wanted to celebrate. When we asked for recommendations this place did not come up, however, after a quick search on Yelp it popped up as one of the top rated restaurants in the area... and Yelp never lies! What a fabulous fabulous dinner this was. Our server Melissa was very gracious and attentive. We tried as many of their dishes as we could! Firstly - the cocktails are a treat. We tried Joanne's sangria (bergamot, plums and grapes) and the lavanda(h). I would recommend both! Food - they come as tapa sized servings and they have a variety of vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes - scotch meatball: totally hit the spot. Crunchy on the outside and some gooey goodness on the inside - ricotta frittelle: kind of like biting into cotton candy. Soft and fluffy like a cloud. - rigatoni: the mushroom sugo finto was divine. If you like mushrooms and pasta, this a dish worth trying. - fried calamari with squid ink tempura & capers in a tangy, mustard coloured sauce. What an unusual twist on flavours! - halibut with caramelised fennel: this was awesome (especially if you love fennel) - beef shoulder pizzaiola: the beef was tender, but I wasn't really feeling the flavours. The potatoes were great. - and to wrap it off: tiramisu! This is a good size to share between two (especially after eating all of the above). Very very good tiramisu. The only thing I would add, and this is probably a personal thing, is a little bit more sweetness to the mascarpone. If you are in Newport and want some amazing Italian with fusion flavours (or just a drink) - give this place a go. Worth every dollar. Thank you for an amazing night!