New Restaurant Roundup

Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar. Courtesy photo

Throughout the long New England winter, activities are often sparse (at least for those who eschew snowsports). But don’t fret, we’ve got you indoor types covered. Over the past year, a number of new restaurants opened around the state, plus some longtime favorites expanded to new locations. Allow your senses to guide you through the cold New Hampshire roadways to a new destination that will surely make your mouth water. Become a local foodie this winter with the following list we curated for your convenience.

Mr Kim’s, Portsmouth
Enjoy homestyle Korean meals and other Asian cuisine at Mr Kim’s. This new restaurant offers a worldly dining experience in the somehow still not overcrowded Portsmouth food scene. Chef Gary Kim’s interpretation of traditional Korean fare includes glazed pork ribs, bulgogi sliders and spicy squid stir fry. And as stated in their mantra, “positive vibes only” will follow you to Mr Kim’s Upstairs with specialty cocktails and music to end your night. 107 State St., Portsmouth. (603) 373-6000; mrkimsrestaurant.com

Botanica Restaurant and Gin Bar, Portsmouth
In an intimate space nestled in Portsmouth’s West End, Botanica features unique and chic dishes that will make a lot of mouths water. A local favorite is the duck confit with French gnocchi, which can be paired with a staggering choice of 25 different gins or a number of wines. The cozy eatery is recognized for a refined menu that nods to French cuisine. 110 Brewery Ln., Portsmouth. (603) 373-0979; botanicanh.com

The Refinery, Andover
Craving hearty all-American goodness? Juicy burgers or beef brisket? The Refinery in Andover brings all that plus more to the table. This traditional American eatery features a large dining room, a full bar and more than enough TVs for your casual dining experience. Chef Brian MacKenzie and A.J. Giglio, owner of Brothers’ House of Smoke, have teamed up to create a menu that features comfort food in every way possible. Not only can you get this in-house, grab it as take-away or schedule a unique catering event. 4 Mill Rd., Andover. (603) 977-0194; refinerynh.com

Greenleaf, Milford. Courtesy photo

Ohana Kitchen, Exeter
Do you want to send your mind (and tastebuds) elsewhere to escape the cold, New Hampshire weather? Ohana Kitchen captures just that with their Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Indulge in poké bowls, a beloved Hawaiian staple, sushi burritos, or make your own creation — all made with fresh ingredients received daily. Ohana translates to “family” in Hawaiian, and this family-owned restaurant brings the Aloha to the Seacoast region. This is Ohana’s second New Hampshire location — find the original in Portsmouth. 75 Portsmouth Ave., Exeter. (603) 580-2485; loc8nearme.com

Tavern at The Sunset Hill House, Sugar Hill
Enjoy a craft cocktail, pint or savory dish while basking in 360 degrees of beautiful New Hampshire mountain views. Classic American cuisine is reinvented by Sunset Hill’s chef Corey Lombardo. The creative menu offers dishes from mashed potato funnel cakes to ramen carbonara. And make sure to plan a trip back during the warmer months to enjoy a 9-hole game of golf on one of New Hampshire’s oldest golf courses. 231 Sunset Hill Rd., Sugar Hill. (603) 823-7244; thesunsethillhouse.com

Georgia’s Northside, Concord
Looking for Southern comfort food like buttermilk fried chicken or Texas smoked brisket? Granite State native Alan Natkiel mastered the art of barbecue during his time in Georgia and at his widely acclaimed restaurant in New York. But luckily for New Hampshire, Natkiel returned home and opened a quaint roadside Southern kitchen destination in his hometown of Concord. 394 N State St., Concord. (603) 715-9189; georgiasnorthside.com

The Office Lounge, Rye
“Eat, sip and chill” is the motto for this upscale neighborhood lounge. Don’t worry, despite the name you won’t be reminded of your small cubicle or water cooler gossip. The interior is sleek and plush, complete with velvet chairs and a bright atmosphere. Find decadent options on the menu, such as lamb lollipops or, for a different style, chicken and waffles, and sushi. And make sure to wind down after a long day at the office with the expansive list of specialty cocktails or bubbles. 150 Lafayette Rd., Rye. (603) 379-2175; theofficeloungenh.com

Ore Mill Bar and Grille, Warren
There’s a reason the logo features a saw — this new spot honors the building’s past as a sawmill. You won’t find sawdust in their dining room — just a pool table. This new hotspot does feature some tasty plates, like their pizza or special prime rib. Or check the calendar and stop in for fun live entertainment and karaoke. 17 Lake Tarleton Rd., Warren. (603) 764-6069; oremill17.com

Ohana Kitchen, Exeter. Photo by Emily Heidt

Acoustic Lounge, Laconia
The Acoustic Lounge fully embodies its name with weekly entertainment, from comedy shows to karaoke nights to live bands. The atmosphere incorporates a rustic-homey feel, with a large projection television that often plays football (yes, obviously the Patriots), a stage for live entertainment and a full bar with cold beer and brick oven pizza. Their menu also features classic comfort food like chicken wings and wraps. 604 Endicott St. N, Laconia. (603) 527-8275; Facebook

Cielito Restaurant, Bristol
Calling all margarita, enchilada and authentic-Mexican-loving foodies. There are options on the menu to please any palate, from tableside guacamole to chimichangas, pan seared salmon in a chile lime glaze, and beautifully presented churros for a sweet end. Don’t forget to toast to their motto, “Live, Drink and Eat,” with a margarita, sangria or other fun cocktail. 50 S. Main St., Bristol. (603) 744-2044; cielitomexicanrestaurant.com

Luchador Tacos, North Conway
Based in Paris, Maine, this is Luchador Tacos’ second location. Find East Los Angeles-style Mexican food — mainly burritos, bowls and, of course, tacos. Order at the counter, and either enjoy onsite or to-go. 1833 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway. (603) 730-5429; Facebook

27 North, North Conway
Northern New Hampshire is quite a hike for some, but this breakfast and lunch eatery nestled in the village of North Conway is worth the drive. Don’t take the menu too seriously though — almost all of the brunch foods have fun names like The Rock Pile (French toast piled high with bananas, graham crackers, whipped cream and a caramel drizzle). Or, if you’re ready for lunch, try one of their “Sand-Witches” like the Fungas Kankamungus, named after the famous Kancamagus highway. No matter what unique menu item you decide to order, don’t leave 27 North without writing a little message on one of the many chalkboard walls wrapped around the diner. 27 Seavey St., North Conway. (603) 730-5318; 27northnh.com

Presto Pasta, Manchester
Family and togetherness — and outstanding Italian-American favorites — are celebrated at Presto Craft Kitchen. Chef Joseph Grella has three goals for the new restaurant: To source ingredients that he would want his family to eat, to make energetic and flavorful dishes, and to provide a place where the community can break bread. The restaurant is dedicated to serving Italian cuisine that the entire family will enjoy. 168 Amory St., Manchester. (603) 606-1252; prestocraftkitchen.com

Tasya’s Kitchen, Somersworth
In need of a vacation but only have time for a lunch break? Find yourself at Tasya’s Kitchen for authentic Indonesian dishes that will send your tastebuds on a tour of Indonesia. The menu invites you to try anything from traditional curry chicken and beef rendang to spicy egg and tofu. This new spot will stay true to owners Markus and Tasya Subroto’s roots by bringing the community a little taste of Indonesia. 230 High St., Somersworth. (603) 841-7182; Facebook

The Big Bean, Durham. Photo by Mahd Haus Photography

EXPANSIONS
Wing-itz, Newmarket
Wing-itz features over 25 different flavors — from hot to sweet to savory — to toss your wings in. Time and care are taken at this small chain — the wings are fresh and hand-cut daily, and the fries take over 24 hours to make and are fried twice for extra goodness. The menu also features wraps and sandwiches, lunch combos and munchies like fried pickles or hand-sliced potato chips. 96 Main St., Newmarket. (603) 200-0283; wing-itz.com

Buckley’s Bakery & Café, Hollis
Chef Michael Buckley of Surf, MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, and Buckley’s Great Steaks has opened a second bakery location (the original is in Merrimack) in Hollis. Find coffee and tea, smoothies, baked goods, excellent breakfast and lunch sandwiches, homemade pizza and more. 9 Market Pl., Hollis. (603) 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com

The Big Bean, Durham
Newmarket’s much-loved Big Bean is opening a second location in Durham. Big Bean is renowned for their wide menu of cheap breakfast food and its hipster vibe, in addition to homemade breads, muffins and biscuits — sourcing locally as much as they can. The new space allows the Seacoast spot to expand their seating and hours ( now until 6 p.m.), in addition to a full bar. This family-friendly café will fulfill all of your breakfast wants (and needs) with the inclusion of their coffee bar, breakfast burritos and other day-to-day specials. 8 Jenkins Court St., Durham. (603) 815-4965; thebigbeancafe.com

Donut Love, Exeter
This beloved Seacoast donut spot is opening a second location in Exeter. Donut Love is known for dense, just-sweet-enough Maine potato donuts. Their menu consists of flavors ranging from blueberry to chocolate-frosted to lemon. If you’re not satisfied with the available choices, you can opt to add toppings such as toasted coconut or maple bacon. Renovations are expected to get underway this month in the former Denim Rack location. For now, be sure to visit the North Hampton shop. donutlove603.com

The Friendly Toast, Bedford
This longtime Portsmouth favorite breakfast and lunch spot has a new location next to Trader Joe’s in Bedford. Get ahead of the crowds by jumping on the online waitlist via Yelp. 125 South River Rd., Bedford. (603) 836-6238; thefriendlytoast.com

Donut Love, Exeter. Photo by Liz Cantu Davenport

Tucker’s, Merrimack
Speaking of popular breakfast and lunch spots with long lines, Tucker’s latest location is now open in Merrimack. 360 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack. (603) 413-6477; tuckersnh.com

110 Grill West, Lebanon
This regional chain, which offers an impressive number of dishes for those with various food allergies or sensitivities, opened another New Hampshire location in April. West Lebanon joins Manchester, Rochester, Nashua and Stratham. 250 N Plainfield Rd., West Lebanon. (603) 790-8228; 110grill.com

T-Bones, Concord
A new T-Bones Great American Eatery will open in the Tru by Hilton hotel currently under construction at the old Days Inn site off of I-93 exit 12 in Concord. t-bones.com

MOST ANTICIPATED
Ciao Italia Ristorante, Durham
Mary Ann Esposito — friend of the magazine, beloved local cookbook author and host of the long-running TV show “Ciao Italia” — is opening a restaurant in her hometown of Durham. The plan is to overhaul the 56 Main St. building, located on the corner of Main Street and Jenkins Court, to create a 100-seat restaurant, market, wine bar and event space. It’s no surprise that the focus will be on what Esposito does best — authentic, regional Italian cuisine. For those who loved Portsmouth’s Green Monkey, you’ll be happy to know that its former owner and restaurant industry veteran Deb Weeks is taking the role of general manager, with Jeanne Clements as executive chef. Given its proximity to UNH, the restaurant will partner with the university’s hospitality management program to provide students with internship and job-shadowing opportunities. 56 Main St., Durham. ciaoitalia.com