Lavinia's

See all 25 Reviews ›

Address:
18 Main Street (Route25B)
Center Harbor, NH 03226

Neighborhood:
Center Harbor

Getting there ›
Cuisine:
Contemporary American

Price: $30 and under

More Details ›

Lavinia's Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.laviniasdining.com/
Email: manager@laviniasdining.com
Phone: (603) 253-8617
Hours of Operation: Diner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Comfort Food
Executive Chef: Brendan McGuff
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Fireplace, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: We offer both on-site, off-site, and take-out style catering. Please call us directly, or visit our website for information about catering. Our restaurant is always available for breakfast, lunch, or brunch functions.
Private Party Facilities: We welcome private parties ranging in size from 15 to 100 people. We have separate dining rooms that can can accommodate different sized groups and functions.
Private Party Contact: Doug Smith General Manager (603) 253-8617

Getting there

Cross Street: Lake Street
Parking: Private Lot
Parking Details: Ample parking is available along side our restaurant, and in the rear of the building. Also, guests may park at the Senters Marketplace parking lot, where E.M. Heaths Supermarket is located. Additionally, boat parking is available at the Center Harbor Public Docks, a 3 minute walk from Lavinia's.

A word from Lavinia's

Lavinia"s is a full service dinner restaurant, located in the heart of New Hampshires Lakes Region. Lavinia's serves a variety of dinner items ranging from casual pub fare like Burgers and Fish Tacos to high end entrees like Osso Bucco and Lobster Pot Pie. Our newly renovated pub is an excellent… place to enjoy casual dinner during the week, and our private seating in the cupola may be reserved for special occasions. We look forward to seeing you soon at Lavinia's!Continued

Foodspotting photos

See all photos >

Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerContemporary American
Diners' Choice WinnerGood for Groups
Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem

Diner Reviews

"We had no idea that the restaurant had been closed for a week and this was the first night it was opened under new ownership/management, and with a wonderful new chef. My husband and I settled into the cozy upstairs bar area and had the most delightful evening. Dinner was delicious and the Martinis, Malbec, and waitstaff were delightful. So glad to know there is a gem like this in Center Harbor and that we don't have to drive a long distance for a fun and fabulous evening. I highly recommend Lavinia's, and we'll be back there soon!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"Went there for Valentine dinner. Food was amazing!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Had eaten in the bar previously and thought dining would be better. We were disappointed to say the least. The waitress did not explain the special and the table was terrible. That table should only be used as a last resort. When the place is over full and dining on the stoop is the only other option."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We had an excellent Valentine's Day dinner at Lavinia's the other night! All of the food was cooked perfectly and the waitress and staff were very accommodating to our requests and an allergy. The beef short rib was excellent as was the lobster alfredo. Prices on the wine list were a little pricey per glass, but they had an excellent selection. Looking forward to returning and we will definitely bring friends!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Some of the meals were disappointing. the fish and chips were over cooked, fries were tiny and very overdone. Pork dish was flavorful but lacked substance. scallops were tasty and cooked very well. Salad was good menu is limited and eclectic and prices were high."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We have been to Lavania's a few times and every time it has been quite good. Food was excellent and service was attentive but not over the top. We have both on the patio in the summer and inside during the winter. In both cases the atmosphere was quiet and enjoyable."
Dined on 4/13/2013
"New owner, new menu, new chef. The food is outstanding , really delicious, and it turned out, worth the very long wait to get it to our table. We will give Lavinia's a few monts to get their feet on the ground and then will try it again. They have a number of wrinkles to work out in terms of service, but these are easily remedied with good management. It has long been one of our favorite restaurants and we will hope that it continues to be. Their new chef is doing a great job, and I highly recommend the butternut squash soup."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"A perfect dining spot on a snowy New England evening. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience, drink & food. Welcoming staff & waitress were wonderful. We look forward to eating there again. Lavinia's would be a perfect spot in any season."
Dined on 1/25/2014
"Very comfortable feel to the restaurant .Steak was awesome, service very good. Nice place."
Dined on 1/10/2014
"Have always loved the ace, but the menus has become even more casual. Seems like more sandwiches than regar entries. Bring the veal chop back!"
Dined on 12/28/2013
"Had dinner with friends that have been there several times. This was our first but will not be our last. What a nice experience. Everything about the place was outstanding. Way above my expectations."
Dined on 11/17/2013
"My husband and I love the relaxed atmosphere and the warm and inviting decor -a great place to bring our guests winter and summer. Have also had lunch outside on the patio with a great view of the lake. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Food selections are interesting and not overly expensive -excellent carrot cake!!! We would always recommend Lavinia's to anyone looking for a suggestion in the Lake's Region -we always return!"
Dined on 10/26/2013
"It was our first time at the restaurant and we will definitely return. Our server was very pleasant and friendly and most accommodating. I liked how the other servers assisted with delivering the food to the table. The Kobe beef meatloaf was an interesting menu item that you certainly don't see every day, and it did not disappoint! Would order that again! The lobster pot pie was surprisingly full of lobster meat! Another item that we would order again."
Dined on 10/12/2013
"We went to Lavinia's for the first time for our wedding anniversary. We have always had hit-or-miss service and food in the Lakes Region so were a little apprehensive. We shouldn't have been nervous! The food was excellent, the server attentive and thoughtful. I only wish there had been a fire lit in the fireplace, that would have made it perfect. I ordered everything off the specials menu and my husband had the lamb, and all were very good. When my salad came slightly late the manager was on it immediately, and the server was very apologetic. We will be back, and bring the kids next time!"
Dined on 10/13/2013
"The owner is the same and I know they try hard but they never seem to pull it off. We go there because we like the ambience but more times than not there is a problem. This visit they brought the wrong meal and yes they gave me a free drink and said the were sorry but that cannot change how awkward the people I was with felt as they ate while I waited for my meal...and it somehow as they rushed to cook the steak I ordered rare they overcooked it.....but I was not sending it back. So, although I will go back again I am not sure how many more shots they deserve."
Dined on 10/3/2013
"We were a party of four. Three meals were great. The fourth, Lobster Carbonara, only had two pieces of Lobster in it BUT....The server and manager were great about it. They didn't charge for that meal and wanted to replace it with a different meal. Super customer skills. We are only here for the summer but will return to your restaurant next summer. Thank you."
Dined on 9/21/2013
"Great setting, good food, competent service and friendly people make for an enjoyable evening."
Dined on 8/30/2013
"A wonderful dining experience. The Presidential room was quiet, beautiful, and very comfortable. Our server was attentive and pleasant. This place is a real gem in the Lakes Region!"
Dined on 9/18/2013
"We've been on several occasions and this place is right on for great food, ambiance, and service. Even to just go for drinks and apps this is just a great place to sit back and relax."
Dined on 9/15/2013
"The main asset of Lavinia's, beyond their central location, is the friendly and helpful attitude of the staff. The host was accommodating and the waitress eager to address our questions and needs. Soft music is piped outside to greet you as you walk to the door but no music is playing inside that we could hear which would have been nice. Drinks were good but overall the food was not up to the standard we previously enjoyed at the Coe House (former name). Presentations were nice but food itself was slightly lacking. Also, the bread is the first thing placed on the table with the water and should be fresh and something beyond a Pepperidge Farm re-heat. Maybe by next summer, they can infuse the decor and food with the oomph of the staff!"
Dined on 9/10/2013
"This is our second time dining at Lavinia's. The first time, a sunday, we were disappointed as they had run out of osso bucca and crème brulee at 8:00 pm! This time I asked ahead of time for them to save me a crème brulee. The calamari were tender and crisp; crab cakes great. Flounder was outstanding...Also, the bartender is very generous with his martinis (although $12 a bit much for the area). All in all, good food, the wallpaper room is lovely and the service is friendly and professional."
Dined on 9/12/2013
"We had a great dinner. I had the tenderloin steak and my wife had the beet salad with salmon. The salmon was so good that next time will end up getting that has a meal. Our waitress Amanda was terrific. The rolls were pretty bad. Normally we can tell a lot, by how good the rolls are but in this case the rolls were bad but everything else was perfect. The drinks were terrific. The view of Center Harbor Bay was beautiful."
Dined on 9/2/2013
"Our table was set up overlooking the harbor, lovely view. The waitress was terrific -- attentive, a good sense of humor (needed with a 12 year old at the table!) and informative about menu sections. Overall, we all enjoyed ourselves and had delicious food (the scallops could have used more vegetables on the side and the sauce was a little bland, but my husband loved his babyback ribs. However, the banana cream pie had a homemade crust which was tasty but much too thick, hard to cut through, and the filling was very thin with a huge mound of whipped cream on top of it to make it look like a large piece of pie. We were quite disappointed. Overall, the ambiance and setting were delightful, however, and it was a nice evening."
Dined on 9/1/2013
"very good food and service, although not outstanding"
Dined on 8/30/2013
"Think Luke has found a winner here. The food is very good, the building is historical and the staff is delightful. We live here and will continue to return"
Dined on 8/28/2013
"Great spot. Uninspired food. Slow kitchen. Mistakes in orders."
Dined on 8/25/2013
"Excellent dining experience from beginning to end. Choosen for a first date so was VERY important. Easy online reservations, prompt seating, outside but (but with heat), attentive and friendly wait staff, and superb dinner (presentation, taste). Thanks for making for a successful first date."
Dined on 8/24/2013
"Our very good friends from Wisconsin visit our lakes region home each summer for several days. A highlight of their visit is a dinner out at a local restaurant. This year, we brought our friends to Lavinia's. My wife and I have eaten there a number of times over the past year or so, and it has always been a wonderful experience. We were a party of four and sat in the Presidential Room. It was a Tuesday night and the restaurant was doing a great business. The service and food was first-rate...we had clam chowder, the house salad (with outstanding goat cheese fritters), entrees included the pan-seared salmon filet and the swordfish special. We binged on blueberry pie and Snickers pie! Everything was excellent, really excellent!"
Dined on 8/21/2013
"We have become regular diners at Lavinias. The food and service are great. Lavinia's is housed in a meticulously restored and decorated 200 year old New England home and yet the restaurant has a casual and comfortable feel to it. We highly recommend it."
Dined on 8/19/2013
"We booked for dinner with only 1 days notice during the peak of the summer season. Our reservation was made immediately and honored as promised. The restaurant is relaxed yet dignified. Service is impeccable. My Ossobuco was the best I have ever had, my wife's Tenderloin was flavorful and cooked exactly as requested. John, our waiter, was very efficient and pleasant. Overall, an excellent restaurant."
Dined on 8/16/2013
"Excellent appetizers - scallops and calamari - particularly the scallops, accompanied by "bacon and egg" spinach salad, the taste of which infused the perfectly seared scallops. My wife and I each had a lobster-based main course: she the lobster carbonara, I, the lobster pot pie. Both were excellent, and while the puff pastry was an excellent complement to the lobster, if your goal is the dish with more actual lobster, go with the carbonara. The potatoes in my clam chowder were slightly overcooked, but, meh, who cares? If I'd waited a few more minutes, they would have continued to cook to perfection, and, besides, there are plenty of places around the area to get excellent clam chowder. P.S. The Kobe beef steak is not Japanese Kobe. :-D"
Dined on 8/17/2013
"I had a wonderfully simple yet elegant dining experience in the fresh air of NH, with a superb background of homegrown, live music. Excellent food and friendly, knowledgable waitstaff."
Dined on 8/16/2013
"Awesome view and atmosphere overlooking Center Harbor bay and sunset over Red Hill. Historic feel and great menu options. Everything was delicious. Can't wait to go again."
Dined on 8/13/2013
"We ate at this restaurant with our children and were pleasantly surprised. The food, the ambience and service were simply excellent. They offered a children's menu that was varied and good "kid friendly" and the food really was good. Our appetizers and entree's were generous portions and the presentation of the food was nicely presented and seasoned well. The waitress was gracious and accommodating and the views Center Harbor in a distance made the experience that much more memorable."
Dined on 8/11/2013
"We have enjoyed the Lounge at Lavinia's several times. The menu provides a nice variety of light meals, which we enjoy."
Dined on 5/26/2013
"Used to be the Coe House which was good. This tops it. Try to reserve the dining room with the hand painted wall paper. Or, if you are in a romantic mood, there is a cupola for two only. My Appletini needed more pucker which they gladly added. Clam chowder, chunky with clams and thick; & seafood sampler yummy. Unfortunately, they ran out of Osso Bucco and Crème Brulee even though it was only 8:00 pm....Lobster ravioli was filled with lobster, but the dough was not thoroughly cooked. The big disappointment was really running out of food we wanted."
Dined on 8/5/2013
"Though a little pricey, Lavinia's ambiance, service, and menu ensure a great dining experience. Our foursome was seated in a lovely, small dining room with just three tables which was charming and quiet, even with the seating of a large party with small children. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and our server was well informed and helpful. The menu offered some selections that we haven't found recently in other local establishments. The presentation of the food was particularly notable. The addition of outside dining to this venue of long-standing is sure to please. We will return for lunch in the near future."
Dined on 8/3/2013
"We had a lovely family gathering at Lavinia's. The upstairs dining room was perfect for a large group and the server was super friendly. The food was good, not great."
Dined on 7/28/2013
"I highly recommend this restaurant. The facility is beautiful, an old home with a view of the lake and the food and service are outstanding. Highly recommend."
Dined on 7/22/2013
"This is our go-to local place. You can get everything from lunch to a light meal to a wonderful dinner. The menu is varied, and everything we have had is delicious. If you are on a budget, don't let the beautiful building and furnishings stop you - you can have fish and chips for $10/$12 (two options) and a large scoop of lobster salad for $8. Also there are burgers, salads etc. along with wonderful entrees - really something for every taste and budget. Elegant but not "stuffy" dining."
Dined on 7/20/2013

More reviews ›

Reserve at Lavinia's

Lavinia's Details

Getting there

Related Links

Featured Cities

Popular

OpenTable