The Seacoast area of New Hampshire is located along the Atlantic Ocean in the southern part of the state. The region includes the city of Portsmouth, where the Piscataqua River empties into the ocean. The Seacoast area offers a variety of attractions, such as Hampton Beach, Seacoast Science Center and the American Independence Museum. Visitors to the New Hampshire Seacoast area have numerous dining options to choose from, including casual and upscale Italian restaurants.
The Rosa Restaurant has served traditional, Italian-style cuisine and fresh seafood to the Seacoast region since 1927. Ten appetizers lead the menu, such as the fried calamari and hot pepper rings, the Asiago cheese and olive bruschetta and the steamed Prince Edward Island mussels. The restaurant's signature entree is the chicken alla Rosa--boneless breast meat sauteed with garlic, onions, prosciutto ham, mushrooms and fresh tomatoes, all served over a choice of pasta. Another featured dinner is the braciola--flank steak pounded flat and then rolled around a filling made from salami, garlic, shallots and Asiago cheese then braised in marinara sauce and served over pasta. The Rosa Restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are accepted. Casual attire is suggested.
The Rosa Restaurant
80 State St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-9715
therosa.com
Established in 1994, Ristorante Massimo has won numerous awards, including "Best Romantic Seat in a Restaurant" from "New Hampshire Magazine," and the "Editor's Choice Award" for best restaurant from "Yankee Travel Magazine." Five appetizers lead the menu, such as the cinghiale e mele--pork tenderloin in a fennel crust served over a fennel and red apple slaw in a parsnip-based sauce. Among the pasta dishes is the pappardelle alla bolognese--broad fettuccine noodles served in a sauce made with Kobe beef and oyster mushrooms. Seafood lovers may opt for the cioppino di pesci--pan-roasted cod, shrimp and scallops simmered in fish stock, tomatoes and fennel served with grilled bread. Featuring 125 selections from Italy and California, the wine list has won the "Wine Spectator" Award of Excellence multiple times. The Ristorante Massimo serves dinner Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended and accepted online and over the phone. Business casual attire is accepted. Valet parking is available on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ristorante Massimo
59 Penhallow St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-4000
ristorantemassimo.com
Radici is a family-owned establishment located in Portsmouth. A specialty of the house is the osso buco--braised veal shanks served in a Madeira wine sauce. Another is the red-snapper seared vaschetta--a fillet that is pan-seared and topped with tomatoes served alongside crab risotto. For dessert, try the tiramisu--alternating layers of Mascarpone cheese and ladyfinger cookies soaked in espresso, amaretto and Kahlua liquer. The wine list features more than 30 whites and reds by the bottle. Specialty cocktails are also featured like the Venetian--top-shelf vodka, lemon-flavored liqueur, lime juice and a splash of cranberry juice. Espresso and cappuccino drinks are also served. Radici is open for lunch Mondays through Fridays, for brunch on Sundays and for dinner nightly. Reservations are highly recommended. Business casual attire is suggested.
Radici
1 Middle St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-373-6464
radicirestaurant.com
