Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

The Crown Tavern

4.9

4.9 (949)

$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

NicoleVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Another wonderful dining experience at the crown! Love the atmosphere, food and service!

Local Street Eats

4.8

4.8 (49)

$30 and under

American

Nashua

About the restaurant

LOCAL PROVIDES A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. SKIP THE TRUCK AND JOIN US AT THE TABLE! OUR MULTICULTURAL APPROACH TO CLASSIC STREET FOOD AIMS TO UNITE PEOPLE THROUGH THE LOVE OF FOOD. WE STRIVE TO CREATE A COMFORTABLE, ENJOYABLE, STYLISH ENVIRONMENT THAT COMPLEMENTS OUR RICH, WARM, AND HISTORICALLY INSPIRED MENU. FROM THE GYOZA TO THE STREET CORN, FROM THE SMASH BURGER TO THE BAO BUNS, EACH DISH IS A TESTAMENT TO THE VIBRANT LATE-NIGHT STREETS AROUND THE WORLD. DISCOVER AN OASIS FOR ALL YOUR FAVORITE
STREET FOOD CLASSICS AT LOCAL!

#GoLocoForLocal

Top review

Kelly

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

Amazing and so cute inside. Great food and drinks plus the staff was fun and attentive. Such a fun vibe!

Firefly American Bistro - New Hampshire

4.7

4.7 (2324)

$30 and under

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Firefly Bistro & Bar is a casually upscale American bistro situated in the heart of Manchester"s downtown district. Firefly embraces the concept of comfort dining by offering inspired classic American fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Firefly's extensive wine list, craft beer selections, and creative cocktails compliment the time-honored yet innovative creations of Chef David Becker's seasonal menus, which burst with flavors from around the world. The uptown atmosphere is accentuated by downtown hospitality and friendly, professional service.

Top review

LoriVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Another wonderful meal at Firefly. Drinks were amazing. Short rib was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend

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4.7

4.7 (1599)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Toscana Italian Chophouse & Wine Bar, a steakhouse concept that will be built around signature chops, incredible sides, and of course many of the Italian favorites that customers have come to love from Tuscan Kitchen.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 1 day ago

We love dining at Toscana to celebrate our wedding anniversary every year and this year was as good as ever. Steven made several great recommendations for my husband and was amazing throughout the visit. The food was delicious as always, as were the drinks. We look forward to our next visit!

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Popular dish

Cannoli Trio

Popular dish

10oz Barrel Cut Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Lobster Ravioli

Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club

4.7

4.7 (125)

$50 and over

American

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

$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.

Top review

Cathleen

Dined on May 18, 2025

Today was my first time at Jimmy's Jazz Brunch. It was fabulous! Everything about this place was top notch. I highly recommend it.

Tavern in the Square - Salem

4.6

4.6 (159)

$30 and under

American

Salem

About the restaurant

## Tavern in the Square: Where Flavor Meets Fun Step into a world of vibrant energy and delicious eats at Tavern in the Square. Our stylish ambiance and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're catching up with friends over drinks, enjoying a family dinner, or cheering on your favorite team, we've got something for everyone. Our menu boasts a diverse selection of dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From our signature Bayou Chicken Pasta to our mouthwatering Bang Bang Broccoli, we cater to every taste bud. We also offer a wide array of gluten-friendly and allergy-conscious options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. But Tavern in the Square is more than just food. It's a place to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Our state-of-the-art televisions and lively bar scene make it the perfect spot to catch the game or unwind after a long day. And with our spacious patio, you can soak up the sunshine while enjoying your favorite dish. So come on down to Tavern in the Square and experience the perfect blend of flavor and fun. We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

April

Dined 7 days ago

Second time at this location. Loved it enough to make the drive back. Have recommended it to several others.

Tuscan Market at Tuscan Village Salem

4.4

4.4 (696)

$30 and under

Italian

Salem

About the restaurant

The Tuscan Market is located in Salem, NH in the beautiful Tuscan Village. Close to the shops, the Artisan Hotel and our Lake Park, the Market is in the center of it all. Come in and enjoy full service dining inside the Market or on our heated enclosed patio. Shop for fresh and delicious prepared foods that are ready to take home and choose from our artisan pastry and gelato for something sweet to take home or have at your table. A one-stop shop, guests will be able to choose from an extensive assortment of specialty oils, vinegars and sauces, fresh pasta, imported meats & cheeses, desserts and so much more. From freshly baked breads and homemade pizzas and Panini, to imported pastas and slow-cooked sauces, customers can bring home a truly authentic meal.

Top review

Albert

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

We were welcomed and seated promptly upon arrival . The hostess was very pleasant. We were soon greeted by our waitress, Bridget and ordered beverages. My wife said the Sangria was one of the best she had ever had! We ordered appetizers and salad which arrived quickly. I ordered a prosciutto appetizer on fried dough with fig jam which was spectacular. From beginning to end the meal and service was excellent!

Evolution Bistro & Bar

4.4

4.4 (105)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Introducing Evolution Bistro & Bar, where modern American cuisine meets a European flair. This exciting new destination promises a dynamic menu, blending bold, contemporary flavors with timeless European influences. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dining experience or a vibrant spot for cocktails, Evolution Bistro & Bar will elevate your nights out in downtown Manchester! Stay tuned for more details and sign up to be among the first to experience this culinary evolution!

Top review

JasonVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent dinner and service. One of the best places to eat on Elm Street! The filet was cooked perfectly.

Dave & Buster's - Manchester, NH

4.3

4.3 (89)

$30 and under

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Each Dave & Buster's has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we've got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we're stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

Top review

Rick

Dined on Apr 27, 2025

Amazing as always we this our oldest sons favorite spot to go!

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Experience

Sunday SIP Night

Experience

½ Price Games Wednesday ALL DAY!

The Rooftop at The Artisan

4.2

4.2 (168)