7 Best Restaurants in The Seacoast, New Hampshire

Elephantine Bakery

$ Fodor's choice

Master bakers Sherif and Nadine Farag run this cozy, conversation-filled bakery and cafe that's known for its meticulously crafted Middle Eastern and French pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast dishes. Start the day with poached eggs cilbir (over garlic labneh with aleppo butter, parsley gremolata, and toasted sourdough), and make every effort to save room for a slice of cardamom-rosewater cake or a brown-butter brownie.

Hop + Grind

$
Students and faculty from UNH, whose campus is just a few blocks away, congregate over mammoth burgers with flavorful, original sides (kimchi, fries topped with cilantro-pickled peppers or black-garlic-truffle aioli) and other creative takes on gastropub fare. This is a hot spot for craft-beer aficionados, who appreciate the long list of options, including a rotating cache of rare and seasonal selections.
Burger Dinner Lunch $
17 Madbury Rd., Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, USA
603-397--5564
www.hopandgrind.com
Known For
  • impressive local beer selection
  • fun and lively student crowd
  • malted milk shakes with unusual flavors

Laney & Lu

$
This snug counter service café is a handy option for organic coffees, blended tea elixirs, and creative smoothies and bowls—the blueberry-basil with banana, avocado, spinach, and almond milk is a standout. Or tuck into a salad of locally sourced fruit, veggies, and greens, or try one of the hearty but healthy salads made on locally baked sourdough.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Lexie's Joint

$

What began as a humble downtown burger joint has blossomed into a regional mini empire, thanks to the high-quality ingredients, upbeat service, and groovy "peace, love, and burgers"–themed decor. The burgers are reasonably priced and topped with all sorts of goodies, but there are also hot dogs and a few sandwiches, plus plenty of addictive sides. You'll find additional locations in Dover, Exeter, and Newburyport, MA.

Burger Dessert Dinner Family Lunch $
212 Islington St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 03801, USA
603-815–4181
www.peaceloveburgers.com
Known For
  • milk shakes with Shain's of Maine homemade ice cream
  • fried pickles with chipotle aioli
  • the farmhouse burger, with cheddar, bacon, avocado, and fried egg

Row 34

$$$
Set in a gleaming, industrial-chic dining room with tall windows, exposed air ducts, and metal tables and chairs, this contemporary and slightly fancy take on a classic seafood house is the sort of place that's equally appropriate for special celebrations and casual beer-and-oysters happy hours with friends. From tuna tartare to scallop ceviche, you can't go wrong with anything from the raw bar, but also check out the extensive variety of steamed and grilled fare, such as roasted monkfish and grilled salmon collar.

Surf Restaurant

$$$

Whether you eat inside the conversation-filled, high-ceilinged dining room or out on the breezy deck, you'll be treated to expansive views of Old Harbour and the Piscataqua River—an apt setting for consistently fresh and tasty seafood. The menu branches into several directions, including lobster rolls, shrimp-pork ramen, sushi, and Tuscan-style shrimp with marinara sauce, but manages everything well, and there's a well-curated wine and cocktail selection to complement your choice.

Dinner Lunch Seafood $$$
99 Bow St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 03801, USA
603-334–9855
www.surfseafood.com
Known For
  • raw-bar specialties
  • water views
  • creative sushi rolls
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Wed. and Thurs.

Vida Cantina

$$

In a state sorely lacking in notable Latin restaurants, this airy contemporary space south of downtown stands out for the ambitious modern Mexican cuisine of chef-owner and James Beard award--nominated chef David Vargas. Several kinds of street-food-style tacos are offered, including barbacoa and pork belly, along with a tangy goat cheese version of queso fundido and sous vide short rib with pistachio salsa macha.