NH's newest (and best!) seafood restaurants

Part of our 2014 list of Hot New NH Restaurants

October 15, 2014

Susan Laughlin,

Ipswich Clambake

Ipswich Clambake in shades of sea blue and calming white is a major transformation of the former Clam King spot. This new, inviting venture for the Ipswich Clambake folks in Ipswich, Mass., brings an upscale feel to fried foods. Ten large-screen TVs offer entertainment at the generously sized bar or from the high-top tables and general seating.

The fisherman’s platter is what you would expect with their pedigree — it’s fresh and lightly breaded. Not everything is fried. Find seasonal salads that can be topped with grilled salmon or steak tips. Classics on the menu include bacon-wrapped scallops, lobster mac and cheese and mussels fra diavolo.

Dinner entrées are even more classic with beef tips, sirloin steak and broiled haddock. The lobster roll meat is sourced from the lobster pound at the door for a local touch. They also offer clambake catering services for off-site parties. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Don’t Miss: Sweet, tender fried clam bellies from Ipswich, Mass., with a light batter go down all too easy. Market price is always pretty expensive. Just remember each clam is dug by hand.

Ipswich Clambake
791 Second St., Manchester
(603) 232-5111

Naticook Fish & Grill

It’s complicated at Naticook Fish & Grill. With a chef from California, another with strong New England roots and an Italian owner, you will find a varied menu, ranging from classic fried fish dinners to Baja-style tacos to Italian meatballs and spaghetti. The Naticook Reuben is fried haddock with Thousand Island dressing, coleslaw and grilled marble rye. The restaurant may close briefly in November while the bar area is enlarged. Meanwhile, they will be open year-round and for breakfast on weekends, offering a range of Benedicts in addition to other classic menu items.

Don’t Miss: West Coast fish tacos (2) with an avocado ranch sauce and homemade pico de gallo ($12.95)

Naticook Fish & Grill
454 Charles Bancroft Hwy. at Mel’s Funway Park
Litchfield
(603) 429-4000