The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor

My family and I visited over Father’s Day weekend while camping in the area, and unfortunately our dining experience was incredibly disappointing. We spent nearly $300 on what was supposed to be a special family dinner, only to receive food that was bland, under-seasoned, and uninspired. The cocktails were excellent, and the French onion soup with the bread and butter service were easily the highlights of the meal.

Our biggest concern, however, was the raw bar. We ordered a dozen oysters and were shocked to see them served on wilted greens rather than properly chilled ice. As people who live on the Connecticut shoreline and regularly consume raw seafood, this immediately raised concerns about food safety and proper handling practices.

The oysters were poorly shucked, several contained shell fragments, and one was served with a visible crab parasite attached. While parasites can naturally occur, reputable establishments inspect and clean their oysters before serving them. Presenting it directly to a customer was alarming and unacceptable. We sent the oysters back, and while our waitress seemed annoyed, we were the ones expected to consume the product and should not feel uncomfortable questioning food quality and safety.

Beyond the restaurant, the property itself felt more like a dated motel than a manor. The grounds appeared neglected, and it was obvious where additions had been attached over the years, with exterior shingles still exposed on interior walls. There also appears to be a significant water leak in one of the side dining rooms.

Ironically, the most impressive part of the property was the library lounge, historical photographs, and even the engagement ring display inside the well in the main dining room. These touches offered a glimpse into the rich history and charm this place once had and could have again.

This review comes from disappointment rather than dislike. The history, architecture, and character of this property deserve better. I sincerely hope management invests in restoring the manor’s dignity, preserving its historic charm, and elevating the guest experience to match its potential.

In fact, if Julie is ever interested in selling the property, I would gladly be interested in restoring it myself. Historic places like this are rare, and it would be wonderful to see it returned to the level of pride, hospitality, and beauty that its history deserves.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

Very bad experience that speaks to the restaurant as a whole. The restaurant was running behind when we arrived, we were late to sit down for our reservation. The menu was a fixed price with a few options to choose from. The waitstaff didn’t a poor job explaining what was included and we ended up having to pay even more for what we thought was included. The food was mediocre at best and my main entree, which should have been a filet mignon, arrived extremely overcooked. When I finally got the waitstaff’s attention, she sent it back and quickly got me a new one. However never asking me how I would like it cooked. The fresh steak was cold in the center and poorly cooked. The remainder of the meal was okay but extremely overpriced for what was served. The atmosphere was decent but could not make up for the terrible food and service. I would not recommend anyone to spend their money at this business.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

We had reservations for a group of 5 on Valentine’s Day. It was a fixed menu at 89$ person. Our waitress was inattentive and barely checked on us through out the night. The food ranged from underwhelming to straight up inedible. The starter was 2 chewy scallops. The side salads were wilted, tiny and seemed to be prepared ahead of time. The bed of lettuce that the scallops were plated on was larger than the actual side salad. One person in our party ordered the filet. The waitress said it would come out medium rare to medium, but it was “up to the chef how it’s cooked”. When it came out it was completely dry and over done. There was no pink at all. This was mentioned to the waitress, she did ask if we’d like to send it back but so much time had already passed we just wanted to leave. A few of us ordered the lobsters and those were also over done. It was impossible to get the meat out of the shells without completely shredding it. We wanted to order cocktails from the bar but the waitress told us not to because the bar tender was so backed up. She also requested that we stack all of our own plates which was difficult because they were still full of our untouched food. We were looking forward to a fun evening with good food and drinks but this experience completely ruined the vibe. I’ve never left a negative review for a restaurant before, but I have not been able to move past how disappointing this was.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Sunday reservations for 630pm (2/15)
Worst service in my entire life, and first time I have never tipped a server. Where was my server Tessa the whole time? After sitting around for 2 hours and 15 min (still no dinner at this point, oh and finally just received 2nd drink)
I decided to finally find a server, any server and ask for my dinner to be canceled and to have my bill. After waiting nearly 2.5 hours and still no dinner. Didn’t even want to bother spending the $.
Once Tessa was finally found by the other confused waitresses, she denied an apology or even a simple question to why I wanted my food canceled? She just didn’t care, just a print of a receipt and a have a good night.
I remember looking around the dining room all night and every other guest had the same confused look as to what was the hold up!? I’m mean it’s 8:45pm!!! Hardly no one in dinning rooming at this point anymore. Where’s the food? Or a check in from waitress to see If we needed anything.
Traveled from RI and was ranting about wild rose all week long!! This is our favorite place to come when down here. We visit every time.
Such a shame

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 1

I was looking forward to this place, but it really did not deliver. We had 6:00 reservations, the food came out after 7:30. My son ordered the Filet Mignon Au Poive (less sauce), and the filet was underwhelming at best, I ordered the Ribeye & Gorganzola pizza and it came out cold. My daughter order the kid steak and enjoyed it, my wife had the The WIld Rose pasta dish, and thought it was oaky. Overall, we all said we would not return. Honestly, it was probably the length of time it took to get our food that started everything down a negatve path, but once mine came out cold, and with the filet not looking or tasting great, that did not help things.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Had made Valentines reservations here after many reviews and referrals. When we got there, with a reservation, they didn’t have a table ready for us. After waiting around they finally gave us a table that was enormous enough for 5 people, and it was just myself and my girlfriend. It was ridiculous and not a romantic vibe. Then they took 20 minutes before they even gave us water in the dirty glasses on the table. I wasn’t aware making reservations that the menu for Valentine’s Day was locked in at $90 a person either. For $90 meals, the portions were small and nothing the write home about. We were there in total of 3-3.5 hours, they were so slow and the food wasn’t even hot when we got it. It felt like we were held captive, we had other plans for the evening that had to get cut out because of the time it ate. Overall I regret choosing to come here for Valentine’s Day with my Valentine.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

The services was slow and inattentive (sat without water refills, empty drinks and no food I front of us for 15+ minutes). It was not a busy night (Sunday). The food (filet/scallops) came out some what cold and tasted somewhat bland. Not worth the price for sure.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

Have been here multiple times in prior years, but not in the past 10. This was one of my all time favorites, but not any more. Should have listened to my daughter who had a bad experience here last year in both the inn and restaurant. Our initial wait at the hostess station was ridiculous... later we discovered it was due to lack of staff, hostes was clearing and setting up tables. After we were seated a nice waitress eventually offered us cocktails, then after 20 minutes apologies for the wait ant takes our app order, which came slowley, stll no cocktails, waitress was short when we inquired about our drinks and said they only had one bartender. Drinks came, Manhattan and a margarita, both were horrible, no cherry in Manhattan, splash of vermouth... at least I do enkoy most bourbon, but this was really bad. Then dinner...cold, bland, entirely unimpressive. So disappointing for a place I had loved. Waitress did her best but the rest of the staff failed miserably. I will never return to this beloved classic.

Went for Christmas dinner here, and the menu was amazing! Drinks were strong and our server was attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We enjoyed our dinner. Service was good. Ambiance could be stellar if they got rid of the overhead lights! It is not a romantic or relaxing atmosphere with bright lights. The fireplace, white tablecloths and candles on the table were great.

My husband and I made a reservation for New Year’s Eve and we were taken on time.
The hostess said “let’s go”! She was cute about it, so was able to pull it off.
I had booked the reservation through Open table so I did not know it was a price fix menu. $109 per person for a four course meal.
A little steep, but it was NYE so it was not a shocker. What was a REAL shocker was the portion sizes. It was a stretch calling it a four course meal.
The appetizer was a one (possibly two) bites. A small cucumber slice with salmon mousse on top. TINY!!
The lobster bisque barley covered the bottom of the dish and was lukewarm.
My husband had filet mignon (steak tip size) and lobster tail. The lobster tail was a half of a tail.
My chicken dish was a good portion, but I gave more than half to my husband because he was still starving. We have decent appetites but not huge. I always take half my meal home.
The dessert was also tiny portions.
If you’re going to charge for a four course meal you should provide full portions.
I had one drink (which I had to ask for more alcohol because it was a glass of juice).
We easily could have gone to a high end restaurant, had FULL portions and spent the same. $300 with tip and only 1 drink. I am
Not exaggerating when I say much of the food was doll sized portions. If I were a chef there I would be embarrassed serving this food at that price.
Well, fortunately we had snacks in the car which we ate after to fill up.
We stopped in the next day to tell them how disappointed we were. The girl we spoke to seemed genuinely sorry we were so unhappy and told us to write a review. I’ll give her 5 stars.
We have been here several times and I’m not sure we will be back or not.
I forgot to mention we spoke to some other couples who were very disappointed as well.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 3

Brooklyn was an amazing server; attentive and intuitive without being overbearing. The food was fantastic and the vibe was just what we were looking for. The prime rib was perfectly cooked. Great meal. I want to go back and do fondue.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was thoroughly impressed with the level of professionalism and efficiency. The dishes were beautifully presented and served surprisingly fast without compromising flavor or quality. The drinks were exquisite, and the staff provided impeccable service with grace and warmth. A refined atmosphere paired with top-tier execution—highly recommended.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love JANET!! She was the best waitress so informative just lovely. My girlfriend and myself have been coming up to North Conway for about 15 years. Stayed at all different places but the Stonehurst had always been so special. We have to always stop in due a cocktail in the fireplace room. The last few years we have stayed and enjoyed it. Breakfast and dinner included with our stay. Great food. We have always wondered about the hot tub. Unfortunately for us it is always closed after thanksgiving. We would love to see that change. We absolutely would recommend this iconic winter cozy retreat to anyone

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place and great food will be back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5