Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Laconia Local Eatery

4.9

4.9 (46)

$30 and under

American

Laconia

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Tabetha

Dined 5 days ago

Great spot if you’re near Laconia/Gilford. Delicious food and great service. Chocolate espresso dessert was divine!

Cure Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1462)

$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

JosephVIP

Dined on Jul 21, 2025

Interesting menu, delicious food and excellent service. Superb.

The Puddle Dock

4.8

4.8 (996)

$31 to $50

American

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

We are excited to announce we have been awarded a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025!

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 and Posset are among the favorites!

Top review

Carrie

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing food and service! Free parking (a rarity in Portsmouth). The chef is top-notch and the place is super cute!

Local Street Eats

4.8

4.8 (51)

$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

Kathleen

Dined on Jul 15, 2025

Do not miss the gochujang cauliflower! It's truly amazing! Our two summer salads -- one is strawberry feta arugula, one is watermelon buffalo mozz -- were lovely as well!

Firefly American Bistro - New Hampshire

4.7

4.7 (2338)

$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

DAWN

Dined 4 days ago

Food, drinks & service was all amazing. Truly enjoyed our first visit there!

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4.6

4.6 (2516)

$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

Andrew

Dined 5 days ago

Our bartender/server Steve was great…food was soooo good…Calamari(Rhode Island Style) rack of lamb and my wife’s Filet!

Epoch Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (927)

$30 and under

American

Exeter

About the restaurant

Epoch Restaurant & Bar is built on the simple idea that superior, local ingredients will speak for themselves. In that spirit we take a modern approach to classic American dishes, sourcing the freshest sustainable foods in support of the region’s families.

Top review

LauraS

Dined on Jul 13, 2025

Birthday celebration with family. We sat outside and it was lovely.

The Common Man Roadside – Millyard

4.5

4.5 (189)

$30 and under

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Common Man Roadside – Millyard!

This new location brings real food, real fast to the TRU by Hilton in Manchester's Millyard. Dine in our full service restaurant or order online and take it to go from our cafe. We will be featuring our Roadside menu with a twist on some dinner favorites.

Top review

Dan

Dined on Jul 9, 2025

We always love the food at this restaurant and the service is always great. At this visit our server was head and shoulders above all our previous visits. And the food was sensational.

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Experience

Do Good. Trivia Night!! August 6th!

Tavern in the Square - Salem

4.6

4.6 (182)

$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

ErinVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Food was excellent, and our waiter was very friendly and accommodating. The Whipped Feta Dip is a must try!

The Galley Hatch

4.6

4.6 (754)

$30 and under

American

Hampton

About the restaurant

Established in 1970 by the late Mike and Kay Tinios, the Galley Hatch has been a seacoast favorite restaurant for 50 years. An extensive menu offers traditional American Food highlighting New England seasonality and serves lunch and dinner daily. Collectively, the Three Dining rooms, Tap Room, and four season Lower Deck, provide seating for over 400 guests. With sky-lit dining areas, a fireplace, wooden booths, and large round tables, The Galley Hatch boasts a charming and cozy New England ambiance.

Top review

Brian

Dined 4 days ago

Hannah was our server and couldn't have been nicer. The Prime Rib melted in mouth. The lobster roll was packed with lobster. Perfect evening all around. Khalua ice cream pie was delicious.

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Experience

Hatch Happy Hour

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