If you’re looking for a great restaurant to bring your client to lunch, Portsmouth has plenty to offer. It’s an oft-quoted statistic that Portsmouth has more restaurant seats than residents, so the options can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help. From executive atmospheres, longtime Portsmouth traditions and great beer lists, we’ve broken down the top ten picks for client lunches.
100 Club
Portsmouth’s premier club sits on top of the city, with a view of the downtown skyline, the Piscataqua River and even beyond into Maine. Excellent service, great food, comfortable atmosphere, and no fighting over the check—it’s member’s only!
Rudi’s Portsmouth
Formerly The Metro restaurant, and an actual bus station before that, Rudi’s is a bit of old Portsmouth. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and the jazz music and décor recall an earlier time.
The Portsmouth Brewery
Not only do they have a long list of on-site brewed (and many award-winning) beers on tap, the food is fantastic as well! Exit through the gift shop for brewery & Portsmouth-branded souvenirs.
Martingale Wharf
If it’s nice outside, the Martingale riverside patio is the place to be. With great food (try the crispy pork belly!) and spectacular views, your client will be impressed!
Rí Rá
Housed in one of the oldest NH banks (complete with vault room), Rí Rá has a great beer selection in bottle or on tap, and a phenomenal glass ceiling of the NH state seal.
The Library
The Library in the old Rockingham Hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet restaurant with amazing steak and a long wine list. The dining room is filled with shelves of old books and topped with antique leather ceilings.
Two-Fifty Market
The Two-Fifty Market restaurant at the Sheraton is a one of the best-kept secret spots in town. If you’re looking for an executive environment with great food and service, take your client to Two-Fifty and dine overlooking the waterfront.
Shio
Looking to get out of downtown? Head to Shio on Lafayette Road—one restaurant with two dining experiences. Choose Shio Sushi for delicious sushi, sashimi or Maki, or Shio Yakitori, which serves unique, small-dish cuisine in a community atmosphere. Gluten free? Allergic to shellfish or seeds? Let them know upon arrival and they’ll accomodate you.
Surf Portsmouth
Atop the Bow Street hill, Surf has a panoramic view over the Piscataqua and tugboats below. Their menu is packed with items to impress, from surf and turf to pumpkin chowder, and plenty of gluten-free options.
Paddy’s Grille
Paddy’s American Grille is located—as many business meetings are—at Pease International Tradeport. Many a business meeting is done over their traditional American fare. And if you’re done eating and still have things to discuss, you can do so over a game of pool, darts or shuffleboard.
We’ve also outlined the top ten places to grab a quick bite on your lunch break downtown. Check it out.
Where do you like to bring clients for lunch? Please let us know in the comments below!
