I love this old building and the character it has retained. The hype leading up to this dining experience may have overshot the mark. Our party of 6 dined, and the majority of us felt that the food was lack luster, esp. given the price. We expected to be blown away, and really only one of us felt that way. The mixed drinks were okay but inconsistent with each round. The ceasar was cold and fresh, and the salad dressing clearly home made. The Wagyu sirloin did not impress. The lobster mac & cheese was bland and barely had lobster meat in it. The best course was dessert. Everyone who had something was impressed by those. For the money, we've had far better food but the overall atmosphere was very nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Salad
Al Ellis (Boomer52)
Terrific experience. Both Leah and Tessa were excellent and very helpful in making this birthday dinner as special as could be. The food was excellent and presented very nicely. My wife was impressed with being grreted by the Maitre d' with a "Happy Birthday". So many small touches that made the evening so special for her. We are both so happy we chose the Library to celebrate her birthday, and will be back.
It's a very classy restaurant with great food and wonderful customer service. Must give it a try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mashed Potatoes, Soup
John Kennedy
Great food, dining experience in Downtown Historic Portsmouth NH. Restaurant managed very well. Restaurant staff focused, polite, and very professional. Restaurant bar dining area clean, enjoyable, and organized. Great restaurant for family or friends. Enjoy your next night out in Downtown Historic Portsmouth at the Library Restaurant!Under new Management Ownership 2024!
jessica wade
The library restaurant is the #1 place to visit in Portsmouth nh! Not only is the staff so helpful, sweet and accommodating but the cocktails and food are just divine! The cozy ambience really adds to the experience. I recommend for any special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kate McPherson
The very best meal I have ever had. I am very picky, and this place was pure perfection. I had the filet mignon, my husband had a filet mignon as well, and our friend had the wagyu beef steak. We all enjoyed it immensely. We added sides ( all sides are a separate fee) of asparagus, garlic mashed, and Mac and cheese. Again, absolute perfection.Service was phenomenal. Friendly, efficient and easily anticipated anything we would have asked for. We were so stuffed, that dessert was out of the question , but the selections looked amazing!I look forward to visiting again sometime in the future.5 stars across the board!
My fillet was spot on, sides were great and our server Sarah was excellent. Will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak
Rachel Copeland
We were there to celebrate our anniversary. It was just PERFECT. We were seated in front of the fireplace and treated to a glass of champagne. Service was EXCEPTIONAL. We love the Library. The food and staff are always amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Smith
Every aspect of our evening was far beyond expectations. Food was amazing and service was exemplary.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vicki K
It was our first time here for our Anniversary and was absolutely amazing. The food was fantastic and the staff went above and beyond to make our experience so memorable. Definitely would recommend, and can’t wait to go back again!
Wonderful atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food, what more can I say! The Library has become our go to restaurant for special occasion, like Birthday etc.
Rachel C.
We were there to celebrate our anniversary. It was just PERFECT. We were seated in front of the fireplace and treated to a glass of champagne. Service was EXCEPTIONAL. We love the Library. The food and staff are always amazing.
Vicki K.
It was our first time here for our Anniversary and was absolutely amazing. The food was fantastic and the staff went above and beyond to make our experience so memorable. Definitely would recommend, and can't wait to go back again!
J Hitchcock
Great place to meet with friends for dinner ! Bartender was great ! Food was just as we asked !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Audrey Marino
Absolutely love the food and atmosphere. Our waiter was amazing as
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cut Sirloin Steak 10oz, Au Gratin Potato, Salad, Garlic Bread, Chowder, Steak, Potatoes Au Gratin
I love this old building and the character it has retained. The hype leading up to this dining experience may have overshot the mark. Our party of 6 dined, and the majority of us felt that the food was lack luster, esp. given the price. We expected to be blown away, and really only one of us felt that way. The mixed drinks were okay but inconsistent with each round. The ceasar was cold and fresh, and the salad dressing clearly home made. The Wagyu sirloin did not impress. The lobster mac & cheese was bland and barely had lobster meat in it. The best course was dessert. Everyone who had something was impressed by those. For the money, we've had far better food but the overall atmosphere was very nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Salad
Terrific experience. Both Leah and Tessa were excellent and very helpful in making this birthday dinner as special as could be. The food was excellent and presented very nicely. My wife was impressed with being grreted by the Maitre d' with a "Happy Birthday". So many small touches that made the evening so special for her. We are both so happy we chose the Library to celebrate her birthday, and will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, A5 Wagyu, Steak, Carrot Cake
It's a very classy restaurant with great food and wonderful customer service. Must give it a try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mashed Potatoes, Soup
Great food, dining experience in Downtown Historic Portsmouth NH. Restaurant managed very well. Restaurant staff focused, polite, and very professional. Restaurant bar dining area clean, enjoyable, and organized. Great restaurant for family or friends. Enjoy your next night out in Downtown Historic Portsmouth at the Library Restaurant!Under new Management Ownership 2024!
The library restaurant is the #1 place to visit in Portsmouth nh! Not only is the staff so helpful, sweet and accommodating but the cocktails and food are just divine! The cozy ambience really adds to the experience. I recommend for any special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The very best meal I have ever had. I am very picky, and this place was pure perfection. I had the filet mignon, my husband had a filet mignon as well, and our friend had the wagyu beef steak. We all enjoyed it immensely. We added sides ( all sides are a separate fee) of asparagus, garlic mashed, and Mac and cheese. Again, absolute perfection.Service was phenomenal. Friendly, efficient and easily anticipated anything we would have asked for. We were so stuffed, that dessert was out of the question , but the selections looked amazing!I look forward to visiting again sometime in the future.5 stars across the board!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Bread, A5 Wagyu, Steak
My fillet was spot on, sides were great and our server Sarah was excellent. Will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak
We were there to celebrate our anniversary. It was just PERFECT. We were seated in front of the fireplace and treated to a glass of champagne. Service was EXCEPTIONAL. We love the Library. The food and staff are always amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every aspect of our evening was far beyond expectations. Food was amazing and service was exemplary.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was our first time here for our Anniversary and was absolutely amazing. The food was fantastic and the staff went above and beyond to make our experience so memorable. Definitely would recommend, and can’t wait to go back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderful atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food, what more can I say! The Library has become our go to restaurant for special occasion, like Birthday etc.
We were there to celebrate our anniversary. It was just PERFECT. We were seated in front of the fireplace and treated to a glass of champagne. Service was EXCEPTIONAL. We love the Library. The food and staff are always amazing.
It was our first time here for our Anniversary and was absolutely amazing. The food was fantastic and the staff went above and beyond to make our experience so memorable. Definitely would recommend, and can't wait to go back again!
Great place to meet with friends for dinner ! Bartender was great ! Food was just as we asked !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely love the food and atmosphere. Our waiter was amazing as
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cut Sirloin Steak 10oz, Au Gratin Potato, Salad, Garlic Bread, Chowder, Steak, Potatoes Au Gratin