Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Carriage House

4.9

4.9 (886)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Rye

About the restaurant

The Carriage House, an oceanfront, modern New England restaurant and raw bar, is open at 2263 Ocean Boulevard on scenic Rye Beach, New Hampshire. Committed to honoring the restaurant’s rich traditions rooted in hospitality. Join us for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, sip a cocktail by our working fireplace, or take in the ocean views!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 4 days ago

Fabulous from start to finish! One of our absolute favorites.

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4.9

4.9 (296)

$30 and under

Italian

Amherst

About the restaurant

PastAmore is a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, deserts and salads. The restaurant takes reservations, offers take-outs and also provides catering services. The normal attire here is casual, with the ambience being classy, and the noise level has been rated as quiet during peak hours. It is a good place to visit with kids or large groups for dinner and there is also a private parking lot with bike parking and wheelchair accessibility here as well. PastAmore has a full alcohol bar and the interior of the restaurant is trendy and spacious.

The menu at PastAmore consists of Italian classic dishes such as the Veal Saltimboca, pasta, pizzas, and spaghetti. The restaurant was established in 2001 and the waiting staff is extremely friendly, and efficient in taking orders.

Top review

Colleen

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Pastamore is our go to Italian restaurant. The food is excellent and the service is always spot on.

Hanover Street Chophouse

4.8

4.8 (4056)

$31 to $50

Steak

Manchester

About the restaurant

We are committed to serving food that will be creative, yet “classic,” service that will be impeccable but not intimidating, in an ambiance that will be elegant, yet comfortable and inviting, ensuring a dining experience that will be extraordinary and memorable!

Top review

Thomas

Dined 4 days ago

This was our third experience and it was fantastic as usual. Meal was amazing! Steaks were done perfectly. Our server was knowledgeable and very personable. Thank you for helping us to celebrate two birthdays!

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4.9

4.9 (4770)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Manchester

About the restaurant

Cotton features the cooking of award-winning chef/author/owner Jeffrey Paige. Located in Manchester's Historic Millyard District, Cotton is known for exceptional farm to table comfort food, friendly yet professional service, and an inviting, casual upscale atmosphere. It's the place the New York Times calls hip, named one of the best neighborhood restaurants in the Northeast by Bon Appetit Magazine and holds the distinct honor of Best Martinis in New Hampshire year after year by NH Magazine and The Union Leader.

RESERVATIONS:
Patio dining is available April through October. To request a patio table please note this when you make your reservation. Weather permitting, we will call early afternoon the day of your reservation to confirm if patio seating is available. We cannot guarantee specific seating at this time but we always do our best.

Top review

Pamela

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

Wonderful Birthday celebration experience. The quality of the food, and the attentiveness of the service was amazing.

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Popular dish

Pan-Seared Scallops

Popular dish

Almond-Crusted Turkey Schnitzel

Popular dish

Buttermilk Herb Fried Chicken

La Maison Navarre

4.9

4.9 (181)

$30 and under

French

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Portsmouth near the Music Hall and Jimmys Jazz Club.
MN Wine Bar at the Mezzanine offers a casual chic French experience : drink wine selected with care, cold cuts, pâtés and cheeses from France, and spend a beautiful moment as if you were in the middle of Paris.
Our Menu changes with the season and is made with care by our Chef with local and imported product.

Dinner Signature dish include make your own boards of cheeses and charcuterie, Steak Frites, Halibut and Ratatouille, Coq au Vin, Duck Confit, Raclette, Tartiflette, Crepe Suzette, Mousse au Chocolat, Profiterole,...

Brunch Signature dish include Cocottes, Tartine, Sweet Waffles, Savory Waffles, Omelette, Pain Perdu, Oeuf à la Coque, Panier de Viennoiserie, ....

Top review

Michael

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

It was our first time at La Maison Navarre and we were a group of 6 for dinner. The food, wine and service was excellent. We're definitely looking forward to our next visit.

Cure Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1344)

$31 to $50

American

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Cure is located at the corner of State and Penhallow Streets in historic downtown Portsmouth, NH. We are within walking distance of Prescott Park, Strawberry Bank, Seacoast Repertory Theatre and Portsmouth Music Hall.
Our restaurant offers American Bistro cuisine, in a fine dining environment, at affordable prices. Cure is a great place for friends to meet, business functions, and romantic dining .

Top review

JaneVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Superb experience! The food was only outdone by the wonderful service! A favorite Portsmouth restaurant, highly recommend!

Tinos

4.8

4.8 (976)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Hampton

About the restaurant

Located in Hampton, NH, brings Mediterranean flavors to the Seacoast. Our menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients with house-made pasta, wood-grilled steaks, and locally sourced seafood.

The bar features handcrafted cocktails, an expertly chosen wine list, and local brews. Whether you're out for a casual night or an elevated meal, Tinos offers a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy our warm, contemporary dining room or relax on the four-season patio with heaters, retractable screens, and a fire pit.

For a unique experience, try our Chef’s Table and enjoy a custom, multi-course meal prepared just for you.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 3 days ago

First time, the food was great! Atmosphere was good as well, warm & inviting.

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4.8

4.8 (885)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Manchester

About the restaurant

The Crown Tavern will be the perfect spot to unwind and savor the end of the day. Located in the heart of Manchester’s central downtown, The Crown is a place where you'll come to relax with friends, grab a drink, share some tasty bites, and enjoy the night as it unfolds.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 6 days ago

Service was excellent at the bar and at the table. Very attentive. Steak cooked to perfection. Been a few years since last visit. Will want to revisit more often.

Tavern in the Square - Salem

4.6

4.6 (40)

$30 and under

American

Salem

About the restaurant

## Tavern in the Square: Where Flavor Meets Fun Step into a world of vibrant energy and delicious eats at Tavern in the Square. Our stylish ambiance and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're catching up with friends over drinks, enjoying a family dinner, or cheering on your favorite team, we've got something for everyone. Our menu boasts a diverse selection of dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From our signature Bayou Chicken Pasta to our mouthwatering Bang Bang Broccoli, we cater to every taste bud. We also offer a wide array of gluten-friendly and allergy-conscious options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. But Tavern in the Square is more than just food. It's a place to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Our state-of-the-art televisions and lively bar scene make it the perfect spot to catch the game or unwind after a long day. And with our spacious patio, you can soak up the sunshine while enjoying your favorite dish. So come on down to Tavern in the Square and experience the perfect blend of flavor and fun. We can't wait to welcome you!

Top review

Danielle

Dined 3 days ago

Patrick D was amazing! The new location is beautiful! Food was great! Looking forward to coming back; especially in the summer. Maybe I’ll even transfer from Burlington. X

Row 34 - Portsmouth

4.7

4.7 (1632)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

We’re Row 34. If we could eat oysters and drink beer for every meal period, we probably would. Professionals Only.

Row 34 serves up a seafood-focused menu in an industrial-inspired setting. Chef/Owner Jeremy Sewall's menu offers fish entrees and an extensive oyster selection, along with craft beers and an eclectic wine list. Classic comfort food side dishes round out the menu.

Visit our sister restaurants: Row 34 Boston, MA, Row 34 Burlington, MA and Row 34 Cambridge, MA

Top review

AlexVIP

Dined 2 days ago

This Restaurant is Fantastic!! You’ll love the food & great service here!!

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Explore Diners' Choice best of Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley