New Hampshire’s Hottest New Restaurants
New Hampshire Magazine Editors have selected these 12 hot‚ new Granite State restaurants as standouts in their opening year
Napkins down — New Hampshire foodies have voted with their forks. New restaurants are evoking a casual-yet-hip atmosphere and are embracing the current trends of healthy options, unique items that recognize a variety of dietary restrictions, traditional flavors from far-flung regions and out-of-the-box-style cuisine.
Chefs at both pubs and cautiously upscale eateries are exuding a passion for local sourcing and honest, from-scratch cooking. (Not to mention artistic and comfortable dining environments to match.) Their bars are well stocked with craft beers on draft, while cocktails, and even mocktails, are elevated to an art form. There is truly something for every eater this year. Live Free and dine out — often.
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Exeter Apothecary, Exeter
For over 100 years, elixirs for the mind and body were being created in this old Water Street drugstore, and the newly opened Exeter Apothecary hopes to build on this tradition with a modern twist. A sister location to Vino e Vivo, the apothecary incorporates surviving design elements from the 1873 drugstore like the wooden cabinetry with wallpaper reminiscent of the original location. The menu is just as visually stunning with cocktails and light fare like a variety of house cocktails (and mocktails!), desserts, and bites ranging from charcuterie to tomato and peach to carrot ravioli.
163 Water St.; 603-580-4391; exeterapothecary.com
Courtesy photo
Figaro’s Martini Bar + Kitchen, Windham
Here’s a high-end martini bar and restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sure, there’s escargot en crute and charred octopus on the “Prelude” menu, but you can order shar-koo-tr-ee — spelled as such — without worry that you need to brush up on your French. Indulge in Freek Nachos, featuring fried pita, duck confit, gruyere, carmelized onions, fried caper berries, heirloom tomatos and buttermilk bleu cheese. OK, forget what we said, we’re getting fancy here. Entrees include baked monkfish, pork osso buco and bone-in ribeye. 4 Cobbetts Pond Road Unit 2; 603-458-9111; figaroskitchen.com
Courtesy Photo
Junction Restaurant & Provisions, Laconia
Chef owner Terrence Burney and his wife, co-owner Heather Lincoln, want Junction Restaurant & Provisions in Laconia to represent the intersection of several culinary styles: Southern flair, classic American, New England fare, and Spanish and Asian influences. Since arriving in June, the American gastropub has already made its mark. At lunchtime, the lobster mac and cheese, the smashburger, and their Junction Bowl — filled with quinoa, basmati rice, peppers, onions, mushrooms and topped with chimichurri — knock it out of the park. Decadent dinner options abound: Start with crispy brussels or duck poutine with crispy duck skin and duck gravy, then splurge on ribeye au poivre, lobster pot pie, or the 51 Burger, topped with secret sauce and a farm-fried egg. An abundance of local craft beer is offered, but probably the most treasured beverage is made by the couple’s 5-year-old, Ariella, who makes a mean lemonade.
51 Elm St.; 603-619-5766; junctionlakeport.com
Courtesy Photo
Fresh Tracks Sandwich Shop, Lincoln
After a successful first summer in The Depot at 264 Main St. in Lincoln, it’s clear that Fresh Tracks Sandwich Shop owner Katelyn Mathews can garner excellent customer reviews and build a positive social media presence, both necessities for budding restaurateurs. If that’s not enough, Mathews also brings the heat with big, bold flavors like the Big Bomba Beef, made with Jamaican-style beef, a Caribbean-infused slaw and a house curry ranch. With Fresh Tracks’ welcoming atmosphere and out-of-the-box names for her creations, there’s no doubt Mathews is a rising sandwich star in the heart of the White Mountains. 264 Main St.; 603-745-7156;
fresh-tracks-sandwich-shop.square.site
Courtesy Photo
June’s Café, Newmarket
Known for Stella’s Café and Lil’s Café in Kittery, Maine, and the The Islander Café in New Castle, Deb and Michael McCluskey are now treating our taste buds once again, this time at June’s Café in Newmarket. Their menu boasts a variety of cozy favorites for every meal and mood, like breakfast bowls or bagels and sandwiches, and our personal favorite, a sweet or savory dutch baby — a puffed oven-baked pancake (think fried dough-meets-breakfast). Don’t forget to grab a chai latte to go! 171 Main St.; 603-659-0263; junescafenh.com
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Craft NoCo, North Conway
Tucked into the White Mountains, Craft NoCo’s craft cocktails and food exude the same playful adventure that surrounds it. With an ever-evolving, rotating menu of signature and spirit-free cocktails complete with funky garnishes and glasses to match, there will always be something fun and unique to sip on while you enjoy a good meal and even better company. Grab a seat at the bar or nestle into the couch with a blanket and stay awhile. 3 Reporter Court; Facebook
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Getty Bagel, Portsmouth
This funky bagel bakery on Islington St. gets its moniker from its location, a former gas station. Since opening day, Getty Bagel has become an online sensation thanks to its delicious bites, unique décor and sensational specials (think chocolate chip bagels and open-faced bagel sandwiches). Their “doughberts,” quirky bagel-esque characters that boast big personalities, are on full display in a mural that helps give Getty Bagel a fun and creative atmosphere. Go early: Getty sells out fast. 361 Islington St.; 603-334-4700; thegettybagel.com
Courtesy Photo
Local Street Eats, Nashua
Imagine food truck fare without the truck. Local Street Easts owner Elissa Drift, a longtime Nashua resident, wanted to create a space that celebrates the multicultural variety and late-night vibe of street food. The menu curated by Lead Chef Michael Naleway features starters like sweet and spicy gochujang cauliflower, honey-whipped goat cheese bruschetta and chicken tikka bao; hand-helds like BBQ smash burgers, tinga tofu tacos and hot honey chicken sandos; and “Street Sweets” like almond joy loaded brownie and toasted coconut ice cream. 12 West Pearl St.; 603-402-4435; local-streeteats.com
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Cure Café, New Boston
Here’s a place where the purchase of your morning joe does double duty: Every cup of coffee and meal served at Cure Café helps fund cancer research and families facing childhood cancer. For owner Rachel Ormond, and her husband, Robert, the story has a happy ending. In 2021, their 1-year-old son, Colin, was diagnosed with leukemia and would face 2½ years of chemotherapy. He’s 5 now and thriving. In addition to a wide selection of coffee, tea and other beverages, Cure Café offers several variations of the breakfast sammie — including the Colin: one farm-raised egg with American cheese on an English muffin. (If you want one with sausage, order the Charlotte, named for Colin’s big sister.) 8 Mill St., 603-741-5016; curellc.toast.site
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Tall Provisions, Littleton
After 10 years redefining The Beal House tavern, co-owners Lori and Adam Alderin have set their culinary sights on their next big accomplishment in this cozy town, on Main Street. Adam Alderin brings 20 years of experience to the table, while hospitality guru Lori Alderin creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, upholding their upscale approach. The Alderins are adding even more class to Tall Provisions — the staff from Beal House, including Chef de Cuisine Pete Bresnahan, who makes every meal a culinary adventure. Lunchtime burgers are elevated with Vermont cheddar, bacon, and chive bacon mayo, topped with a brioche bun and hand-cut fries on the side. Dinner includes dishes like wood-grilled chicken, seared sea scallops, grilled Vermont ribeye, and their homemade rigatoni, spotlighting Bresnahan’s expertise with fresh pasta. 7 Main St.; 603-575-5367; tallprovisions.com
Courtesy Photo
Point Break, Hampton
Nostalgic and laid-back, Hampton’s newest seaside dining spot, Point Break, blends seaside sophistication and approachable dining into an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. Point Break’s menu honors traditional coastal cuisine, and offers exciting dishes, like mussels “Étouffée” (which are New Orleans-style mussels) and Mezcal shrimp. The restaurant’s namesake, a surfing term for when a wave perfectly wraps around a point of land, is both a
nod to Hampton Beach’s surfing history and the inspiration for the spot’s vibe. The relaxed, yet classically coastal, atmosphere of Point Break makes it the perfect spot to end a day on the beach. 9 Ocean Blvd.; 603-910-5054; pointbreaknh.com
Courtesy Photo
Yellow Bell Café, Keene
Who can resist the smell of freshly cooked bacon and warm pancakes on the griddle? In the heart of downtown Keene, this new breakfast and lunch spot specializes in the classic American comfort foods we know and love, with a modern twist. At the Yellow Bell Café, you can expect high-quality, made-from-scratch dishes that feel like home, with exciting flavors like banana bread French toast, vegan vegetable hash and gourmet grilled cheese. Along with delicious dining, patrons can also enjoy grabbing a craft cocktail or refreshing drink (like their floats!) at the bar. 45 Main St.; 603-338-0000; yellowbellkeene.com
Also New on the Scene
Mikeys’ Seafood Pub & Grill 60 N Main St., Lisbon
A newly renovated gas station-turned-family-friendly pub and grill serving up burgers,
seafood, steaks, wings and more. 603-838-8086; Facebook
The Nash Casino 310 Daniel Webster Highway, Suite 102, Nashua
Located within the Pheasant Mall, this culinary collective features inspired dishes and cocktails with live music. 603-751-6274; thenashcasino.com
Base Camp Brewing 25 S Mountain Drive #4, Lincoln
Featuring craft beer, live music and shared moments (used to be One Love Brewery).
603-745-7290; basecampbrewing.com
Reedmore Books & Brews 67 State St., Portsmouth
Part bar, part café, part bookstore perfect for book lovers. 603-368-1199;
reedmorbooks.com
Giabellas 44 Nashua Road Unit 19, Londonderry
Savor a sampling of traditional Italian dishes for a taste of Boston’s North End cuisine.
603-216-1848; giabellasnh.com
Moka Pot 889 Elm St., Manchester
Indulge in a variety of hand-crafted espresso drinks, loose-leaf tea and breakfast sandwiches. 603-782-7881; Facebook
Happy Dumpling 10 Benning St. Unit 750, West Lebanon
Casual eatery known for its dumplings and noodles as well as other Taiwanese-inspired dishes like popcorn chicken. 603-790-5001; happydumplingnh.com
Casa Brava Tapas 6 South St., Hanover
Enjoy Spanish small plates, sangria and cozy vibes to share flavors and great times.
603-653-0199; casabravatapas.com
Birdie’s 111 Main 111 Main St., Gorham
Serving delicious locally sourced dishes that taste as good as they look. 603-723-6111; Facebook
Hopestill Restaurant & Bar 98 Main St., Newmarket
An intimate 20-seat restaurant with a focus on Portuguese fare and fresh pasta alongside
a list of cocktails. Facebook
La Fiamma 416 Emerson Ave., Hampstead
Specializing in handcrafted pizzas, a cozy café atmosphere and refreshing drinks.
603-489-1065; lafiammapizza.com
DREO Food and Drink 254 N Broadway #101, Salem
Upscale casual restaurant with craft cocktails and flavorful bites. 603-824 6337;
dreofoodanddrink.com
The Vintage Cup Coffee Company 49 Glass St., Pembroke
Serving tea, baked goods, coffee and plenty of books. 603-485-2816;
thevintagecupcoffeeco.square.site
