S.S. DION,

Despite more than 411 miles of coastline, Rhode Island has precious few dining spots with a water view. Bristol's S.S. Dion, across from Independence Park and Bristol Harbor, is one of them. This view is seriously impeded, however, if you chose to eat inside. You must arrive early to secure a spot on the deck, surrounded by blue canvas stretched between railings, with a blue and white awning overhead. Though the S.S. in the restaurant's name refers to owners Steve and Susan Dion, the obvious steamship reference is carried out in the nautical canvas-and-rope half-walls of the outdoor space. Though S.S. Dion does offer eight classic Italian-style veal and chicken dishes, plus three steak and three vegetarian options, the heart of the menu is seafood, with six seafood pasta dishes, eleven seafood entrees, four grilled items and additional nightly specials. The S.S. could stand for salmon and swordfish, a combo featured in their "mixed grill." And, according to Steve Dion, whose establishment has been in Bristol since '83, swordfish is their top seller.

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