18 Best Restaurants in Portsmouth NH
Porstmouth is one od my favorite spots for a weekend getaway in New England. It’s only about an hour from Boston, making it easy to get to. It’s similar to Portland, Maine (another great New England spot) but Portsmouth is closer & usually it’s easier to find a more reasonably priced hotel or AirBnb! They also have a great restaurant scene for a fairly small city, there is no shortage of great places to eat. I’ve rounded up my favorites below!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
Jump To:
- Best Restaurants Overall
- Best Italian Restaurants
- Best Restaurants with a View
- Best Casual Restaurants
- Best Tapas Restaurants
- Best Breakfast/Bakeries
Best Restaurants in Portsmouth Map
Best Overall
Portsmouth Gas Light Co.
A Portsmouth classic! Portsmouth Gas Light Co. This multi-level spot offers their classic restaurant, The Grill, offering upscale American food and a patio featuring live music. They also have a separate basement restaurant, the Pizza Pub. The Pub offers handmade pizzas, pastas, calzones and more.
The third floor (this place is huge) turns into a nightclub later in the evening.
https://www.portsmouthgaslight.com/
The Franklin
The Franklin is one of the best restaurants in Portsmouth. It’s a New England tavern with an oyster bar and upscale tavern food.
https://franklinrestaurant.com/the-franklin-menu
Library Restaurant
The most upscale restaurant in Portsmouth and this spot does not disappoint. Located in a 1700s mansion, this spot oozes upscale, but the food is worth the cost if you’re down to splurge! This is mostly a steakhouse, but they also have a few other entrees like risotto, duck, lamb & more
https://www.libraryrestaurant.com/top-rated-dinner-menu-2-for-steak-and-seafood-portsmouth-nh
Best Italian Restaurants
Toscana’s Italian Chophouse
Portsmouth has some great Italian food and Toscana’s Italian Chophouse does not disappoint. They offer fresh pasta and Italian appetizers, but the wood-fired steaks are also delicious. The mennu has good variety.
https://www.toscanachophouse.com/?y_source=1_MjQyNzUzNTEtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
Massimo’s
Massimo’s has one of the best vibes of upscale spots in Portsmouth. They offer handmade pastas, steaks & more. They also have amazing martinis. They offer seating in their upstairs restaurant, wine cellar (which is such a vibe) and their outdoor terrace.
https://ristorantemassimo.com/menu/
Best Restaurants with a View
Rooftop at the Envio
One of (if no the only) rooftop in Portsmouth! Rooftop at the Envio hotel is a more upscal option. You can opt for dinner there or just have some sunset cocktails at the bar! Definitely make reservations for dinner if you want a table on the deck. They also offer igloos on the deck in the winter.
https://www.rooftopportsmouth.com/menus
Lazy Jack’s
Lazy Jack’s is one of my favorite spots in Portsmouth – for laid back, island-type vibes, with views over the harbor, this is your spot. They offer New England classics – Onion rings, lobster rolls, calamari, fish tacos & more. They also offer bucket cocktails and a large beer menu, and this can be a good spot to just grab drinks and a snack if you’re not look for a full meal!
Surf Portsmouth
Located in one of Portsmouth’s most scenic locations along Bow Street overlooking the harbor, Surf is a great option for lunch or dinner with a view. They offer a lot of seafood, like lobster rolls and fish & chips, but they also have sushi + a raw bar, in addition to a large entree menu that has more than just seafood.
Best Tapas
Cava
If you’re looking to branch out from all the New England classics, Cava is a wine bar serving Spanish Tapas on one of the cutest streets in Porstmouth! Definitely make reservations if you want to do dinner here
https://www.cavatapasandwinebar.com/menu
Best Casual Restaurants
Cisco Brewers Portsmouth
Cisco Brewery is a bit outside of the main downtown area where most of these restaurants are, but it’s well worth the trip! This brewpub is a great place to spend a weekend afternoon, they offer live music, a dog friendly patio, and a fairly large menu for a brewery! They also brew Cisco beers fresh there
https://www.ciscobrewersportsmouth.com/pub-menu
Liars Beer Bench Co.
Another great brewery option in Portsmouth, but they’re potentially more famous for their hot dogs. Grabbing a beer and hot dog at Liars Beer Bench is a Portsmouth staple.
Flatbread Co.
I love Flatbread Co. They have locations all throughout New England. Their homemade pizzas feature all organic ingredients. These pizzas are simple, fresh and so so good. They’re also very good at accommodating allergies like dairy and gluten and offer vegan pizzas!
https://flatbreadcompany.com/locations/portsmouth-nh/
Cheese Louise
My niece and nephews favorite! Cheese Louise is a grilled cheese lovers heaven! This casual spot is exactly what it sounds like – a grilled cheese restaurant. Clasic grilled cheese, bacon grilled cheese, buffalo chicken grilled cheese, caprese grilled cheese & more! You won’t find much besides grilled cheeses, but you can’t go wrong here.
https://www.eatcheeselouise.com
Geno’s Chowder & Sandwiches
Clam Chowder is a New England classic, and coastal Portsmouth has tons of restaurants that offer it, but Geno’s is the best around. This local spot is seasonal and is a quintissential New England no-frills spot with unreal food. Their chowder is homemade (they’ll even let you try it before you order) and their lobster rolls are made with freshly caught lobster.
Barrio
If you’re looking for tacos in a casual setting, Barrio is the spot in Portsmouth. They have make your own tacos & good cocktails in a vibe-y spot. Great place to stop by in the afternoon for a quick snack and drink!
https://barrio-tacos.com/food/
Lexie’s Joint
Best burgers in Portsmouth! This is the best spot for burgers, fries and milkshakes. Super casual vibes and a patio if you want to sit outside
https://order.toasttab.com/online/lexies-joint-portsmouth-212-islington-street
The Kitchen
Super casual spot with a small patio and counter service. They have great burgers and sandwiches, but also good variety if you’re with a group
https://thekitchenportsmouth.com/portsmouth-the-kitchen-food-menu
The Goat
If you’re looking for a casual, but lively spot with good bar food I highly recommend the Goat. They have classic bar food, and a bar that’s alaways high energy. It’s also fun for brunch!
https://goatnh.com/portsmouth/
Best Bakeries
Elphantine Bakery
Cozy bakery for all your breakfast (or midday pastry) cravings. Croissants, scones, danishes, cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls and more. They have everything!
https://elephantinebakery.square.site
Popovers on the Square
Popovers are such a clasic New England thing, and you can’t go wrong heading to Popovers on the square if you’ve never had a popover! They’re crispy on the outside and eggy in the middle served with maple butter. They also serve a full breakfast, all day brunch, and have a lunch menu featuring soups, salads & sandwiches
