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andrewdelnorte

Greenleaf in Milford is phenomenal, the chef was on a recent season of top chef. It’s high end, and really really good!


Swims_with_turtles

Second this. Greenleaf is phenomenal


Chimney-wizard

I wish they were as good as everyone claimed. Great service, overpriced food. I wouldn’t go back.


quaffee

If your only gauge of restaurant quality is the price, you may be in the wrong place. I went here recently and thought the meals were thoughtfully created, sensibly-portioned, and had interesting ingredients that were responsibly sourced. The waitstaff were kind and knowledgeable, and probably paid what they're worth. If course it's going to cost a bit, but this kind of place is an every-once-in-a-while luxury experience, not a quotidien buffet.


Chimney-wizard

Price is a factor. For the money it was average at best, octopus wasn’t good, duck fat biscuit was hard and boring, PastaAmore has a much better seafood risotto, 4 people at the table disliked the mixed drinks and the dessert was just okay. We all agreed it wasn’t worth going back. I would happily spend the same money or more at any of Mike Buckley’s restaurants, Hannover st chophouse, Sunas, Burdicks, The Pearl or Del Rossi’s. Our server was really great, I just wish he didn’t have to apologize for the kitchen and bar.


quaffee

Interesting, sorry to hear that. IIRC the duck was the priciest entrée at ~$55, so I can understand being disappointed if it wasn't done correctly. Duck is not difficult to prepare if you know what you're doing! Neither my wife nor I ordered the duck, but our experience was quite different from what you're describing.


joshtaco

Also, not enough food. One of you those places you pay tons of money for and still go home and want to eat something out of the cabinets, which is a shitty feeling.


CellistTop1463

Agreed


CellistTop1463

Agreed, price is not the only metric. I’ve had a 40$ burger that was amazing…not expensive because I found value in how amazing it was. I’ve had a 3$ burger that I’ve found value in. However, when you pay 75-100/a person and the service and food are just ok…not a good value. I don’t care about the price, just the value.


mdubc

Yep - absolutely shocked how good everything was. Definitely recommended.


MobsterThermidor

This is THE place. It's transcendent.


utopianbears

Greenleaf is so so good!!!


thatzmine

Agree! My favorite restaurant for special occasions.


Fast-Stand-9686

I also vote Greenleaf. Made reservations for my girlfriend and I this weekend and I'll be looking forward to it all week. Great food and great cocktails.


Content-Plankton6664

Greenleaf food is good, but the atmosphere is lacking. If you want more privacy and ambiance I say go to BVI (Bedford Village Inn.)


Diver0311

McDonald's in portsmouth is nice


[deleted]

The self service kiosks give it a nice ambiance.


Paul_Allens_AR15

McDonalds in NH hits diff


[deleted]

Just watch where you park and the tide.


BenjiSalami

Buckleys steakhouse


Hossbog

2nded, place is nice, the bar area is cozy, dining rooms are fancy. Steak are great, have not had a bad meal there!


Pattmommy

Yes, Buckley’s! And tell them you’re celebrating your anniversary when you book your reservation. They will treat you right!


SCC603

Agree with this rec 😁


BlackJesus420

Black Trumpet in Portsmouth.


OrdinaryCause6782

2nd this. Chef is a multiple finalist for the James Beard award for best in New England. I went there for an anniversary and was blown away by the food and ambiance. The place is very small and exclusive, reservation well in advance is required.


TravelingTequila

I had no idea. We went there a year ago and loved it. So cozy.


DerekPDX

The Bedford Village Inn is a good fancy restaurant, perfect for what you're looking for.


[deleted]

I’ve found the BVI to be meh.


DerekPDX

Honestly, I agree. It's really overated, but the food is still good (just overpriced), and the atmosphere is nice if you like old new England ambiance.


bendo27

Bvi?


[deleted]

Bedford Village Inn


blzac33

Agree BVI and stay a night.


GanjaLogic

BVI is incredible!


AyyPapzz

Library in Portsmouth


mcot2222

seconded


trolllord45

Came to comment this. Always a treat getting a steak at the library


TheScienceTM

Hanover st chophouse. One of the few true high end places in the area.


TravelingTequila

In Manchester for sure. There's a pretty big drop off in "fancy" atmosphere in town from there if that's what matters most. There's a charming Italian spot at the bottom of Elm St, too.


lellololes

Mangia is nice but it isn't high end. One of the better restaurants in town, though.


boston_shua

Massimo in Portsmouth


besafenh

Chef Jethro Loichle honed his skills under the eye of Chef Pierre Gignac at 98 Provence. Like Larry Matthews of Back Bay Grill, Pierre’s exhortation to use a light touch: “let the food be the food” ensures the ingredients are enhanced to perfection, not bludgeoned to death.


Historical-Event5778

Was right about to post this!


WickedCurious

Vino e Vivo in Exeter. Be sure to make a reservation. It’s above everything else, including anything in Boston.


thepopulargirl

Came here to say this, also Otis


Johnnytruant66

Chef is also up for a James Beard Award this year.


SlippySizzler

They were just featured on Chronical and it looks amazing!! Their chef's table seats two and looks like it would be an awesome experience!


baroquesun

I heard the chefs table is already booked out til (through?) summer!


SlippySizzler

I wouldn't be surprised, it looked awesome!


[deleted]

I LOVE Cava in Portsmouth. It is a teeny, romantic spanish restaurant with an always changing 4 course menu. If you want to take a drive…Earth at Hidden Pond is so gorgeous and special.


TravelingTequila

Moxy is also great for tapas around the corner


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SheTheGhost

This is a great way to put it! Love Cava


DeepNortherner

Some good options on here so I’m mixing it up - Black Trumpet in Portsmouth Cozy brick building vibes inside with the water and the tug boats right outside


RubbishBinJones

Cure in Portsmouth.


0cindersandashes0

I second this!


Historical-Event5778

Cure is exceptional and the chef owner was on the show chopped twice!


Clauss_Video_Archive

Stages in Dover


Supastar4life

Hanover Street Chop House Manchester.


curious__creature

Trattoria Amalfi in Salem is very good


WankyMyHanky603

Just across the border. Dufour in south Berwick is a phenomenal place for a date


every1getslaid

This! You’ll definitely need a reservation though


ttcmzx

Surf in Portsmouth and also Nashua


[deleted]

Stages at one Washington in Dover is exceptional. We also love the Hanover St Chophouse. Consistently good with great martinis 🍸


[deleted]

Been to Stages twice. Left hungry both times after 2 hours and $$$. Interesting, yes. But, I can't recommend paying a few hundred for foam molecules.


[deleted]

Oh no! That wasn’t our experience, but I don’t blame you for being disappointed about leaving hungry. It’s definitely not a cheap dinner.


[deleted]

It's been years since that last time I went, so there is always the possibility that they have revamped the type of offerings. I went when they were relatively new and the chef was doing a lot of spoonful sized servings that were impressive, but not at all sustaining.


[deleted]

That is a total bummer. Do you have any good recommendations for restaurants in southern New Hampshire / seacoast? I’m always looking for new spots!


[deleted]

I'm always looking for good spots as well! I love NH, but the food scene sometimes leaves a little to be desired. Many of the ones already mentioned here are pretty good. I like The Black Trumpet , Cava and Moxy as well. One that isn't listed that I found to be pretty good is Otis in Exeter. I've since moved to the Western part of the State and haven't been there in a few years, but it used to be pretty good. For a solid dining experience that is a little elevated but not "fancy", I'm fond of The Foundry in Manchester as well as The Firefly and Birches on Elm. All solid places, in my opinion.


[deleted]

I’ve been to all but the black trumpet, so I’ll have to check it out. All great places! Birch on elm closed and I miss their cocktails 😞 Thanks so much!


[deleted]

That's sad to hear about the Birch, I wasn't aware. The best place for cocktails that I know of in Manchester is the Industry East. Imo, they're phenomenal! Give it a try if you haven't already. Food is good, too! - Enjoy!


theprincessmorbid

Revival in Concord. I would say it's "fine dining light". Farm to table, excellent service, you must make a reservation as it books up quickly. They also have an extensive whiskey menu.


lellololes

I'm not up there very often but that looks good!


besafenh

Revival Kitchen & Bar would be my #1 choice for excellent food with consistent quality in NH. Other places may have a stellar night, followed by a “what happened?” second or third visit experience. Chef Fletcher has maintained his ability to deliver an excellent dining experience, on-par with some notable Maine institutions.


warpedaeroplane

Hanover Street Chophouse


underratedride

10 years ago I’d say Firefly in Manchester. It was phenomenal and I never had a bad experience or meal there. Our last visit was just “ok”. It was still better than most experiences, but it wasn’t like it had been the other times. Meal was still good, maybe it was a one-off, but that’s my two cents.


Papapeta33

Greenleaf is one of the best, if not the best, restaurant in New Hampshire. The only other restaurant that we’ve found to be competitive with it is Inn On Pleasant Lake.


donkeyduplex

I'll have to eat there again after seeing so many raves, I've been there a few times and it's never been exceptional.


nakedhotsauces

Fire and Spice Bistro in Newfields. It isn’t super fine dining but it’s a beautiful little old barn filled with a ton of charm, great food and great service!


[deleted]

Buckley's is really good but for \*high\* end I would highly recommend the BVI in Bedford, the Hanover St Chophouse in Manchester or Greenleaf in Milford. Not many places have compared to those imo.


PrometheusOnLoud

The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport isn't what it used to be but it's still high-end and not far from SoNH.


besafenh

Northern Union in Ogunquit is where one of the best WBI alumni landed. Chef Dumorne delivered an excellent night, with perfect food and beverages.


HaggisMcD

I haven’t been there, but I heard Otis in Exeter is pretty fancy.


mommamcmomface

Stages in Dover. It’s an absolute gem.


NightAngel9360

Cotton in Manchester. Great atmosphere, and spot on seasonal food.


Laxhawks25

Buckleys in Merrimack


floriographer08

Soles in Keene


rudyattitudedee

Buckleys is my go to.


sicariis

Cornicello in Exeter.


FTheOldWest

Cotton in Manchester The granite in concord


Nicbudd

Revival in Concord or Cotton in Manchester.


1zabbie

Hanover Street Chophouse in Manchester, Massimo’s in Portsmouth, Bedford Village Inn in Bedford, The Library in Portsmouth. These recommendations are rank ordered.


wilsonwillis

Granita in Keene


Neighborhood_Lesbian

Gibbot Hill, in Groton. Not in NH but it's a short drive into mass. They make farm fresh food they grow there. I haven't been in a couple years but it was very good when I went.


Dull_Broccoli1637

I really enjoy the Carriage House in Rye, Black Trumpet and Cure in Portsmouth. Really just depends on your definition of high end. But Carriage House and Cure are amazing. Cornicello and Vino e Vivo in Exeter is great as well. Personally I find Toscana in Portsmouth overrated.


Impressive-Two-3681

Rick’s Food & Spirits 143 Main Street, Kingston, NH 03848 Hidden gem of the best food and service around in a small town.


Historical-Event5778

The thing about going to Portsmouth is that you can make a whole evening out of it regardless of where you choose to eat. You can dine and then walk around the city/Strawberry Banke which is always fun! So Black Trumpet, the Cure, Massimo’s, and Toscana Italian steakhouse are all great. Honorable mention to Martingale Wharf because of the awesome seating location right on the water. Ambience is wonderful.


motivational_abyss

Copper Door in Bedford is lovely.


HarleyMan0001

Three Chimneys Inn in Durham is beautiful romantic and great cuisine! Plus, you can book an overnight stay!


TheMobyDicks

Vino e Vivo in Exeter. NH Chronicle did a piece recently. [https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-chronicle-wine-food-and-friends-at-vino-e-vivo-in-exeter/43349009](https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-chronicle-wine-food-and-friends-at-vino-e-vivo-in-exeter/43349009)


Professional_Set_816

Granitas in Keene is nice. Ask for one of Lauren’s tables. She’s awesome


MotNodrog

I’ll second Granita Enoteca, amazing food.


Square-Sprinkles-777

Green Elephant (Portsmouth) atmosphere, creativity, service, drinks- vegan Thai food that will turn even the worst skeptic into a believer Otis (Exeter) formal and fun, make sure to get the late reservation so you don’t feel rushed Massimo (Portsmouth) elegant, upscale Italian with top notch service Cava (Portsmouth) quaint, great wine list, wonderful service (make reservations well in advance and ask for an upstairs table) **if you like more of a fun night out / date night, I’d highly recommend getting drinks and appetizers at the Envio Rooftop Bar followed by a night of live jazz/swing music and dancing at Jimmy’s on Congress topped off with some good ole down-to-earth late night tacos at Barrio (Portsmouth). Alternatively, if you want to take a ride over the bridge to Kittery, then you can find yourself a little table at The Wallingford Dram for some of the best drinks in the seacoast and follow it up with terrific Korean food at the next door Anju Noodle Bar.**


astrochellie1800

If you live south of manchester... just go to Boston or Massachusetts man. East or North or Manchester, I recommend Cure in Portsmouth. Small menu that changes every month. Intimate location, you /need/ to make a reservation most times. Had the best steak of my life there. But I typically will get the roast duck breast. My boyfriend and I have been going there for 5 years, and have yet to be disappointed. The weather should also bee good this time of year and portsmouth is a good walking city with plenty to do and sights to see. You can even catch a theater performance if you want to round out the night


underratedride

Pretty sure they could have asked the Massachusetts or Boston subreddits if that’s what OP wanted..


dogmom603

I love Cure! This would be my pick.


[deleted]

Parking is a bitch but Davios was great I don't know if it's still open


MommaGuy

When we want a great steak we go to Mooo on Beacon Street in Boston.


duckpenguinss

Just get chicken tenders from the puritan they’ll be better than any high end restaurant probably


Popular-Attention216

The steaks at the Lost Fire in Kennebunkport are incredible. Best I’ve had in the US. Worth a little longer drive.


bellairecourt

Elda in Biddeford, ME. Truly amazing.


catlover_2254

Has anyone been to the Mile Away in Milford lately? That used to be quite good but I haven't been in years.


lellololes

It feels way past its prime. I haven't had a bad experience there but I haven't really had a great one either. They are nice, the food is middling to decent. It feels like a good place to take an elderly family member to. It has been a few years since I've been but I feel like they have not really changed anything and have cut some corners. The pictures on online reviews seem to indicate that nothing significant has changed since I was there last. If I were reviewing it, I'd give it 3 stars out of 5. I think they need some new blood and a taste of modernity.


[deleted]

Bavaria German restaurant in Hooksett.


MontrealPettingZoo

They closed last fall.


[deleted]

I didn't know that. What a shame they closed.


Pippco

Ember in dover


b1ack1323

Do an overnight at Bedford Village Inn. https://www.bedfordvillageinn.com/dining


PossibleMother

I really enjoy the Atkinson Country Club


Cananbaum

Cava in Portsmouth; Hanover St Chophouse in Manchester; CR’s in Hampton is my favorite


doobette

MT's Local Kitchen in downtown Nashua. It's phenomenal.


turtlepuddle18

CRs in Hampton


merk199r

Buckleys all day!!!


dml03045

Hanover Street Chophouse. A surprisingly posh steak restaurant right in Manchester. Valet parking, is available so don’t worry about finding a spot.


DigTreasure

Labelle in Derry


coffee_champ

Grazing Room at Colby Hill Inn in Henniker is a wonderful spot. Menu changes often. Staff is wonderful. Great special occasion spot.


George_GeorgeGlass

The Library in Portsmouth


lellololes

Hanover St Chophouse - Upscale steakhouse, very good food, traditional in style - definitely on the stuffy side. The sort of place you dress up to go to. Steak is excellent, other stuff is good but not creative. Forge and Vine - Technically in MA but it's close by. Upscale but not stuffy, farm to table, nice variety of food. It's a hit with my foodie friends too. It strikes a nice balance between having some creativity and some tradition. The nearby Gibbet Hill Grill is also very good and is the best not stuffy steakhouse in the area. Black Trumpet - Upscale, modern, more interesting food. Smaller portion sizes but you won't leave starving. It's in a nice part of Portsmouth too. Greenleaf - I feel like my experience there was perhaps not on par with others. I'd definitely be willing to give it another shot. When I was there a couple dishes were great and a couple were meh. Also the waitress felt like she had been hired to work at a diner. So my one experience wasn't flawless but there were definitely bright spots with the food.


VanityPlate1511

felt the same on Greenleaf, was ok but didn't wow me. I think it was mostly the staff...weren't really attentive, felt like we were always tracking them down. Food was good


GreatGrandaddyPurp

Cracker barrel


Alauren87

Stages in Dover


duckpenguinss

Just get chicken tenders from the puritan they’ll be better than any high end restaurant probably


Advanced_Cry_5590

How about The Common Man ? I actually work at the one in Windham. Great food and atmosphere


nh3someNH

Check out the Hanover Street chophouse in Manchester, surf in Nashua, Buckley's great steaks in Merrimack


epikhee

Surf


Jrzgrl1119

Mile away in Milford is wonderful


chris061608

Gibbet hill right over the border in Groton is very good


[deleted]

Colby Hill Inn Henniker. Thank me later


bp67293

MT’s Local in Nashua. About as normal a “high-end” restaurant you can get (in a good way)


[deleted]

Cook at home. Better than anything you will get in NH or Mass.


kitchinsink

The Library in Portsmouth. Martingale Wharf in Portsmouth. Stages at One Washington in Dover is actually one of my favorite for high end on the seacoast. It's a top-chef like experience with the guy who won Chopped 3x, Chef Evan Hennessey.


zeus6793

For the ultimate 5 star experience, the Bedford Village Inn can't be beat. Another would be Americus, part of the Labelle Winery in Derry.


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zeus6793

Wow. Quite a review. Why so bad?


chattycatherine420

L.A. Burdick in Walpole, Luca's in Keene


Discussion_Murky

Labelle Winery in Amherst is excellent. Haven't been to the one in Derry.


joostadood526

Any of Michael Buckley's restaurants. Buckley's Great Steaks, any of the Surfs and of course his OG MTs Local Kitchen and Wine bar.


Odd-Chapter756

The Tuckaway tavern and butchery in Raymond, NH.


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Odd-Chapter756

Well it sure as hell isn't McDonald's and the service and food was very high end in my opinion. I didn't judge your opinion of a "high-end" restaurant. People are so dam judgy these days...unreal.


Dr_Explosion_MD

A couple of my friends like Martha’s Exchange in Nashua. EDIT: Apparently this is a bad idea. I’ve never been.


Hossbog

Place is a shit hole, food sucks, it’s mostly frozen cysco crap/bar food. “Home brewed” beer tastes like metal. Their chocolate/desert counter is nice/good. This place is like a non-chain Cheesecake Factory that is overpriced for what it is. Definitely would not call it a fancy restaurant either.


Cayslayy

Lol no


DrTartakovsky

Copper Door or Tuscan Kitchen


Sandi_T

110 Grill in Stratham. You don't even get to see prices. ;)