Went here a few nights ago and it did not disappoint.
The menu choices were wide ranging.
Drinks were delicious and service was excellent. The second our plate was finished, someone came within 10 seconds to clear them.
Food was prepared perfectly and had excellent service from our server Alex.
Highly recommend this restaurant.
KW
Kevin Warren
May 5, 2026
We arrived a couple minutes early for our reservation at 7:15. Host indicated it wouldn’t be long. We waited a bit. Host offered we sit at counter while we waited. While watching the cooks I saw the lead sauté hold a shrimp in his dirty cook towel and kind of unfold it open to show another cook it was prepared enough. Kind of gross. I don’t order shrimp. We were sat at 7:45. We had plans after dinner, but knew it was not going to happen and cancelled our plans. Host offered a complimentary pizza which was nice but not what we were looking to enjoy. The pizza was cold and arrived immediately so we think it might have been a mistake they had sitting around.
We started with roasted clams. The broth was good, spicy and nice flavor brine. Clams were just okay. Hard to extract from shell and a bit cheesy.
We each had a pasta, carbonara, spaghetti with cauliflower and capellini with chicken. Portions were good size and pastas were just okay. Our guest spilled their cocktail and not one staff member offered to help. It went everywhere. We used our napkins to clean it up as best we could. It was loud and messy so I’m sure someone must have known. We left kind of abruptly. Just wasn’t for us I guess.
JD
Jacob Daniel
May 5, 2026
My wife and I were excited to try Bar 'Cino last night (our only night in Newport). We mulled over which of the many highly rated restaurants in the area to visit and decided on Bar 'Cino as it is smaller and feels slightly disconnected from the ultra touristy Wharf area restaurants. Our reservation was for 7:30, upon arrival we were told our table would be a few minutes, and the hostess suggested we visit their sister restaurant next door for a drink while we wait. The sister restaurant's food looked very unappealing which was the first red flag. 30 minutes later we were seated at 'Cino. We ordered a sangria (good), and a margarita (not good), honestly tasted like a cheap premade margarita mix and I can only assume it was made at the sister restaurant next door, which explains a lot. The manager sent out a bruschetta for the long wait to be seated, which was a surprise and appreciated, bruschetta was good. Looking at neighboring tables, and our watches, we skipped straight to the entrees. Now, I may be a bit spoiled with the quality of the food in my home town, and keeping this in mind, I set realistic expectations. I had the salmon and my wife had the salad with pulled chicken. Both dishes were unfortunately a miss. The salad was boring and uninspired. The salmon was overcooked and the carrot tahini puree was cold, lumpy, and dull. We thought about sending the entrees back, but at this point, it was getting late and we weren't sure we'd be able to find a restaurant open late enough nearby. My wife doesn't have the foodie obsession I do and is very easily pleased, she was equally disappointed. Given the experience, we passed on the much anticipated tiramisu and pistaccio cream cake. Overall, the restaurant was buzzing, especially for an off season Monday night, great vibe, and service was great. Unfortunately the food fell well short of expectations.
DM
David Marcial
May 4, 2026
Although we have not been there in while, we had a terrific lunch at BarCino and were genuinely impressed. The space itself is cool, intimate, and fits perfectly with the charm of historic Washington Square.
The food was excellent -- flavorful and clearly made with care. What elevated the experience was the hospitality. We were greeted by a manager, Kasandra, who was warm, welcoming and gracious from the moment we walked in. That kind of personal touch makes a world of difference.
All in all, BarCino delivered a relaxed, high-quality dining experience, and we’re already looking forward to going back.
RL
Robert Lodder
Apr 20, 2026
If you are looking for a vibrant, Italian-inspired gem in the heart of Newport, Bar 'Cino is a must-visit. From the moment you walk in, the energy is infectious, a perfect blend of harbor-town charm and modern bistro flair.
The Drinks & Starters
The evening began with their cocktail menu, which is impressively creative. They aren’t just serving the classics; they offer truly interesting flavor profiles that feel sophisticated yet approachable.
To eat, the fresh kale salad was a standout. It was bright, crisp, and clearly made with high-quality greens, a refreshing palate cleanser before diving into the heartier courses.
The Main Event
For the entree, the rigatoni Bolognese is a masterclass in comfort food. The sauce is rich and deeply savory, clinging perfectly to the al dente pasta. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to slow down and savor every single bite.
Ambiance & Service
The service truly elevates the experience. Our servers were incredibly friendly and helpful, offering great recommendations and keeping the pace of the meal feeling relaxed but efficient.
Noise Level: The restaurant has a lively, "buzzy" atmosphere. While it is certainly loud, it’s the good kind of energy, energetic enough to feel like the place to be, but not too loud to hold a comfortable conversation with your dining partner.
Parking Tip: Just a heads-up for drivers: like most spots in Washington Square, parking can be a bit tight. It’s worth planning for a short walk or using a nearby lot, but the meal is more than worth the extra steps!
A Grand Finale
Whatever you do, save room for the tiramisu. It was quite literally excellent. Unlike many versions that lean too heavily on cream or sugar, this one had a pronounced, authentic espresso flavor that really shone through. It is easily one of the best iterations of the dessert in the area.
Final Verdict: Bar 'Cino is a delightful spot for anyone who appreciates great food, a lively atmosphere, and top-tier service. I’ll definitely be back, even if I have to circle the block for parking!