Restaurants
book your tables now! we’d suggest you book yourself a table for dinner on Friday night (6.19 - aim for 7:00pm) and Sunday (6.21) if you’re staying in town Sunday night.
Ristorante Massimo
A Portsmouth classic with a real sense of occasion. I’d suggest you sit at the bar or at a table upstairs as the vibe is just a little more casual than the downstairs dining room. Don’t miss their signature dish: carbonara!
You can book a table in the formal dining room online but the thing to do is call (603.436.4000 it’s worth it) and ask for a spot upstairs at the bar. Make sure to tell the bartender that you’re friends of ours!
Louie’s
A new arrival on the scene and worth all of the hype. Everything is great, and the service is top notch. Ask them what they love - they’ll take great care of you.
Festina Lente
On the list of our favorite Seacoast pastimes, this is #1: walk across the bridge to Kittery for dinner at Festina. It is nothing fancy but that’s what makes it perfect. Everything on the menu is brilliant for its simplicity. It’s walk-in only and if you’re lucky they won’t have a spot for you right away. If that happens, put your name on the list and go across the street to The Wallingford Dram and have a serious convo with the staff there about what you like in a cocktail; they won’t lead you astray. For food at Festina, our favorites are the radicchio and gorgonzola salad, cacio e pepe, and the lamb bolognese.
The Carriage House
Take a ride down the coast to Rye just before the sun goes down. The Carriage House is a perfect restaurant. They know what they’re doing - try everything.
Botanica
Out in the West End - a great spot for a drink at the bar or a full on meal. The menu changes frequently and the staff is second-to-none. My favorite item on the menu is the cassoulet (typically only available during fall and winter) but there isn’t a bad choice.
Black Trumpet
Another classic Portsmouth restaurant that’s not to be missed. The food is spectacular and the space is really cool - right near the iconic Portsmouth tug boats.
Coffee, breakfast, and bakeries
there are a lot of great places to check out but these are the highlights. we didn’t include The Getty Bagel here because they’ll be catering brunch on Sunday morning.
Wild Valentine
A sweet little shop in the middle of the South End. The coffee is great and their breakfast sandwich is unreal.
Elephantine
There is almost always a line and it’s worth every minute you wait. Their bakery is second-to-none in town. On weekends they make cinnamon rolls that are the best we’ve had. If you’re in a lunch mood grab their ham and butter sandwich.
The Islander Cafe
A good reason for a mini field trip out to New Castle - a super quick drive or a good long walk. Great coffee, a few baked goods, and fun sandwiches and lunch food. Get your snack and go explore the park out by the Coast Guard station.
Lil’s
A staple of Kittery Foreside - a nice walk from Portsmouth (or super short drive). The crullers are legendary and not to be missed.
Lunch
The Buoy Shack
Right on the water on Badger’s Island facing downtown Portsmouth. Really fun cocktails and beer, and a great lobster roll.
Surf
This is a no-brainer, and it’s always very good. The location, view, and level of service can’t be beat. Our favorite items on the menu: Smokin’ Hot and Dirty Martini, Hot Buttered Lobster Sushi Roll, Ginger Scallion Shrimp Burger.
Pepperell Cove
There are a few restaurants on the water in Pepperell Cove. In the summer and early fall, Frisbee Wharf can't be beat for fresh seafood on the water. Oysters, steamers, boiled lobster, the best chicken tenders. I get the Sea Artist cocktail with tequila.
go for a walk!
Peirce Island
It’s a favorite dog-walking spot in the morning but it’s never busy. There’s a beautiful loop that goes around the outside of the island that looks out at the Navy base, New Castle, and then the South End of Portsmouth. If you’re out there at 8AM you’ll hear the national anthem playing on the loudspeaker across the river at the naval base.
New Castle Ave.
We’d suggest you start at Wild Valentine (on South Street) with a coffee and then head out towards New Castle - it’s a beautiful stretch of road and is almost entirely on the water.
The NH Seacoast Greenway
Walk or Bike on a protected path that runs from Portsmouth to Seabrook.
Wallis Sands Beach
nearby towns to explore
Ogunquit, ME
25 minute drive
a really cute seaside town, great little shops and galleries, and a beautiful beach. (GPS to The Front Porch and that’ll drop you right in the center of town.) While you’re there make sure to go see Perkin’s Cove.
Exeter, NH
20 minute drive
more great shopping and food. A great town to walk around and do some shopping. Our favorites are Forest+Ash and Water Street Books! (GPS to either and cruise around)
Kennebunkport, ME
40 minute drive
coastal Americana at it’s finest! Great shopping, beautiful houses and absolutely worth exploring if you’ve got the time. (GPS to The Clam Shack and park wherever you can find a spot).
Newburyport, MA
25 minute drive
even more great shopping and food!
make a week of it!
destinations within a 2.5 hour drive of Portsmouth
Lake Winnipesaukee
Go experience NH’s lakes and mountains region! If it were up to us we’d send you to Wolfeboro for a couple days and tell you to stay at The Pickering House Inn or a nearby Airbnb. Swim, boat, hike, eat ice cream!
Cape Cod, MA
You’ll already be here, you might as well, right?! We’re biased but we love Orleans and Chatham. But there are a bunch of great destinations on the Cape. If you haven’t been to Provincetown - do that but don’t drive. Ditch the rental car in Boston and take the ferry. If you need recommendations on where to stay or eat, give us a shout!
Kennebunkport, ME
Rather than just a day trip - book yourself a hotel or an Airbnb and spend some time up there. There are some incredible restaurants and beautiful beaches to enjoy!
Newport, RI
The dust will have settled from Taylor Swift’s wedding - do the Newport Mansion Walk along the shore!