Portsmouth, New Hampshire is one of my favorite seacoast towns in New England. In addition to beaches, great shopping, and beautiful parks, Portsmouth has a thriving restaurant scene. It has everything from breweries to ice cream shops and most are family friendly. With so many options, how can you choose? Here are my top 10 picks:
10. Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café
What I like best about this restaurant is how fresh their seafood is. Some of their fish comes daily from local fishermen. It has a comfortable atmosphere and is located just two blocks from Market Square. Jumpin’ Jays is welcoming to families and the staff went out of their way to make my girls feel at home when we went for lunch. They have a wonderful raw bar and a large selection of seafood meals.
What I recommend: Yellowfin Tuna (It has fried Brussel sprouts, mushroom gremolata, and a wasabi aioli)
Address: 150 Congress Street
Phone number: 766-FISH
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jumpinjays/
9. BG’s Boathouse
Located away from the crowds of downtown, this family-owned restaurant has been serving their customers since 1978. It has a great deck that overlooks a marina and kids will be entertained watching the boats come and go. There’s nothing fancy about this casual restaurant so it is the perfect place to stop for a meal and a cold beer after a long day at the beach. My daughter loves that there are clam strips on the kid menu. It is welcoming and the staff will make you feel like family.
What I recommend: Lobster Roll
Address: 191 Wentworth Rd
Phone number: 431-1074
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgs_boathouse/
8. Row 34
Although this is an amazing restaurant, it is more for an adult-only night out. The beautiful, classy décor has a huge bar as it’s focal point. Their cocktails are incredible and since they have $1 oysters daily, it is a wonderful place to go for a late lunch.
What I recommend: Fish Tacos (It include citrus slaw, avocado, Fresno crème.)
Address: 5 Portwalk Place
Phone number: 319-5011
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/row34nh/
7. River House
I swear, I don’t know of any restaurant on Bow Street that is not amazing, and the River House is no exceptions. It is a great place to sit on the deck and enjoy the beauty of the Moran tugboats in the harbor. During colder months you can enjoy their glass dining room so you can soak up the sunshine. If you just want a drink, head up to their cocktail deck. They also have a tavern and bar. It’s like having multiple restaurants in one. No matter where you sit, you can’t go wrong.
What I recommend: Seafood Chowder (It has lobster, scallops, shrimp, clams, and haddock in a creamy base.)
Address: 53 Bow Street
Phone number: 431-2600
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverhousenh/
6. Portsmouth Brewery
The brewery is a casual place to sit back and relax after exploring Portsmouth. Located right in downtown, it is the perfect spot to kick back, eat a burger, and sample some local beer. Although it is a brewery, it is very welcoming to families and has food you don’t normally see on kid menus, like nachos and BLT sandwiches.
What I recommend: Famous Mussels (Made with a Blonde Ale broth)
Address: 56 Market Street
Phone number: 431-1115
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portsmouthbrewery/
5. Friendly Toast
Expect a long wait if you head here on a weekend because people line up to eat at the restaurant that serves the best breakfast in town. The funky vibe, eclectic décor, and the vast number of items to look at on the walls will ensure your kids do not get bored. Although they have a large menu that includes sandwiches and burgers, I only ever eat breakfast here because they have such creative ways of changing up breakfast favorites.
What I recommend: Smoked Salmon Benny (I don’t do the Hollandaise sauce.)
Address: 113 Congress Street
Phone number: 430-2154
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_friendly_toast/
4. The Flatbread Company
We discovered this amazing flatbread restaurant in North Conway and it has become a favorite for the entire family. Kids and adults will love watching the flatbreads being made in the wood-fired clay ovens that take center stage. This place is an organic eater’s dream! You don’t have to worry about what you are feeding the kiddos because they use only the best ingredients. You can’t go wrong ordering anything off of the menu of this hip, casual, place. The location is great if you’re enjoying downtown.
What I recommend: Portsmouth Community Flatbread– (organic caramelized onions, organic mushrooms, mozzarella and parmesan cheese baked on organic bread dough)
Address: 138 Congress Street
Phone number: 436-7888
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flatbreadportsmouth/
3. Poco’s Bow Street Cantina
Located right on beautiful Bow Street, you’ll enjoy an amazing meal on one of their two decks, with a great view of the Pescataqua River. Weather not cooperating? Their two indoor seating areas are just as fun. If you like margaritas, then you have to try one here. (My favorite is the Sunburned Margarita.) The staff is courteous and I always get a relaxed “summer” vibe, no matter what the season is.
What I recommend: Lobster Quesadillas (Made with big chunks of lobster, caramelized onions, spinach, corn, and cheese.)
Address: 37 Bow Street
Phone number: 431-5967
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocoscantina/
2. Surf
We fell in love with Surf in Nashua, NH, and the one in Portsmouth is just as amazing! (They also own MT’s in Nashua.) In addition to the freshest seafood, you are treated to a gorgeous view, which is exactly what I love when I’m on the seacoast. The service is always top-notch. Expect a wait, but it will be worth it.
What I recommend: Raw Bar Sampler. (It is served on a tiered platter and has a perfect selection from their raw bar. We always get extra oysters.)
Address: 99 Bow Street
Phone number: 334-9855
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfseafood/
1. Franklin Oyster House
The oyster house is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Portsmouth. Grab a seat at the bar and watch as they shuck oysters throughout the night. Their menu is constantly changing and they always put a creative twist on their food. The atmosphere is hip, yet inviting. The cocktails are unique and always point-on. You’ll want to stay all night!
What I recommend: Brussels (Roasted Brussel sprouts with Vietnamese sauce, cilantro, and peanuts. I tried to recreate the recipe for Thanksgiving but I didn’t come close.) You also must get oysters!
Address: 148 Fleet Street
Phone number: 373-8500
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefranklin_portsmouth/
What is your favorite restaurant in Portsmouth?