Concord is a pleasant surprise for many who venture here. A small city dotted with historic buildings and pretty parks, it also has an impressive culinary scene. Here are the best restaurants in the New Hampshire capital.
New American cuisine is what Granite at the Centennial Hotel does really well – and the restaurant is all about freshly cooked classics. The fish in particular are recommendable, combining local flavor with touches of haute cuisine. The Idaho trout, for example, is served with green vegetables and topped with the multilayered citrus brown butter sauce. Meanwhile the seared sea scallops get a flavor boost from the accompanying mushroom risotto, lobster salad and white wine butter sauce. Chef Corey Fletcher’s meticulous approach to both flavor and presentation is a great match for the sleek, modern decor of Granite’s dining hall. Evenings can get pretty busy here at weekends, but the lively atmosphere adds to the restaurant’s casual charm. If you’re only dropping by for a drink, take a look at the Nosh Menu for a list of smaller, melt-in-the-mouth bites.
It would not be an overstatement to say that Sunny’s Table is among the top three dining destinations in Concord. A few carefully picked Asian classics grace the menu, but the foundation is all local. Many of the dishes’ ingredients are sourced from New Hampshire farms. When perusing the menu, remember that the Korean bibimbap is especially worth recommending. Its sizzling spices are just right for the New England palate, while the angry shrimp on ramen noodles is a great find for the lover of hot and spicy fare. Sunny’s polished interior and great presentation add to the appeal. So head down here if you’re in search of ‘something different’ for a night out.
Located in the heart of downtown Concord, across the street from the State Capitol, The Barley House unites casual dining with the setting of an upscale tavern. While the decor is an inviting affair reminiscent of a British pub, when it comes to food, everybody knows that The Barley House serves the best burgers in town. The Dublin burger – featuring peppercorn-charred TR natural Angus beef, whisky gravy, creamy blue cheese and crispy onions – has become something of a local legend. It has won numerous culinary awards state-wide. Wash it down with a glass of craft ale picked from The Barley House’s long and comprehensive menu. Options range from California’s Arrogant Bastard to Belgium’s famous Duvel and the local Hop Slinger.
The Common Man in Concord is part of a local, family-owned restaurant chain in New Hampshire, set up in Ashland in 1971. The Concord branch, opened in 2000, has a naturally rustic, family-oriented atmosphere. The menu gives a warm welcome to all guests, with a dedicated gluten-free section filled with custom-designed delicacies. For a real taste of the North East, pick your favorite dish from the seafood menu. Good choices are the Portsmouth pie, a New England staple favurite with Maine lobster, or the delectable rock crab cakes, voted by NH Magazine as the best in the state. The large bar area upstairs is perfect for an after-dinner tipple. Don’t forget to try The Common Man’s signature white chocolate chunks.
Something of a local foodie secret, Angelina’s serves up mouth-watering slices of Italy, homemade with love and fresh ingredients. This is all in a cozy, art-filled setting with just a few tables. On the menu is the creamy, New England-inspired agnolotti crema rosa – half-moon pasta filled with lobster, prawns and scallops, and topped with a rich tomato sauce. Or you can choosethe decidedly North Italian osso buco – a juicy veal shank served with vegetables over risotto. Angelina’s chef has mastered the art of adapting this continental cuisine to the flavors and tastes of New Hampshire. For an authentic experience, go for some of the more traditional options. Then, wash it down with a bottle of Italian wine and feel transported to an intimate trattoria across the Atlantic.
Reliable, affordable, casual – The Red Blazer is a no-frills neighborhood restaurant cooking up the usual range of classics. Options range from the seafood-stuffed halibut to the sautéed chicken breast flamed with marsala wine and topped with a mushroom demi-glace. The main dining room has a certain old-fashioned charm. The huge fireplace provides a central focus, while the in-house Peanut Pub is your classic go-to place for a good choice of draft beers. While the food here may not blow you away, The Red Blazer is a solid institution in Concord. It can be relied on to deliver tasty, filling favorites – try it for an authentic taste of the everyday.
Located in the town of Henniker, just a short drive from Concord, The Country Spirit does exactly what it says on the tin. The self-proclaimed tavern is as rustic as it gets, with wooden beams and walls, a convivial atmosphere and live music concerts by local performers staged almost every week. Get yourself one of the side booths and order a selection of their tavern fare. This could be anything from the much-loved Reuben burger to the marinated and grilled steak tips. They are all cooked in a ‘country spirit’, hearty and generous. While the venue is anything but upscale, it does offer a fantastic back-to-the-roots experience. Here, rustic charm meets all-American classics.
The family-owned Newell Post is still a relatively undiscovered gem on Concord’s dining scene. So, come here before it becomes well-known. Friendly service, a cozy setting and breakfasts to die for make this a feel-good spot for all those wanting to kick off their weekend on a high note. The eggs Benedict omelet is a staple favorite, a portion of deliciousness served with Canadian bacon and a dollop of smooth hollandaise sauce. The homemade sausage gravy on top of a large biscuit is another must-try. Be careful not to miss this spot when passing by; The Newell Post really blends into its surroundings. Look out for their wooden sign just outside the restaurant building.
O’s Steaks and Seafood sees itself as a spin on the classic steakhouse, serving top-notch combinations of juicy cuts and fresh-from-the-water seafood. Start your meal with the signature O Pops, small bites of Kobe beef, blue cheese and bacon. Then go on to the steaks, picking from a selection of Kobe and Prime NY Strip – freshness is guaranteed with these succulent, high-quality cuts. Alternatively, try O’s famous surf and turf mac’n’cheese, which brings together prime cuts of filet and NY strip and some delicious lobster meat for sophistication’s sake. While O’s Concord is nestled in the city’s lively downtown, the Laconia branch is another wonderful setting overlooking the pretty Lake Opechee.
Easily the most unpretentious, honest eatery in Concord, The Soup Gallery is a much-loved, family-owned spot tucked away in an alleyway off Main Street. As the name suggests, the restaurant is dedicated to crafting hearty, artisanal soups from organic and locally sourced ingredients, but it also sees tapas-style dinner sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings. The bread and biscuits here are among the tastiest you’ll get in the city, and with a choice of six freshly made soups available every single day, there is much to get you falling in love for the oldest of all comfort foods. Insider tip: opt for outdoor seating when the weather is fine, and indulge in a session of people-watching.
