Location: Portsmouth
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New Hampshire, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Portsmouth
Reviews on American food in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. 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
10. The Black Birch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 207 reviews
Set in a one story retired brick post office, The Black Birch has an unassuming exterior. The interior is modern minimalist balanced by reclaimed wood and hand blown glass lighting. Outdoors is a hidden gem of a beer garden.
Reviewed By MattR154
We were in the area visiting our favorite butchers and after we decided to stop in for a bite. It was perfect timing. We were hungry, they had food,...great food as a matter of fact. It was right in the switch over from lunch tapas to a dinner menu. Once again, perfect timing. I opted for the scallops, and my wife was craving a burger. These folks locally source so the burger was from our butcher, Maine MEat, and my scallops from our friendly local fisherman. It was a win win. (If I could only cook like the Chef at BB. The space is small, so be prepared to rub shoulders with fellow foodies. The service was great. Weâll be back again for a planned âspontaneousâ visit with friends and family.Peace, Matt
9. Moxy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 312 reviews
Moxy; Self-possessed confidence. An attitude of fearlessness in everyday circumstances. The capacity to stand alone in favor of an unpopular opinion or course of action with a casual demeanor. Moxy is a modern American tapas restaurant focusing on smalle
Reviewed By Wanderlust777
A truly inventive restaurant serving creative American tapas â small plates that are full of flavor and let the chef riff on wonderful ingredients. The Jonah crab churros were standouts last night but we enjoyed each and every dish. My J1 cocktail was also fantastic. The place was jam packed on a Saturday night and the staff were a bit stretched, which led to jerkier pacing on the food, but it was well worth waiting for each delicious morsel. Highly recommended!Thank you for taking time to write a review. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your cocktail and food. Your understanding is appreciated as it was a busy night for us. We hope you can join us again soon!
8. Flatbread Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By hrvnajbolje
Paige was a wonderfully personable server, attentive service and fast deliver of our pizzas. Salad seemed expensive at $7.75. Pizza crust is thin and chewy. Just delicious. Thanks for your visit! We're glad to hear that your service was great while you were here. Our salads are made from scratch and feature local head lettuce, spring mix, and kelp (with local carrots and celery coming later in the season). We look forward to seeing you again soon!
7. Earth Eagle Brewings
Overall Ratings
4 based on 144 reviews
Established in 2012, Earth Eagle Brewings is an eclectic brewery & pub located in historic downtown Portsmouth, NH. Enjoy a wide range of beer styles brewed on site, along with craft cocktails, lunch & dinner daily. Popular Earth Eagle beers include New E
Reviewed By DaveDuff
Walking around Portsmouth, we came across Earth Eagle Brewings and stopped by for a beer. We originally sat outside, but since it started raining (and their covering apparently allows water through), we moved inside where it was hot and humid. We asked the bartender and server if they could turn up the fans, but even with that, air wasn't moving. I hope that Earth Eagle Brewings considers investing in some central air or something.Other than that, we really enjoyed the beers that are made right there. Our friends mentioned that Earth Eagle Brewings' beer menu had changed from when they were there 2 weeks ago, so it is good to see a brewery updating and rotating their beers.Finding the entrance to Earth Eagle Brewings may be tough since they are located on a side street. We wouldn't mind going back, but we hope that there is good weather.
6. Golden Egg
Overall Ratings
4 based on 281 reviews
The Golden Egg has been serving fresh, homemade breakfast and lunch since 1983! Everything is homemade. Our menu includes eggs, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, french toast, eggs benedict (many different varieties), muffins, fruit, homemade granola, etc. We
Reviewed By Janice C
This is a small restaurant but don't n discouraged if there is a line. Their Eggs Benedict is out of this world. Anything you pick on the menu is freshly made and service is great.
5. Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1061 reviews
Located just two blocks down from Market Square in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jumpin' Jay's is a local foodie enclave serving refined seafood in a sleek restaurant setting. The quality of fare is unsurpassed, with fish arriving daily from local fisherman
Reviewed By tomasm816
I was visiting the area and some local friends suggested we head up to Jumpinâ Jayâs for a dinner get together. I had heard of JJâs but hadnât been yet. The atmosphere is fun and seafood chic, and in no way pretentious. The service (Bridgette) was knowledgeable, totally fun and engaging. She was terrific!We started with the fried calamari. Itâs was excellent! It consisted of calamari, some potatoes, a few shishito peppers and a nice aioli dipping sauce. We also tried the classic Caesar salad. And yes, it comes with white anchovies if you want them (gotta have âem!). The salad was classically tasty. For entrees we tried the yellowfin tuna special (there is also yellowfin on the regular menu) and the special served up some different sides than the regular preparation. The tuna was cooked rare per the chefs suggestion. The sushi grade tuna was melt in your mouth good. We also went with the lemon pepper linguini served with shrimp, scallops and mussels. The sauce was a basil pesto and there was just the right amount on the plate to provide great flavor and color. Over-saucers will want to get a small side of pesto. The seafood was cooked to perfection and the made in-house pasta was al-dente and flavorful! There is an ample wine list but they arenât giving it away. We went with a nice Oregon Pinot Gris (Brooks) that paired well with the food and was just easy drinking. There are also a menu of interesting mixed drinks for those that feel like mixing it up. We looked at the dessert menu but had absolutely no room left. the blueberry shortcake sounded so good (changes in season). We promised we would try them another time as there will certainly be another time during a venture to Portsmouth. Put Jumpinâ Jays on your list for a fun outing with terrific food and service!
4. Surf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1196 reviews
Everyday our team of chefs work with our seafood buyers to source the best quality seafood. Our standards of excellence start with the selection of the top of the catch each day and often our daily specials are sourced from local fisherman who know where
Reviewed By shannonjb52
What a disappointment. Went here after reading all of the positive reviews and honestly wish we would have gone to a McDonaldâs instead. The dining room was so bright it felt like a cafeteria instead of a restaurant. We started off by ordering an appetizer of fried clams which was a small portion that came out in a red and white paper container. They were listed at market price and we were appalled to see that they had the audacity to charge $28 when the bill came. I ordered an El Poloma off of the cocktail menu and received an oversized glass of soda water with a splash of grapefruit juice. Entrees were bland and lackluster. An hour and a half and $135 that I can never get back. Please donât waste your time. Hello shannonjb52,Weâre sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your recent experience with us. Weâre taking the feedback youâve given us seriously. Of course we try to keep our prices as reasonable as possible while being committed to the high-quality products we use, employing talented chefs and bartenders, and donât forget those ocean views! While an apology will not alter the outcome of your experience, I do extend it with sincerity and empathize regarding the points you made in your review.
3. Colby's Breakfast & Lunch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By amancini
Colby's is a very small restaurant but the offerings are enormous! We ordered a Reuban Omelette and Eggs Benedict. Both were generous portions! I was really intrigued by the cinnamon swirl french toast offered on the menu so I ordered one slice. It was HUGE! The best french toast I have ever had! We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast and can understand why there is always a wait for a table. But the wait is so worth it.
Where to eat Italian food in Portsmouth: The Best Restaurants and Bars
2. Lexie's Joint
Overall Ratings
4 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By NickR28
My family and I were driving from NJ to Maine and stopped here for lunch. Well worth the extra few minutes off the highway. WAY better than fast food. Outstanding hamburgers. Stairway to heaven specialty burger was delicious. My wife had a cluck burger on grilled cheese with bacon. WOW!!! Burgers do not come with fries but they are served perfectly neat with no frills. A burger that wonât make an enormous mess when you eat it. Cucumber Mint lemonade may sound gross but my wife and I thought it tasted amazing. My daughter had strawberry lemonade which was awesome as well. We each had a milkshake which was a perfect size. They were a little thin but we enjoyed that. Servers/owners were super nice and you could tell they were proud of their place. Small dining area so you may have to wait or you might get lucky. They have bar seating so if itâs just two of you itâll be easier to get a seat. Cool vibe in the joint overall! â®ï¸ â¤ï¸ And we even got mini chocolate chip cookies on our check!
Best Asian food near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States
1. Cure
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By Dianne J
Great service , great food in a lovely setting . Small place so make reservations . The pork chop & salmon & short ribs were all outstanding . Reasonably priced
Most Popular Thai food in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States
