We were in Newport for the day & found Scales & Shells while walking off our lunch LOL & it was right across the street from where we parked. They were closed until dinner time, so we went to walk around to browse at the shops nearby before coming back to try for dinner! It was pretty quiet when we went, so there were plenty of tables available. Service is slow here, even though there was only 3 other tables were dining at the same time. Multiple servers and staff were just on their phones doing nothing. Our food took a while, too! We had ordered the calamari ($17), clams linguine ($28), & the seared scallops ($38). Portions were okay... wished there was more linguine in the clam linguine dish & also not much flavor going on. I know Italian food can be pricey (I still love it though hehe), but this was not worth the price at all, in my opinion. We walked out of here, STILL hungry & unsatisfied, which is honestly pretty rare... But we were also surprised that they gave 6 scallops because we were totally expecting 2 or 3 scallops only LOL since so many places overcharge for scallops, so this was good in terms of quantity. We wished that they included something else with this dish? Like maybe asparagus or some sort of vegetable? The clam linguine had basically no flavor at all. I know that the flavor for this dish is usually kept pretty simple for the most part but this literally tasted like just pasta water. No garlic, nothing. Just salty pasta water? Overall, I will not be coming back. On the bright side, the place did seem pretty clean. read more

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I had the spicy seafood linguine it was okay. Lacked flavor, the portion was decent. The service was great!! read more

Claw & Hammer - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Great meal on New Years Eve! Great service as well! Seated promptly and given two menu options. price fix or the regular menu. Loved it!

This is a restaurant that has been in business for a long time. Great food with wonderful service in a cool vibe keeps Scales on top. I have eaten here for years and it never disappoints. The piccata or claimed spaghetti are my favorite dishes. I have enjoyed many different meals and loved them all. read more

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This place never disappoints! Even after 20 years the food is delicious! Fresh oysters great service and reasonably priced. read more

Claw & Hammer - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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Updating my review to sadly, one star. First, the menu is on a chalkboard which shouldn't be a problem right? It is if you're seated with your back away from it. There was a dividing half-wall and I had to stand up in a tight spot, then turn around to see it. My eyesight is bad, so that was very annoying and awkward twisting around in front of company. Don't order the lobster bisque. No flavor and fishy smell (in a bad way). The lemon artichoke linguine is a definite pass. The "sauce" was dry and looked like ground up artichoke paste. It tastes like mint and pesto but not really? Way too much garlic. =tummy ache. Calamari ok. read more

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I was looking for seafood that was not quite American, nor Italian or French, but cooked with preserving the natural flavor of the seafood used, particular lobster (too many restaurants tend to overcook them), I went through many restaurants serving seafood, recommended or researched at my own, the photos on their website caught my attention, and the 4.5 star review made me to decide on it. After we went there, the staff were so friendly and warm, the place was also easy going, with just about right formality and ambience. We picked up the dish we want immediately-and it was the best seafood pasta I have ever tasted. They made their own pasta and it was cooked perfectly. The sauce was, amazingly, with just perfect blend of American, Italian and French. Perfectly balanced. read more

Claw & Hammer - Lobster seafood pasta. - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

First time back in a couple of years and the food was excellent. The new management and kitchen are putting out much better dishes than in the past! Lobster bisque was very good as was the Cesar salad. Linguine and clams were delicious and cooked perfectly. The spicy seafood linguine was also very good! Freshly made linguine in house. Grilled lobster was also excellent. Our server Loretta Lynne was great as was the manager checking in on us during our meal. We will definitely make this a regular again when visiting Newport! read more

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It has been at least 7 years since I had been to Scales. In the past it was very tough to get a reservation especially on a Saturday . Needless to say I was shocked to get a 7:15 time slot on a weekend in August however it turned out very lucky for us. We had a delightful server named Molly and I must say if it were not for her recommendation of the homemade mushroom pasta I would never have chosen this Ahhhmazing dish. A fabulous blend of sauce with a hint of pancetta. My husband picked the Bucatini with shrimp. I think he would have licked his plate if he could. My coconut mojito and his blood orange sour were perfect compliments to our meal. Definitely coming back soon! read more

Claw & Hammer - Bucatini with Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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Ok so this place has been around for over 28 years. First place I ate 1998 in Newport. Fabulous, cash only and line out the door. Always came back for years. The Food was fabulous and fresh. Fast forward 22 years and the place just wasn't the same. Disappointed with the meals and flavors and service.... BUT now I understand it was sold in the past two years and wow was it fabulous! Ordered the special of braised octopus, mussels and Caesar salad to start and charcoal bread. All excellent. Entrees: swordfish, shrimp scampi and linguine with clam sauce. All exceeded our expectations. So the reviews were conflicting for me, but it looks like the staff took the feedback and constructive criticism and made it better. will be back again! read more

1 star is too generous, Zero stars is more accurate. Please heed all of the other 1 star reviews as a caution not to go, AT ALL! I didn't read all of the reviews and went since it's supposed to be kid friendly. Dined on 8/5/25 around 7:30pm, spent over $200 and the food was atrocious. Shrimp was perviously frozen and terrible quality. TBH, Walmart shrimp would put their Shrimp Cocktail to shame. The Lobster fra Diavolo hardly had any pasta and was warm in temp. The wine tasted like Sutter Home Moscato. The bathroom at a local McDonald's is more hygienic than the Ladies room at that restaurant. The wait staff weren't attentive nor gracious. Just don't go. read more

DO. NOT. EAT. HERE. This was the worst meal out I've had in a very long time. The quality of the lobster and shrimp was god awful. It tasted and looked like it had been sitting in the freezer for a very long time. Horrifically over-priced. Bathrooms were in bad shape. Avoid this at all costs. I almost never even do reviews but I'm considering this a public service announcement. read more

Ambiance mussel appetizer swordfish entree . Bar tender very attentive and very patient with guest.

The Quick: Fantastic seafood, cocktails, and wine list (ask for pairing recommendations, they know their stuff). The lobster fra Diavolo is incredible! The staff is very accommodating. If you're a seafood lover, this is for you The Details: If you don't eat seafood, this might be a little difficult for you. There are definitely vegetarian sides, but the focus is on seafood and it's done. Incredibly. The raw bar is incredibly fresh, and they are spicy red/ Sicilian sauce is incredible.. Make sure to get extra bread. The Damage: fresh seafood is not inexpensive, but we thought the meal was worth every penny. read more

Claw & Hammer - Fra Diavolo - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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The little neck clams were opened but not cleaned from shell. I had the sea in a pot the cod was over cooked the broth had no flavor Used to be my favorite restaurant in town. You lost me as a customer. read more

Stopped in mid-afternoon on Memorial Day Weekend for a snack. The lobster bisque was perhaps the best I have had in a very long time, great flavor, like every bisque it could have more lobster meat, IYKYK, flavor was 10/10. The crab was rice was great as well, tender shrimp and crab with crispy rice. Hit the spot on a cloudy day!! Food and service on point. read more

Excellent seafood. Menu is mostly on a chalkboard as fresh seafood changes often. The swordfish was excellent.

This place is amazing. As an industry professional myself, I have to admit that they checked all the boxes. We were visiting on a Friday night at peak time and we were seated promptly. Our server, Tait, was very knowledgeable with the menu, and very accommodating . The support staff was attentive as well. Food was delicious, and from the perspective of a bar manager, I really appreciate that the exquisite cocktails also complimented the menu options very well. We ordered all three of the oysters offered. They were all fresh and delicious. Our next course was the Tilefish Brandade (special) which was exceptional. We did have to ask for more crostini, we got more bread but it wasn't toasted. I can't fault them for that because we got it immediately (but it would've been nice to have crostini instead of soft bread....the two pieces that came with the dish weren't nearly enough for the spread.). That's my only negative critique though. The cocktail menu is wonderful and well planned to pair with the menu items. I had the jalapeño Paloma and the "Miso thirsty" martini. Kudos to whoever made this drink menu so complimentary to the food. Nicely done! I don't live in the area, but I'm excited to come back just for this. Thank you to Tait and the rest of the staff who made our dining experience so memorable. We'll see you again! read more

Claw & Hammer - Our wonderful server, Tait! - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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The two rating doesn't have anything to do with my memories of the Scales and Shells of the past but the one I went to last night. My oysters came out and one of them had so much mud in it I didn't even eat it. The lobster bisque portion as most of the food was very small. The service was good and we felt well taken care of. A little bit on the noisy side tough to have a conversation. My real disappointment comes from the lack of creativity and the small selection of the menu. And it doesn't hold a candle to the SS of old. read more

STAY AWAY! Absolutely the worst experience in Newport. The new owners (likely from out of town) murdered the formerly best restaurant in Newport. They completely changed the menu - no longer can you order a multitude of grilled fish or seafood pasta option - now it's a menu that fits on one small menu the size of a cocktail menu. They got rid of at least 7-10 tables and most disgustingly raised the prices 40%. And the food isn't fit for dogs. The new owners and chef should be ashamed! Been going here for 35 years and will never set foot in this usurious joint again. ZERO STARS read more

This place is amazing. It has a great chill vibe and the food is delicious I had the oysters and the bucatini with mussels and shrimp. It was was sooo good! read more

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Excellent food and service. We were in town for a girls trip. The linguini and clams was one of the best I've had. The salads and the side of eggplant was delicious. Will definitely be back if we visit Newport again. read more

We had dinner at Scales & Shells last night. Great location, nice, clean, air-conditioned restaurant, fantastic server. The mussels appetizer was delicious, but served with one piece of bread for two people (??) - our server brought us more at our request to go with the broth. My husband had a scallop special over lentils that was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and I had an Asian-inspired seared tuna special over grilled zucchini that was absolutely incredible. The quality of the fish is beyond. We shared a great piece of tiramisu. Win. read more

This place is so sad. I've been coming here for 30 years. I'm not sure why the new ownership changed everything. The shrimp scampi had no flavor, you maybe got 4 shrimp which all looked cut in half. You don't get bread brought to the table anymore. That place used to be so great and successful. From looking at other reviews I'm not the only one who feels this way. If it wasn't broke- why fix it?? I miss the old menu, simple you pick your fish and pasta or grilled fish- that was it. Simple and fresh, not anymore. read more

Had reservations here for Mother's Day and my wife and mother in law was looking forward to dine here. We have a ton of friends who dine here for years and always brag on how great the food is here. I myself seldom venture down this end of Thames sure to the heavy traffic. But I thought Mother's Day would be a great reason to come. Boy was I wrong! It would be quite the disappointment since when I sat down I notice the menu had nothing familiar with what I've seen on their menu and it was a very limited menu so I asked our waitress if this was a limited menu Mother's Day set menu. And she gave me a look of disappointment herself and told me it was the regular menu. Because there are new owners and a new chef. So I just don't understand why you would take over a successful restaurant with a huge clientele and decide to completely change out the menu. If you wanted to take over a restaurant and have your new menu, why keep the same name and piss off all the customers going there expecting something and not able to get. What a way to bait and switch the customers that are expecting they're going the scales and shells and then not get what they wanted. read more

Our uber driver recommended this spot and said it was the best seafood on the island. We walked in, no reservation needed. Menu was located on a chalk board in the back. Staff was very friendly. I personally didn't care for the food Fried oysters were not that great, too much breading Grilled octopus was the best thing I had My bf had the sea bass which he liked, I ordered the tuna steak, it was tasteless, needed a sauce Sides were mediocre and very small for $6 each If you like your seafood charred and lightly seasoned then this is the spot for you. I prefer more flavor, should have ordered the fra diavlo that everyone raves about read more

Claw & Hammer - Fried oysters - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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If there is something less than 1 star this hollow and sad version of Scales and Shells deserves it. Scales and Shells was an institution - by far the best meal in Newport and probably in RI! We are relative newcomers having gone there for 21 years. Walking in to see a different chef and menu was a soul crushing experience. The new owners had the insensitivity to keep the big chalkboard - making the longtime faithful like us to see a place that looks like Scales and Shells but in fact is a total fake! Thanks to the former chef Junior, the old menu does in fact remain fully intact at Hooked - just down the street from- THANK YOU JUNIOR FOR SAVING THIS INCREDIBLE MENU!! Please do not go to this place that should really not be called Scales and Shells and go to Hooked. It's EXACTLY what all the Scales regulars know and love! read more

My parents used to come here years ago for their anniversary, so I was eager to try it. I've never experienced the "old" Scales many reviews mention as this is my first experience here. My parents, friends and myself were all impressed. The star of the show was definitely the lobster/seafood fra diavolo. The fresh pasta and flavors were spectacular! Also tried the burrata and calamari appetizers which were also great, loved the idea of putting Serrano peppers in the RI style calamari. Raw bar was decent, service was friendly and attentive. The only small critique was that the t-shirt uniforms felt out of place with the restaurant's more upscale vibe. But overall a pretty great experience read more

Claw & Hammer - Lobster Fra Diavolo - Seafood Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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Why buy a business and change it.? Take a successful business that People wait in line to get into and change the decor the menu and the style of food. Brilliant. This place is terrible. It is empty and the reputation with people I've spoken to everywhere now is the same. It's a bad place don't bother. They took one of the most popular restaurant in Newport and killed it. Service is fine but the girl doesn't know what she's serving. And basically they're serving crap farm raised shrimp sold as wild. Portions are unbelievably small prices are high and food quality is nonexistent. This restaurant won't be here for long. It is sad. read more

Went to scales tonight . Got shrimp scampi. Never have I got an order like that . They chop up the shrimp into small pieces to disguise that they use small shrimp. Way over priced.small portions. read more

We dined here the other evening and, while the food was still enjoyable, it definitely missed the mark. We later learned the restaurant is now under new ownership, and unfortunately, some of the beloved recipes have been changed. A note to the new owners: you don't alter what made this place so special. The service was still excellent, and the staff remained friendly, but we couldn't help but notice other changes--like downsizing the chalkboard--that took away from the charm and unique ambiance we always loved. Sadly, the overall experience felt different, and not in a good way. This used to be one of our favorite restaurants, but it's now one I'd rather forget. Don't think we'll be returning anytime soon - very unfortunate! read more

Use to be our go to for awesome seafood now sucks. Limited menu and expensive. Been going for 25 plus years will never return. It is a shame new owners ruined a good thing. read more

It was my first time in Newport and we wanted seafood. We walked by Scales and Shells and things looked promising, but after checking the reviews on Yelp, I was reluctant to try it- there was so much negativity. Ultimately, we tried it and we loved it. My husband and I agree that everything was delicious. We had the spaghetti with clams to start, I had the tuna and he had the swordfish. We had potatoes and veggies as our sides. The portions weren't huge but they were not minuscule. Maybe the new owners have taken things in a new direction and that's the source of all of the naysaying, but I wanted to post a positive review. read more

Haven't been to this restaurant in years and it exceeded our expectations. We had a Monday night reservation for 5 and were sat in the back. Our waiter was super personable and punctual. The manager came over several times. In terms of food, we ordered the grilled romaine salad, calamari, shrimp cocktail, tuna, and swordfish. All dishes and drinks were fantastic. Would recommend for a change of pace in Newport! read more

Had the best experience Friday evening. Darius is amazing, his wine recommendations, pairings and service was on point. Extremely attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Pasta and bread is made in house - bread box with focaccia and the burrata spread is DELICIOUS. Went on to try the charred octopus and shrimp scampi. 10/10 all around. read more

I had one of the best meals and experiences here! From the entrance to the depart the staff was super welcoming and attentive. Came here on the last weekend they were opened for the year, and was happily surprised. Highlights we're the grilled octopus and the raw oysters with 0 grit, and their sauce with the mussels. Their grilled octopus was probably the best I've ever had, being so meaty and tender but also so butter and melted in my mouth. We also had the shrimp scampi which was so light and perfect. The drinks too, were perfect for the season! The best part really was the staff, they were so great and nice. Definitely coming here again during the summer to get the entire experience and vibe. read more

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Used to really love this place - a definite must in Newport. Offered 10+ fish options with a variety of preparations. They "updated" their menu and now have a total of 2 fish options. They should remove the "scales" from their name. I can't eat shellfish and loved the large variety of options. Now they have almost no options. This concept change is not for the better. read more

New owners new menu ridiculous prices. Don't bother. The original chef is now working at Hooked. The food was amazing.

Bartender/server saved the day so I will give another chance. My fave dish in the world is linguini and clam sauce. Red or white I am happy. This place "HAD" by FAR the best on the planet(Yes Spain or Italy). 10 clams in shell on top of linguini with sauce roasted in clams AND chopped clams in the sauce. So three layers of "clam love" depth in the dish. Now this latest time they served me a small portion of spaghetti with plain marinara sauce on it(no clams in it and no clam flavored sauce!) and then dropped 4 littleneck whole clams on top. I thought it was April Fool's Day. The server saw my face and finally got me to order something else after his 3rd attempt. Good man. I emailed them like five days ago before I posted this deservingly negative review. No response. Later on I found out the original owners sold the place few yrs ago. So the new owners are cutting corners. Will keep open minded but that was the worst first impression of their chef they could ever have made. So sad the real owners and chef is gone. Not even remotey close now. read more

First, loved our waitress Nicole. They do not take reservations but if there is just 2 of you they have 2 small bars you may want to saddle up to. We waited 20 minutes, not awful. This is where they lose a star. Our table, for 4 people was too small and 1 seat, a built in bench, very uncomfortable and should never be used for anyone over the age of 12. Food was very good. Had the best piece of tuna, rare, literally melted in my mouth. Overall, we would recommend. read more

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