Saltwater

49 America'S Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840

Seafood

License: Caterer or Commissary

Last inspected: Jul 30, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Going back to 2024, Saltwater has three inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Jul 30, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

The most recent inspection turned up five violations, more than the four found previously.

The most common issue across all inspections has been approved thawing methods used, showing up two times.

That's lower than the typical Newport restaurant, which scores around 84. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jul 30, 2025

Routine

3 major violations. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw tuna was observed thawed in its original reduced oxygen packaging (ROP) in the walk-in cooler. Seafood items that are packaged in ROP packaging shall be completely removed from their packaging prior to thawing to allow the reintroduction of oxygen into the food item. Food items were observed held at 42 degrees Fahrenheit and were voluntarily disposed of during the time of inspection. Proper thawing methods reviewed with PIC.

3-501.13

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of small flies is not controlled as evidenced by live activity at the inside bar area. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.

6-501.111

Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food

Inspector notes: Eggs are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request. A written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided to the consumer informing them of the significantly increased risk associated with certain vulnerable consumers eating such food in a raw or undercooked form. The consumer advisory provided shall also disclose the foods on the menu that are raw or undercooked. Per PIC, establishment will reprint menus with proper consumer advisory statement.

3-603.11

Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable

Inspector notes: The cutting boards on the kitchen prep units are very scratched and scored. Cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.

4-501.12

Sewage & waste water properly disposed

Inspector notes: The condensate from the beer draft refrigeration unit is draining into a container. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.

5-403.12

May 9, 2025

Reinspection for Opening

No violations found.

100

Aug 9, 2024

Opening

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 8 violations

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate

Inspector notes: The food prep sink in the kitchen and the ice bin at the bar are lacking adequate air gaps. PIC informed.

5-202.13

Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations

Inspector notes: Allergen advisory statement is not present on menus or order point. PIC informed.

2-103.11

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The handwashing sink at the bar was lacking soap, paper towels, and proper signage. Handwashing aids were placed at time of inspection.

5-205.11

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Vacuum packaged raw tuna was observed thawing in the walk-in cooler at 40 degrees Fahrenheit with the packaging still intact. Reduced oxygen packaged fish must be removed from the packaging prior to thawing. PIC informed. Raw tuna was voluntarily disposed of.

3-501.13

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The ceiling, walls and curtain in walk-in freezer was observed with an accumulation of ice and frost. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Per PIC, new gaskets for walk-in freezer are on order.

6-501.12

Cutting surfaces scratched, scored, or no longer cleanable

Inspector notes: The cutting boards on the cookline attached to prep units are very scratched and scored. Cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.

4-501.12

Sewage & waste water properly disposed

Inspector notes: The condensate from the espresso machine is draining into a container. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.

5-403.12

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: The door to the staff toilet room is not self-closing.

6-501.19

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Saltwater last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Saltwater on file is from Jul 30, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Saltwater?

Across the inspection record, approved thawing methods used has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Saltwater.

How does Saltwater compare to other restaurants in Newport?

Saltwater most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Newport average of 84.

Has Saltwater's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Saltwater have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about four per visit to around five more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Saltwater means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 100 — Low Risk

22 Bowens Wine Bar & Grille

22 Bowens Wharf

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

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→ All locations in Newport → Seafood restaurants in Rhode Island → Seafood restaurants in Newport