Exciting News: Aurelia at Castle Hill is Back!
After a brief hiatus, Aurelia at Castle Hill Inn is thrilled to announce its reopening on May 22, 2026, with reservations now available. This celebrated restaurant, known for its Forbes Five-Star status, is poised to captivate diners once again under the expert guidance of the new Chef de Cuisine, Quentin Diez.
Chef Quentin Diez: A Culinary Maestro
Chef Diez brings a wealth of experience from some of the world’s finest culinary establishments. His impressive resume includes stints at Michelin-starred restaurants across France, including:
- Sous-Chef at Relais & Chateaux Restaurant Serge Vieira (2 Michelin stars)
- Chef de Partie at Relais & Chateaux Maison Lameloise (3 Michelin stars)
- Demi-Chef de Partie at Relais & Chateaux Le Vieux Logis (1 Michelin star)
With a foundation in classical French techniques, Chef Diez’s cooking is described as thoughtful, playful, and refreshingly unpretentious. His passion for local ingredients and New England cuisine shines through in his innovative approach.
A Culinary Vision for Aurelia
Brian Young, Managing Director of Castle Hill Inn, expressed excitement about Chef Diez’s arrival, stating, “His background in some of the world’s great culinary destinations brings a fresh, global perspective to our regional cuisine.” Chef Diez himself shared his eagerness to evolve the Aurelia menu, integrating local flavors while crafting a unique dining experience.
Menu Highlights to Anticipate
Under Chef Diez’s direction, diners can look forward to a refined menu that emphasizes seasonal, contemporary New England cuisine. Some standout dishes include:
- Local Lobster: Glazed green asparagus, and nettle soup.
- A Tribute to Spring: Confit lamb leg with first wild watercress foraged from Castle Hill’s forest.
- Hidden Squid: Stuffed white semolina, showcasing the chef’s creativity and skill.
The six-course prix fixe menu will offer a curated dining experience that highlights the best of what the region has to offer.
Exceptional Setting and Experience
Aurelia is set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. The restaurant occupies a prime location on a 40-acre coastal peninsula within the historic Castle Hill Inn. Guests can expect not only exquisite cuisine but also breathtaking views and an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.
The property features:
- Elegant rooms in the 19th-century Mansion
- Private Harbor Houses and beach-front cottages
- Private beach access and walking trails leading to the iconic Castle Hill lighthouse
Aurelia will be offering dinner service nightly from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Reservations are mandatory and can be made two weeks in advance via OpenTable, starting from May 8th.
Celebrating Excellence with Forbes Five-Star Recognition
The reopening of Aurelia also coincides with its recent accolade of receiving the Forbes Five-Star Award for 2026. This prestigious recognition is reserved for establishments that deliver an outstanding, memorable, and meticulously crafted dining experience. It’s a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to excellence in hospitality.
Join the Culinary Journey
If you’re a food lover or hospitality professional, don’t miss the chance to experience the culinary artistry of Chef Quentin Diez at Aurelia. The combination of innovative dishes, exceptional service, and a stunning location makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
For more information on Aurelia or to make a reservation, please visit www.aurelianewport.com. To learn more about the Castle Hill Inn, visit www.castlehillinn.com.
Share Your Thoughts!
We want to hear from you! What are you most excited to experience at Aurelia? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s start a conversation about the future of fine dining!
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
