Planned Pasta Beach Move Should Happen Before Next Summer

Two years ago, the Newport City Council approved a request by the owners of Pasta Beach, a popular city restaurant, to transfer its liquor and victualing licenses from Memorial Boulevard to Bellevue Avenue as part of a planned move.

Recently, the City Council asked for an update on the planned move and Matthew H. Leys, the lawyer representing the restaurant, said that ”substantial” work converting the new space is still underway.

“I am informed by my client that it is anticipated that the move will occur before the start of summer of 2016,” Leys wrote in an Oct. 14 letter to the City Council.

The letter is attached to the City Council’s Oct. 28 meeting agenda, though it is not likely any action will be taken.

The restaurant is currently located at 7 Memorial Blvd. and plans to move to 136-138 Bellevue Ave.,

According to plans on file with the town, the owners plan to add an addition to the building and convert existing retail space in the building into a standard restaurant. As part of the zoning approval process, they sought a special use permit and variance to provide no off-street parking spaces. Four are required under zoning.

The City Council approved the transfers in March 2013.

The new restaurant will have 64 seats and the building’s modifications will follow recommendations outlined by the city’s Historic District Commission.

Pasta Beach has earned accolades for its Italian-inspired fare, including a nod from the Phantom Gourmet last year.

The restaurant has a location in Boston as well as Newport.