Sardella's

Sardella's Restaurant Review:

Sardella's fancies itself an old-fashioned Italian restaurant, and this Memorial Boulevard standard's lack of pretense is indeed refreshing in sometimes snooty Newport. Straightforward but not unsophisticated, it throbs with life come summertime, not only around the outdoor patio's coveted tables but even in the otherwise placid, mural-adorned main dining room (the covered back patio, being lesser-known, is more of an oasis). Service is fast and friendly, making a wait at the bar a pleasantly convivial experience. As for the menu, you're not likely to see anything you haven't seen before, but nor are you likely to be disappointed. We like to start by sharing a nice caprino salad, topped with creamy, warm goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes and tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. Ravioli alla fiorentina, featuring simple cheese ravioli topped with baked spinach, fresh tomato and mozzarella, is not unlike a caprese salad over pasta. True to its genre, Sardella's doesn't skimp on portions, even on the daily fish specials, and the $16 dinner-for-two special on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays is hard to beat ($28 with wine). Such a winning formula has garnered the eatery loyalty from the locals as well as love from the tourists: no wonder it sticks to what it knows.