The Aurelia Story
Born Out of
The Bay
Residing inside the historic Agassiz Mansion at Castle Hill Inn, Aurelia is the next evolution in Castle Hill’s culinary journey – one that has been lauded as one of the best dining experiences in New England. Nestled on forty magical acres, the property has been the backdrop of memorable occasions for more than a century.
The Forbes and Relais & Chateaux restaurant, known in its original incarnation as The Dining Room at Castle Hill, offers a six-course prix fixe menu with imaginative dishes utilizing the local bounty of produce, seafood, and artisanal producers.
Aurelia’s dining rooms overlook Narragansett Bay in all its raw beauty. As the bay’s seascape and surrounding landscape change subtly with the seasons, so does Aurelia’s menu, culminating in a truly memorable experience.
Steeped in
History
Aurelia’s name is inspired by the scientific pursuits of Castle Hill’s original owner, Alexander Agassiz. In 1875, he built the oceanside three-story wooden mansion as a summer residence during the early years of the Gilded Age.
A Harvard professor known as the father of marine biology, Agassiz used his home at Castle Hill, as comfortable as it was, as a form of field laboratory. From here, he and his students could observe the abundant sea life in and around Narragansett Bay, especially invertebrate marine life. The bay’s moon jellyfish, or Aurelia, was a favorite object of study.
Meet the Chef
DYLAN CADRETTE
Aurelia Chef de Cuisine Dylan Cadrette is no stranger to New England’s fine dining scene. A New Hampshire native, Chef Dylan has honed his skills at Forbes Five-Star hotels Wheatleigh and Blantyre in The Berkshires, as well as Coast Restaurant in Rhode Island’s The Ocean House, a Relais & Chateaux property like Castle Hill Inn. Known for his precise and playful take on New England cuisine, he is inspired by the world around him, coaxing complex flavors out of garden, land, and sea.
Our aim at Aurelia is to serve simple and elegant ingredient-driven food, classically derived, yet infused with modern techniques and twists.
Sourcing & Cuisine
From local purveyors to Aurelia’s gardens
Gourmet-minded guests are treated to an incredible farm-to-table experience at Aurelia. As one of the most respected Newport, RI hotels, Aurelia at Castle Hill prides itself on serving meals in a location that is second to none in New England – not only for the mesmerizing view, but for the bounty provided by the surrounding lands. Aurelia sources seafood fished from the waters around Aquidneck Island, fruits and berries from local orchards, and artisanal cheeses.
Much of the greens and produce for Aurelia are grown in Castle Hill’s kitchen gardens and greenhouses, nestled among the Inn’s forty acres. The exceptional wine list features more than 800 selections and has been awarded the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator ten years running. Wine and house-made non-alcoholic pairings, curated by Aurelia’s sommelier, complement the menu.
About the Experience
An Evening at Aurelia
Aurelia is for celebration, whether it be a special milestone or anniversary, or for celebrating family, friends, fine-food, or simply life.
Aurelia’s culinary and service teams will guide you during your two-and-a-half hour journey through our menu and wine list, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction so you can enjoy your guests and your experience.
