10 Best New Hampshire Restaurants

New Hampshire is famous for dishes like fresh seafood, maple syrup, and apple products. The state's short coastline provides lobster, clams, and haddock, which are featured in menu staples like lobster rolls, fried clams, and fish chowder. Inland, the agricultural landscape yields high-quality maple syrup, used not just on pancakes but also in desserts like maple creemees, and an abundance of apples used for pies, cider, and cider donuts. French-Canadian influences are present in dishes like poutine and savory pork spreads known as gorton or cretons. The state also has a tradition of utilizing wild game, with venison and moose appearing on some restaurant menus.

A meal for one person at an inexpensive restaurant ranges from $11 to $20. The cost for a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is between $60 and $100, with price differences between cities; a meal for two in Manchester is $80, while in Portsmouth the price is $100. Fine dining establishments have a higher price point, with entrees starting in the $30 to $50 range per person.

New Hampshire's fast-food offerings include a mix of national chains and regional favorites. Dunkin' has the most locations in the state, and other prevalent options include McDonald's, Subway, and Wendy's. The most popular fast-food restaurants in New Hampshire are listed below.

• Dunkin': Known for coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches, this chain is widespread across the state.
• Subway: Offers made-to-order sandwiches.
• McDonald's: A classic choice for burgers, fries, and breakfast items.
• Wendy's: Recognized for its square burgers, chili, and Frosty desserts.
• Burger King: Features flame-grilled burgers, including the Whopper.
• Taco Bell: Serves a menu of Mexican-inspired items like tacos and burritos.
• Domino's Pizza: A popular choice for pizza delivery and carryout.
• Five Guys: Known for its customizable burgers, fresh-cut fries, and complimentary peanuts.
• Moe's Southwest Grill: A fast-casual restaurant serving burritos, tacos, and quesadillas with free chips and salsa.
• D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches: A New England-based chain specializing in grilled sandwiches and steak and cheese subs.

New Hampshire's restaurant landscape sees new additions offering a range of cuisines, particularly in Manchester. Recent openings include Raices, serving Mexican food, and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. These new establishments bring fresh dining concepts to their respective communities. The newest restaurants in New Hampshire are listed below.

• Raices: A new restaurant offering authentic Mexican cuisine and a pleasant ambiance in a new space. Located at 2626 Brown Ave Manchester, NH 03103.
• The Dining Room: A fine dining establishment serving New American cuisine as part of the Bedford Village Inn. Located at 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, NH 03110.
• Stash Box: A new restaurant and cocktail bar that specializes in creative burgers and drinks. Located at 866 Elm St Manchester, NH 03101.
• Gumaas Bar and Grill: A bar and grill that serves a menu of African and Caribbean dishes like tail stew and okra. Located at 342 Lincoln St Manchester, NH 03103.
• The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill: A restaurant serving a menu of Greek and Mediterranean favorites, including lamb dishes. Located at 946 S Willow St Manchester, NH 03103.
• Rock N Roll Meatballs: A restaurant with a rock and roll theme that serves a menu of meatballs, sandwiches, and cocktails. Located at 179 Elm St Manchester, NH 03103.
• Evolution Bistro & Bar: A bistro and bar that offers New American cuisine with a focus on seafood and a selection of wines. Located at 930 Elm St Manchester, NH 03101.

Downtown Portsmouth contains a high concentration of well-regarded restaurants offering a variety of cuisines within a historic, walkable city center. These establishments are known for their quality food and unique atmospheres. The best restaurants in downtown Portsmouth are shown on this list.

• Black Trumpet Bistro: A chef-owned restaurant in a historic building serving a frequently changing menu inspired by Mediterranean country cuisine.
• Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe: Specializes in upscale and modern seafood dishes, featuring a raw bar and fresh daily catches.
• Cure: An American restaurant with a cozy ambiance, offering a menu that includes steak and seafood.
• The Oar House: Located in an historic maritime setting, this restaurant serves seafood, beef, and poultry with waterfront views.
• Durbar Square Restaurant: Offers Himalayan and Nepalese cuisine with customizable spice levels.
• Toscana Italian Chop House & Wine Bar: Provides an upscale Italian steakhouse experience with a wide selection of wines.
• STREET: Features an eclectic menu of international street food from around the world in a vibrant setting.

Yes, there are lunch spots in New Hampshire worth trying, including The Goods Market, Tucker's, and Cheese Louise. The Goods Market in downtown Portsmouth provides wholesome breakfast and lunch items, including coffee, salads, and sandwiches, in a welcoming setting. Tucker's, with multiple locations, serves breakfast and lunch daily, focusing on dishes made with local and organic ingredients. Cheese Louise has locations in Portsmouth and North Conway, offering creative grilled cheese sandwiches, craft beer, and cocktails.

Yes, there are good places for dinner in New Hampshire, such as The Foundry, Hanover Street Chophouse, and Copper Door Restaurant. The Foundry, located in Manchester's millyard, has a rustic-chic atmosphere and a seasonal menu focused on farm-to-table ingredients. Hanover Street Chophouse in Manchester is a high-end steakhouse known for its prime cuts of meat, seafood, and extensive wine list. Copper Door Restaurant, with locations in Bedford and Salem, presents American cuisine in an upscale but comfortable setting suitable for a relaxed yet refined dinner.

New Hampshire offers a selection of restaurants serving vegan food, such as Sustinere, Willows Plant-Based Eatery, and The Green Elephant. Sustinere in Portsmouth is a fully plant-based restaurant offering a seasonal menu of creative dishes. Willows Plant-Based Eatery in Concord specializes in vegan comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and mac and cheese. In Portsmouth, The Green Elephant is an Asian-inspired vegetarian restaurant with a large number of vegan dishes on its menu. The Friendly Toast, with locations in Portsmouth and Bedford, has a dedicated vegan section on its menu with creative breakfast and lunch dishes. Pressed Cafe, with several locations, provides numerous vegan options including sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls. Cafe Indigo in Concord is a vegetarian cafe known for its vegan baked goods and lunch specials.

Restaurants in New Hampshire that serve gluten-free food include Burtons Grill & Bar, Bite Me Kupcakez, and Popovers on the Square. Burtons Grill & Bar in Nashua has a dedicated gluten-free menu with a wide range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and follows strict protocols for preparation. Bite Me Kupcakez in Merrimack is a dedicated gluten-free and nut-free bakery offering cupcakes, cakes, and other treats. Popovers on the Square, with locations in Portsmouth and Epping, provides gluten-free versions of its signature popovers, sandwiches, and entrees. The Friendly Toast in Portsmouth and Bedford offers a separate gluten-free menu with numerous breakfast and lunch items.

New Hampshire's most famous cuisines are classic American comfort food and fresh seafood. These styles of cooking are shaped by the state's agricultural heritage, proximity to the Atlantic, and cultural history. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in New Hampshire.

• Seafood: The state's short but productive coastline provides fresh lobster, haddock, clams, and oysters. These ingredients are central to popular dishes such as lobster rolls, baked haddock, fried clams, and fish chowder.
• American Comfort Food: Taverns and pubs throughout the state serve hearty, traditional dishes. Pot roast, meatloaf, shepherd's pie, and macaroni and cheese are staples that fit the state's rustic and cozy image.
• Farm-to-Table: This approach to cooking emphasizes the use of local and seasonal ingredients from New Hampshire's farms. Menus often feature dishes built around local apples, dairy products, root vegetables, and maple syrup.
• French-Canadian: Historical immigration from Quebec has influenced the cuisine, particularly in Manchester and the northern regions. This influence is seen in dishes like poutine, tourtière (a savory meat pie), and cretons (a pork spread).
• Diner Fare: Classic American diners are a feature of the state's food landscape. These establishments are known for serving all-day breakfast, burgers, club sandwiches, and milkshakes in a casual setting.