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

OpenTable

Updated May 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!

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!

Row 34 - Portsmouth

4.8

4.8 (1681)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

We’re Row 34. If we could eat oysters and drink beer for every meal period, we probably would. Professionals Only.

Row 34 serves up a seafood-focused menu in an industrial-inspired setting. Chef/Owner Jeremy Sewall's menu offers fish entrees and an extensive oyster selection, along with craft beers and an eclectic wine list. Classic comfort food side dishes round out the menu.

Visit our sister restaurants: Row 34 Boston, MA, Row 34 Burlington, MA and Row 34 Cambridge, MA

Top review

nickVIP

Dined 4 days ago

A marvelous dining experience. Great weight, staff delicious, seafood, and relaxed vibe.

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Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club

4.7

4.7 (123)

$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

RICK

Dined on May 4, 2025

The venue was outstanding. The server Dominick was awesome and the food was great. The topper was the Vibe of the 2 piece band and the music produced by them.

Not Your Average Joe's Nashua NH

4.6

4.6 (1622)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Nashua

About the restaurant

Not Your Average Joe's Kitchen & Bar offers a menu inspired by American cuisine. Its menu is stylish, contemporary and includes fresh seafood, gourmet pizzas, rice bowls, burgers and creative salad options. For the Gluten Sensitive crowd they offer plenty of options.

Along with an array of beers, its menu includes wines and a wide selection of specialty cocktails. You'll further enjoy a casual and pub-like experience at Not Your Average Joe's Kitchen & Bar. Its décor includes an open kitchen, bench seating and a separate bar area with mounted flat screen televisions all around for watching sporting events.

Located just off Daniel Webster Highway, our Nashua location is conveniently located middle of excellent shopping and entertainment, and outdoor destinations like Sky Meadow Golf Club and the scenic Mines River Falls.

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Great dinner special! Food was excellent. Our server Rich was excellent!!

The Foundry

4.6

4.6 (2509)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Manchester

About the restaurant

We are an American Style Restaurant with a French flair located in the beautiful Manchester Mills in Manchester NH.

**At this time we are excepting reservations for parties no larger than 6 people. There is no exception to this policy. Parties over 6 people may be booked by calling the restaurant. Any parties over 6 people will be sat at separate tables.

**We accept reservations for INSIDE DINING ONLY. Reservation made with patio requests do not guarantee an outdoor table will be available upon arrival and may require an additional wait time. Due to frequent changes in the weather we do not accept reservations for outside and all reservations are for inside dining with preferences noted.

**Due to limited seating availability there is a 2 hour time limit on all patio tables without exceptions.

Masks are mandatory during this time in the restaurant is non-negotiable, Thanks for your patience at this time while we focus on giving the best service possible.

Top review

H. KennethVIP

Dined 3 days ago

My go to place in Manchester for consistently good food and service.

Toscana Chop House

4.6

4.6 (1559)

$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

Jose

Dined 2 days ago

Awesome experience like always. Thank you Alder for taking care of us, we appreciate you!

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Popular dish

Cannoli Trio

Popular dish

10oz Barrel Cut Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Lobster Ravioli

Tavern in the Square - Salem

4.6

4.6 (134)

$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

Jim

Dined 6 days ago

The service was wonderful, the food was great and it was aperfect place to meet friends from Mass.

Dave & Buster's - Manchester, NH

4.5

4.5 (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

4.4

4.4 (159)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Salem

About the restaurant

Elevate your dining experience at The Rooftop, a sophisticated destination where creative cocktails and perfectly paired plates take center stage.

Top review

DjwanVIP

Dined on May 2, 2025

Great experience and nice addition to Tuscan. Food was delicious and the vibes were great for a friday night!

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Experience

Brunch & Beats Experience at The Rooftop

Evolution Bistro & Bar

4.4

4.4 (95)

$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

Colin

Dined 3 days ago

Phenomenal - best local restaurant in southern NH by far!

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