Restaurants

Local Eats

botanica

Botanica

Sophisticated drinks with upscale dining. This is a spot you won’t see anywhere else!
Jumpin-Jays-Fish-Cafe

Jumpin’ Jay’s

Curated and refined fresh seafood, we like Jay’s for the ambiance and constant new offerings. Also check out Shuck A Buck, $1 oysters!
old-ferry-landing

Old Ferry Landing (OFL)

Looking to roll out of bed and enjoy the waterfront on a Summer day? OFL is the best spot to throw on a pair of flip flops and enjoy a good sunset. You’ll be sure to meet and chat with plenty of great folks on the deck here.
The-Black-Birch

The Black Birch

Steps over the Kittery Bridge, Black Birch offers so much personality and depth with their menu. We recommend their Fish & Chips!
Surf-Restaurant

Surf Restaurant

The highlight of waterfront dining, Surf is a do-it-all restaurant with some of the best seafood and sushi around! You cannot leave Surf without trying their Truffle Lobster Maki Roll….trust us, it’s that good.
Massimo

Massimo

A restaurant that takes on the personality of its owner is always a fun spot to dive into, try Massimo for curated Italian food and be sure to ask for their recommended wine pairing. The bar upstairs is a constant stream of good laughs and welcoming environment
Cafe-Mediterraneo

Cafe Mediterraneo

This Italian restaurant is one of the true cornerstones of Downtown Portsmouth Dining. Always bustling with locals and visitors alike, Cafe Med is a spot we default to for some incredible Chicken or Eggplant Parm. Guaranteed leftovers don’t hurt either!
Flatbread-Pizza

Flatbread Pizza

One of the coziest spots in town, Flatbread offers some of the freshest ingredients served by some of the nicest folks. Try Flatbead when traveling with larger groups or on a snowy evening, the pizza oven warms the entire place and creates the most pleasant atmosphere!
Thirsty-Moose-Taphouse

Thirsty Moose Taphouse

Looking to watch the big game? Shout at the television with local sports fans? No place like the Thirsty Moose to enjoy over 100 beers on tap. Here on the weekend? Head downstairs for live music and dancing!
The-Press-Room

The Press Room

A refined gastro-bar with two levels of pure fun. Press Room always has some incredible talent on stage. Low-pressure environment, high caliber fun.

Breweries & Spirits

Liars-Bench

Liar’s Bench

An unassuming bar space behind a plumbing space, Liar’s Bench is quintessential Portsmouth. Run and frequented by locals, this brewery is the spot to be on a pleasant Friday Happy Hour or Saturday afternoon.
Loaded-Question

Loaded Question

Just outside Downtown, Loaded Question is a great spot to bring the family for a local hangout. Plenty of games, events, and pets to be enjoyed.

Snacks & Pick-Me-Ups

Ceres-Street-Bakery

Ceres Street Bakery

One of the oldest and most respected bakeries in the area, Ceres is the best place to pop into when you’re craving a sweet treat or grab a fresh loaf of bread to bring to a dinner party. Celebrating something while you’re here? Ask for one of their cakes, no regrets.
Elephantine-Bakery

Elephantine Bakery

Mediterranean influence, high-class baked goods, and killer caffeine offerings. Sit outside Elephantine on a weekend morning and feel the Portsmouth community amass around you. Local Tip: They sell cinnamon buns on the weekends and they have a reputation. Go see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!
Lils-Cafe

Lil’s Cafe

A stone’s throw over the bridge in Kittery, Lil’s is famous for all of their amazing baked goods, however, one reigns supreme. The crullers. These light and airy donuts are truly one of a kind. If you don’t like these, we will refund you! (Hasn’t happened yet)
The-Green-Room

The Green Room

Pop over to the Green Room on a Saturday morning to sit outside on Vaughn Mall and try their breakfast sandwiches while you greet the passing pups on the sidewalk.

Entertainment

Go & Do

Jimmys-Jazz-Club

Jimmy’s Jazz Club

Attracting world-class musicians and entertainers, Jimmy’s is a guaranteed great night out. A upscale jazz hall that offers incredible drinks, Jimmy’s is great to immerse yourself in music you’d only find in Nashville or New Orleans - right here in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth-Harbor-Cruises

Portsmouth Harbor Cruises

Whether you're aboard the Heritage or the Thoma Laighton, hopping on to these slow cruising boats will offer a glimpse of our amazing coastline and provide great insight into the history of the Port.
Prescott-Park-Concert-Series

Prescott Park Concert Series

Some of the best nights in town can also be the cheapest! Head down to Prescott Park during the Summer months to catch amazing musicians performing in this waterfront park. For a small suggested donation of just $10, you can sit on the grass with a pizza or sushi and relax, sing, and dance!
The-Music-Hall

The Music Hall

A world-renowned theater just steps from The Davenport, The Music Hall has shows, performances, and theater for the whole family. There is nothing like grabbing a cheap ticket to a show last minute and immersing yourself in the historic theater. Try their Dark N’ Stormys!
Strawberry-Banke

Strawberry Banke

Looking to roll back time and understand the original Portsmouth settlers way of life? Strawberry Banke operates year-round and is the best place to lean into the wealth of history that runs through the streets of Portsmouth.

Activities

Beaches, Nature, and Fresh Air

Pirates-Cove-Beach

Pirates Cove Beach

A true local spot, Pirates is a small beach for families to sit and enjoy the salty air. Pack a lunch and your flip flops, you’ll be here for awhile.
jenness-beach

Jenness Beach

One of the best beaches in New England, Jenness is a phenomenal place to sit, walk, and swim for the day. Think you’re ready to try surfing? Pop into Summer Session Surf Shop across the street and rent a surfboard from Ryan & Tyler. You’ll leave with great stories and some water in your ear, but it’ll be worth it.
Great-Island-Common

Great Island Common

Traveling with a big group? Looking to play some volleyball? Great Island Commons is a waterfront state park with expansive beaches and lawns. Throughout the summer you will find plenty of volleyball games and cookouts here. It is truly the essence of the Seacoast and a place you won’t soon forget.
Rye-Harbor

Rye Harbor

A coveted pocket of land tucked away on Route 1A, Rye Harbor is great for picnics, family reunions, big groups, and watching the fishing boats head out to sea. Before heading into the park, stop at the seafood shop just around the corner for fresh lobster rolls right off the boat!
Odiorne-Point-Seacoast-Science-Center

Odiorne Point & Seacoast Science Center

One of the prettiest State Parks in the state, Odiorne is a paid entry park where visitors can sit on the beach, bike or walk through the trails, and visit the Science Center. Check out the touch tanks with the kids and learn about life below sea level!