The 20 Best Restaurants in New Hampshire

Buckley’s Great Steaks offers a traditional steakhouse experience in a sprawling, house-like setting with indoor, outdoor, and bar seating. Steaks, chops, and surf-and-turf options are prepared with attention to flavor and quality, complemented by house-made bread and classic starters. Attentive, considerate service and thoughtful seating enhance the overall dining experience.

Cotton Restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine with well-prepared seafood, steaks, and comforting classics in a stylish, lounge-like setting. Guests can dine in the main room, at cozy bar booths, or outdoors in season. Reviews highlight consistently flavorful dishes, thoughtful daily specials, and attentive, welcoming service.

Firefly Bistro & Bar offers American bistro fare with a mix of seafood, pasta, and comfort dishes in the heart of downtown. Guests highlight flavorful plates such as pan-seared scallops, hearty pastas, and buttermilk fried pork chops. The bar serves popular cocktails and sangria, and the patio provides an inviting spot to relax, sometimes accompanied by live classic rock music.

This Italian restaurant offers classic pasta and other traditional dishes, complemented by well-crafted cocktails and fresh bread. Attentive staff guide guests through the menu with detailed explanations and thoughtful suggestions. A welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Carriage House Restaurant offers contemporary coastal cuisine, featuring fresh seafood alongside thoughtfully prepared meat dishes. Overlooking the beach and ocean, it provides inviting spaces from upper-level tables with expansive water views to a ground-floor area with a fireplace. Attentive, professional service and well-crafted cocktails complete the polished yet comfortable dining experience.

Row 34 in Portsmouth highlights fresh seafood, especially its raw oysters, alongside a menu that also includes satisfying non-seafood options. Guests describe the dishes as flavorful and well presented, from house-made pasta to burgers. A substantial beer selection and knowledgeable, attentive service contribute to a lively, welcoming dining experience.

Enna Chocolate is a cozy bean-to-bar chocolate café where guests can watch cacao beans being roasted and ground in the adjoining factory. The menu highlights rich drinking chocolates, mochas, and espresso drinks, along with cookies, scones, and other pastries featuring house-made chocolate. Friendly staff are happy to explain the chocolate-making process, and the space lends itself to relaxed conversation, reading, or quiet work.

1869 Room at The Wentworth offers carefully prepared cuisine with flavors that complement one another in an elegant, well-kept setting. Guests highlight both breakfast and dinner for their quality and consistency. Attentive, accommodating staff and a welcoming atmosphere contribute to a polished yet comfortable dining experience in this charming mountain retreat.

La Maison Navarre - Pastry, Bistro, Wine Bar brings a distinctly French touch to downtown Portsmouth with its classic pastries, savory crêpes, and baguette sandwiches. Croissants, macarons, and other baked goods are highlighted for their quality, while the wine bar offers complementary selections. Relaxed seating, including outdoor tables, and attentive staff create an inviting cafe atmosphere.

Two-Fifty Market offers contemporary American comfort food, with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood prepared with careful attention to flavor. A full bar serves well-crafted drinks, including classic cocktails. Large windows and tables overlooking the water create a scenic, relaxed setting for both lunch and dinner.

Prime Roast Coffee Co is a specialty coffee roaster and café known for its wide selection of house-roasted beans, including organic and dark roast options. Guests appreciate the flavorful brewed coffee and creative seasonal drinks alongside light pastries such as croissants. Friendly, attentive service and the option to purchase beans to enjoy at home define the experience.

Richardson's Farm serves rich, house-made ice cream in a converted barn, using cream and milk sourced from nearby dairies. Guests can choose from an extensive selection of flavors, alongside baked goods such as pies and warm apple crisp. The rural farm backdrop and small on-site store create a low-key, country-style destination for treats throughout the year.

The Foundry offers contemporary American cuisine in a stylish setting overlooking the Merrimack River. Menus feature well-executed comfort dishes, from scallops and pan-seared chicken to pulled pork and brunch favorites, along with notable house-baked bread and desserts. Attentive, knowledgeable service and the river views contribute to a polished yet relaxed dining experience.

Three Chimneys Inn combines comfortable, tastefully decorated lodging with a welcoming restaurant and tavern. Guests highlight attentive, helpful service that supports everything from small events to casual meals. The menu features well-prepared dishes, including popular fish options, enjoyed either in the cozy tavern or on the pleasant sun porch.

Chesterfield Inn offers a tranquil dining experience in a quaint country setting, with views over open fields and sunsets from its light-filled rooms. The kitchen serves polished, comforting American fare, from house pastas to grilled meats. Attentive, welcoming service and a quiet atmosphere create a relaxed, unhurried meal.

The Crown Tavern is a modern tavern with a subtle retro diner feel, known for its well-prepared comfort food and polished drinks. The menu ranges from housemade pierogies and fresh oysters to a flavorful burger, roasted chicken, and classic veal dishes. Skillfully mixed cocktails and quality brews complement the food, while attentive, personable service creates an easygoing, sociable atmosphere.

Mostly Muffins is a cozy, family-run bakery in Colebrook known for its freshly baked muffins in a range of flavors. Guests find hearty breakfast sandwiches on house-made rolls and English muffins, along with pastries and parfaits. The small, rustic shop offers a welcoming, hometown feel and efficient, personable service.

Laconia Local Eatery offers seasonal American cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients and a weekly changing menu. Dishes are described as creative and flavorful, with thoughtful options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Casual, convivial surroundings pair with attentive, knowledgeable service that accommodates dietary needs and paces courses well.

K'sone's Thai Dining & Lounge offers a range of classic Thai dishes, from fresh rolls and pad Thai to comforting curries and noodle specialties, prepared with an emphasis on freshness and authentic flavor. Guests describe the dining room as clean and inviting, with a full bar that also suits a casual drink. Service is generally attentive and focused on the overall guest experience, though occasional delays with beverages are noted.