Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley Restaurants
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Hanover Street Chophouse
Price: Expensive•Steak•4.9(4,124)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!Ristorante Massimo
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.9(2,934)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**
The Carriage House
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.9(962)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!The Crown Tavern
Price: Moderate•Comfort Food•4.9(938)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.
Cotton
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.9(4,848)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.The Bistro at LaBelle Winery Amherst
Price: Expensive•Bistro•4.7(1,685)We look forward to welcoming you to The Bistro at LaBelle Winery! Our dining environment is relaxing and visually appealing. You will find out why we consistently receive top reviews and the Best of the Best award from TripAdvisor for our cuisine, beverages and atmosphere. If you're in a hurry, we offer our full Bistro menu to-go; order online or by phone. Visit www.LaBelleWinery.com for general information.
*Note: Reservations are strongly suggested, especially on weekends.
*For parties of 7 or more people, please call to make your reservation.
Interested in Private Dining? Feel free to give us a call to discuss availability and details at (603) 672-9898.
Ember Wood Fired Grill
Price: Expensive•Contemporary American•4.8(228)Ember Wood Fired Grill features a locally inspired menu with a casual upscale setting. Our Chef, Christopher Gouzie, best describes our menu as "Globally Inspired". It features familiar dishes with a twist. "We use new and interesting ingredients, and different cooking procedures to introduce our guests to a unique way to present food."
We have taken this same concept for our Specialty Cocktail list. Deviating from the classic recipe with housemade syrups, specialty bitters, and high end liquors and liqueurs.
Enjoy our sleek downstairs dining room, outdoor covered terrace, or upstairs bourbon room, where we house over 100 whiskeys on selection, and offer over 20 wines by the glass and bottle.
We regularly host private events, and therefor reservations are recommended.Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club
Price: Very Expensive•American•4.7(125)$65 before tax and gratuity, excluding holiday buffets.
Includes entertainment, buffet and all coffee, tea, juice and soft drinks.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in this price.
Children 12 and under are $25 plus tax and gratuity, children under 3 will not be charged.
Open Seating from 10AM – 1:00P
Bop over to Jimmy’s for coffee, cocktails/mimosas and culinary delights – plus generous helpings of culture and great conversation. And when you do, be sure to prepare yourself for a special experience here at 135 Congress Street – a landmark 1905 meeting hall lovingly restored to serve our community as a world-class center for the arts and an intimate space to savor extraordinary sounds & tantalizing flavors.
*Pricing and times are subject to change depending on the concert schedule and holidays.
Outdoor dining in New Hampshire
See what locals rave about in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
- RRebeccaWashington, D.C. Area •9 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoWe had a delicious dinner and delightful time at the Foundry. The dining room is a throwback to the days of the Mill yard. The staff, Thomas in particular, were friendly and knowledgeable and very helpful. The cocktail menu is unique and refreshing. We started with the roasted brussels sprouts also very good. We split a half portion of the asparagus salad and each ordered entrées and were plenty full. We had a great dinner guided by Thomas’ descriptions and suggestions.More infoThe FoundryPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Manchester•4.6
- JJenniferVIPWashington, D.C. Area •9 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoDelicious food and excellent service! Always a great place to go!More infoEvolution Bistro & BarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Manchester•4.4
- CCharlesVIPGreater Boston •10 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agoMaple Bourbon Bacon Jam on the filet is the BEST!More infoHanover Street ChophousePrice: Expensive• Steak• Manchester•4.9
- AannGreater Boston •27 reviews5.0Dined 7 days agoWe keep coming back because Cotton’s version of comfort food is wonderful.More infoCottonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Manchester•4.9
- PPriscillaNew Hampshire •1 review5.0Dined on May 12, 2025was taken aback when told that I could not park in the parking lot until 4pm. very inconvenient. will not be going to lunch at firefly.More infoFirefly American Bistro - New HampshirePrice: Moderate• American• Manchester•4.8
Trending dishes in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Restaurant experiences trending in New Hampshire
Private Dining
Private Dining
Discover New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a delicious selection of cuisine choices, ranging from seafood to wild game. Visit a steakhouse or seafood restaurant for classic dishes of lobster, steamers or oysters. Poutine is popular in the area and can be found at the local American restaurants for a Canadian twist. Another way to get a taste of the area’s cuisine is to try the local sausage dishes at any of the Italian, American or Mediterranean dining establishments. Wild game is also common by way of bison and elk, and it is available in a variety of eateries as a featured local specialty. If you're looking to spend an exciting night on the town, stop and try the local cider beverages.
Dining around Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley Hot Spots
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Frequently asked questions
Celebrate special occasion at the best restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley. Our customers recommend Cotton, Hanover Street Chophouse and Ristorante Massimo
As of May 21, 2025 there are 71 restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley. Filter by “outdoor dining”, “romantic” or “dog friendly”.
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