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Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Silver Fountain Inn & Tea Parlor restaurant

Silver Fountain Inn & Tea Parlor

4.6

4.6 (870)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Dover

About the restaurant

Serving Luncheon and High Tea, from soups, quiches, sandwiches, and salads to the fancy 3-tiered "Duchess" featuring delectable mini-sandwiches, scones w/Devonshire cream & lemon curd, finished with petite fours - for a full menu please see our website - you can reserve from there as well. Come enjoy our relaxing atmosphere in our beautiful 1871 Victorian Bed & Breakfast in historic Dover, NH. We also sell gift certificates, tea pots & accessories, over 30 flavors of loose leaf tea, tea wallets and cozies plus jewelry and other fine gifts! Reservations are preferred to be able to offer optimum service and availability.

Top review

CR

ConnieR

Dined 7 days ago

Absolutely wonderful Everything was made in house and tasted as good as it looks A very memorable experience Am only in NH once a year Have gone the past 3 years and will return next year. Can’t wait

A photo of Prime at Sky Meadow restaurant

Prime at Sky Meadow

4.9

4.9 (160)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Nashua

About the restaurant

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @PrimeAtSkyMeadow
Prepare to be wowed by the unparalleled dining experience at PRIME - the premier steakhouse and seafood restaurant in Southern New Hampshire. Our menu features the finest cuts of steak and freshest seafood, complemented by a wine list that's constantly evolving to bring you the best selection possible. As you savor your meal, take in the stunning views that only PRIME can offer. With exceptional cuisine, top-notch service, and unbeatable vistas, PRIME at Sky Meadow is the only choice for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

*PLEASE NOTE OUR DRESS CODE*: NO gym wear, hooded sweatshirts, shorts or ball caps are to be worn. *MEN MUST WEAR PANTS*. All male shirts must have a collar. No tank tops. Jackets are not required

Top review

J

Johnvip

Dined 5 days ago

This was a great first visit, and we will be back. Our server, Sarah Callahan, was outstanding.

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A photo of Ristorante Massimo restaurant

Ristorante Massimo

4.8

4.8 (2782)

$31 to $50

Italian

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Please Note: Online Reservations are for our Main indoor dining room ONLY. Please call us directly for WIne Bar options at 603.436.4000. We reserve the right to charge $20.00 per person cancelation fee, please call us by 12:00p.m.. the day of your reservation to avoid possible cancelation fees.~~~~~~ Nestled like a hidden jewel in historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Massimo's warmly lit brick and stone grotto walls, fresh flowers and oil paintings of magnificent Italian landscapes transports guests to Florence, Rome and Venice. Guests relax in a richly appointed atmosphere beneath mahogany-beamed ceilings and private parties unwind in their own intimate dining room. Ristorante Massimo offers authentic dishes from all regions of Italy. From innovative concepts to timeless Italian favorites, our executive chef creates each dish with a distinctive, refined touch as found in some of the world's most celebrated restaurants. **limited dining room availability offered online**

Top review

S

stephenvip

Dined 5 days ago

As always, impeccable food, drink, service and hospitality. The swordfish is my new favorite.

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A photo of Kobe Beef Meatballs of a restaurant

Kobe Beef Meatballs

A photo of Hanover Street Chophouse restaurant

Hanover Street Chophouse

4.9

4.9 (3983)

$31 to $50

Steak

Manchester

About the restaurant

We are committed to serving food that will be creative, yet “classic,” service that will be impeccable but not intimidating, in an ambiance that will be elegant, yet comfortable and inviting, ensuring a dining experience that will be extraordinary and memorable!

Top review

M

Marthavip

Dined 7 days ago

The food was great as usual. Steaks cooked to perfection.

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A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Scallops

A photo of Chicken "Parm" of a restaurant

A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of The Puddle Dock restaurant

The Puddle Dock

4.9

4.9 (755)

$31 to $50

American

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Located on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Puddle Dock Restaurant proudly offers Modern Colonial feel and fare! Led by esteemed Executive Chef Derek Clough, the Puddle Dock Restaurant will take you back to Colonial America featuring English and American favorites, then snap you back to the present with our modern twists.

Chef Derek takes great pride in growing a lot of our vegetables, foraging our mushrooms, and presenting beauty for your palate. His care is evidence in some of our best-loved dishes, Yorkshire Pudding, Portuguese Salted Cod, Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, and our signature Hoe Cake. Be sure to save room for dessert! All our desserts are made in house - Cinnamon Rum Breading, Dark Chocolate Pudding, and Posset are among the favorites!

Enjoy the ambience of our historic exposed beam building, once a general store offering penny candy, or enjoy our front and rear patios for dinner in the open air.

Top review

E

Elizabethvip

Dined 5 days ago

We absolutely enjoyed our Anniversary Dinner with our friends Elise and Mike. The staff presented us with a hand- written Happy Anniversary note along with an adorable vase holding such pretty garden flowers. Two of us ordered the duck breast which was exceptionally delicious with an outstanding blueberry sauce. One member ordered the swordfish entree and the other diner had the flounder special. Both seafood dishes were excellent. We also shared the charcuterie board and enjoyed every morsel. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir was just wonderful as was the tawny port at the end of the meal. The Pavlova dessert was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. We were all members of the "Clean your Plate Club" when we left this charming restaurant.

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A photo of Portsmouth Chowder of a restaurant

Portsmouth Chowder

A photo of Seared Local Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Local Scallops

A photo of CR's The Restaurant restaurant

CR's The Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2386)

$31 to $50

American

Hampton

About the restaurant

Nothing beats an inviting dinner after a drive up the coast or a day on the shore. Indulge in a selection from our award-winning wine list, try a local beer on tap or a specialty cocktail.
CR's is a favorite stop to 'chill out' with friends!
It's where you want to be!

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Nice overall. Good service. Overcooked steak was remedied quickly.

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Cotton restaurant

4.9

4.9 (4656)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Cotton features the cooking of award-winning chef/author/owner Jeffrey Paige. Located in Manchester's Historic Millyard District, Cotton is known for exceptional farm to table comfort food, friendly yet professional service, and an inviting, casual upscale atmosphere. It's the place the New York Times calls hip, named one of the best neighborhood restaurants in the Northeast by Bon Appetit Magazine and holds the distinct honor of Best Martinis in New Hampshire year after year by NH Magazine and The Union Leader.

RESERVATIONS:
Patio dining is available April through October. To request a patio table please note this when you make your reservation. Weather permitting, we will call early afternoon the day of your reservation to confirm if patio seating is available. We cannot guarantee specific seating at this time but we always do our best.

Top review

D

Danielle

Dined 7 days ago

Our favorite place to dine in Manchester. Whether it’s scallops, or a salad with an enhancement of the buffalo chicken nuggets, or the popcorn shrimp, it’s always treat My husband swears by the steak and lamb, particularly.

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A photo of Pan-Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Pan-Seared Scallops

A photo of Almond-Crusted Turkey Schnitzel of a restaurant

Almond-Crusted Turkey Schnitzel

A photo of Buttermilk Herb Fried Chicken of a restaurant

Buttermilk Herb Fried Chicken

A photo of The Carriage House restaurant

The Carriage House

4.9

4.9 (823)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Rye

About the restaurant

The Carriage House, an oceanfront, modern New England restaurant and raw bar, is open at 2263 Ocean Boulevard on scenic Rye Beach, New Hampshire. Committed to honoring the restaurant’s rich traditions rooted in hospitality. Join us for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, sip a cocktail by our working fireplace, or take in the ocean views!

Top review

C

Caroline

Dined on Sep 10, 2024

Amazing food and drinks, amazing hospitality. We had a wonderful experience. Thank you so much!

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A photo of Tinos restaurant

4.7

4.7 (930)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Hampton

About the restaurant

Tinos features a modern, ingredient driven menu inspired by the iconic flavors of the Mediterranean. Signatures include House-made Pasta, Wood-grilled Steaks + Chops, and Fresh Seafood; artfully prepared by their European Trained Chef.

Expert bartenders offer award-winning innovative cocktails, a curated wine list, and favorite local brews. Their bright, contemporary, and energetic ambience is the perfect back drop to enjoy their Friday night entertainment or a night out with friends.

You may choose to enjoy the outdoor patio which boasts built in heaters in the permanent roof, retractable weather screens, and a fire pit that seats 16 or dine inside and post up at their Chef's Table and watch their award winning culinary team prepare your meal for you.

Top review

J

Joshua

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Great service and atmosphere. We sat outside near the fire table and the residual heat took the chill out of the air on a rather cool night. Thank you all! It was wonderful!!

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A photo of Warm Feta Dip of a restaurant

A photo of The Crown Tavern restaurant

The Crown Tavern

4.8

4.8 (838)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Manchester

About the restaurant

The Crown Tavern will be the perfect spot to unwind and savor the end of the day. Located in the heart of Manchester’s central downtown, The Crown is a place where you'll come to relax with friends, grab a drink, share some tasty bites, and enjoy the night as it unfolds.

Top review

A

allyssa

Dined 7 days ago

Seated outside as requested. Food and service were fantastic as usual.

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