Iconic Portsmouth Local Restaurants to Visit Soon

Located north of Boston, this coastal town serves as a historic must-visit destination in New Hampshire. In 2023, Portsmouth celebrated its 400th anniversary through community spirit and fun events. This spirit can even be experienced through the local food scene. To learn more, read about the best Portsmouth local restaurants.

Best Portsmouth Local Restaurants for Visitors in New Hampshire

Colby’s Breakfast and Lunch

This breakfast and lunch spot has been a local favorite since 2003. One reason why is all food is sourced from locally owned growers and vendors in the area.

To start the day, order a hearty breakfast. Favorite menu items at Colby’s include pancakes, egg entrees, omelets and wraps. For the house special, order the Down East Special. This option has eggs, pancakes or French toast, and choice of meat or veggie sausage. Those coming for lunch will find sandwiches, quesadillas, homemade clam chowder and salads.

The Friendly Toast

The Friendly Toast has multiple locations in New Hampshire. In Portsmouth, visitors enjoy coming here for breakfast and lunch in a friendly atmosphere.

The appetizer menu features breakfast egg rolls and tots. For the main course, visitors enjoy the benedicts, pancakes, waffles, omelets, scrambles, breakfast bowls and breakfast burritos. The Friendly Toast also has a signature brunch menu with quiche, donut sandwiches and monster breakfast. Plus, there vegan and vegetarian options.

Surf Portsmouth

Reservations are recommended for Surf Portsmouth, which ranks among the best Portsmouth local restaurants for seafood. Guests may also sit outside during warmer months.

Open for lunch and dinner, Surf Portsmouth serves small plates, sushi, tacos, sandwiches, and has a raw bar. In addition, visitors may select a Surf Classic. Options feature fresh seafood, steak, surf and turf, and chicken. Their fried platter and baked New England trio offer a mix of the area’s best seafood.

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café sits two blocks from Market Square. This spot has served creative combinations since 2000. Additionally, the restaurant ranks as a favorite for couples and special occasions because it only opens for dinner.

Start with something fresh from the raw bar or a seafood appetizer. For the main entrée, visitors may order salads, catch of the day, or a house specialty. Favorites include clams and linguine, diver scallops, grilled swordfish and seafood fettuccini. Jay’s also has chicken and steak entrees.

Lexie’s Joint

Lexie’s Joint serves lunch and dinner in a fun setting perfect for all ages. Guests also enjoy the casual vibes and American classics.

Lexie’s Joint specializes in burgers. Options come in beef, chicken and bean patties. Depending on the burger, toppings include cheese, onions, tomato, avocado, bacon, herbed aioli, sauces and lettuce. For something different, try the fish tacos, hot dogs or daily special. Don’t forget to top it all off with a fresh milkshake.

Ristorante Massimo

For authentic Italian food in an upscale setting, head to Ristorante Massimo. This gem ranks among the best Portsmouth restaurants for fine dining and local flavor.

Guests come here for dinner and have access to different seating areas. Each has its own menu. The main restaurant serves salads, pasta entrees, pate, seafood, pork loin and steak. In addition, Ristorante Massimo has an extensive wine list. Visitors should note that ingredients come from local growers, and meats are cured in-house.

Green Elephant

A popular spot for Asian cuisine in Portsmouth, Green Elephant creates dishes rooted in Thailand, Malaysia, China and India flavors. The restaurant opens for dinner every day and opens for lunch on Friday and Saturday.

The menu is 100 percent vegetarian friendly. Kick off the meal with veggie spring rolls, curry puffs or hot soy sticks. Afterwards, visitors may order soups, salads and stir-fry specialties. Other options include curry dishes, fried rice entrees and noodle favorites. Many options also cater to vegan and gluten-free customers.

Street

Street in Portsmouth offers a trendy casual vibe that doubles as a good place to hang with friends and family. Visitors come here for lunch and dinner in a fun setting.

The menu features a selection of regional and international favorites. Many even come with some extra spice. Examples include fish tacos, falafel, burgers, Korean dishes, Mexican and noodle bowls, salads, and soups. Guests also enjoy the Thai ribs, curry fries and house-made seafood patty.

After visiting some local restaurants, find more things to do on New Hampshire’s Seacoast.