New Hampshire’s food scene has always been one of variety. From the seafood in our small but vibrant coastline to wild game in the North Country and the all-American cuisine of our many diners, the people in this state can prepare and eat amazing food in any style imaginable. So, imagine how hard it is to choose only five restaurants for this list of the best food spots in all of New Hampshire!
The following are our five favorite restaurants and diners that showcase the rich food culture of New Hampshire, so there’s something for everyone here. They’re presented in no particular order, but make sure to visit each of them whenever you’re close. Bon appétit!
Osteria Poggio – Center Harbor
This beautiful house offers the best Italian dining in all of New Hampshire. Located on top of a hill in Center Harbor, this mansion was renovated with the idea to offer a cozy atmosphere like that of eating at a friend’s home. Their cooking is based on traditional Italian principles and uses local produce for all their dishes. Enjoy their housemade pasta, sausage ravioli, braised pork, and their amazing wood-fire oven pizza, then finish your meal with a panna cotta and gelato. You can also reserve their cupola for dinner with the best view in town!
Red Arrow Diner – Manchester
This New Hampshire 24/7 diner has become such a food institution and a local favorite that politicians on their campaign trails make sure to stop and have a bite. If you go there yourself, however, you’ll realize that it’s not just hype, as their versions of old-school diner dishes are absolutely delicious! All their options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be served at any time of the day, so you can have your pick of Monte Cristo sandwiches, corned beef hash, pancakes, biscuit and gravy, and turkey dinner whenever you want. Make sure to pair that meal with their Arrow root beer or cream soda, which is made especially for the dinner only.
Wentworth by the Sea – New Castle
This Marriott hotel and spa is part of the Historic Hotels of America and has been called the Crown Jewel of Portsmouth since it opened back in 1888. A lengthy renovation process has kept its status as one of the finest resorts in the East Coast, and a big part of that status is the amazing Sunday brunch it offers. The main dining room features live jazz and ice sculptures while the food is served on fine china. The food, of course, is abundant and delicious; the buffet has two carving stations, omelets are made to order, there is endless champagne, platters of crudites, cheese, and fruit. We’re getting hungry just writing about it!
Brown’s Lobster Pound – Seabrook
While New Hampshire only has a sliver of coastline, it is sandwiched between two of America’s greatest seafood states; Massachusetts and Maine. This makes our seafood shack scene nothing to scoff at, and Brown’s Lobster Pound is perhaps the finest example of it. A casual, cash-only affair, Brown’s serves the freshest catch and lobsters right out of the tank accompanied with your choice of tasty shrimp, scallop, or clam platters. You can also bring your own beer and wine, so make sure to bring something nice to pair with your meal!
Hanover Street Chophouse – Manchester
This elegant Manchester restaurant has been offering fine dining in New Hampshire since 2005. Their mouthwatering cuisine focuses on locally-sourced ingredients, and the swanky and inviting atmosphere is all fantastic, but what will really make you come back time and time again are their delicious steaks: Six filet mignon preparations and dry-aged bone-in ribeyes are only the beginning of what the Chophouse offers guests. You can also get their Kurobuta pork chop with onion jam or a rack of lamb chops paired with one of their 200-bottle collection of wines.
We told you it was all about variety and fresh ingredients! This wraps up our list of the best restaurants in New Hampshire. Did you find your favorite? Going all over the state for work really opens your appetite, so we’re always on the lookout for the best spots to eat. And if you call us to give your house the best cleaning service in the whole state, we might just find another restaurant to add to this list.
