Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Hampshire

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

Red OpenTable logo
OpenTable
Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine 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 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
Johnvip
Dined 7 days ago
This was a great first visit, and we will be back. Our server, Sarah Callahan, was outstanding.
Discover more
A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye
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
Caroline
Dined on Sep 10, 2024
Amazing food and drinks, amazing hospitality. We had a wonderful experience. Thank you so much!
Discover more
A photo of Hanger Steak of a restaurant
Popular dish
Hanger Steak
A photo of Mushroom Toast of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mushroom Toast
A photo of The Puddle Dock restaurant
The Puddle Dock
4.9
4.9 (756)
$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
Joevip
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful. We’re here for two weeks and will return 1-2x.
Discover more
A photo of Portsmouth Chowder of a restaurant
Popular dish
Portsmouth Chowder
A photo of Seared Local Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Seared Local Scallops
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
Marthavip
Dined on Sep 11, 2024
The food was great as usual. Steaks cooked to perfection.
Discover more
A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Seared Scallops
A photo of Chicken "Parm" of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken "Parm"
A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Cotton restaurant
Cotton
4.9
4.9 (4657)
$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
Carol
Dined 3 days ago
Great atmosphere, delicious food, generous portions, excellent server. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Discover more
A photo of Pan-Seared Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pan-Seared Scallops
A photo of Almond-Crusted Turkey Schnitzel of a restaurant
Popular dish
Almond-Crusted Turkey Schnitzel
A photo of Buttermilk Herb Fried Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Buttermilk Herb Fried Chicken
A photo of PastAmore restaurant
PastAmore
4.9
4.9 (280)
$30 and under
Italian
Amherst
About the restaurant
PastAmore is a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, deserts and salads. The restaurant takes reservations, offers take-outs and also provides catering services. The normal attire here is casual, with the ambience being classy, and the noise level has been rated as quiet during peak hours. It is a good place to visit with kids or large groups for dinner and there is also a private parking lot with bike parking and wheelchair accessibility here as well. PastAmore has a full alcohol bar and the interior of the restaurant is trendy and spacious.

The menu at PastAmore consists of Italian classic dishes such as the Veal Saltimboca, pasta, pizzas, and spaghetti. The restaurant was established in 2001 and the waiting staff is extremely friendly, and efficient in taking orders.
Top review
Lisavip
Dined 3 days ago
Our first time and we had to travel a ways to get there . . . But we’ll be back! Our server, Anna, was absolutely delightful and everything we ordered was top notch.
A photo of Cure Restaurant restaurant
Cure Restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1256)
$31 to $50
American
Portsmouth
About the restaurant
Cure is located at the corner of State and Penhallow Streets in historic downtown Portsmouth, NH. We are within walking distance of Prescott Park, Strawberry Bank, Seacoast Repertory Theatre and Portsmouth Music Hall.
Our restaurant offers American Bistro cuisine, in a fine dining environment, at affordable prices. Cure is a great place for friends to meet, business functions, and romantic dining .
Top review
LisaMarieS
Dined 6 days ago
Exquisite food and service. Cant wait to return! A must visit
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
allyssa
Dined on Sep 11, 2024
Seated outside as requested. Food and service were fantastic as usual.
A photo of Ristorante Massimo restaurant
Ristorante Massimo
4.8
4.8 (2784)
$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
Linda
Dined 2 days ago
WE had an amazing time. Food was amazing. Service was outstanding.
Discover more
A photo of Kobe Beef Meatballs of a restaurant
Popular dish
Kobe Beef Meatballs
A photo of Buckley's Great Steaks restaurant
Buckley's Great Steaks
4.8
4.8 (4496)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Merrimack
About the restaurant
Buckley's Great steaks, located in the historic Riddles Tavern, provides a warm New England atmosphere. We offer Midwestern grain-fed beef, char-grilled and prepared with uncompromising quality. We are part of Michael Timothy's Dining Group representing the finest cuisine and hospitality in Southern NH by award winning Chef / Owner Michael and Sarah Buckley.
Top review
John
Dined 3 days ago
I have been coming to this restaurant for several years. The food and service has always been consistent.
Discover more
A photo of Pan Blackened Prime Rib of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pan Blackened Prime Rib
A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon
A photo of Rib-Eye Steak of a restaurant
Popular dish
Rib-Eye Steak
Explore Diners' Choice best of Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Best Overall
Best Overall
Best Service
Best Service
Best Ambiance
Best Ambiance
Best Value
Best Value
Explore more Diners' Choice lists
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo