I don’t think our waiter knew much about gluten and did not do much to reassure me. He’d say ‘Umm yes I think that’s gluten free’ and wasn’t able to answer my questions about a designated fryer. I had a side salad and the chicken sandwich (no bread) and it tasted good but I was pretty anxious the whole time. I didn’t end up getting sick but can’t comment on if they’re celiac friendly as it felt risky.
My daughter and I both have Celiac and could not find a good place for Breakfast in Newport proper. We tried saltwater and were very pleased. The waitress let us know that they have gluten free pancakes and waffles along with toast avaible for people with allergies. The food was not listed on the regular menu so we did need to ask for it.
Yes
I was so excited to try this restaurant after reading the reviews. However I had a bad feeling from the getgo! I called to make sure they had a dedicated fryer, I was informed they did. When we got to the restaurant the staff moved at a glacial pace. The waitress was unsure about gluten free food. There is no dedicated menu, so make sure you know what is safe for you. After 50 minutes the waitress brought our food over... no fries as “there is no dedicated fryer”. I was extremely disappointed and will not be back. My sandwich was decent but I could’ve gone elsewhere in Newport and gotten served faster, safer, and had a better experience.
No
Yes
Yes
Unbelievable knowledge of celiac. Dedicated fryer. Great fried calamari and truffle fries. Chef came out when he saw server place gluten free to personally guarantee the meal.
Yes
Blown away by their knowledge and attention to celiac/gluten free details.
Yes
This was our first time at Saltwater. The food itself was good, although overall there were a few issues. The first being the parking situation. Apparently they charge to park and their online info states that it is $8 for off season (which it now is) and $20 during busy season. They tried to charge me $20! I explained their online info states it is supposed to be only $8 now and so they honored that. I would never pay $20 to park at a restaurant! 2nd...they also apparently never check their online reservations, as they had no clue what I was talking about, even though I had made reservations through their website...luckily it wasn’t busy! However, I have special dietary needs that were explained within the reservation that they never looked at, so I had to explain it again in person (in a loud environment (as music was playing), so it was not ideal. And lastly, was the discrepancy with their menus. They seem to have different versions online, than what they actually serve. That being said...as someone who has recently been diagnosed with Celiac disease, it was amazing to be able to have fried seafood! They have a dedicated fryer, and that is greatly appreciated! As well as the fact that most of their menu is gluten free.
Yes
Great outdoor breakfast overlooking the water! They offer gluten free toast and were attentive and aware of my allergies.
Chef tom was amazing he came out to bring us our food and let us know it was gf. We r staying in this hotel and we feel like we struck gold. We have eaten here several times for lunch and for breakfast. We had gf fried calamari which was excellent. We also had had eggs Benedict and pancakes which is a real treat! He told us about his award winning gf New England clam chowder and I really wanted to try it but the weather was just too hot. Really Excellent
Yes
My family and I just ate here for the first time not knowing it was going to be such an amazing meal. The chef had personally come to our table to make sure my gluten free meal was good. He really takes the time to explain how he doesn't cross contaminate and understands what it means to be "gluten free".First time I was able to have fries and chips because they have a totally separate frier. I Highly recommend this restaurant, and we will be back.
Yes
We must have come on an off day, because our experience was nowhere near the same as the other reviewers'. Maybe the waitress was new and just wasn't very knowledgeable about gluten free items yet, but she was very friendly and perfectly fine otherwise.
I see in the reviews people mention that they have a dedicated fryer and gf clam chowder, but when we asked about gluten free options she said the Veggie Medley (or something to that affect). It was a hot day and we were dining outside so that did not sound appetizing at all. She then looked at the menu and stumbled over a couple more items, salads, that "Oh yeah, I think they are too." Being kind of nervous and not feeling very assured, we ended up ordering one small thing to share and some wine. After we finished we headed over to somewhere else hoping that the reviews would match our experience, unlike this place.
I would have given this place less than 4 stars, but really don't want to ruin this place's perfect 5 star rating in the event it was just a one off. However, thought it was important to add our experience here so others don't possibly end up leaving hungry like we had to. Plus, the waterside views were perfect and we'd definitely return for a drink, and possibly see if the next conversation with staff goes in another direction, in other words if we feel safe then we'd definitely give the food more of a shot. If we do go back and have a better experience I will be sure to review again with an update.
No
What an exceptional experience!!! I haven’t eaten fried calamari or fried fish and chips in over 8 years. I was like a kid at Christmas. Even Tom the chef personally came out to talk with us and said he would make me anything I wanted. I would beyond recommend this place. When I come back to Newport I’m going here for sure!!! Anyone who misses fried seafood this is a definite must!!!!!!!
Yes
I would highly recommend anyone with a gluten allergy to come here! Our server was new and was not knowledgeable about celiac. Chef Tom came right out and answer any and all of my questions! I truly felt comfortable eating here and the food was amazing. An Chef Tom was 100% on top of educating his waitstaff.
Yes
Chef is amazingly brilliant and gives great care for celiacs. Incredible menu. Thank you!!
Yes
Yes
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. My Celiac 12 year old had the burger and fries for lunch and GF French Toast for breakfast with no issues. They even have a dedicated fryer! We would definitely eat here again.
Yes
Great experience! The chef came out and talked to us and was so accommodating. My kids were so happy to get chicken nuggets and grilled cheese. Chef Tom made our day!
I loved the clam chowder which was also gluten free. Kids and adults give 2 thumbs up!
We will be back!
Yes
Definitely Celiac friendly! Almost entire menu is gluten free, and chef came out personally to make sure I understood what was going on in the kitchen to keep me from getting sick. Clam chowder soup was absolutely delicious!!
Yes
Amazing burger and waffle fries!
Yes
The chef Thomas Phelps is knowledgeable about Celiac and most of the food here is or can be made gluten free. There’s a fryer dedicated to gluten free. Yes you can have fries! The chowder is the best I’ve ever had, homemade chips and the lobster roll big was very good. Gluten free lava cake for dessert too. My kids helped me polish that off. Very decadent.
Yes
Stopped in to try the clam chowder out of this world. Chef Tom came out to check, a wonderful asset he is to the restaurant.
Yes
Chef Tom is amazing he has dedicated a fryer to gluten free options from Fry's to chowder yes chowder is amazing
Yes
Chef came out and talked to us, food was great!
Yes
Very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating staff. Chef Tom came out personally to explain the safe options, which happen to be most of the menu, to me. They even have a dedicated GF fryer. I was there for a training conference and had lunch with the training. I decided to stay for supper, rather than go elsewhere, because they "get it" and I knew I would have a safe meal (it was amazing).
Yes
Great fried gluten free food
Yes
The chef came out and answered all of my questions. Definitely celiac friendly! This is one of the only places with gluten free CHOWDER!!!!
Yes
Chef Tom is amazing and the offerings are celiac friendly. Dedicated equipment and fryer. I was so concerned on my business trip that I would be eating apples all week, what a relief to find out SaltWater can accommodate my allergy, and the food is OUTSTANDING!
Yes
The food was amazing. They have a dedicated fryer to avoid gluten contamination. The chef came out to talk to us personally when I mentioned my gluten allergy. He told us about food prep and options. Best French fries ever!
Yes
Staff seems knowledgable, and I'm always happy when I am able to get French fries!!