Bay Voyage Inn

The Bay Voyage Inn's amazing views of the Newport Bridge make up for the service mistakes and food presentation.

Our waiter, although really friendly, completely messed up my date's drink order and forgot to put in our order of calamari when we originally asked for it.   I ordered a glass of Riesling, my date ordered a glass of Pinot Noir.  The waiter walks over with two glasses of white wine.  Try again!  When my date informed him that he had ordered Pinot, the waiter returned five minutes later with a glass of Pinot Grigio.  Foiled again!  I chuckled and kindly informed the waiter that it was Pinot Noir - RED, not WHITE!  I jokingly then said, "you can leave the Pinot Grigio if you want."  He laughed and said ok.  I mean, what were they going to do? Pour it back in the bottle?  I really thought we wouldn't be charged for the mistaken glass of wine, but to my dismay, we were!!  

The Fried Native Calamari (smoked tomatoes, piccalilli dressing, sea salt) were fresh and yummy!  

I feasted on the Sautéed "Day Boat" Scallops (toasted orzo, English peas, spring greens, mint).  There is nothing more appealing than a perfectly grilled scallop - why hide it with spring greens?  I think the presentation of this dish could be a little better.  Show off your sautéed scallops! Don't hide their deliciousness!  They tasted divine! Mmmm.

My date ordered the Grilled Porterhouse Steak  (charred radicchio, arrugla, parmesan, cabernet gastrique).  Instead of medium well done, the steak came out mooing.  Not impressed. He sent it back to the kitchen to cook a little longer, but the initial introduction to this porterhouse was clearly disappointing.  

Be sure to ask to sit next to the windows or outside! The view is romantic and amazing!  Unfortunately, the Jamaican/Caribbean music that played in the background the entire meal didn't really match the ambience of Bay Voyage Inn. "Anything Goes" by Wayne Wonder was playing when we paid the tab.  

I would definitely give this place another shot - I think I'll venture there again for brunch.

not worth the view!
We recently worked a wedding here and were more than disappointed. The place is located just about on the water looking over the Newport bridge with beautiful views of sailboats coming in and out. The staff was attentive to the bride all seemed like it was off to a great start. The lay out of the function was a little odd, 2 separate rooms and with the lobby separating them (a small doorway connected the two rooms). the dance floor is small but this was a smaller wedding so that was ok.
Here are my main issues. The couple were married at 5:30 and were seated for dinner at 6:30. The guests did not receive the main course until 9:00 pm! I also over heard the staff worrying about a wrong count for vegetarian meals (there was a large Indian attendance, all requiring vegetarian meals) the count was for 9 and their were 15 needed. Not sure who is at fault here but I read about a similar problem on google reviews before we came.  As far as my experience here as a vendor, our meals were paid for by the couple. There was no place for us to sit and eat so we asked where we should go. A table was prepared in an office and being photographers, we were not so comfortable being away from the reception in case we missed something. We happened to be in the manager's office so we had a little time to chat with her. She was nice enough and told us a little history of the building. I mentions quite a few times how hungry i was and she got us some bread (the guest were now having soup and salad). The bread was rock hard but i ate it up anyway. at this point the DJ's were also starving and were given nothing. One of them took it into her own hands and walked into the kitchen herself asking for bread at least. This prompted the manager to explain to us that we are lucky to even be able to eat and we should know to eat before we came (I arrived at 4 pm and left my home at 2:30...really?). They couple PAID for our meals! We were finally served around 9 and the food was ok. I had mushroom raviolis. The portion was good, and it tasted ok. My second shooter had some sort of stuffed chicken. He had 1 small overcooked piece of chicken and a roasted veggie pile (which we didn't try). When i saw the Dj's chicken she had 2 large pieces that looked moister than my second shooters piece.
because of the terrible dinner service, cake cutting was not until 9:50!  We asked the DJ to please start the cake cutting at 9:30, as we were scheduled to leave at 10. The kitchen asked him to wait 15 more minutes! what difference would it make if the couple cut the cake then or later accept they would have had their photographer there? most venues cut the cake at salad service!

aside from the horrible service the outside of the venue was pitch black! I know the economy it tight but turn on your lights! I took the bride and groom outside for some shots with the bridge in the background and we couldn't see coming down the stairs (the same set many guest used to exit the venue to the parking lot) I also went out to take a shot (similar to the one they use to advertise) of the entire building lit at night and realized NONE of the lights seen in their photograph were on! none on the porches that are exits and entrances! lucky none one was hurt!

Before you die, visit the Bay Voyage for brunch!  It's AMAZING!  The atmosphere is wonderful...the food is mind-boggling!  You'll return, I guarantee it!