Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

andrewdelnorte t1_jdyhkuj wrote

Greenleaf in Milford is phenomenal, the chef was on a recent season of top chef. It’s high end, and really really good!

84

Sandi_T t1_jdyjiac wrote

110 Grill in Stratham. You don't even get to see prices. ;)

−17

DerekPDX t1_jdyjvmv wrote

The Bedford Village Inn is a good fancy restaurant, perfect for what you're looking for.

47

WankyMyHanky603 t1_jdykdwa wrote

Just across the border. Dufour in south Berwick is a phenomenal place for a date

12

astrochellie1800 t1_jdyln34 wrote

If you live south of manchester... just go to Boston or Massachusetts man. East or North or Manchester, I recommend Cure in Portsmouth. Small menu that changes every month. Intimate location, you /need/ to make a reservation most times. Had the best steak of my life there. But I typically will get the roast duck breast. My boyfriend and I have been going there for 5 years, and have yet to be disappointed. The weather should also bee good this time of year and portsmouth is a good walking city with plenty to do and sights to see. You can even catch a theater performance if you want to round out the night

1

WickedCurious t1_jdylx82 wrote

Vino e Vivo in Exeter. Be sure to make a reservation. It’s above everything else, including anything in Boston.

28

PrometheusOnLoud t1_jdym0ni wrote

The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport isn't what it used to be but it's still high-end and not far from SoNH.

4

ttcmzx t1_jdyosmn wrote

Surf in Portsmouth and also Nashua

13

DeepNortherner t1_jdypuzy wrote

Some good options on here so I’m mixing it up - Black Trumpet in Portsmouth

Cozy brick building vibes inside with the water and the tug boats right outside

18

RunAccomplished6085 t1_jdzaw55 wrote

Stages at one Washington in Dover is exceptional. We also love the Hanover St Chophouse. Consistently good with great martinis 🍸

10

HaggisMcD t1_jdzbpvp wrote

I haven’t been there, but I heard Otis in Exeter is pretty fancy.

4

OrdinaryCause6782 t1_jdzghtk wrote

Replying to BlackJesus420 (#2,408,023)

2nd this. Chef is a multiple finalist for the James Beard award for best in New England. I went there for an anniversary and was blown away by the food and ambiance. The place is very small and exclusive, reservation well in advance is required.

24

Popular-Attention216 t1_jdzitfa wrote

The steaks at the Lost Fire in Kennebunkport are incredible. Best I’ve had in the US. Worth a little longer drive.

1

TheScienceTM t1_jdzjm4c wrote

Hanover st chophouse. One of the few true high end places in the area.

32

FTheOldWest t1_jdzn14f wrote

Cotton in Manchester The granite in concord

2

underratedride t1_jdznppa wrote

10 years ago I’d say Firefly in Manchester. It was phenomenal and I never had a bad experience or meal there.

Our last visit was just “ok”. It was still better than most experiences, but it wasn’t like it had been the other times. Meal was still good, maybe it was a one-off, but that’s my two cents.

6

Papapeta33 t1_jdzpo30 wrote

Greenleaf is one of the best, if not the best, restaurant in New Hampshire. The only other restaurant that we’ve found to be competitive with it is Inn On Pleasant Lake.

8

Dr_Explosion_MD t1_jdzrs31 wrote

A couple of my friends like Martha’s Exchange in Nashua.

EDIT: Apparently this is a bad idea. I’ve never been.

−2

catlover_2254 t1_jdzs146 wrote

Has anyone been to the Mile Away in Milford lately? That used to be quite good but I haven't been in years.

1

Nicbudd t1_jdzs5rb wrote

Revival in Concord or Cotton in Manchester.

3

1zabbie t1_jdzsbrm wrote

Hanover Street Chophouse in Manchester, Massimo’s in Portsmouth, Bedford Village Inn in Bedford, The Library in Portsmouth. These recommendations are rank ordered.

3

MsTomHardy t1_jdzsser wrote

I LOVE Cava in Portsmouth. It is a teeny, romantic spanish restaurant with an always changing 4 course menu.

If you want to take a drive…Earth at Hidden Pond is so gorgeous and special.

18

theprincessmorbid t1_jdzto66 wrote

Revival in Concord. I would say it's "fine dining light". Farm to table, excellent service, you must make a reservation as it books up quickly. They also have an extensive whiskey menu.

9

nakedhotsauces t1_jdztwbz wrote

Fire and Spice Bistro in Newfields. It isn’t super fine dining but it’s a beautiful little old barn filled with a ton of charm, great food and great service!

5

Hossbog t1_jdzu8kp wrote

Replying to Dr_Explosion_MD (#2,413,932)

Place is a shit hole, food sucks, it’s mostly frozen cysco crap/bar food. “Home brewed” beer tastes like metal. Their chocolate/desert counter is nice/good.

This place is like a non-chain Cheesecake Factory that is overpriced for what it is. Definitely would not call it a fancy restaurant either.

5

NightAngel9360 t1_jdzugvc wrote

Cotton in Manchester. Great atmosphere, and spot on seasonal food.

4

Stupid56 t1_jdzuu84 wrote

Bavaria German restaurant in Hooksett.

1

KrissaKray t1_jdzv9aa wrote

Buckley's is really good but for *high* end I would highly recommend the BVI in Bedford, the Hanover St Chophouse in Manchester or Greenleaf in Milford. Not many places have compared to those imo.

6

Odd-Chapter756 t1_jdzx4ll wrote

The Tuckaway tavern and butchery in Raymond, NH.

−2

Cananbaum t1_je003kt wrote

Cava in Portsmouth; Hanover St Chophouse in Manchester; CR’s in Hampton is my favorite

1

doobette t1_je04sh3 wrote

MT's Local Kitchen in downtown Nashua. It's phenomenal.

1

[deleted] t1_je06jpf wrote

Replying to RunAccomplished6085 (#2,416,435)

It's been years since that last time I went, so there is always the possibility that they have revamped the type of offerings. I went when they were relatively new and the chef was doing a lot of spoonful sized servings that were impressive, but not at all sustaining.

2

[deleted] t1_je08gd3 wrote

Replying to RunAccomplished6085 (#2,416,710)

I'm always looking for good spots as well! I love NH, but the food scene sometimes leaves a little to be desired. Many of the ones already mentioned here are pretty good. I like The Black Trumpet , Cava and Moxy as well. One that isn't listed that I found to be pretty good is Otis in Exeter. I've since moved to the Western part of the State and haven't been there in a few years, but it used to be pretty good.
For a solid dining experience that is a little elevated but not "fancy", I'm fond of The Foundry in Manchester as well as The Firefly and Birches on Elm. All solid places, in my opinion.

2

Neighborhood_Lesbian t1_je08j0f wrote

Gibbot Hill, in Groton. Not in NH but it's a short drive into mass. They make farm fresh food they grow there. I haven't been in a couple years but it was very good when I went.

4

dml03045 t1_je096rw wrote

Hanover Street Chophouse. A surprisingly posh steak restaurant right in Manchester. Valet parking, is available so don’t worry about finding a spot.

1

coffee_champ t1_je09la3 wrote

Grazing Room at Colby Hill Inn in Henniker is a wonderful spot. Menu changes often. Staff is wonderful. Great special occasion spot.

1

lellololes t1_je0awzq wrote

Replying to catlover_2254 (#2,413,966)

It feels way past its prime. I haven't had a bad experience there but I haven't really had a great one either. They are nice, the food is middling to decent. It feels like a good place to take an elderly family member to. It has been a few years since I've been but I feel like they have not really changed anything and have cut some corners. The pictures on online reviews seem to indicate that nothing significant has changed since I was there last.

If I were reviewing it, I'd give it 3 stars out of 5. I think they need some new blood and a taste of modernity.

2

[deleted] t1_je0c072 wrote

Replying to RunAccomplished6085 (#2,417,495)

That's sad to hear about the Birch, I wasn't aware. The best place for cocktails that I know of in Manchester is the Industry East. Imo, they're phenomenal! Give it a try if you haven't already. Food is good, too! - Enjoy!

2

lellololes t1_je0d5f8 wrote

Hanover St Chophouse - Upscale steakhouse, very good food, traditional in style - definitely on the stuffy side. The sort of place you dress up to go to. Steak is excellent, other stuff is good but not creative.

Forge and Vine - Technically in MA but it's close by. Upscale but not stuffy, farm to table, nice variety of food. It's a hit with my foodie friends too. It strikes a nice balance between having some creativity and some tradition. The nearby Gibbet Hill Grill is also very good and is the best not stuffy steakhouse in the area.

Black Trumpet - Upscale, modern, more interesting food. Smaller portion sizes but you won't leave starving. It's in a nice part of Portsmouth too.

Greenleaf - I feel like my experience there was perhaps not on par with others. I'd definitely be willing to give it another shot. When I was there a couple dishes were great and a couple were meh. Also the waitress felt like she had been hired to work at a diner. So my one experience wasn't flawless but there were definitely bright spots with the food.

1

Dull_Broccoli1637 t1_je0kwyc wrote

I really enjoy the Carriage House in Rye, Black Trumpet and Cure in Portsmouth.

Really just depends on your definition of high end. But Carriage House and Cure are amazing.

Cornicello and Vino e Vivo in Exeter is great as well.

Personally I find Toscana in Portsmouth overrated.

3

duckpenguinss t1_je0nbih wrote

Just get chicken tenders from the puritan they’ll be better than any high end restaurant probably

1

duckpenguinss t1_je0nc21 wrote

Just get chicken tenders from the puritan they’ll be better than any high end restaurant probably

1

Advanced_Cry_5590 t1_je0qnsh wrote

How about The Common Man ? I actually work at the one in Windham. Great food and atmosphere

0

nh3someNH t1_je0rkd8 wrote

Check out the Hanover Street chophouse in Manchester, surf in Nashua, Buckley's great steaks in Merrimack

1

quaffee t1_je126l1 wrote

Replying to Chimney-wizard (#2,415,141)

If your only gauge of restaurant quality is the price, you may be in the wrong place.

I went here recently and thought the meals were thoughtfully created, sensibly-portioned, and had interesting ingredients that were responsibly sourced. The waitstaff were kind and knowledgeable, and probably paid what they're worth.

If course it's going to cost a bit, but this kind of place is an every-once-in-a-while luxury experience, not a quotidien buffet.

4

besafenh t1_je12f7i wrote

Replying to theprincessmorbid (#2,414,222)

Revival Kitchen & Bar would be my #1 choice for excellent food with consistent quality in NH. Other places may have a stellar night, followed by a “what happened?” second or third visit experience. Chef Fletcher has maintained his ability to deliver an excellent dining experience, on-par with some notable Maine institutions.

4

Impressive-Two-3681 t1_je13po2 wrote

Rick’s Food & Spirits 143 Main Street, Kingston, NH 03848

Hidden gem of the best food and service around in a small town.

3

besafenh t1_je14ru1 wrote

Replying to boston_shua (#2,412,823)

Chef Jethro Loichle honed his skills under the eye of Chef Pierre Gignac at 98 Provence.

Like Larry Matthews of Back Bay Grill, Pierre’s exhortation to use a light touch: “let the food be the food” ensures the ingredients are enhanced to perfection, not bludgeoned to death.

3

chris061608 t1_je1jrvz wrote

Gibbet hill right over the border in Groton is very good

1

Chimney-wizard t1_je1m3d9 wrote

Replying to quaffee (#2,422,036)

Price is a factor. For the money it was average at best, octopus wasn’t good, duck fat biscuit was hard and boring, PastaAmore has a much better seafood risotto, 4 people at the table disliked the mixed drinks and the dessert was just okay. We all agreed it wasn’t worth going back. I would happily spend the same money or more at any of Mike Buckley’s restaurants, Hannover st chophouse, Sunas, Burdicks, The Pearl or Del Rossi’s. Our server was really great, I just wish he didn’t have to apologize for the kitchen and bar.

5

quaffee t1_je1rbah wrote

Replying to Chimney-wizard (#2,425,537)

Interesting, sorry to hear that. IIRC the duck was the priciest entrée at ~$55, so I can understand being disappointed if it wasn't done correctly. Duck is not difficult to prepare if you know what you're doing! Neither my wife nor I ordered the duck, but our experience was quite different from what you're describing.

3

Historical-Event5778 t1_je1t4sn wrote

The thing about going to Portsmouth is that you can make a whole evening out of it regardless of where you choose to eat. You can dine and then walk around the city/Strawberry Banke which is always fun!

So Black Trumpet, the Cure, Massimo’s, and Toscana Italian steakhouse are all great. Honorable mention to Martingale Wharf because of the awesome seating location right on the water. Ambience is wonderful.

3

Cullen7777 t1_je1tev8 wrote

Colby Hill Inn Henniker. Thank me later

1

bp67293 t1_je1tzm6 wrote

MT’s Local in Nashua. About as normal a “high-end” restaurant you can get (in a good way)

1

kitchinsink t1_je23s6h wrote

The Library in Portsmouth.
Martingale Wharf in Portsmouth.

Stages at One Washington in Dover is actually one of my favorite for high end on the seacoast. It's a top-chef like experience with the guy who won Chopped 3x, Chef Evan Hennessey.

1

zeus6793 t1_je2ezsa wrote

For the ultimate 5 star experience, the Bedford Village Inn can't be beat. Another would be Americus, part of the Labelle Winery in Derry.

1

HarleyMan0001 t1_je2r0d9 wrote

Three Chimneys Inn in Durham is beautiful romantic and great cuisine! Plus, you can book an overnight stay!

3

Discussion_Murky t1_je30ro8 wrote

Labelle Winery in Amherst is excellent. Haven't been to the one in Derry.

1

joostadood526 t1_je34uhg wrote

Any of Michael Buckley's restaurants. Buckley's Great Steaks, any of the Surfs and of course his OG MTs Local Kitchen and Wine bar.

1

Square-Sprinkles-777 t1_je3ebw8 wrote

Green Elephant (Portsmouth) atmosphere, creativity, service, drinks- vegan Thai food that will turn even the worst skeptic into a believer

Otis (Exeter) formal and fun, make sure to get the late reservation so you don’t feel rushed

Massimo (Portsmouth) elegant, upscale Italian with top notch service

Cava (Portsmouth) quaint, great wine list, wonderful service (make reservations well in advance and ask for an upstairs table)

**if you like more of a fun night out / date night, I’d highly recommend getting drinks and appetizers at the Envio Rooftop Bar followed by a night of live jazz/swing music and dancing at Jimmy’s on Congress topped off with some good ole down-to-earth late night tacos at Barrio (Portsmouth).

Alternatively, if you want to take a ride over the bridge to Kittery, then you can find yourself a little table at The Wallingford Dram for some of the best drinks in the seacoast and follow it up with terrific Korean food at the next door Anju Noodle Bar.**

2