Restaurants in Portsmouth

“Surf Portsmouth in Portsmouth, NH is an outstanding restaurant that captures the essence of fresh seafood with a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. From the moment I walked in, the waterfront views and chic coastal decor set the perfect tone for a memorable meal. The staff greeted us warmly and were attentive throughout, balancing professionalism with a casual friendliness that made us feel right at home. We tried a variety of dishes, starting with a deluxe sampler plate featuring oysters, clams, shrimp cocktail, and smoked salmon that impressed with its freshness and generous portions. For the main course, the Ahi tuna steak and Korean BBQ scallops were both cooked perfectly and packed with flavor, offering excellent quality that justified the portions. I especially appreciated how the staff was knowledgeable about the menu and happy to accommodate substitutions, such as swapping asparagus for another vegetable. The espresso martini was a highlight in the cocktail selection—smooth and expertly made. While the place gets quite lively and busy, especially on weekends, the energetic vibe adds to the overall experience rather than detracts from it. Surf Portsmouth is a fantastic destination for seafood lovers looking for fresh, diverse options and exceptional service in a lively waterfront setting. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike!”

“The food is out of this world good!!!!”

“shoutout to my boy brandon. after I went into an in-depth story about how much I hate pickles he made sure to write “no pickles, anywhere“ on my order just to ensure that I would not have to taste a pickle.”

“Best grilled cheese and tomato soup and the secret sauce to top it off! Highly recommend!!”

“Fun vibe with a really interesting and great food/drink menu. Lots of great small plate options to share. Our bartender was SO friendly and helpful in ordering, too. Definitely our favorite food place we visited in Portsmouth.”

“Love the new place. And the food is ALWAYS awesome! Owner and workers are very friendly and work hard.”

“Been going here for years, never had a bad meal.”

“We stopped here for an early dinner and were very impressed with both the authentic flavours and friendly staff!! It’s a beautiful restaurant too. We loved the crab fried rice which was overflowing with large pieces of crab and also the lemongrass chicken was delicious!! We will be back any time we visit Portsmouth.”

“Fine pastries made by chef Sharif and his team… great espresso with a French vibe all the way down to the bistro chairs and marble top tables situated in a picturesque cobblestone alley overhung by ivy and beautiful trees. Portsmouth’s greatest hidden gem that everyone seems to know about.”

“The lady named Adrian is the coolest and nicest person I’ve ever met. I would hire her to work for me any time. Positive attitude very friendly and beautiful smile make sure she’s taken care of here we don’t have to many of her around anymore”

“Last night was truly a one of a kind experience for my husband and I. From the moment we walked into the door, being greeted so warmly by the owner. Throughout our meal the staff was genuine and kind with helping us celebrate our wedding anniversary. Making us both feel truly special. I have never experienced this level of top notch service in a restaurant in my life. Thank you for a wonderful night and experience, Tonya C”

“My husband and I had the best experience tonight! The food was amazing. We started with the tuna appetizer and the cure wedge salad - so good! He had the filet and I had the short ribs - both were so tasty and cooked to perfection. Our server was super attentive and so personable! We’ll definitely be returning when we’re back in the area!”

“Their fall specials are excellent, especially the Hot Fries and the Magic Pumpkin shake. The parking lot is very small, which could be an issue on a busy day. I had no problems, however, and received my food quickly upon arriving.”

“Coconut soup is mouthwatering, healthy and delicious!”

“I’m from the Boston area and was meeting a friend in Portsmouth for dinner. We picked Durbar Square and we’re definitely not disappointed. We had an absolutely fabulous meal there. The chicken chili was a delicious, and a different approach than any chili I’ve had before. The chicken was perfect cooked. The sauce was full of flavor. They also ask you to pick yours spice range from 1-10 so you can choose what suits you best. The owner, John, is totally engaged with his customers and if you want, can even demonstrate a yoga pose or 2 (which he is very good at). Just overall a great place to eat.”

“Arriving we were met with friendly smiling hosts. We were offered inside or out but decided we didn’t need to wait for out when we could sit in the lounge which was basically open air (the wall opens onto the deck). Beautiful view of the river and tugs. Our waitress Mikayla (sp?) was super sweet and attentive. We never waited for a drink refill or to order more food. She was knowledgeable about the menu both food and drink. The food was amazing. Highly recommend the fish and chips and we ate our weight in oysters. Ten out of ten recommend ✌🏻❤️”

“oh wow... what a find! We were looking for a seafood restaurant when passing thru the area and the name caught our attention. We had an amazing dinner! We both chose the seafood fettuccine, which was heavenly - incredible pasta and sauce topped with succulent seafood. Desserts were lavender creme brulee and white chocolate cake...Holy cow! Dinner and service were both top-notch.. and we can't wait to return!”

“unreal. some of the best food I've had in a long time.”

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Comfort food meets fine dining. Great atmosphere, service was great. The food was amazing. Will definitely be back !!!”

“I never write reviews but this place is AMAZING! My mom & I stopped in for crepes, we had a sweet one and a savory one and also a tart and vanilla ice coffees. Everything was perfection and tasted great! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, the atmosphere very nice. This was the highlight of our trip we loved it so much and will definitely be returning! 🥰”

“I only give five stars after the experience on Saturday. The night before I dined in, I already was having lousy service through out my stay, started with no napkin wrapped utensils (this came _after_the entree) water had to be asked explicitly after ordering a White Russian, the meal came out OK. I ordered a desert to go and walked back to my hotel to only realize i didn’t ask for them resulting me in already a difficult couple days to be worse to the point I’m breaking down in public the hysteria bounced off the buildings. By the time I turned to the alley corner by the 110, I automatically regained composure I walk back in - hostess wasn’t to be seen, but a waitress named Lydia answered me at the door remembering me from my visit almost a year ago. I explain what happened and after addressing it I told her “you made my day” she told me she’d be in all day on Saturday so I go to the bar and expierence was literally night vs day. She earned the twenty-five-pct extra on the check. Keep Lydia there at all costs she’s a special person in customer service when many places in the port city seemed to be lacking that of late.”

“Everything we had was delicious. Perfect temperature. Perfect balance of flavors and textures. We highly recommend everything we ordered: the okonomiyaki, ramen, fried rice, and taiyaki! Also friendly fast service.”

“Amazing cocktails, perfectly crafted. Excellent food at reasonable prices. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and nice patio for outdoor seating. Perfect date night!”

“Food was amazing and service was very attentive. We had Vindaloo, Tikka Marsala, Garlic Naan and Papadam. Everything was fantastic!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

“We booked the private dining area and had a great experience. Service was great and we were not rushed at all. Food and drinks were good and the overall booking process with Zoey was easy and transparent.”

“Everything was phenomenal!”

“We love Cafe Med ♥️ they are amazing and never disappoint”

“I always love coming to the Pink Bamboo. The servers are so kind, the owner is amazing, and the quality of ingredients is perfect. I always leave here so incredibly full and happy. We’ve been coming here for at least 4-5 years and no other hot pot can compete. They may have a smaller selection of broths, but it’s worth it for the quality. Thank you Pink Bamboo for all your hospitality and can’t wait to come back soon!”

“Delish !! From start to finish everything was fabulous! From the amazing door that you walked through to the woodwork and the brick and the old Portsmouth feel The food was fabulous. It actually made my taste buds dance! If you are in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Staff is top-notch.”

“I work at the Moffatt-Ladd House across the street and have been meaning to come over and experience their menu, as we often have overlapping customers. Our host sat us right away, drinks were fabulous, and all the meals were absolutely amazing! (I had the caribbean grilled swordfish.) My mom had been here with her parents in college in the early 80s and clearly Casey is carrying the mantle well. Thank you especially to our server, Rachel!”

“The decor and the coffee takes me back directly to Turkiye. Looking to go back and try other things!”

“amazing food and atmosphere. staff is friendly and very attentive. have been 2x now and will definitely be back. highly recommend”

“Visited Portsmouth NH for the first time!! Excellent service, our waitress Shanon was EXCELLENT!! My husband and I love her!! Food was excellent!!”

“Tasty Larrys, yummy burgers and dogs! Nice atmosphere and outdoor patio! Indoor bars are like a maze to find the MERCH”

“The hot dog was awesome, I don’t remember what I drank but it was good too. So I had two! Cheers I’ll drop by during a storm if I m not working it!”

“Finally made it here and what a gem! Being a super fan of Bamee Durham, this place was so needed in Portsmouth! Love you guys! 😂”

“Fantastic. Best diner in America in my opinion. I travel often. Absolutely delicious. Fresh. Have been coming for years. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”

“The pizza was great. I loved every bite of it. It was made more healthily. Our server Kelly was catering to our needs quickly.”

“delicious.. great food. next time we are in the area we will be back”

“I love this place. Everyone is just so friendly and warm. It's so nice to be in a place that remembers that I am your consumer. I'm consuming your thaichovski with a little chocolate and a shot (no rum though, weak!)....But I'm also consuming your smiles, your good energy and your kindness. Thanks for keeping me going all day! See you tomm! Love, Wonderwoman”

“Been amazing for years!!!”

“Coffee is great. Every couple months I order online. Highly recommend”

“Great staff too! The food is good too!”

“A Saturday lunch of two 10 in. pizza were the perfect size for two hungry folks at the Bratskellar Pub, the rear section of the Dinnerhorn Restaurant. One with mushroom, the other with onions. They came out piping hot and the mozzarella was nice and stringy. More pizza combos are available. Mark was a great server. Very gracious. He’s been there some 13 years and it’s clear, he likes his job.
We would return again for pizza and also to try the seafood offerings at the Dinnerhorn Restaurant.
Thanks Mark.”

“You cannot go wrong with 5 Guys”

“It was so good and great service”

“Watermelon martini Iced tea of the Long Island variety”

“Great atmosphere, food was good, snd reasonably priced. Live music was great.”

“While the new cafe only opened today, I already know I have a problem. Staff is friendly, snacks are delicious, and the cafe is adorable! What a great addition to 75 Portsmouth Ave!”

“Loved it! Just off the main drag, but enough to not be overpopulated with the urban blight of touristos...great greek salad wrap and superb smoothie, served in a friendly manner, so we'll seek this little find out when in the big city :)”

“Our dinner was over the top fantastic - the presentation, flavors, service, ambiance, entire setting far exceeded imagination. So amazing, decadent, lovely. We were so thrilled to get a reservation, and to have such a wonderful dining experience. Thank you Cava!!”

“The best ice cream for more than 30 years of traveling throughout the world and living in various states…I come back to Portsmouth for the salted caramel chip❤️”

“This place was near our Airbnb so we popped in for some dinner and it was delicious! I got the FIGGETTA ABOUT IT burger and it was by far the best burger I have had. The fries and tots were good and the service was amazing. We would definitely go back.”

“Amazing place, awesome bartenders! Great speak easy bar!!”

“Have been buying their pizza slices for years, and it's always been the best pizza I've ever had from anywhere! Delicious, great variety, hot, and always ready to eat on the spot or take home. The service is wonderful. Always with a great smile! Keep up the good work. It's hard to find food and service this good!”

“We love this place!!! The live music is awesome.”

“Good service good food and good drinks❗️”

“We were very impressed the locals seemed to know each other and the staff knew them,despite that we felt comfortable welcomed waited on quickly the food was great. Looking forward to return than,s”

“We had a great Independence day having lunch at the Ikko! My boys didn't stop raving about the amazing food and funny entertainment by our cook at the hibachi! My youngest even said if he had $100 he would give it to him that's how good he was LOL The service was on point, my youngest has celiac disease and allergic to gluten but had no problem as the menu was adjusted to his needs. As a picky eater, my youngest ate everything and even asked for seconds. My boys talked about booking their birthday dinners here even though its not until months away. Would highly recommend and will come back for sure!”

“We love the sandwich. Young man who waited on us was very friendly.”

“Firstime here. Everything and everyone was perfect! DELICIOSO!”

“I like the Nicaraguan it can't be called organic but it is and it's light to medium with lots of C Acid... keto coffee for 10$ less a lb that keto sites with coffee that tastes crappy👍”

“We love the sandwich. Young man who waited on us was very friendly.”

“This is a Portsmouth must!! Great ice cream and super friendly customer service, we had the peppermint stick ice cream and I recommend ordering it before it's gone!! We ordered it and took home a pint!”

“Cozy spot with a great vibe! The juices and smoothies are super fresh and full of flavor—you can really taste the quality. Perfect place to stop by for something refreshing and healthy while in Portsmouth. Definitely recommend!”

“Excellent, fresh sandwiches at very reasonable prices. Boars Head meats and creative combinations!”

“We love the sandwich. Young man who waited on us was very friendly.”

“Very fulfilling👍✌🙏 I travel to Portsmouth 5 times a year nd we always stop N on R way home to Boston.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍 Wonderful staff👍2xs”

“We love the sandwich. Young man who waited on us was very friendly.”

“Neighborhood bar w/ eats. Somewhat limited menu, but very good food. Brought a big group with us for a celebration, and we were well taken care of. Even played a lot of arcade basketball.”

“Good place for take a Breakfast. Vraiment une belle place pour déjeuner. Je recommande.”

“10/10, best bang for you buck if you want something healthy. Ahi tuna poke bowl is top notch and service was great”

“A delicious different kind of beverage worth the trip.”

“The pastries were fresh and crisp, the service was phenomenal and the decor was authentic”

“I’ve been working for companies at Pease on and off for a dozen years now and Belle Peppers has been my go-to lunch spot for just as long. In addition, my company frequently orders catering from them so I don’t think I go more than a couple of days without eating something from Belle Peppers. The staff is always friendly and I’ve never had a disappointing experience. It definitely gets busy around lunchtime but if you go there regularly like me you know how to get in and get out quickly. Try the spicy chicken sandwich!”

“Have been buying their pizza slices for years, and it's always been the best pizza I've ever had from anywhere! Delicious, great variety, hot, and always ready to eat on the spot or take home. The service is wonderful. Always with a great smile! Keep up the good work. It's hard to find food and service this good!”

“Love the new place. And the food is ALWAYS awesome! Owner and workers are very friendly and work hard.”

“Kim Lai is our favorite Chinese restaurant. We have been going there, often with friends, about once a week for years and just love the place. The food is delicious and the portions are very generous. The staff is great and we have such a good time with them. We utilize their take-out service for large family gatherings during the holidays. We strongly recommend Kim Lai and in fact will be going again tonight. The boneless spareribs and hot and sour soup are Daane's favorite appetizers, followed up by exploring the many different dishes on the menu. We think you will enjoy Kim Lai!”

“I’m from the Boston area and was meeting a friend in Portsmouth for dinner. We picked Durbar Square and we’re definitely not disappointed. We had an absolutely fabulous meal there. The chicken chili was a delicious, and a different approach than any chili I’ve had before. The chicken was perfect cooked. The sauce was full of flavor. They also ask you to pick yours spice range from 1-10 so you can choose what suits you best. The owner, John, is totally engaged with his customers and if you want, can even demonstrate a yoga pose or 2 (which he is very good at). Just overall a great place to eat.”

“It was so good and great service”

“We were very impressed the locals seemed to know each other and the staff knew them,despite that we felt comfortable welcomed waited on quickly the food was great. Looking forward to return than,s”

“We LOVE Dave over at TD Garden. He is always efficient, friendly and on time. We always appreciate when he tries to accommodate in list minute needs. The coffee is delicious and he offers a few varities of different seasonal drinks. Highly reccomend!”

“I couldnt believe the outside of D Street (Daniel Street Tavern) today. It has an outside seating area (very clean and welcoming) as well as a NEW Food Menu. I couldnt believe how tasty the 1/4 pound lobster roll was (came with Coleslaw, pickle and small bag of chips) for $20. The alcohol free Bloody Mary was spicy/tasty and a good addition to the role. They have many deals on alcohol but also lots of non alcohol options (pop, juices and non alcoholic beer). Place is very clean and server VIVI is on her Game!!! So much more then a Dive Bar!!!!”

“I’ve been going to Societe for years now, and honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without their apothecary teas. I’m a mom to 4-year-old twins, and medicine has been one of the hardest parts of parenting. I’ve never felt good about giving them over-the-counter cold meds—too many weird ingredients I can’t pronounce, and they never seem to help much anyway. But finding natural remedies that actually work? That’s been a whole other struggle. Every fall, I make my annual trip to Societe to stock up on my go-to teas: Throat Ease, Get Well, Breathe, Fever Break, Be Well Immuni Tea, and Digest Ease. The first five are always in my pantry. When my kids start sniffling or coughing, I don’t even think twice—I make them a warm cup of tea. It’s so much easier than fighting with them to take some nasty-tasting syrup that ends up all over their shirt or spit out halfway through. These teas work fast, they taste good, and I feel better knowing I’m helping their little bodies heal naturally. Now let me talk about Digest Ease, because this one… wow. If you’ve been through potty training, you know the constipation phase is brutal. My daughter was in so much pain, scared to go, crying, and I felt helpless. Doctors kept recommending milk of magnesia and other stuff that just didn’t feel right. I tried everything—fiber, prune juice, homeopathic drops—and nothing gave her consistent relief. Digest Ease was the only thing that helped. It’s gentle, it works fast, and it gave my daughter real relief without the drama. I’ve told every mom friend I know about it, and they’ve all had the same experience. If you’re a parent who’s tired of chemical-filled meds and just wants something safe, natural, and effective—these teas are it. They’re not just products. They’re part of how I care for my kids. I’ll never go another season without them.”

“Was disappointed with the fish & chips.”

“This is my new favorite takeout restaurant in Portsmouth. My husband got the lamb curry and I got the butter chicken. Each meal was especially flavorful and the curries in each dish were different, which is very important to me. Other restaurants in the area seem to use the same curry for every dish. We opted for Hot when ordering our meals. That is the middle spice option. That was the perfect amount of heat to me and I normally add extra heat to everything I cook. We also ordered vegetable samosas which were very crispy and fresh. The Tamarind chutney had a good balance of sweet and tangy. The staff is very friendly, the restaurant is very clean and I highly recommend that people give Taaza a try.”

“Highly suggest the burnt ends, salmon entree & the budino for dessert! Snack mix is a yummy option to munch on while golfing before sitting down for a meal! Approachable country club vibes with top notch food & drink!”

“The Filet Mignon was so tender, and flavorful! Each bite was an experience! Staff was remarkably Pleasant, and attentive! very amazing their ability to set such a relaxing tone definitely a place where you can let your guard down and enjoy company while experiencing amazing food an wine would also be an amazing place for a larger party family and friends could get lost amongst themselves in a place like this their private vault room is beautiful”

“Fantastic. Best diner in America in my opinion. I travel often. Absolutely delicious. Fresh. Have been coming for years. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”

“shoutout to my boy brandon. after I went into an in-depth story about how much I hate pickles he made sure to write “no pickles, anywhere“ on my order just to ensure that I would not have to taste a pickle.”

“Best grilled cheese and tomato soup and the secret sauce to top it off! Highly recommend!!”

“Great view when sitting outside. The food was tasty but not to die for. My fries had good seasoning, but they were a tad cold. The crab cake sandwich had bacon on it and a great texture. Also, the waitress was friendly and prompt at serving us.”

“Gas Light in Portsmouth, NH, offers a lively and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying a casual meal or drinks with friends. The exposed brick and wood-fired stone oven create a cozy yet energetic vibe that captures the essence of downtown Portsmouth. I was impressed by the attentive and friendly service, with bartenders who were attentive without being intrusive. The menu features crowd-pleasers like wood-fired pizzas, including their specialty Gaslight pizza, which had a pleasantly crispy crust and flavorful toppings. The chicken wings were perfectly cooked and well-seasoned, making them an excellent starter. I enjoyed the warmth and vibrant feel of the pub setting, which also offers live entertainment and a dog-friendly patio—a great spot if you're visiting with pets. Prices felt fair given the generous portions and quality. While some reviews mention occasional kitchen delays or food inconsistencies, my experience was smooth and satisfying. It’s a nice spot to unwind after a day exploring Portsmouth, with good drink options and a welcoming ambiance. I would recommend Gas Light if you’re looking for a lively, local dining experience with solid pub fare and good company. The one downside might be the busier times when service can slow, but overall it’s a dependable choice for casual dining in the neighborhood.”

“Deeeeeelish!!! great burger and great breakfast. wonderful staff!”

“I work at the Moffatt-Ladd House across the street and have been meaning to come over and experience their menu, as we often have overlapping customers. Our host sat us right away, drinks were fabulous, and all the meals were absolutely amazing! (I had the caribbean grilled swordfish.) My mom had been here with her parents in college in the early 80s and clearly Casey is carrying the mantle well. Thank you especially to our server, Rachel!”

“I never write reviews but this place is AMAZING! My mom & I stopped in for crepes, we had a sweet one and a savory one and also a tart and vanilla ice coffees. Everything was perfection and tasted great! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, the atmosphere very nice. This was the highlight of our trip we loved it so much and will definitely be returning! 🥰”

“The lady named Adrian is the coolest and nicest person I’ve ever met. I would hire her to work for me any time. Positive attitude very friendly and beautiful smile make sure she’s taken care of here we don’t have to many of her around anymore”

“Love the atmosphere...the food was delicioso...margaritas to die for...friendly staff...love love love 💗”

“Visited Portsmouth NH for the first time!! Excellent service, our waitress Shanon was EXCELLENT!! My husband and I love her!! Food was excellent!!”

“We ate dinner at The Rooftop at The Envio, on Thursday, September 18th. Met your wonderful hostess, Deb. She was extremely friendly and sweet. Deb even wished my daughter a happy birthday. She was a breath of fresh air. ❤️”

“Great place. Holy taps! Food & service was top notch. Family friendly- our kids loved it too 🙂”

“unreal. some of the best food I've had in a long time.”

“Our family has loved Eight Square every single time we’ve been! From the drinks to the dumplings, sushi, and everything in between—it’s always fresh, delicious, and consistent. Definitely one of our favorites!”

“Got delivery , food was good and great portions but the corn tortillas weren’t cooked . The tortillas fell apart when you picked them up so it was a big mess.”