Best Casual Restaurants in Portsmouth

My husband and I had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at 22 Bowen. Although we arrived having no desire to have the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, we both ordered it and were so pleased that we had! It was delicious; the turkey was moist and the sides were all very good. The serving size was huge! We are looking forward to the leftovers tonight. Though the restaurant was very busy, the service was excellent. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and welcoming. We will definitely return.

My recent visit (my third visit) to The White Horse Tavern was a delightful experience, made even more special by my family and me celebrating my birthday. The tavern's atmosphere exudes a cozy and historic charm, creating a wonderful setting for our evening. My mother and friend ordered the Clam Chowder, and both raved about its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavor. It was an ideal meal for them, especially on a chilly evening. I opted for the chicken dish with mashed potatoes (without mushrooms) and a side of honey-glazed carrots. The chicken was cooked to perfection, tender, and flavorful, while the mashed potatoes were buttery and satisfying. The honey-glazed carrots were a standout—sweet, perfectly roasted, and a delightful complement to the meal. For dessert, I had the Orange Vanilla Crème Brûlée. While the texture and vanilla flavor were spot-on, I was disappointed that the orange flavor wasn't as strong as I expected. However, it was still a smooth and enjoyable way to end the meal. The staff went out of their way to make my birthday memorable by adding a candle to the side--a thoughtful touch that added to the celebration. However, the one downside of the evening was the noise level from the guests at the table next to ours. Their loud conversation occasionally made it hard to enjoy the intimate ambiance we hoped for entirely. Despite this minor issue, the experience was lovely overall, and we left with happy memories and full stomachs. The White Horse Tavern is an excellent spot for a celebratory dinner or a cozy night out, and we look forward to visiting again soon.

Quitos never disappoints. The staff is always so nice and helpful. Food is outstanding. Views can’t be beat!!!

Great food, friendly staff, home away from home. The prime rib on weekends is the best!

I frequently dine at the Blue Anchor. Tonight I went for their new Wednesday pasta prix fixe. It was outstanding and well worth the money. The Pasta Bolognese was one of the best I’ve had. Kudos on another great meal.