Alison's Guidebook
Food scene
Portsmouth is a foodie’s town with so many great food choices. Some of our favorites. Make advance reservations.
Great place to kick the night off with a drink for the views. Grab a bite somewhere else.
30 locals recommend
Martingale Wharf
99 Bow StGreat place to kick the night off with a drink for the views. Grab a bite somewhere else.
Surf Portsmouth
99 Bow St
Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe
150 Congress StreetOne of our favorites.
Flatbread Company
138 Congress StreetGreat pizza for dine-in or takeout.
Cure
189 State StreetToscana Italian Chophouse & Wine Bar
3 Pleasant Street
Black Trumpet
29 Ceres StBuoy Shack
Coffee Shops
Caffe Kilim
163 Islington StClosest to our house. Raspberry crumble bars are so so good.
Elephantine Bakery
10 Commercial AlleyOur favorite.
Kaffee Vonsolln
79 Daniel StAlso good.
Crullers are amazing. 1.5 mile scenic walk through town and into Maine. Or a 5 min drive.
66 locals recommend
Lil's Cafe
7 Wallingford SquareCrullers are amazing. 1.5 mile scenic walk through town and into Maine. Or a 5 min drive.
Lunch to go
Food to take on the road
The Kitchen
171 Islington StNext to Cafe Killim
Carl's Meat Market
25 State RdHeading to York? A good choice.
Henry VIII Carvery
445 US-1Heading to York? Another good choice.
In York and the biggest selection of products in addition to the cafe.
23 locals recommend
Stonewall Kitchen York Company Store
2 Stonewall LnIn York and the biggest selection of products in addition to the cafe.
Sightseeing
Strawbery Banke Museum
14 Hancock StWithin walking distance.
Prescott Park
105 Marcy StAcross from Strawberry Bank.
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
375 Little Harbor RdShort drive.
Great place to walk. Reserve parking in advance: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/odiorne-point-state-park
40 locals recommend
Odiorne Point State Park
570 Ocean BlvdGreat place to walk. Reserve parking in advance: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/odiorne-point-state-park
Pier is closed due to winter 2024 storms but still a lovely place to walk.
60 locals recommend
Fort Foster
76 Pocahontas RdPier is closed due to winter 2024 storms but still a lovely place to walk.
Fort McClary State Historic Site
Pepperrell RoadBeaches
Jenness State Beach
2280 Ocean BoulevardWallis Sands State Beach
1050 Ocean BlvdLong Sands Beach
189 Long Beach AveReminiscent of an old board walk. Arcades, gift shops, etc. Think Jersey Shore in New Hampshire.
17 locals recommend
Hampton Beach State Park
New Hampshire 1AReminiscent of an old board walk. Arcades, gift shops, etc. Think Jersey Shore in New Hampshire.
Fishing Charters
Vintage Fish Company
1870 Ocean BlvdSteaker Charters
1 Ocean BlvdClandestino Fishing charters
1870 Ocean BlvdProvisions
Planning on a dinner in? Here’s where the locals shop.
Carl's Meat Market
25 State RdSanders Fish Market
367 Marcy StSouth Street & Vine
359 Marcy StStonewall Kitchen Portsmouth Company Store
10 Pleasant StHannaford Supermarket
800 Islington St