Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Carriage House

4.9

4.9 (1239)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Rye

About the restaurant

The Carriage House, an oceanfront, modern New England restaurant and raw bar, is open at 2263 Ocean Boulevard on scenic Rye Beach, New Hampshire. Just outside Kittery, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire and one hour away from Portland, Maine or Boston, Massachusetts. Committed to honoring the restaurant’s rich traditions rooted in hospitality. Join us for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, sip a cocktail by our working fireplace, or take in the ocean views!

Top review

Dana Robert

Dined on 16 Oct 2026

This restaurant excels in every category, from food quality and presentation to service and atmosphere. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Maine sea scallops served over stone-ground grits, and the cocktails were perfectly balanced. With our 40th wedding anniversary approaching, the restaurant added a thoughtful personal touch by decorating our dessert plate for the spiced apple cake. That extra gesture made the experience even more memorable. From start to finish, everything was exceptional. While the restaurant is on the pricier side, the quality, attention to detail, and overall experience made it a special occasion worth celebrating. Truly flawless!

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4.8

4.8 (1114)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Manchester

About the restaurant

The Crown Tavern will be the perfect spot to unwind and savor the end of the day. Located in the heart of Manchester’s central downtown, The Crown is a place where you'll come to relax with friends, grab a drink, share some tasty bites, and enjoy the night as it unfolds.

Top review

LynnGold

Dined 4 days ago

Tuesday is $1 shrimp and oysters so that was an amazing start to the meal. Love their kale salad with salmon and they did not disappoint! Also had a slice of the traditional pizza with pepperoni and sausage and enjoyed that as well. It was pretty loud in there but it didn’t bother my group. Service was great!

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Popular dish

Salmon Salad

The Colosseum Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (941)

$30 and under

Italian

Salem

About the restaurant

The Colosseum Restaurant is an award-winning Italian restaurant offering elegant surroundings and exquisite Southern Italian cuisine. Opened in 1987 by Chef Annibale Todesca, the Colosseum has become an established favorite for diners in Salem, NH and the Merrimack Valley. Chef Annibale Todesca serves the same authentic Southern Italian cooking that he enjoyed growing up in Italy. Like many generations of Todescas, he ventures to the market every day to ensure that he cooks with only the freshest vegetables, seafood and highest quality meats. Please stop by for lunch or dinner. It will be our pleasure to serve you.

Top review

RobertGold

Dined on 13 Oct 2026

We are frequent guests at the Colosseum. I believe it is consistently hood in every aspect - service, food quality, ambience and Salvatore is a great bartender

Evolution Bistro & Bar

4.7

4.7 (207)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Introducing Evolution Bistro & Bar, where modern American cuisine meets a European flair. This exciting new destination promises a dynamic menu, blending bold, contemporary flavors with timeless European influences. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dining experience or a vibrant spot for cocktails, Evolution Bistro & Bar will elevate your nights out in downtown Manchester! Stay tuned for more details and sign up to be among the first to experience this culinary evolution!

Top review

greg

Dined 7 days ago

Great food, great drinks and awesome service. Thank you Rebecca and team!!

Lost Cowboy Tap Room

4.6

4.6 (25)

$31 to $50

Barbecue

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Located inside Buckley's Market at 60 Penhallow St, comes, Lost Cowboy Taproom! Portsmouth's new favorite spot for incredible BBQ, Bourbon and Beer! Serving up our very own locally brewed Lost Cowboy Drafts, along with an array of perfected curated rotating drafts, curated cocktails and a top-notch bourbon selection.

Top review

Tracy

Dined 7 days ago

Fun vibe, tasty comfort food done really well. Immaculate cleanliness. Service was prompt, polite and friendly. The portions are big; had to bring home leftovers. This has become our new favorite place eat for casual dining.

74 Main at Millstone

4.5

4.5 (921)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

New London

About the restaurant

Millstone @ 74 Main is a long-standing New London, New Hampshire restaurant serving a diverse menu of exceptional cuisine, including seafood, meat, and salads, in a welcoming setting perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks. In the warmer months, we offer outdoor seating on our front porch or garden patio.

Top review

John

Dined 7 days ago

Nice quiet restaurant. It was a busy Saturday night. The food was outstanding - both the appetizers and the main entress. There were lots of options.

The Galley Hatch

4.5

4.5 (914)

$30 and under

American

Hampton

About the restaurant

Established in 1970 by the late Mike and Kay Tinios, the Galley Hatch has been a seacoast favorite restaurant for 50 years. An extensive menu offers traditional American Food highlighting New England seasonality and serves lunch and dinner daily. Collectively, the Three Dining rooms, Tap Room, and four season Lower Deck, provide seating for over 400 guests. With sky-lit dining areas, a fireplace, wooden booths, and large round tables, The Galley Hatch boasts a charming and cozy New England ambiance.

Top review

Ashley

Dined on 12 Oct 2026

A consistent local favorite. Service, food, and drinks are always perfect.

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Experience

Hatch Happy Hour

The Derryfield Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (29)

$30 and under

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Experience the best of Manchester at The Derryfield. Set against the rolling greens of the Derryfield Country Club, our restaurant offers a stunning escape right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re joining us for a sunrise breakfast, a casual lunch, or an intimate dinner, our dining room and lounge provide the perfect backdrop. In the warmer months, nothing beats a cocktail on our famous deck.

From the local live music scene to the big game on our screens, we are Manchester’s premier destination for entertainment. Planning a milestone? Our elegant ballroom and dedicated event team turn everything from corporate meetings to dream weddings into unforgettable, seamless realities.

Top review

Maureen

Dined 3 days ago

Girls' night was fun. Food was delicious, service was great! We will do it again very soon

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Experience

Girl Dinner Every Wednesday from 4pm - 8pm

Experience

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Derryfield

110 Grill - Manchester

4.2

4.2 (499)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Manchester

About the restaurant

An upscale, casual restaurant with an approachable atmosphere featuring open kitchens, large horseshoe-shaped bars, and inviting outdoor patios with firepits. Whether you're enjoying a glass of Cabernet with a ribeye, grabbing a burger or beer at the bar, or sipping sangria by the firepit with your friends, you'll feel right at home.

Our menu is driven by fresh and seasonal ingredients, prepared in a primarily scratch kitchen, and offers something for every guest and every occasion. Behind the bar, our team crafts seasonally inspired cocktails that complement our dishes and elevate every visit.

We proudly offer a 100% gluten free core menu, making us an inclusive dining decision for all. We have been nationally recognized by AllergyEats as one of the Top Ten Allergy Friendly Restaurant Brands, which reflects our commitment to hospitality, safety and great food.

Top review

PearlGold

Dined on 9 Oct 2026

A great experience as always! The hot honey chicken sandwich is my go-to. The gluten-free pickle chips are delicious! Our server was very attentive, helpful and friendly. Our party had a person with Celiac disease and a person with a shellfish allergy. We very much appreciate that this restaurant is so accommodating for various dietary restrictions. It is truly wonderful.

Napoletana Pizzeria and Bar

3.7

3.7 (149)

$30 and under

Italian

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Right in the heart of Market Square, featuring Neapolitan style pizza, artisan Italian dishes and craft cocktails, our dining room and bar provide the setting for a unique and memorable experience

Top review

Emily

Dined on 12 Oct 2026

We had a great meal. Good food, good service, great location. Loved it!

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