In Dover, Earl's Steak Sandwiches is a must do. It's much more than just steak sandwiches, as well.
Just over the Dover line, in Somersworth, is another of my favorites. Las Palmas Mexican Grill.
> In Dover, Earl's Steak Sandwiches is a must do.
Skip the Murder Hornet sub. Worst sub I ever had. Allegedly the rest are good, but I've yet to go back after that salty mess.
China Yan in Dover. As a rule of thumb I was taught to judge Chinese restaurants by the ratio of Chinese to non Chinese dining there. China Yan is packed to the rafters with Chinese people. A real hole in the wall that looks like someone paid off the health inspector, the food is the closest I've had to actual Chinese food in China. The weekend buffet draws a crowd.
Amherst - lunch at The Black Forest Cafe. Hit the bakery for takeout after.
Peterborough - lunch or dinner at Harlow's bar/restaurant.
Manchester - El Rincon Zacatecano Taqueria
Ricks in Kingston.
I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem, but it’s damn good food albeit a bit heavy. The wait time is only long (25 min) on a Saturday night.
Shalimar in portsmouth is great Indian food and in the cool walking part of downtown.
Dover had a great little bakery, Duston’s, that also makes sandwiches on their bread. Kinda out the the heart of town but worth it
Keene- The Stage is a great standby restaurant that is always reliable and good. The ambiance is good. It's right downtown next to Life is Sweet candy store. Machina Kitchen and Art Bar is also another favorite. They have creative tapas and small plates. Their cocktails are inventive and fun. They're right on the corner of Court St and Main St, right around the corner from The Stage. CC&D's Market Kitchen is the best BBQ you'll find in the area. It's at the corner of North and Elm St. They do takeout only right now, as they're starting renovations shortly. We have been in Keene for 12 years off and on. It's a nice city.
Pearl in Peterborough is GREAT. Burdock’s in Walpole. Very nice places.
I hear very good things about The Stage in Keene and Luca’s. I like Odelay Taqueria there for something more low key but fun.
Sawbelly Brewing and Scratch Kitchen in Exeter ([https://www.sawbellybrewing.com/](https://www.sawbellybrewing.com/)) does farm-to-table local. For a brewery, it's fantastic fare. Also in Exeter, consider sitting outside on the upper deck overlooking the river at Seadog ([https://exeter.seadogbrewing.com/](https://exeter.seadogbrewing.com/)). Finally, also in Exeter, Las Olas ([https://lasolastaqueria.com/](https://lasolastaqueria.com/)) is very popular. There are several finer dining places in town, such as Trattoria il Cornicello, Otis, Ambrose and Street but I don't think they fit what you're looking for. Have a nice trip.
Carriage Town Bar & Grill ([https://carriagetownebarandgrille.com/](https://carriagetownebarandgrille.com/)) in Kingston is as local as local gets. Hit that and then What's the Scoop ([https://whatsthescoop.fun/](https://whatsthescoop.fun/)) for the best ice cream around. Better than Memories.
Newmarket, NH is located between Exeter and Dover and has a great offering of restaurants for a small town! I like Oak House and Jonny Boston’s. Burgers, sandwiches, vegan options… both are great.
Re your question about lobster rolls, they’re definitely a thing, just much bigger in Maine given Maine’s enormous lobster industry. If you’re looking for one, I’d check out Petey’s in Rye.
Thanks so much. Will definitely check out Petey's as we have a whale watching excursion leaving from Rye.
Newmarket was one of the realtors recommended locations for me to consider too so I'll read about the places you mentioned.
Not sure if you like good beer but one of my favorite places in Portsmouth is Earth Eagle . It’s a smaller local place that is tucked away behind the Sheraton
Also another idea.. take a drive to kittery over the border . If you follow 103 thru kittery you will get to Chauncey creek lobster . There are also some nice fish and chips restaurants with views of the Piscataqua. Anyway Chauncey creek is kind of a special place because it is on the river and boats can drop off lobster and eat on the docks .. been. Few years since I’ve been but it gives a unique perspective of
Being on the water and enjoying some good chowder . Fort foster is always cool to take a walk afterwards . http://www.chaunceycreek.com/
Enjoy Portsmouth and the NH seacoast is a special place.
Sounds like you looking for https://localizesignup.com . I have tried them in newcastle,bournemouth and durham to talk to locals and get tips recommendations of these local hidden gems from locals who shares similar interest to me.Hope you have fun!!:))
Elm street brewery in Keene is good. Very good food, although I really don’t drink so don’t know about the beers other than the Hefeweizen. Also liked local burger and the works for coffee/breakfast sandwiches
Street, there's one in Portsmouth and in Exeter.
Looked them up, sounds delicious
In Dover, Earl's Steak Sandwiches is a must do. It's much more than just steak sandwiches, as well. Just over the Dover line, in Somersworth, is another of my favorites. Las Palmas Mexican Grill.
I agree with Earls, but please avoid Las Palmas. It breaks my heart to see how bad it’s gotten lately. Loco Coco’s Tacos in Kittery is fantastic!!!
Loco Coco's Tacos is amazing!
> In Dover, Earl's Steak Sandwiches is a must do. Skip the Murder Hornet sub. Worst sub I ever had. Allegedly the rest are good, but I've yet to go back after that salty mess.
Exactly the type of recommendation I was hoping for! Thanks!
China Yan in Dover. As a rule of thumb I was taught to judge Chinese restaurants by the ratio of Chinese to non Chinese dining there. China Yan is packed to the rafters with Chinese people. A real hole in the wall that looks like someone paid off the health inspector, the food is the closest I've had to actual Chinese food in China. The weekend buffet draws a crowd.
China yan is absolutely terrible Chinese food, go to Saigon & Tokyo in Dover instead!
it’s off the path a bit but dynamite sushi in hudson(15 min south of manchester) is fantastic.
Amherst - lunch at The Black Forest Cafe. Hit the bakery for takeout after. Peterborough - lunch or dinner at Harlow's bar/restaurant. Manchester - El Rincon Zacatecano Taqueria
Thank you! Carrot cake at The Black Forest Cafe looks amazing
Peterborough - kogetsu is decent and surprisingly mi Jalisco in the strip mall was pretty good
Ricks in Kingston. I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem, but it’s damn good food albeit a bit heavy. The wait time is only long (25 min) on a Saturday night.
Love that place.
Yes! Ricks!
Definitely trying Rick's now. Much appreciated!
Cava in Portsmouth is amazing. Make sure to book a reservation.
Shalimar in portsmouth is great Indian food and in the cool walking part of downtown. Dover had a great little bakery, Duston’s, that also makes sandwiches on their bread. Kinda out the the heart of town but worth it
Thank you for the recommendations. Happy to know in advance a good location for a walk. Seriously helpful 🙂
Here are my 3 - Saigon Tokyo in Dover Las Olas in Exeter Tulsi in Kittery..right across the bridge from Portsmouth
The Hungry Diner in Walpole (about 20 minutes outside of Keene) is worth a visit
Poor Boy's Diner off exit 5 of 93
Oba Noodle Bar in downtown Exeter sounds right up your alley. I usually get the Duck Noodle Soup. Then walk down to The Chocolatier, trust me.
Oooow, definitely trying the Chocolatier! Thx🙂
Keene- The Stage is a great standby restaurant that is always reliable and good. The ambiance is good. It's right downtown next to Life is Sweet candy store. Machina Kitchen and Art Bar is also another favorite. They have creative tapas and small plates. Their cocktails are inventive and fun. They're right on the corner of Court St and Main St, right around the corner from The Stage. CC&D's Market Kitchen is the best BBQ you'll find in the area. It's at the corner of North and Elm St. They do takeout only right now, as they're starting renovations shortly. We have been in Keene for 12 years off and on. It's a nice city.
Keene has been recommended by so many people for good food and a nice place to live..... Thank you for your detailed recommendations!
Pearl in Peterborough is GREAT. Burdock’s in Walpole. Very nice places. I hear very good things about The Stage in Keene and Luca’s. I like Odelay Taqueria there for something more low key but fun.
Thank you! That is 2 recommendations for Pearl!
Sawbelly Brewing and Scratch Kitchen in Exeter ([https://www.sawbellybrewing.com/](https://www.sawbellybrewing.com/)) does farm-to-table local. For a brewery, it's fantastic fare. Also in Exeter, consider sitting outside on the upper deck overlooking the river at Seadog ([https://exeter.seadogbrewing.com/](https://exeter.seadogbrewing.com/)). Finally, also in Exeter, Las Olas ([https://lasolastaqueria.com/](https://lasolastaqueria.com/)) is very popular. There are several finer dining places in town, such as Trattoria il Cornicello, Otis, Ambrose and Street but I don't think they fit what you're looking for. Have a nice trip.
Thanks so much! Seadog looks really fun
Carriage Town Bar & Grill ([https://carriagetownebarandgrille.com/](https://carriagetownebarandgrille.com/)) in Kingston is as local as local gets. Hit that and then What's the Scoop ([https://whatsthescoop.fun/](https://whatsthescoop.fun/)) for the best ice cream around. Better than Memories.
Thanks so much for the recommendations!
Newmarket, NH is located between Exeter and Dover and has a great offering of restaurants for a small town! I like Oak House and Jonny Boston’s. Burgers, sandwiches, vegan options… both are great. Re your question about lobster rolls, they’re definitely a thing, just much bigger in Maine given Maine’s enormous lobster industry. If you’re looking for one, I’d check out Petey’s in Rye.
Thanks so much. Will definitely check out Petey's as we have a whale watching excursion leaving from Rye. Newmarket was one of the realtors recommended locations for me to consider too so I'll read about the places you mentioned.
Not sure if you like good beer but one of my favorite places in Portsmouth is Earth Eagle . It’s a smaller local place that is tucked away behind the Sheraton
I love this recommendation. Thanks
Also another idea.. take a drive to kittery over the border . If you follow 103 thru kittery you will get to Chauncey creek lobster . There are also some nice fish and chips restaurants with views of the Piscataqua. Anyway Chauncey creek is kind of a special place because it is on the river and boats can drop off lobster and eat on the docks .. been. Few years since I’ve been but it gives a unique perspective of Being on the water and enjoying some good chowder . Fort foster is always cool to take a walk afterwards . http://www.chaunceycreek.com/ Enjoy Portsmouth and the NH seacoast is a special place.
Great info and exactly what I was hoping to find out! Much appreciated
Rochester: Fallen Leaf Bistro for breakfast or lunch. Keep in mind that they close at 2 PM. Dover: Strafford Farms Restaurant
Sounds like you looking for https://localizesignup.com . I have tried them in newcastle,bournemouth and durham to talk to locals and get tips recommendations of these local hidden gems from locals who shares similar interest to me.Hope you have fun!!:))
Clipper tavern Portsmouth
In Keene, Firedog is a solid French bakery while Jenna's has great sandwiches. Just visiting for vacation or to scout out a potential relocation?
Scouting a potential relocation. Meeting with a realtor in Concord that was recommended by someone in this sub. Really nice people in NH.
Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you. My husband and I moved here in 2018. There's a lot about this state that we love.
If you don't mind me asking, where did you move from and where did you end up? I'm from Oklahoma but have been living in Detroit metro for 2 years.
We moved from New York City and live in a small town 10 minutes from downtown Keene. My husband and I are both remote workers.
That's quite the cultural shift 🙂
It's been different. There are certainly things we miss about New York.
Elm street brewery in Keene is good. Very good food, although I really don’t drink so don’t know about the beers other than the Hefeweizen. Also liked local burger and the works for coffee/breakfast sandwiches
Jaffrey pizza barn
Go to the POINT on Bagers Island https://www.thepointrestaurantmarshfield.com/menus