1639 at Newport Harbor Island Resort — Restaurant in Newport

I am utterly disgusted with my recent visit to The Restaurant at Newport Harbor Island Resort. It was supposed to be a fun brunch for my friends birthday, but this so-called dining experience was an absolute disaster, riddled with incompetence, disrespect, and a complete lack of accountability from the management.

Let's start with the sheer incompetence displayed by the staff. They managed to forget not just one or two, but multiple items from our order. To top it off, by the time they realized their blunders, the breakfast kitchen had conveniently closed, leaving us without any chance of rectifying their mistakes. How can a supposedly reputable establishment fail so spectacularly in basic competence?

And when it came to addressing their errors, the management's behavior was nothing short of confrontational. Rather than taking responsibility for their own screw-ups, they had the audacity to be rude and defensive towards us, the paying customers. It's mind-boggling how they could have the nerve to treat us with such disrespect when they were the ones who messed up in the first place.

As if that wasn't enough, they couldn't even bother to serve us water for the second half of our meal. Seriously? Water is a basic necessity, and any half-decent restaurant should be able to manage that. But no, The Restaurant at Newport Harbor Island Resort couldn't even get that right.

I will admit that the servers themselves were relatively pleasant, but their efforts were overshadowed by the despicable management. It's clear that the servers understand the importance of good customer service, but their efforts were futile in the face of such atrocious management.

Compensation was only offered after we had to practically beg for it. We had to fight tooth and nail just to get them to acknowledge their mistakes and take some action. Even then, their response was lackluster. Sure, they removed two entrees from our bill, but we were still expected to pay a hefty 20% gratuity for a large group. Are you kidding me? The service we received barely merited a measly 5% tip, let alone the absurd amount they had the audacity to demand.

But wait, there's more! On top of everything else, they managed to forget a coffee, three entrees, jam and butter, cream, and sugar. It's almost impressive how one restaurant can mess up so many essential items in a single order. Clearly, attention to detail is not a concept they are familiar with.

And what really takes the cake is their complete lack of remorse. Despite the litany of mistakes they made, there wasn't a hint of genuine apology or regret from the management. It's as if they couldn't care less about the horrendous experience they put us through.

In conclusion, my visit to The Restaurant at Newport Harbor Island Resort was an unmitigated disaster. From the gross incompetence of the staff to the disgraceful behavior of the management, it was a true showcase of how not to run a restaurant. I strongly advise anyone considering dining here to steer clear and save themselves from the headache and...

Grand Re-Opening Weekend 5/25/2024:

After a decade of culinary exploration across the globe, including Michelin-starred establishments, I have finally rediscovered a dining experience that evokes perfection at 1639, which has recently reopened. As a seasoned Boston and greater New England foodie, my palate has been honed by the finest culinary getaways and restaurants worldwide, making this discovery all the more remarkable.

The meal began with a classic wedge salad, a quintessential choice for a hot summer day. While often marred by overbearing dressings and blue cheese, 1639’s rendition was a revelation. The crisp romaine lettuce, smoky bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a sublime homemade ranch dressing melded together in a harmonious flavor profile that left me yearning for more with each crunchy bite.

Next, I savored the homemade cavatelli, an exquisite dish that showcased perfectly cooked broccolini and spicy sausage. The pasta's delicate texture and the vibrant, balanced flavors of the accompaniments created an unforgettable symphony of taste, expertly portioned to satisfy without overwhelming.

A few forkfuls of my wife's cod dish nearly made me swoon, as the fish was a masterclass in juicy, lemon-infused perfection. Each bite was a testament to the chef's skill, delivering a memorable experience that blessed my palate.

Expecting a less impressive dessert, I decided to try both the lemon tart and the peanut butter mousse cake. To my surprise, both dishes exceeded expectations, compelling me to savor every last bite and nearly lick the plates clean.

The atmosphere of 1639 is a modern marvel, featuring a stunning new-age aesthetic, a picturesque marina view, and an open, airy space that enhances the dining experience. The exceptional service, led by our server Melissa, who charmed us with her warm smile and dedication to ensuring an excellent meal, further elevated the evening.

Moreover, meeting the management staff, particularly Gene, added a delightful personal touch. Gene's stories about Newport, the hotel, and his culinary journey infused the restaurant with an inviting charm.

The only drawback of the evening was the presence of an unruly large group whose children treated the restaurant like a playground and compared their dishes to those at Olive Garden. For a venue of 1639’s caliber, it would be wise to limit large group sizes or provide private rooms, especially for parties with young children, to maintain the refined dining ambiance.

After trying 22 Bowen tonight, I couldn’t help but think of how 1639 did everything better. From the meticulous preparation of each dish to the impeccable service and breathtaking ambiance, 1639 has set a new standard. I’d bet top dollar that 1639 is Newport’s newest and best restaurant in 2024 and will continue to be a culinary gem for many years to come.

Overall, 1639 delivers a 10/10 dining experience, seamlessly blending exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. This restaurant is a must-visit for discerning food enthusiasts seeking a taste of culinary...

My recent visit to The Restaurant at Newport Harbor Island Resort was nothing short of a disaster. The poor service, unprepared meals, and disrespectful behavior from the staff left a lasting negative impression on me and my dining companions. I feel compelled to share my experience to warn others and hopefully encourage the management to improve their service.

First and foremost, when we placed our orders, several of the meals we requested were not prepared. Instead of taking responsibility for their mistake, the staff had the audacity to blame us, as if it was our fault that they failed to fulfill our order. This kind of response is simply unacceptable and demonstrates a complete lack of professionalism.

Upon requesting that the missing meals be prepared, we were met with an even more shocking response from the manager. They arrogantly declared, "It's my house," as if that justified their refusal to make the food we had ordered. Such an attitude is not only disrespectful to paying customers but also reflects a total disregard for customer satisfaction.

To make matters worse, when we inquired about the possibility of having the food prepared later, we were informed that the kitchen was closed. It is astonishing that a restaurant would close its kitchen during regular operating hours without any prior notice or consideration for the patrons who were expecting to have a complete dining experience.

Overall, my visit to The Restaurant at Newport Harbor Island Resort was marred by a series of disappointments, ranging from unprepared meals to a dismissive and unprofessional attitude from the staff. It is evident that this establishment lacks the basic principles of customer service and respect for their customers.

I strongly advise against dining at The Restaurant at Newport Harbor Island Resort until they address these glaring issues and take the necessary steps to improve their service. It is essential for a restaurant to prioritize customer satisfaction, fulfill orders correctly, and treat guests with courtesy...