2013 Hot New Restaurants

13 new restaurants for 2013

October 3, 2013

Susan Laughlin,

It's time to get out and discover all the new venues opened by impassioned chefs and owners. There are some fantastic new restaurants in the Granite State that are well worth a trip to check out, including a farm-to-table venture, a sultry jazz-era, New Orleans-inspired spot, fine dining destinations in luxurious hotels and much more. What are you waiting for? You just might find your next new favorite restaurant.

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Pictured: Vegetable "noodles" with scallops from bluAqua Restaurant & Bar in Amherst.

Viva la Mexico at Mixteca. Chef/owner Shannon Bard seems an unlikely Mexican aficionado, but she grew up in Oklahoma with strong ties to south-of-the-border cuisine. Simple treats from made-to-order guacamole to seven salsa choices to beautifully plated entrées set the bar. Look for occasional tequila dinners where Bard gives her creativity free rein. An extensive tequila list is offered through tasting flights and, of course, refreshing margaritas made with fresh-squeezed juices.

Not to Miss: Brunch on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for huevos rancheros con Rojas ($8) with roasted tomato serrano sauce and house-made white corn tortillas. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, too, for mimosas.
Hours: Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Mixteca, 10 Jenkins Ct., Durham
Contact: (603) 397-5971, mixtecataqueria.com

Pictured above: Chef/owner Shannon Bard

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

This sophisticated space is designed in black and white with a touch of blue. The huge aquarium above the bar is just a hint that the seafood at this restaurant is superb. Yes, it’s fresh, and yellowfin tuna for tartare and tuna mignon is flown in twice weekly from Hawaii. Executive Chef Christopher Noble is from New Orleans, so don’t be surprised by the authenticity of the Shrimp Creole, Noble Gumbo or Sazerac cocktail. Vegetarian “noodles” are a nice spin on a vegetable side or perfect for the vegetarian with the meatless balls. Braised short ribs are a locals’ favorite and reveal the influence of Sous Chef Tim Sluski, formerly of Eden. There are plenty of light bites available at the bar for more informal dining.

Not to Miss: The Tuna Mignon ($33)
Hours: Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday
Where: bluAqua Restaurant & Bar, Salzburg Square, 292 Rte. 101, Amherst
Contact: (603) 673-4321, bluaquarestaurant.com

Pictured above: At bluAqua

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Recently renovated by Hay Creek Hospitality, the dining room and Eagle Landing Tavern at the Eagle Mountain House soar once again. Find all the New England charm and great views with a stepped-up attitude. Updated classic regional fare by Chef Dale Raymond is served on fine china and white tablecloths alongside gracious stemware. His house-made gnocchi with a light cheese sauce is reminiscent of mac n’ cheese. The spinach salad is served with crumbled walnut brittle made in house and dressed with a blackberry vinaigrette. For meat and potato lovers there is an aged sirloin steak served with a small pitcher of balsamic glaze and topped with a rich and savory confit of onions. Desserts are made in house with Hatchland Dairy cream, including panna cotta and the crème brûlée served in short mason jars. And the limoncello cheesecake … sorry, I have to stop now.

Hours: Serving breakfast and dinner, daily.
Not to Miss: Dry-aged rib eye steak served with a trio of toppings for the mashed potatoes: bacon marmalade, chives and sour cream ($26)
Where: Eagle Mountain House, 179 Carter Notch Rd., Jackson
Contact: (603) 383-9111, eaglemt.com

Pictured: The great views compliment the exceptional dishes.

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Suddenly it’s the Jazz Era in the ’20s on Elm Street in Manchester. The former Rouge Grille has taken on a sultry personality with Spanish moss dripping from the ceiling while period lights lend a soft glow to the bar. In the lounge set with comfy sofas and chairs, huge caricatures of jazz greats line the walls. Co-owner Liu Vaine wanted a jazz bar and the New Orleans theme just fit, especially when they found a chef with Bourbon Street experience. It’s all here now, from Creole jambalaya to crawfish étoufée to red beans and rice. Of course, there is a muffuletta sandwich and hurricane rum-based drinks.

Hours: Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday and dinner only on Saturday
Where: N’awlins Grille, 860 Elm St., Manchester
Contact: (603) 606-2488, nawlinsgrille.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Sweet yet sophisticated, Graze is the penultimate farm-to-table bistro. The owner, Jeff Deuink, also owns 3J Farms in Danbury where he raises USDA-certified, 100-percent grass-fed beef and humanely raised pork. Other local sources include cheeses and produce from Brookford Farm, in addition to Monterey Bay Seafood Watch List “best choices” for sustainable seafood. The farm’s animals headline the menu with a slow-braised pork belly with smoked paprika sauce and quail egg to chicken breast aside organic kale served with a honey paprika vinaigrette.

Hours: Breakfast and lunch are served daily and dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday. Monday and Tuesday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Not to Miss: Go for the beef; the grass-fed filet mignon ($30) with North Country Smokehouse applewood bacon.
Where: Graze Sustainable Table, 207 Main St., New London
Contact: (603) 526-2488, grazethreej.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

From the cozy farmhouse setting to the generous portions, it’s like visiting family at the High Street Farmhouse. Obviously, Chef Guy Streitburger and his wife Jen love what they do. Several years ago they were displaced from the Pinkerton Tavern in Derry after the restaurant was taken by eminent domain. They have now upped the ante to locally sourced food with a farmhouse twist. Find fork-tender Yankee pot roast or grandma’s chicken pot pie dressed in a buttery puff pastry. The bar is friendly and several local beers are on tap. Good luck on solving those bar puzzles.

Hours: Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Not to Miss: Angus Prime Rib, it’s classic and slow-roasted ($19).
Where: High Street Farmhouse, 9 High St., Goffstown
Contact: (603) 384-1990, cre8stuf.wix.com/highstreet

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Find comfort and plenty of savory appeal at this gorgeous, but hard-to-find location near WMUR-TV on Commercial Street. Italian recipes are classics from the chef’s family and seasoned to perfection. As the name suggests, the red sauce from marinara to puttanesca is the star of the show. Thursdays are martini nights for the ladies ($5).

Hours: Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Open for dinner on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Not to Miss: Spaghetti Bolognese, simply rich meat sauce with semolina spaghetti ($15.95)
Where: Red Sauce Ristorante, 33 S. Commercial St., Manchester
Contact: (603) 232-3487, redsauceristorante.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

A multi-million dollar renovation of the Hanover Inn has taken the dowager from dowdy to dramatic. The restaurant, now dubbed PINE, is a contemporary space softened with sun-washed barn wood walls and steel accents. It’s also been relocated to the corner facing the Dartmouth Green for great views. The menu has been blessed by Chef Michael Schlow of Radius fame, executed by Chef Justin Dain, and it’s heavenly. Regional farm and seasonal ingredients are the mainstay, but presented in an artful manner. Flavors are carefully considered and brought forward. It’s easy to fall in love. Dining here for dinner or even just lunch will be remembered.

Hours: Open for lunch and dinner, daily and brunch on Sunday
Not to Miss: The Hanover Inn Burger ($16) — it’s a gift from above.
Where: PINE Restaurant, 2 East Wheelock St., Hanover
Contact: (603) 646-8000, pineathanoverinn.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

A star in the North Country, The Moonbeam Café in Lancaster is actually the former Moonbeam of Gorham. It’s rare that a restaurant is open for three meals a day, but the Moonbeam manages to excel for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From creative omelets and flavorful home fries to their selection of homemade breads, this café pleases. Soups from scratch from their own garden in season or greenhouse that extends the season are a highlight at lunch, while fresh seafood and handmade pastas headline for dinner. Hours sometimes change. Check Facebook for the latest schedule.

Fall hours: Breakfast is served on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lunch is served Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 or 9 p.m.
Not to Miss: Anadama bread and the Chicken Marsala Christine
Where: The Moonbeam Café, 70 Main St., Lancaster
Contact: (603) 684-1140, themoonbeamcafe.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

The old Richard’s Bistro spot is revived once again with the efforts of Executive Chef Jeff Dudley and his able sidekick Chef Joseph Drift of Saffron Bistro fame (pictured below at left). Fine food here is prepared simply and thoughtfully with just a bit of a twist and a nod to Italian cuisine. Think zucchini frites with curry, meatballs with a basil cream sauce or cumin-spiced duck. Fortunately, Richard’s renown for a great bread continues here, with extraordinary house-baked breads, even buns for the BLT hamburger.

Hours: Open for dinner Tuesday though Saturday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Not to Miss: The grilled beef tenderloin ($30) is tender and flavorful.
Where: 11Eleven Bistro, 36 Lowell St., Manchester
Contact: (603) 218-3353, 11elevenbistro.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

The dining room renovation of the Wentworth brought this old girl into the 21st century. Her finely chiseled bones remain as a nod to the past and touchstone for contemporary cuisine. On-trend presentations are dramatic and Executive Chef Ken Lingle adds a variety of exotic spices, like Grains of Paradise, to bring life to the menu. The new space has contemporary lines, but plenty of warm comfort too. Sit at the chef’s bar to watch the action or bask in elegance in the dining area. It’s all good.

Hours: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily
Not to Miss: Beef carpaccio presented on a Himalayan salt block with flavors of orange, espresso, truffle and pepper cress ($12)
Where: Salt Kitchen & Bar, Wentworth by the Sea Marriott Hotel & Spa, 588 Wentworth Rd., New Castle
Contact: (603) 373-6566, wentworth.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Jay McSharry’s take on re-envisioned Mexican cuisine is housed in a former Friendly’s restaurant. Charming booth seating remains and so does the ice cream made in house, this time with a more creative inclination and local cream. Recently the bar area was expanded so there is more room to start sampling the 40 tequilas and interesting margaritas on the drink list. Specials add interest to the short entrée menu, which features local seafood. Find authentic Mexican cheeses, queso fresco and Oaxaca in enchiladas with slow-roasted chicken or smoked beef brisket. Cod from our coast can be the centerpiece of the fish taco while local flounder is marinated in a ceviche appetizer. Pretty presentations are part of the appeal too. Just love those tiny cast iron skillets.

Hours: Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Not to Miss: After dinner, try the Ibarra chocolate tres leches cake with ancho cream ($6).
Where: Vida Cantina, 2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth
Contact: (603) 501-0648, vidacantinanh.com

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Chef/owner Cheryl Schaefer has taken on breakfast, lunch and dinner at this casual downtown Wilton eatery. Her recipe base is influenced from her travels across the US, and the menu changes weekly to stay tuned to the season and holidays. During this last growing season, Schaefer managed to freeze local strawberries, blueberries, corn and even a pot of roasted tomato soup to serve in the chills of January. Customer favorites that remain on the menu include a traditional wiener schnitzel, maple buffalo chicken wings and pan-seared scallops on a sweet potato purée. Recent specials included mahi mahi with a sherry cream sauce and a pear chutney. All desserts and breads are prepared in house. The key lime pie is a big hit.

Hours: Breakfast and lunch, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both menus served. Dinner Thursday through Saturday
Not to Miss: Homemade bread, fresh jams and the special of the week that features seasonal foods
Where: Roam Café, 47 Main St., Wilton
Contact: (603) 654-3455, facebook.com/RoamCafeNH

Quick links to 2013's Hot New Restaurant reviews

Hopestill Garage

Opening in November, Newmarket
Chef Evan Mallet’s take on interesting casual cuisine with local sourcing

BRGR Bar

Opening in November, Portsmouth at Portwalk Place
Creative burgers and adult milkshakes by Chef Phelps Dieck formerly of the Green Monkey and owner of Brazo. Think NYC.

White Apron Café at Strawbery Banke

14 Hancock St., Portsmouth
thewhiteapron.com/the-white-apron-cafe
Pastries, sandwiches, salads and smoothies and gourmet coffee

Pint Publik House

1111 Elm St., Manchester
ThePintNH.com
Jamaican influence on gastropub dining

Fitzwilliam Inn

62 Rte. 119 West, Fitzwilliam
fitzwilliaminn.com
New local owners take on this inn and dining room.

Cemita Shack

2454 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth
cemitashack.com
Modern take on Mexican sandwiches served on a soft sesame seed bun by the owners of Street 360

Kume

24 Calef Hwy. (Rte 125), Epping
kumesteakhouse.com
Japanese specialties and hibachi tables

Masa Hibachi

1707 S. Willow St., Manchester
masahibachi.com
Sushi and hibachi grill

The Rosa

70 State St., Portsmouth
therosa.com
New owners; same family Italian fare.

Tavola

95 Brewery Ln., Portsmouth
facebook.com/TavolaItalianEatery
New venture by Mojo’s BBQ Grill and Tavern featuring classic Italian-American food

King Hill Kitchen

499 Andover Rd., New London
kinghillkitchen.com
Promising enterprise in a refurbished farmhouse

Ray’s Lobster Landing

219 Lafayette Rd., N. Hampton.
rayslobsterlanding.com
Lobster in many forms, fresh from their own boats

LoMo Restaurant

86 Pleasant St., Portsmouth
lomoportsmouth.com
LoMo's mission is to serve dishes that are primarily made with ingredients supplied from local farms and fishermen. Located in the former Green Monkey space.