New Hampshire’s Hottest New Restaurants
Where to eat now- these new Granite State restaurants are waiting for you
Every chef’s dream is to open their own restaurant to share their creative vision. It’s a dream that starts in the kitchen and leads them on a journey that includes long hours, sleepless nights and a high-stakes gamble to secure the right space, find the right team and create a winning menu that will keep customers coming back again and again after that first bite.
The restaurants we feature on these pages opened over the past year in various locales in the Granite State. They’re angling to become a hip spot to take a date, be a cozy neighborhood comfort zone or that fine dining icon you must share with your friends when they come to town.
They want to break bread with you. Check them out now. The rest is up to them. Right, chefs?
Compiled by the editors of New Hampshire Magazine
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Mesozoic Tiki Bar & Lounge, Nashua
Mesozoic Tiki Bar & Lounge in Nashua brings New Hampshire one step closer to that tiki bar escapism. Their extensive menu scales culinary cultures with wild takes on American, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, American Japanese and Thai food. The flavor combinations of their pizzas alone will have you spinning: “Nublar’s Inferno” cranks the heat level with togarashi ranch, island buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, scallion, pickled cucumber and shaved onion; while “Filmed in Hawaii” combines roasted pineapple, scallion and bacon with mouthwatering coconut chili cream and bright yuzu teriyaki. Naturally, their drinks menu is primed with rum pairings. Ingredients from local businesses (Dunk’s Mushrooms in Brentwood, Lull Farms in Hollis and Dowie Farm in Derry) are also represented.
97 Main St. • 603-204-5236 • mesozoictiki.com
Bravo, Manchester
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Bob Singer, who owns Bravo Restaurant with Rhonda Duhamel, is best known for the company his family sold in 2022, Merchants Automotive Group. Locals know the business for its quirky radio ads featuring the catchphrase, “It’s a crime to pay more than a dime.”
That slogan wouldn’t work for this fine dining restaurant across from the Palace Theatre, where the menu includes Chilean Sea Bass Pad Thai, Lobster & Crab Stuffed Haddock and Porcini Mushroom Sacchetti. Dinner prices range from $25 (Miso Chicken Ramen) to $65 (Wagyu Australian Strip).
Stop by for lunch and you might see Singer dining with another Manchester VIP, as we did on a recent visit, when we paired the New England Clam Chowder with the Green Goddess Salad. (Both were heavenly.)
Bravo’s sister restaurant next door, the Café at Bravo, serves sandwiches, soups and salads and is open for breakfast and lunch.
73 Hanover St. • 603-854-8139 • bravonh.com
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The Mallard, Londonderry
Who can resist a craft beer bar, small plates and the classic family-friendly atmosphere that surrounds it? Tucked into the heart of Londonderry, this new bar and taproom features 16 rotating taps and curated takeovers from local brewers. The Mallard also has wine, ciders, non-alcoholic options and pub bites like steak and cheese eggrolls, beer cheese pretzels and more. Pull up a stool or grab a seat on the couch — good times and good sips are waiting for you.
23 Londonderry Road • 603-493-7587 • themallardnh.com
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Juniper Kitchen, Dover
Whether meeting friends for coffee, having breakfast out, or grabbing a smoothie to break up a hectic day, the culinary creators at Juniper Kitchen in Dover continue to nurture a solid go-to restaurant to rejuvenate and relax. Juniper Kitchen owner Betsy Samber also prides herself on sustainability for her breakfast and lunch spot, taking a community-oriented, inclusive approach to her expanding business. Samber remains dedicated to making sure everyone can try their food. With wholesome food pairings like granola and fresh fruit, juicy, next-level cheeseburgers and bright, green smoothies, you know they put care into everything they make (gluten-free options included). They recently relocated from Third Street in Dover, but didn’t go too far: They’re just two blocks away.
442 Central Ave. • 603-740-7000 • juniperdover.com
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Lost Cowboy Taproom, Portsmouth
Since their grand opening this summer, Portsmouth’s newest barbecue spot has become so popular, they ran out of room. Originally located inside Buckley’s Market & Café, Lost Cowboy Taproom is now turning the space at 60 Penhallow into southern New Hampshire’s Southern spot. Their menu is full of barbecue classics, like barbecue plates that are a meat lover’s dream, delicious side selections and small bites, like their crispy fried crab cakes, that blend East Coast style with Southern flavor.
60 Penhallow St. • 603-664-4515 • lostcowboytaproom.com
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Cardinal Café, Claremont
The owners of the Cardinal Café say divine providence reunited three long-time “amigas” decades after they first worked together at Dusty’s Café, a restaurant that operated in Claremont from 1989 to 1994.
Now, Sandra Lefebvre, Debbie Richards and Heather Marcott are back in business again, the women recall on Cardinal Café’s website (which includes more twists and turns than we have room to recount here).
The café’s mascot is a chipper red bird holding a cup of steaming coffee in one wing and a sandwich missing a couple of bites in the other with the message, “Eat well or die.” The restaurant serves fresh-baked pastries, omelettes, pancakes, salads, wraps, burritos and nine variations of sliders. And probably a story or two.
10 Glidden St. • 603-543-7090 • eatwellordie.com
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Brick & Barrel, Enfield
Built on craft and rooted in community, Brick & Barrel brings elevated American comfort food to the heart of Enfield. From appetizer options like shrimp stingers to elevated entrée classics like sweet potato alfredo, each dish is made to help you feel full in every capacity (hopefully with some new memories along the way).
56 Main St. • 603-632-9549 • brickandbarrelnh.com
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Pho Zaap, Rochester
There’s no better way to warm up this winter than with a fresh bowl of pho. The bold flavors of this Vietnamese dish are truly unbeatable. Pho Zaap is serving up a menu of Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai classics, making it the perfect place for diners looking to spice up their palate. Noodle lovers will adore their pho and specialty soup options, like their Bun Bo Hue — a spicy and savory option with brisket, meatballs and Vietnamese sausage.
101 N. Main St. • 603-403-1219 • Instagram @pho.zaap and Facebook
Photo by Jenn Bakos
Gnomies, Concord
New Hampshire’s first dry bar, café and creative game lounge, Gnomies, has quite possibly everything your woodland folk heart could dream of. Their menu includes sweet and savory Bavarian-inspired options like pork schnitzel, bratwurst or potato pancakes (kartoffelpuffer), “mystical” mocktails and hot and cold café drinks to sip on. Bring a friend and relax at the game lounge or swing by one of their many events, like arts and craft classes. It’s all about casual, analog fun and sharing a meal with friends new and old.
254 N. State St., Unit H • 603-372-4276 • gnomieswoodlandfountain.com
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Sugar Street Buns, Milford
Sugar Street Buns, a small-batch bakery on the Milford Oval, takes its handcrafted cinnamon buns very seriously, but all you have to do is just enjoy the taste. Owner Alyssa Guzman’s early days baking with her grandmother have influenced her greatly; she further molded her baking education at Chicago’s French Pastry School. Her signature cinnamon bun, “The OG,” includes all the deliciousness to back up that claim, using cream cheese frosting on top for an extra-decadent dessert. And at just $7, having a little taste of heaven is worth it. Coffee, seasonal baked desserts and pastries (gluten-free options) are all made fresh daily with a selection of delectable flavors that rotate seasonally. Not sure what to try? Just check their Facebook and Instagram pages for their daily inspirations.
227 Union Square • 603-213-5320, Unit 1 • sugarstreetbuns.com
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Cedar & Main Tavern, Contoocook
Located on the scenic Contoocook River, across from the Historic Contoocook Railroad Covered Bridge, Cedar & Main Tavern is at the center of it all. This upscale-casual spot dishes up classic American fare with delightful twists and flavor, with indoor and outdoor dining options. From roasted duck mac and cheese to hearty burgers, fresh salads and perhaps the freshest chicken tenders in the state, Cedar & Main Tavern is sure to delight everyone in your party. You’re guaranteed to leave feeling full and looking forward to your next visit.
16 Cedar St. • 603-746-0000 • cedarandmainnh.com
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Noble Ramen House, Keene
Chef Jared Marsh and his wife, Carly, opened Noble Ramen House last fall, presenting scratch-made Asian-fusion cuisine. Ramen offerings include Chintan Beef (shaved strip loin, scallion, enoki, crispy onion, soft boiled egg) and Spicy Miso (togarashi, green chili, baby bok choy, soft boiled egg). Bowls feature Sake Braised Short Rib and Thai Curry Mussels. There is also a selection of small plates, such as Korean Sloppy Bao (barbecue ground beef, kim chi, ginger yogurt) and a children’s menu that includes Kid Ramen (noodles, broth, pulled chicken).
21 Davis St. • 603-354-3074 • nobleramenhouse.com
Also New on the Scene
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The Miller’s Tavern
1087 Elm St., Manchester • 603-854-8442 • themillerstavern.com
A bright downtown tavern serving American comfort fare, from burgers and tacos to pizzas and shareable plates, with a full bar.
OBA Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
371 S. Willow St., E1-1, Manchester • 603-932-2168 • obakoreanbbqhotpot.com
An interactive, all-you-can-eat dining experience featuring Korean barbecue and hot pot cooked right at the table.
Deja Brew Café
224 N. Broadway, Salem • 603-328-8420 • dejavrewnh.com
A casual café serving coffee and espresso drinks alongside breakfast and lunch favorites.
Mitchell Delights Eats & Treats
741 Old Claremont Road, Charlestown • 603-354-9876 • Facebook
A family-run bakery and café offering homemade baked goods, sweet treats and casual eats.
Steam Café
380 Daniel Webster Hwy., Unit 7, Merrimack • 603-262-6171 • Facebook
A neighborhood café offering coffee and espresso drinks with a selection of breakfast and lunch fare.
Odd Duck Diner
314 Washington St. • Claremont •603-543-0211 • oddduckdiner.com
A casual diner serving approachable breakfast and lunch favorites in downtown Claremont.
Putnam & Co.
35 Pleasant St., Claremont • 603-504-6262 •putnam-co.com
Located in downtown Claremont’s historic Odd Fellows Block, this retro-inspired spot serves fresh-to-order burgers, chicken sandwiches, hand-cut fries, shakes and ice cream.
The Wildcat Publick House
3 Madbury Road, Durham • 603-868-5530 • thewildcatnh.com
A community-focused neighborhood tavern serving bar pizzas, wings and pub fare alongside draft beer, local taps and cocktails.
Buckley’s Burgers and Steaks
287 Exeter Road, Hampton • 603-810-0500 •buckleysburgersandsteaks.com
A cozy, country-style steakhouse serving steaks, retro burgers and small plates along side bourbon, craft cocktails, beer and wine.
Noodle Kitchen
251 Elm St., Milford • 603-554-8289 •noodlekitchennh.com
A cozy Thai restaurant specializing in aromatic noodle dishes and traditional flavors made with fresh herbs, vegetables and spices.
Becks Public House
49 Range Road, Windham • 603-458-6051 • beckspublichouse.com
A neighborhood gastropub pairing chef-driven comfort food, steaks, burgers and seafood with craft beer, wine and hand-
crafted cocktails.
