Rhode Island Monthly March 2020 | Page 104

Restaurant Guide 60 South County Commons Way South Kingstown, RI [NEWPORT COUNTY] Midtown Oyster Bar 401 783 2900 pasqualespizzeriari.com FRESH BREAD DAILY • SWEET BREAD • CORN BREAD • PASTRIES • CAKE FOR ALL OCCASIONS CHEESE • MILK • LARGE SELECTION OF PORTUGUESE GROCERIES Mon - Sat: 5am - 7:00pm Sunday: 5am - 7:00pm MAGGIE SOARES owner TAUNTON AVENUE BAKERY x 217 TAUNTON AVE x EAST PROVIDENCE, RI 401-434-3450 Visit us on Facebook: Taunton Avenue Bakery tauntonavenuebakery.com x [email protected] Not Just Run of the Mill 390 Fall River Ave • Seekonk, MA • 508-336-8460 • ogmtavern.com ROSALINA KLEOS Upscale, Contemporary Italian Dishes 50 Aborn Street, Providence 401-270-7330 Traditional Greek Eats & Cocktails 250 Westminster Street, Providence 401-443-4083 rosalina-ri.com 90    RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MARCH 2020 Housed right on the City by the Sea’s thriving Thames Street, Midtown Oyster Bar boasts not only some of the freshest local catches around, but also the area’s largest raw bar. No matter your seafood craving — whether it be calamari with banana peppers, white wine and garlic butter, tuna tartare tacos topped with pineapple and tomatillo salsa, blackened mahi-mahi or grilled Norwegian salmon — Midtown’s menu is well-equipped to satisfy. As for atmosphere, the multi-level establishment also features two happening bar areas, including the ground level tavern and the upstairs bar, as well as a rooftop patio overlooking the bustling street. WHAT TO EAT: Of course, we’re going to suggest that you order lobster that’s poached in warm butter and nestled in a toasted torpedo roll, but if you’re in the mood for something from the land, Midtown also has yummy steak frites, French onion soup, grilled pork cutlets and more. WHO TO BRING: Either a new date worth impressing or a group of old friends with adventurous palates. WHAT TO WEAR: Err on the side of formal. THE DRINK SITUATION: There are two bars for a good reason: Midtown’s wine and beer list is extensive. We’re also huge fans of the cocktail offerings, specifically the Fig and Fizz, which is made with black fig vodka, Yucatan honey shrub and prosecco. INSIDER’S TIP: Midtown may be a bigger space, but its popularity causes it to fill quickly on a weekend night. Consider reserving a spot on OpenTable in advance. THE DETAILS: 345 Thames St., Newport, 619-4100, midtownoyster com. $$$–$$$$