Best Historic Restaurants in Exeter, New Hampshire

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BostonBoston Metro NorthBoston Metro WestNorthern NHPortsmouth and Merrimack ValleySouthern Coast

Areas

Beacon HillCambridgeCharlestownChelmsfordConcordDover

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

60 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Union Oyster House restaurant

1. Union Oyster House

4.5

Awesome(9051)

€€€€

• Seafood • Faneuil Hall

Booked 129 times today

The Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail, near Faneuil Hall, enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant. This Boston fixture, housed in a building dating back to Pre-Revolutionary days, started serving food in 1826 and has continued ever since with the stalls and oyster bar, where Daniel Webster was a constant customer, in their original positions.

A photo of Epoch Restaurant & Bar restaurant

2. Epoch Restaurant & Bar

4.1

Excellent(912)

€€€€

• American • Exeter

Epoch Restaurant & Bar is built on the simple idea that superior, local ingredients will speak for themselves. In that spirit we take a modern approach to classic American dishes, sourcing the freshest sustainable foods in support of the region’s families.

3. The Puddle Dock

4.8

Exceptional(1282)

€€€€

• American • Portsmouth

Booked 16 times today

We are excited to announce we have been awarded a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025! Located on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Puddle Dock Restaurant proudly offers Modern Colonial feel and fare! Led by esteemed Executive Chef Derek Clough, the Puddle Dock Restaurant will take you back to Colonial America featuring English and American favorites, then snap you back to the present with our modern twists. Chef Derek takes great pride in growing a lot of our vegetables, foraging our mushrooms, and presenting beauty for your palate. His care is evidence in some of our best-loved dishes, Yorkshire Pudding, Portuguese Salted Cod, Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, and our signature Hoe Cake. Be sure to save room for dessert! All our desserts are made in house - Cinnamon Rum Breading and Posset are among the favorites!

4. Riccardo's

4.4

Awesome(2999)

€€€€

• Italian • North End

Booked 10 times today

Riccardo’s Ristorante is a cozy, family-run Italian restaurant in Boston’s historic North End, welcoming guests since 1994. Just minutes from TD Garden—perfect for a Bruins game, Celtics game, or concert night—we’re an ideal spot for dinner before or after events. Follow the Freedom Trail from Faneuil Hall and the Rose Kennedy Greenway and find us across from Paul Revere’s House.Savor our off-menu ricotta-stuffed meatballs (available anytime), classic Chicken Parmigiano, signature Eggplant Rollatini, and spicy Seafood Fra Diavolo. We also offer gluten-free pasta so every guest can enjoy a true North End Italian experience—when you walk in, you’re part of the family.

5. Umbria

4.5

Awesome(801)

€€€€

• Italian • North End

Booked 14 times today

DePasquale ventures newest steakhouse, located in Boston historic North End. Umbria features a modern twist to an Italian steakhouse serving the finest of all Certified Angus Beef.

A photo of Ristorante Massimo restaurant

6. Ristorante Massimo

4.9

Exceptional(3101)

€€€€

• Italian • Portsmouth

Booked 15 times today

Please Note: Online Reservations are for our Main indoor dining room ONLY. Please call us directly for Wine Bar and Terrace reservations. We reserve the right to charge $20.00 per person cancelation fee, please call us by 12:00p.m.. the day of your reservation to avoid possible cancelation fees.**Nestled like a hidden jewel in historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Massimo's warmly lit brick and stone grotto walls, fresh flowers and oil paintings of magnificent Italian landscapes transports guests to Florence, Rome and Venice. Guests relax in a richly appointed atmosphere beneath mahogany-beamed ceilings and private parties unwind in their own intimate dining room. Ristorante Massimo offers authentic dishes from all regions of Italy. From innovative concepts to timeless Italian favorites, our executive chef creates each dish with a distinctive, refined touch as found in some of the world's most celebrated restaurants. **limited dining room availability offered online**

7. Prima

4.8

Exceptional(1451)

€€€€

• Italian • Charlestown

Booked 122 times today

Located on the edge of City Square Park in Charlestown, Prima is an energetic Italian celebration of reimagined classics. Our beautifully restored grand bar and dining room – which overlooks the park as well as the city skyline – strives to honor our building’s past and its prestigious placement at the gate of this historic Boston neighborhood.

A photo of Bostonia Public House restaurant

8. Bostonia Public House

4.5

Awesome(3478)

€€€€

• Contemporary American • Financial District

Booked 76 times today

Bostonia Public House brings vibrant energy and modern flair to a storied corner of Boston’s Financial District. Set inside a beautifully restored historic building, Bostonia pairs elevated American comfort food with inventive cocktails, lively vibes, and warm, genuine hospitality. Our menu celebrates bold flavors and seasonal ingredients, making every visit—from brunch to late-night—a memorable experience. The atmosphere buzzes with charm, whether you’re grabbing after-work drinks, settling in for a celebratory dinner, or exploring our signature cocktails. Bostonia also offers dynamic private event spaces perfect for corporate gatherings, social celebrations, and full buyouts, each supported by a dedicated events team committed to bringing your vision to life. Join us and discover why Bostonia Public House is one of the city’s most inviting and spirited destinations.

9. Euno Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(2634)

€€€€

• Italian • North End

Booked 22 times today

Parties above 7 people are being accepted with special seating arrangements! Please call the restaurant to book your reservation! Nestled in the heart of Boston's historic North End, Euno is a hidden gem serving only the finest in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and wines. From exquisite Seafood to Osso Bucco to tender Pollo Parmigian our culinary artists will create a delightful dish to satisfy each and every palate. And if it's a taste of Americana you desire, please enjoy our classic Filet Mignon or world famous Boston Lobster (served in-season only). Voted Most Romantic and highly recommended by celebrity chef Rachael Ray, we are open nightly for dinner at 5pm. Buon Appetito. Enjoy! If you need to cancel any reservation, please make sure to call the restaurant in advance.

A photo of Ristorante Saraceno restaurant

10. Ristorante Saraceno

4.5

Awesome(1832)

€€€€

• Italian • North End

Booked 20 times today

Born out of our love of fine wines and traditional food, Ristorante Saraceno Italian/Napoletana style cuisine has become the premiere location for fine dining in Boston’s Historic North End. After traveling the Italian regions and sampling different cuisines, we decided to make our way back home and bring Napoli’s best to Boston. Our biggest challenge was finding the right, high-quality ingredients for the dishes we wanted to serve. We are dedicated to offering only the finest and freshest foods. We have also taken great care in assembling a team of only the best chefs and experienced kitchen and dining staff. Come and taste the experience yourself.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jamie
Glasgow/Lanarkshire •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
What a great meal first and foremost. The experience of the place and what it is, is also very cool. Would recommend.
More info
Union Oyster House$$$$• Seafood• Faneuil Hall
•
4.5
L
Laurie and ClarkeGold
Greater Boston •33 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Another lovely evening at the Puddle Dock last night. A very conscientious and skilled staff. The muscles never disappoint, the wine list is vast and appealing, and the Spring green salad is delicious. I’m already looking forward to our next dining experience.
More info
The Puddle Dock$$$$• American• Portsmouth
•
4.8
I
IAN
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great vibrant and upbeat Restaurant Very friendly staff
More info
Umbria$$$$• Italian• North End
•
4.5
S
Shirley
New Hampshire •1 review
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Beautiful restaurant and atmosphere and great food
More info
Ristorante Massimo$$$$• Italian• Portsmouth
•
4.9
D
DonaldGold
Denver / Colorado •53 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 Jun 2026
I have eaten there now multiple times. The chef is really good. I sat in the outdoor space and the setting is incomparable. I have had multiple waiters on my visits and all were very professional. The only thing I might suggest is a couple of lighter main course options now that it is Summer. Altogether, my experience was a delight.
More info
Epoch Restaurant & Bar$$$$• American• Exeter
•
4.1

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