Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in New Hampshire (Currently Open)
Discovering the Culinary Icons of New Hampshire
Welcome to a flavorful journey across the Granite State. Whether you’re a curious tourist, a local looking for a special outing, or a foodie enthusiast chasing memorable meals, these restaurants deliver. We’ll highlight ten of the most famous restaurants in New Hampshire that are currently open, each with a strong reputation, rich story or signature dish, and widespread appeal. We’ll use the phrase “best restaurants in New Hampshire” and its variations to help with search visibility. Because when someone types “best restaurants in New Hampshire” or “famous restaurants in New Hampshire”, we want this article to show up for them.
1. A Presidential Stop: The Library Restaurant in Portsmouth
Located in historic downtown Portsmouth, The Library Restaurant stands out as an elegantly refined choice among the best restaurants in New Hampshire. Housed in the former Rockingham House hotel (built in the 1800s), the venue itself is steeped in history. libraryrestaurant.com+2libraryrestaurant.com+2
Why it’s famous: Seven U.S. presidents have dined here, and its décor features mahogany ceilings, original artwork and an ambience that feels both upscale and authentically New England. libraryrestaurant.com+1
What to try: USDA prime steaks, lobster bisque, black truffle risotto—classic fine dining executed with New Hampshire flair.
Best for: Special occasions, fine-dining lovers, guests looking for iconic reputation.
Tip: Reservations are highly recommended; dress code applies.
2. Diner Legend: Red Arrow Diner in Manchester & other locations
If you’re after a piece of American diner history, Red Arrow Diner is one of the most iconic restaurants in New Hampshire. The original Manchester location opened in 1922 and became a required stop on the presidential campaign trail. Wikipedia+1
Why it’s famous: It’s not just about the food—it’s about culture. Politicians, locals and visitors alike gravitate here. The idea of “best places for comfort food in New Hampshire” often includes Red Arrow.
What to try: Classic breakfast (any time of day), hearty lunch sandwiches, bottomless coffee.
Best for: Families, early risers, travelers looking for local legend and affordable eats.
Tip: Expect a lively atmosphere, sometimes a wait; cash and card both accepted.
3. The Comfort Food Staple: The Common Man restaurants (multiple NH locations)
Within the category of best restaurants in New Hampshire you’ll find the Common Man chain. Its Merrimack and Concord outlets are especially well-visited. thecman.com+2thecman.com+2
Why it’s famous: A home-town feel with reliable New England dishes—mac ‘n cheese, pot roast, chowder—served in historic buildings with comfortable charm.
What to try: Meatloaf, lobster corn chowder, “Nantucket Pie” dessert.
Best for: Families, casual dinners, folks wanting hearty local fare.
Tip: Many locations host private events too, so if you’re visiting expect some bustle.
4. Fine Dining with a View: The Foundry in Manchester
For those seeking contemporary dining among the best restaurants in New Hampshire, The Foundry delivers a mix of modern flair and local provenance. The Foundry Restaurant+1
Why it’s famous: Situated in a refurbished mill-yard on the Merrimack River, it blends industrial charm with farm-to-table cuisine. The largest certified “farm to table” restaurant in the state. The Foundry Restaurant
What to try: Seasonal menus featuring local meats and produce, craft cocktails and live local music in the lounge.
Best for: Date nights, food-enthusiasts, those wanting a stylish evening out.
Tip: Check for live music nights; portions may lean upscale.
5. A Maple-Syrup Classic: Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill
When thinking of the most famous restaurants in New Hampshire, you can’t overlook Polly’s Pancake Parlor. Nestled in the White Mountains region, this breakfast-and-brunch landmark draws visitors all year. Wikipedia+1
Why it’s famous: Founded in the 1930s in a former carriage shed, it became known for all-you-can-eat pancakes and showcasing maple syrup in creative ways. It holds a James Beard “American Classics” award. Wikipedia
What to try: Maple pancakes, waffles, house-made syrups, scenic setting.
Best for: Weekend outings, families, road-trip breakfast stops.
Tip: Arrive early in peak season to avoid long wait times.
6. Inventors of a Classic: Puritan Backroom in Manchester
In the category of “famous restaurants in New Hampshire”, Puritan Backroom merits inclusion for its unique claim: inventor of the modern chicken tender in 1974. Wikipedia
Why it’s famous: Greek-American heritage meets New England comfort food; political hopefuls and locals converge here during the primary season.
What to try: Signature chicken tenders, hearty Greek-influenced sides, strong comfort-food lineup.
Best for: Casual dining, families, lunch or dinner with a local twist.
Tip: Expect robust portions; parking may fill up during busy hours.
7. Charming Historic Estate Dining: Pickity Place in Mason
For a quaint yet renowned entry among the best restaurants in New Hampshire, Pickity Place offers a unique “storybook” dining experience. New Hampshire Magazine+1
Why it’s famous: Set in an 18th-century cottage amid gardens, the restaurant delivers a five-course lunch with elegant simplicity and deep local roots. New Hampshire Magazine
What to try: Seasonal courses using on-site grown produce, garden ambiance, afternoon tea options.
Best for: Romantic lunches, garden-loving diners, special occasion brunches.
Tip: Reservation by phone is required; dress a little nicer than typical casual.
8. Town-Fish & Raw Bar Destination: Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café in Portsmouth
In one of the best places for seafood in New Hampshire, Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café shines for fresh catch and seaport vibes. Boston Magazine
Why it’s famous: More than two decades in business, it combines casual waterfront energy with refined flavors. Classic seafood with a twist.
What to try: Jerk-glazed swordfish, haddock piccata, raw bar selections.
Best for: Seafood lovers, dinner with a view, upscale-casual nights.
Tip: Ask for fresh catch of the day; weekend nights fill up quickly.
9. Upscale-Casual Excellence: Copper Door Restaurant (Bedford & Salem)
Among the best restaurants in New Hampshire that cater to a broad audience while delivering quality, Copper Door Restaurant stands out. copperdoor.com
Why it’s famous: With two main locations (Bedford and Salem), Copper Door has built a reputation for “not too fancy, not too casual”—just right.
What to try: Steak & seafood combos, seasonal sides, craft cocktails.
Best for: Business dinners, date nights, families wanting something elevated but accessible.
Tip: Dress smart-casual; inquire about happy hour or early dinner specials.
10. Industrial Chic Dining: Cotton Restaurant in Manchester
Finally, among the most famous restaurants in New Hampshire, Cotton Restaurant offers a stylish spot inside a former cotton mill building with a strong reputation. OpenTable+1
Why it’s famous: Recognized by Bon Appétit magazine as one of the best in the Northeast, Cotton blends history, architecture and cuisine. OpenTable+1
What to try: Sophisticated, locally-inspired menus, extensive wine list, signature martinis (yes, their martinis get mentions!).
Best for: Upscale dining nights, cocktails plus dinner, food-savvy visitors.
Tip: Ask about the chef’s tasting menu if you want the full experience.
Why These Ten Made the List
When building a feature on “best restaurants in New Hampshire”, it’s important to select places that are not just good—but iconic, that offer unique stories, strong reputations, and dish or ambiance signatures that stand out. Each restaurant listed here has at least one of the following:
A long history or landmark status (e.g., The Library Restaurant, Pickity Place)
A distinctive claim or origin story (e.g., Puritan Backroom inventing chicken tenders)
A modern twist that still embraces local culture (e.g., The Foundry, Cotton)
Broad appeal across locals and visitors alike (e.g., Common Man, Red Arrow Diner)
A regional specialty focus (e.g., Polly’s Pancake Parlor with maple syrup breakfast)
These stories matter in content because they turn a dining outing into an experience, and experiences perform well in search and for sharing.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Dining in the Granite State
Here are some helpful ideas to make your trip to New Hampshire’s dining scene smoother:
Many famous restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends or during tourist seasons. Book ahead when possible.
Dress code varies—from casual family-friendly (Common Man, Red Arrow) to more formal (Library Restaurant, Cotton).
Consider regional locations: from the Seacoast (Portsmouth) to central (Manchester) to more rural (Mason, Sugar Hill) so you can explore while you dine.
Try to pair dining with a nearby sight or activity: mountain views, riverside seating, historic buildings add to the experience.
Ask about local ingredients or specials: New Hampshire is rich in farm-to-table and seasonal menus, which helps your meal feel rooted in place.
Leave room for dessert or coffee after dinner – many of these spots deliver memorable final bites.
Final Thoughts: Savoring New Hampshire’s Culinary Gems
When someone searches for “famous restaurants in New Hampshire” or “best restaurants in New Hampshire”, what they really want is more than good food—they want memorable moments. Whether you’re sipping maple-syrup laden pancakes in the mountains, enjoying an upscale steak by the sea, or grabbing a burger and historic vibe in a downtown mill, each of the ten featured restaurants offers a doorway into New Hampshire’s culture, history and local flavor.
If you’re planning your next trip, pick a few from this list, map them out regionally (Seacoast, Lakes Region, Manchester/Greater NH), and make reservations early to secure your place. You’ll be dining not just at a restaurant—but at a piece of New Hampshire’s unfolding story.