Location: Portsmouth
Top Restaurants in Portsmouth
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Most Popular Restaurants in Portsmouth
Don your walking shoes, breathe in the ocean air and set out to discover this picturesque maritime town. You can join one of several organized walking tours or explore on your own. Portsmouth is filled with old homes and museums, and you'll have your pick of fascinating historic sites. Climb aboard the USS Albacore, a retired U.S. Navy submarine offering tours and exhibits. View an 18th-century garden, striking stairway and period furniture at the Moffatt Ladd House, the home of William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, or follow a costumed guide through the John Paul Jones House, home of the Revolutionary War naval hero. For a broader look at the city's history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum, where over 40 buildings have been assembled to depict Portsmouth life from 1695 to 1950, complete with costumed actors. If you know architecture, Portsmouth's array of Colonial, Federalist and Neo-classical styles will dazzle you. Weary of walking? Sit down for a meal at one of Portsmouth's fine eateries or relax on a narrated harbor or whale-watching cruise.
Things to do in Portsmouth
1. Green Elephant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Kristin G
Perfect spot for a quick bite to eat. I ate at the bar. The cozy atmosphere, cool music playing in the background & aromas make this place a gem.
I enjoyed a perfect size lunch of Fragrant Coconut Soup with tofu and bella mushrooms along with the Hot & Spicy Soy Sticks. Both Evan both pack a punch of flavor. You can order the soup on a 1-4 heat scale. I ordered 3 & it was the perfect amount of spice/heat.
I will be back. Delicious!
2. Ristorante Massimo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 544 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon W - Walpole, Massachusetts
I had dined a number of times at Massimo’s while working in Portsmouth. I was always delighted by the dining experience. I wanted my husband to enjoy a special birthday dinner so I planned an overnight stay in Portsmouth.
From the moment we arrived, the experience was stellar. We we’re warmly greeted by everyone and they each went out of their way to wish my husband “happy birthday!” The service we received from Steve was exemplary and we were even visited by the owner.
The food was delectable, from the board of locally sourced cheeses to pair with our wine to the phenomenal entrees. My lamb shank Ossobuco was the most delicious I have ever had, not to be outdone by the veal chop my husband ordered.
They presented my husband with a complimentary box of delicious treats that included mini cannolis, cookies, sesame candy, nuts and candied orange rind, All delicious! It was a perfectly wonderful dining experience and birthday celebration. It exceeded all of my expectations. Looking forward to our next opportunity to dine at Ristorante Massimo’s!
3. Lexie's Joint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By MedicalExec - Seattle, Washington
A notable hamburger shop serving up quick meals. But beware - when I visited the place, none of the food handling staff wore any gloves, and the waitress was handling the food on the plates, also without gloves.
Note to Lexie's: maintain proper food handling practices or suffer the fate of Chipotle. This did not work out well for Steve Ells.
4. The Wellington Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
An intimate dining room where guests enjoy the spectacular view of the Piscataqua River, The Wellington Room offers seasonally inspired menus which change regularly
Reviewed By chimayred - New Durham, New Hampshire
lived in Maine for 21 years and went to Portsmouth often, but it paled compared to portland. Then worked in York, across the river for 9 years, went to Portsmouth often, enjoyed it, but it paled compared to Portland (maine, btw). Moved to Durham, NH and went to Portsmouth often. Like it a lot. Wanted to have date night with my wife and told her to pick a place. How exciting...the Wellington Room. Sounded stodgy...beef wellington, old half deaf RAF WW2 vets talking about the good old days and ordering another sherry....wellll.....no. Cozy brick place up stairs. Bar seats exactly 2. husband and wife deal; she's English, he's South African. They live in NH. Nice views. Maybe....8 tables? Food was terrific....terrific.
I had duck cassoulet. WE had a south african sausage appetizer. They have a range of trendy drinks. Decent wine and beer selection. My wife had steak. We even split a dessert and had coffee. Total with a $60 bottle of wine $192. Not too bad. Highly recommended. Highly. What a passionate restaurant should be like.
5. Durbar Square Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Fresh healthy and local food in Nepali traditional style cooking . Exciting every bite!!
Reviewed By Schrodingers_Cat - Boston
We ate lunch on a frigid afternoon.. my first experience with Nepalese food; my wife had been to Nepal 30 years ago. The restaurant has a kitchen on the main floor, and a couple of interconnected dining rooms up one flight of stairs.
Our waiter (whom I believe was one of the owners) did a great job explaining the menu. N.B.: Take them seriously when they talk about spice levels (1-10; 7 or 8 is what the staff, who are used to this food, eat.).
We enjoyed wild boar dumplings, a soup of mustard greens and tomato (supposedly very good for those suffering from colds or sinus trouble), and a lamb 'chili'. I put 'chili' in quotes because the spice mixture is nothing like American southwestern chili; the spices are difficult to identify in the blend; it's somewhat similar to the Indian spice palate but not quite the same. All accompanied by a chai tea and followed by a yogurt-based dessert.
We ordered too much food and ended up taking some home for dinner.
This is food made with care and attention, and presented with pride by a hospitable staff. Highly recommended.
6. Surf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 985 reviews
Reviewed By GaryMcCoy - Charlestown, Rhode Island
I had sushi and the tacos. Both fantastic. I ate at the bar and the bartender was not great, but the quality of the food made up for it.Thanks for choosing to dine with us, and for taking the time to leave us your feedback. We appreciate your business, and hope to see you again soon!
7. 5 Thai Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By egslade - Portsmouth, NH
I discovered 5 Thai Bistro last winter and, since then, I've been a half dozen times. The food is fresh and flavorful and the restaurant itself is clean and cozy with banquettes with pillows and lighting that's bright but not too bright. For appetizers, the fresh rolls are a must. They're best with shrimp but we had vegetable only last time since one of our group can't eat seafood, and they were delicious. The chicken dumplings are also melt in your mouth. For entrees, I have had good luck with the specials--a noodle dish with shrimp, chicken, and curry last visit--and the pad thai is excellent. The menu is a little overwhelming but I honestly think you can't go wrong, no matter what you choose. And did I mention the cocktails are well done, and there's nice wine? This restaurant is in downtown Portsmouth and it's very affordable. I believe it was just over $80 for two last visit, including two drinks (wine and beer) each. Love this place!
8. Colby's Breakfast & Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Reviewed By Gaiatribe - Portsmouth, New Hampshire
I LOVE this place! Always find the staff helpful and efficient. There is usually a wait, but there is a reason for that.. It's the best place in town for breakfast (in my opinion).
This is where I bring out of town visitors when they are staying in a hotel. Get your name in, ask how long and do a bit of window shopping if you do not want to just stand and wait. They are very good at estimating wait time! The food here is very good, daily specials on the board show some yummy 'outside the box' thinking in the kitchen.
Portions are very generous, you will not leave hungry. I love the huevos rancheros, often try new omelets, but must admit... The eggs benedict is my comfort breakfast of choice. Awesome hollandaise. AND if you are craving a Bloody Mary you will not be disappointed.
9. Cava
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Cava is located in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Just a brief walk from the Portsmouth Parking Garage and the Ladd street access. We are located in the middle of quaint Commercial Alley. The walking alley way is home to several small businesses and Cava's Vertical Garden. Dine under the Northeasts only outdoor living wall. Cava is the dream of two long time friends John Akar and Gregg Sessler. Together they combined their years of experience in the restaurant business to build Cava. Featuring two wine bars, one on the street level, and one in our Wine Cave. John offers a diverse always changing selection of international wines to be paired with Chef Sessler's modern and classic Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Sessler uses only the freshest seasonal products available to create his innovative menus. Join Chef Sessler and his team at the Chef's Table for dinner and a show. *Cava accepts reservations for parties of 4 or more for our dining tables. *Cava accepts reservations for parties of 4 and under at our Chefs Table.*If you are a party under four people and are not interested in the Chef's Table, all seating is based on a first come first serve basis.*During Restaurant Week Cava will accept reservations for all seating, including our bar seating, for parties of two or more.*For Valentine's Day and New Years Eve, Cava will be accepting reservations for all seating, including our bar seating, for parties of two or more.*It is always a good idea if you are a party of four or more, or if you would like to sit at the Chef's Table to make a reservation in advance Cava.
Reviewed By NewHampshirePeppie - New Hampshire
We had the chef side seating around the cook station. It was a delight to watch the chef and all the prep cooks work together in perfect harmony. He even somehow was able to chitchat with us as he managed several dishes. It was truly a magnificent feast and every bite a delight. Each staff person was attentive and very pleasant. We did the chef’s tasting menu which I would highly recommend.
10. Flatbread Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
Reviewed By thratko - Forked River, New Jersey
Stopped at the Flatbread company after craving some pizza. Large open seating area with a bar. Great selection of beers on tap. Ordered a pizza, and have to say it was ok, nothing special. The crust was same thickness as a regular pizza out of NJ or NY, the herbs are fresh, but I think they try to hard with the toppings. Oh and they cut the pizza a bit different, just saying!
