The White Horse Tavern Menu

The White Horse Tavern Restaurant Review:

The White Horse Tavern has been in the hospitality business on and off for 325 years, and maintains its colonial atmosphere, professional service and quality victuals. Since 1673, Newporters and visitors to the City by the Sea have sought refreshment in this landmark building, which in its long history has served as the meeting hall for the Rhode Island General Assembly, a pirate haven and the scene of post America’s Cup racing parties. It’s also reputed to be the progenitor of the businessman’s lunch, which is a solid value, particularly compared to the pricey dinner menu. Chef Richard Silvia is known for his commitment to fresh, local ingredients, and these show up prominently in the mixed-green salad, served alongside a half-sandwich of pastrami (from Pearl Meats; a little salty for our taste) on grilled rye with some pleasantly spicy mustard. For dinner, the lobster risotto and beef Wellington are the standouts. A small but well thought out wine list features several by-the-glass options. The tavern is famous for its bread pudding with bourbon sauce, but for a lighter finish, try the artisan gelati. With its dark, woody interior lit by glowing tapers (no flickering LED candles here), this is a good place for a winter meal. And while al fresco dining might have sounded foreign to Newport’s founding fathers, an outdoor patio makes a welcome alternative to the brooding dining room during the busy summer months.