I've generally found the quality of Newport RI restaurants to be good. Views and low prices tend to be mutually exclusive, though.

Have especially enjoyed food at the Black Pearl and 22 Bowen's when I've tried them, maybe not the most panoramic water views but they're on Bowen's Wharf -- both are a little pricey. Views at The Mooring are good, food's not bad, also a little pricey. The Spiced Pear at The Chanler Inn has scrumptious food and a fine view, but dress better than jeans or shorts and bring a very healthy credit card -- this is a real special occasion dining spot. No views and no credit cards at Scales and Shells (Italian seafood and pasta), but good quality eats and not killer expensive depending on what you get. Flo's Clam Shack is a no-frills stand in line clam shack spot with okay prices, and depending on what table you score you may have a bit of a patio style view -- decent fried seafood, no waitress service. Brick Alley Pub and Salvation Cafe are decent and cheap family style pub grub spots, no views. Also see this link:

http://www.bestofnewport.com/newport-rhode-island-restaurants.htm

Thanks for the advice, friends have also suggested the Black Pearl, so gives me confidence! We will be in Newport 5 nights, so that gives time to experience different kinds of places. (We really can't go crazy on price EVERY night! - But maybe once or twice...) What about the Castle Hill Inn? I know it's pricey, but is it worth it - I've heard different opinions! (Maybe go for lunch and enjoy the view???) And what about Mama Luisa? Someone mentioned it as a place that had great food and was very reasonable.

I think Mama Louisa's is a good value. No view, no real seafood. DD, who spent a semester in Italy, felt like it was fairly authentic Italian.

http://www.mammaluisa.com/

The Black Pearl has the best clam chowder IMO. You can eat at the Black Pearl at all price points, they have outside dining next to the harbor, they have a shack next to the outside dining that sells chowder and hot dogs to go, they have two inside restaurants, one is very pricey (Commodore Room) and one less so (Tavern).

http://www.blackpearlnewport.com/

Best View is at Castle Hill but pricey (Newport is expensive)
Last time I was there I had horrible, slow service, but don't know if I hit it wrong or....I've heard other people say not to go if you're in a hurry. "Worth it" is too subjective for me to comment on. You don't really go for the food, you go for the view.

http://www.castlehillinn.com/Rhode-Island-Dining/rhode-island-dining.htm

Anthony's (in Middletown)

Great seafood, casual, good prices, no view, closes early so check hours

http://www.anthonysseafood.net/

Flo's is also a good idea, very casual. Good if you're already at or going to First Beach.

http://flosclamshack.net/

Atlantic Beach Club is across form Flo's at the end of first beach. Has casual outside and more upscale inside. Haven't eaten there in a couple of years. Food was ok, if you're outside, they do overlook the beach.

http://atlanticbeachclub.com/

I've pretty much given up on Brick Alley pub unless you go at an off hour. It's always incredibly busy, but they do have a great lobster bisque....

http://www.brickalley.com/


KJ's is another seafood joint, there are some views upstairs, & you do get a view. Not expensive.

http://kjsrestaurant.com/pages/KJs_Newport

There's a restaurant in Middletown called Gold's wood fired pizza (doesn't seem to have its own website). Decent pizzas, off the tourist track, someplace to go if you just want dinner that's tasty without a lot of fuss.