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

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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!

Silver Fountain Inn & Tea Parlor

4.9

4.9 (924)

$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

Stephanie

Dined 6 days ago

Chandelier cake stand was delicious! Service was excellent.

Hanover Street Chophouse

4.9

4.9 (4128)

$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

Lori

Dined 4 days ago

The entire experience from the ambiance to the service to the meal was absolutely perfect.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Limoncello Crème Brûlée

Ristorante Massimo

4.9

4.9 (2932)

$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

Brian

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing as always. Massimo created an amazing hidden gem in Portsmouth that will always be special.

The Carriage House

4.9

4.9 (959)

$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

Regina

Dined 3 days ago

It's always a treat to dine at the Carriage House!

Cotton

4.9

4.9 (4851)

$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

SherylVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Cotton is always a solid experience. Great food, drinks and the service is perfect.

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The Bistro at LaBelle Winery Amherst

4.8

4.8 (1683)

$31 to $50

Bistro

Amherst

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Susan

Dined 4 days ago

Very nice place, good food and atmosphere, great service

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4.9

4.9 (936)

$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

CrystalVIP

Dined on May 1, 2025

Excellent quality food, specials variety, and great service.

Cure Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1407)

$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

Eliza

Dined 3 days ago

We ordered the patê, the lobster bisque, the bone marrow, the wedge salad, and the short ribs and everything was absolutely delicious The service was great, we didn’t wait for anything. The entire house slayed

Local Street Eats

4.9

4.9 (42)

$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

LindaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Local Street Eats is a GEM! The food is different, delicious and made with love, the staff goes above and beyond, and the owner, Elissa, is a master of her craft and passionate about what she does. Along with the cute decor and ambience, Local Street Eats is a delight!

Mike's Italian Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (197)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Nashua

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mike's Italian Kitchen. Mike's is the the most recent creation of the Michael Timothy's Dining Group. Mike's Italian Kitchen is in our flagship location at 212 Main St in downtown Nashua, where it all began. Our chef/owner Michael Buckley has always been inspired by classic Italian food, a food that evokes comfort, family and fun. The menu at Mike's Italian Kitchen is a modern interpretation of classic Italian comfort food. Select regional Italian wines add to the enjoyment of a meal celebrated with friends, family and colleagues.

Top review

Norman

Dined 4 days ago

Entire experience was outstanding. Great food, great company and service was exceptional. Will be back soon.

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