There are many reasons for the family to take a trip to see the beautiful seaside destination of Portsmouth, NH. The picturesque downtown area that is easy to find from the highway and just minutes from beautiful beaches, as well as wonderful amusement parks and shops.
Although when you find yourself here it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose from over a hundred restaurants to find the one that fits all of your family’s needs. Now, as all Portsmouth restaurants are unique, so are the families who dine there. So read on to find out which area and what strengths of each restaurant best suit you and your family.
Kid friendly in downtown Portsmouth
Best Breakfast Places to Sit: Espresso Cafe, 800 Islington Street, Portsmouth NH
Now it’s not quite in the center, I know. It would be a hike to walk with kids but it is only a 2 minute drive and well worth it. This is a very cute and spacious breakfast spot that has everything your family would want in a morning treat!
Finalist: The Golden Egg, 905 Sagamore Ave, Portsmouth NH
Although not in the immediate center, very close and it is not number one because you always have to wait here. Great for weekdays!
Best quick breakfast: The Works, 9 Congress Street, Portsmouth NH
Great for quick bagel and coffee. There is not a large number of seats, but the rotation is fast!
Best fancy breakfast: Popovers in the square, Market Square, Portsmouth NH
Elegant menu, although they do have some kid-friendly options that are sweeter. However, great outdoor seating!
Finalist: Colby’s, 105 Daniel Street, Portsmouth NH
This is not for large families or families with young children. Space is tight and the wait is usually long. Although they usually offer coffee in the waiting line and the food is excellent.
Great Counter Order Lunch: Ollies and I, 10 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth NH
Good healthy lunch options and downstairs is a cute kid’s room to eat!
Dos Amigos, 107 State Street Portsmouth NH
Fresh and great burritos and a simple kids menu that my son always loves!
Italian Moe Subs, State Street, Portsmouth NH
No seats, but with a very unique original Portsmouth Italian submarine. Get the special sauce in the submarine for you and the kids’ food for the little ones
Also try The Works on Congress Street
Great seated lunch: The Stockpot, 53 Bow Street Portsmouth NH
Always a Portsmouth favorite for lunch! Good options for children and at the same time offers creative options for adults. Excellent views of the river from the terrace and the downstairs dining room.
Runner-up: Few Bow Street Cantina, 37 Bow Street, Portsmouth NH
Also great river views from your deck, as well as your upstairs dining room. There is a children’s menu (although not on the website)
Great dinner: Flatbreads, 138 Congress Street, Portsmouth NH
Small menu but they do baked pizza better than anyone. Kids can watch pizzas being made in a giant oven and in the restaurant on the noisy side so parents don’t have to worry if kids can’t calm down.
Blue Mermaid, 409 The Hill, Portsmouth NH
(although if you enter the navigation system at 100 High Street, which is the address of the Hilton Garden Inn, the Blue Mermaid is directly behind them)
Excellent kids menu, each meal served with watermelon and fun unique offerings for adults.
Finalist: The Portsmouth Brewery
Excellent kids menu, don’t let the brewery thing scare you off. As long as it is upstairs in the dining room, it is very family friendly.
Great seafood fried only in summer: The Old Ferry Landing, 10 Ceres Street, Portsmouth Nh (area known as the Decks between Few and Stockpot)
Picnic table setting. Average fried seafood meal with great water views.
Portsmouth for Kids (off-center)
Great breakfast: Hebert Restaurant, 1500 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth NH (yes, at Market Basket Plaza)
Dinner rate breakfast with delicious treats baked on site every day! Try the Belgian waffle and for the kids order a Mickey cake (not on the menu, but they always will!)
Great lunch: Café Nostimo, 72 Mirona Road, Portsmouth NH
I don’t have enough good things to say about Café Nostimo. Absolutely amazing Greek food with a good kids menu. My son loves it because he can eat rice pilaf! Very nice decoration and a nice terrace for outdoor dining. One thing to keep in mind: they don’t open on Sundays!
Fun Mexican for kids: Margaritas, 775 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth NH
There is so much to see here that it will keep your kids busy for most of the meal. Good kids menu and quick service.
Fun Chinese for kids: Kim Lai, 599 Lafayette Road
Our favorite for the Chinese in Portsmouth. Standard menu specials, although the staff is very friendly and everything is very tasty.
Great seafood fried only in summer: BG’s Boathouse, 191 Wentworth Road Portsmouth NH (Route 1B, also known as the road to New Castle)
It’s a bit like going to grandma’s house. I’ve been there forever, horrible decor and great food.
If you’re there, check out the Ice House (technically in Rye) a little later. Also good seafood, but ice cream is a must.
Fun Flame Tricks Restaurant: Hibachi, 2466 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth Nh
Just fun to watch Tempanyaki chefs in action! Bonus: if you grab any of the flying zucchini, Walmart is right next to the store!
Believe me when I tell you this is just a taste of Portsmouth has to offer. There are so many good restaurants that it is difficult to choose among many and I am sure some really good ones are not on the list. You will also notice that I did not include any corporate or fast food restaurant chains. One, because they are easy to find allies and two that would have made the list ridiculously long. Although I will point out that the McDonald’s on Lafayette Road has a nice indoor play area perfect for a rainy day and wild kids.
If you’re interested in more NH and Maine kid-friendly sites, visit us at www.wildkidtrips.com where you’ll find kid-friendly reviews and helpful tips to make sure you have the most fun with your family wherever you decide to go. On the website you will also find links to all these restaurants (at least the ones with a website!)
