Flora at Gardiner House — Restaurant in Newport

Let's start at the beginning. My wife called and got us a table to enjoy catching up for dinner with friends. A table for 5.

My best suggestion is to arrive a bit early and enjoy the Studio Bar for a pre dinner cocktail. The Studio bar is a comfy space with a fireplace, couch seating as well as club chairs, small cocktail tables and a lovely little bar . All the proportions are great. You can sit and chat over a premium cocktail intimately or join the crowd and socialize. I found the Studio Bar to be a great space, not over crowded with furniture or tables. Overall a great space for a date or to strike up a conversation with other travelers and locals.

Cocktails were very well prepared, house cocktails were imaginative with classic flavors. The staff was top notch. This is not service...this is hospitality and you feel it from the start.

Now without getting too drunk head up for your dinner. Host will greet and take care of you. The hospitality continues. We were busy catching up and the wait staff was informative and patient with us. They checked in on us without pressuring and after sampling some appetizer specials ( Tina tartar, the salmon civeche special, and oysters), we had One more round of cocktails and we ordered our mains. Scallops, Halibut, Tuna and a lobster gnocchi ( house prepared pasta). Well what can I say the seafood was all perfectly prepared and portioned. There wasn't a morstle left on anyone's plates. We were all very happy with our mains.

Not sure why but we didn't sample the desserts and I'll have to return soon so I can add to my list of reasons why I love Flora.

Back down to the Studio bar for a night cap and some conversation around the room.

What a great evening. It was much more than just having dinner with friends. It was more like a night out under one roof.

Fantastic.

Sorry no pics I was having too...

I recently had the pleasure of celebrating a close friend’s birthday at Flora at the Gardiner House in Newport, and I truly can’t say enough about how special the decision to go to Flora made the night. From start to finish, it was one of those rare dining experiences where every detail felt thoughtful, personal, and completely in line with what I was hoping for when I called and made the reservation.

To say the least, the food was exceptional. Everything from the house-made pasta to the fresh oysters, vibrant salad, and steak (cooked to perfection) was on point. Every bite tasted like it had a story behind it — rich, fresh, balanced, and beautifully plated. And the drinks were spot-on. Perfectly balanced cocktails that complemented the meal without stealing the show.

What really took the evening over the top, though, was the service. I’ve eaten in a lot of places in Newport, and while there are some gems, genuine warmth and hospitality can sometimes be hard to come by. Not here. At Flora, you feel taken care of in a way that’s rare. Stacy, our server, deserves a crown — she was attentive without hovering, friendly without being forced, engaged in the whole party, and just generally amazing at what she does, Chef Miguel Somoza is clearly doing something very special in that kitchen, and Vidal, the man running the show, made it all possible and ensured it exceeded expectations.

Flora has everything you want in a dining experience — food that impresses, drinks that elevate, a space that’s both refined and welcoming, and a team that truly gets what hospitality means. Whether you're celebrating something big or just looking for a memorable night out, you would be remiss to go...

We recently dined at Flora at Gardiner House, and it was superb! The resort beautifully blends modern elegance with timeless luxury, making it an ideal spot for both overnight guests and casual diners. Upon entering, we were welcomed by a sophisticated lobby that set a wonderful tone for the evening.

We started with cocktails at the Studio Bar, (which we love either in the summer time or winter season), where the Gardiner cocktail was refreshingly vibrant, and the martinis were perfectly balanced.

Next, we moved to the dining room, warmly greeted by Food and Beverage Manager Vidal, whose attentive service made our experience exceptional. The dining room was beautifully arranged with stunning views and an impressive menu. Our knowledgeable server, Drew, along with his colleague Billy, ensured we had everything we needed and offered great recommendations.

For appetizers, we enjoyed Tuna Tartare, Beet Salad, flavorful soup, and delicious Octopus, which was the highlight. Our entrées included Halibut, Scallops, Paella, and Duck, but the desserts truly wowed us, especially the special birthday dessert that Drew presented with a candle. Overall, it was an extraordinary dining experience that I highly recommend. We can't wait to return to...