19 Best Restaurants in Concord, New Hampshire (From a Local!)

Looking for the best restaurants in Concord, New Hampshire?

Concord is the capital of New Hampshire and is known for its New England small-town charm. It is near many famous hiking and skiing areas, and visitors flock to see its fall mountain foliage. While it is a small capital, Concord has emerged as a New Hampshire culinary leader due to its diversified yet classic culinary scene. 

Concord is bustling with American seafood and meat classics, but many restaurants have popped up with an international and modern twist. You will be able to find a wide variety of food from classic steaks and lobster rolls to vegan specialties or sushi. 

Here are 19 of the top restaurants that should be on your list next time you go to Concord New Hampshire. 

Best Overall Restaurants in Concord

Concord is known best for its seafood and meat dishes, as well as for serving up classic American dining. These restaurants are a must visit next time you find yourself in Concord, New Hampshire.

1. The Barley House and Tavern

The Barley House and Tavern is a well-established Concord restaurant that has been serving customers at the foot of New Hampshire’s state capital dome for over 20 years. Winner of the 2021 New Hampshire Magazine’s Best of New Hampshire Burgers, it is well known for being a destination for foodies and classic American cuisine.

Catch a sports game at the bar, and check out their solid craft beer list. The restaurant is well known for their burgers and sandwiches. Try to get a seat on the outside patio when the weather is nice!

There are also plenty of gluten free modifications as well as vegetarian burgers. 

2. Revival Kitchen and Bar

Known for award winning chef and owner Corey Fletcher, Revival Kitchen and Bar takes on classic New England dishes with a farm-to-table approach. 

The chefs source their ingredients directly from local New England farmers, focusing on fresh, healthy ingredients. Some highlights from the menu include classic New England dishes like sea scallops or seafood newbury, but also some twists such as lobster poutine (a canadian gravy based dish). 

The restaurant has an extensive wine list and upscale yet casual atmosphere. 

3. The Common Man

The Common Man offers guests New England comfort classics with a rustic cabin-like atmosphere. Try comfort foods such as the baked macaroni and cheese or the New England pot roast. 

With several locations around New Hampshire, the Common Man prides itself on good customer service. I was impressed to hear that 50% of their staff have been with the restaurant for over 10 years!

The Common Man doesn’t have an official reservation system, but call ahead to put your name on the list for faster seating.

4. Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano

Angelina’s is a popular restaurant in downtown Concord that is known for its classic Italian dishes. Many guests rave about the quality of food and consider this to be the best Italian restaurant in New Hampshire. Very high praise indeed!

While it’s perfect for a celebratory occasion, the food is still quite affordable. The restaurant is known for its spicy diavolo and clam linguine, as well as their extensive wine list. 

The restaurant is tiny so reservations are a must! Call the restaurant during business hours to make a reservation. 

5. Granite Restaurant and Bar

Granite Restaurant and Bar is located in a boutique hotel near downtown. It prides itself for producing modern New England classics and farm-to-table cuisine using healthy ingredients. 

The restaurant menu is on the smaller size but each dish is perfectly crafted with fresh flavors. The staff is very accommodating of dietary restrictions. 

Granite Restaurant is also known for their brunch and live music events in addition to dinner service.

Best American Classic Restaurants in Concord

Concord offers some of the best dining for classic American steak and New England seafood. Try these classic New England restaurants on your next visit!

6. Makri’s Lobster and Steakhouse

Makri’s Lobster and Steakhouse is a local joint with a casual atmosphere. The Makri family has been established in the Concord area restaurant scene since the early 1900s. 

A favorite among locals, the restaurant is known for its tiki bar and classic New England seafood selection. The lobster roll is a highlight on their menu as guests have noted how perfectly it is cooked.

Check their schedule for local live music!

7. The Red Blazer

The Red Blazer is a classic American restaurant in Concord with beautiful wood floor-to-ceiling beams. There is a large dining room with a fireplace and a private function room. 

Expect farm-to-table dining with fresh bread and dressings made in-house. The restaurant has a large selection of desserts that are a must-try.

Call ahead to make reservations.

8. O Steaks and Seafood South

O Steaks modernized the classic steak house with a farm-to-table approach using the freshest ingredient pairings. Pair your favorite meats with seafood, and enjoy unique dishes such as the corn pudding or ahi tuna with shrimp fried rice.

The restaurant also has a wine list that is personally chosen by the chef Scott Ouellette as well as several homemade desserts. 

Check out the patio seating option or the chef’s table which gives you a firsthand seat to see your meal be made! The restaurant is right next to the theater which makes it a perfect stop before or after a show.

9. Vibes Gourmet Burger

Vibes Gourmet Burger is meat lovers highlight in Concord. All burgers are all made with 100% vegetarian-fed Angus beef with no added hormones or antibiotics. 

You have the option to build your own burger and add on their made in-house sauces and sides. There are even veggie or turkey burger options, as well as gluten free options.

Vibes is committed to locally sourced food. Even the buns are made locally at Bread and Chocolate bakery down the street.

Best Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants in Concord

Concord has an impressive few brunch and breakfast options. Explore traditional diner options in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

10. Tucker’s

Tucker’s Concord is the third location of the New Hampshire mini-chain created by Erica and Hale Tucker. The restaurant prides itself on placing people first, both its employees and customers.   

Tucker’s embodies a true farm-to-table approach and works with local farms to deliver the freshest ingredients and ensure their products have animal welfare in mind. 

This restaurant is a go-to place for brunch. Try their biscuits and their famous corn beef hash!

11. The Windmill

The Windmill is a local favorite that serves American comfort food in a diner-like atmosphere. Known for its breakfast options, guests should try the blueberry pancakes or corn beef hash omelet. 

If you have enough room, try their homemade pies made daily! Expect friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere. 

12. Beefside

A local favorite, Beefside offers breakfast and lunch classics with a comforting and cozy atmosphere. Great place to stop by while on a road trip through New Hampshire, as they also offer to-go. Expect fast and efficient service.

A great restaurant for breakfast classics such as omelets and bacon but also delicious for lunch. Highlights from the lunch menu include the roast beef sandwich and onion rings. 

Best International and Non-New England Restaurants

 If you are looking for cuisine outside of New England’s classic of steak and seafood, branch out to the variety of international and regional options that Concord has to offer.

13. Moritomo Japanese Restaurant

Praised as one of the best sushi restaurants in New Hampshire, Moritomo delivers fresh fish in unique sushi roll combinations. 

The restaurant offers traditional dining and hibachi style. Known for its friendly staff, except a warm and jovial atmosphere. 

The highlight of the Japanese restaurant is definitely its raw fish dishes. Moritomo has a large selection of fresh and varied sashimi and sushi rolls. 

14. El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

If you are craving Mexican food in Concord, El Rodeo is a must visit! Don’t expect this restaurant just to be an average Mexican resturant. The food quality at El Rodeo is acclaimed to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in New Hampshire. 

Perfect for a drink stop or a full meal, El Rodeo has all the classic Mexican menu items from burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas. If you are looking to deviate from the classic menu items, check out the Molcajete Azteca, a spicy stew of veggies or meat served in a large volcanic dish. 

Grab a margarita and check out their outdoor patio in the summer months!

15. Smokeshow Barbeque

Smokeshow BBQ is an acclaimed BBQ restaurant that specializes in a variety of in-house cooked meats. The restaurant is unique in the area as it brings Texas-style BBQ to New England. 

The inside seating area is limited, and the restaurant is well known for being packed. But they do offer to-go orders which is a very popular option for catoring or take-out. 

Don’t forget to try their sides as well. The creamed corn and green beans are perfect additions to any meat. 

16. Col’s Kitchen

Col’s Kitchen offers an entirely vegan menu but its diversity of choices will appeal to even meat eaters! The restaurant places an emphasis on locally sourced, fresh food.

The menu has quite a large menu range including international favorites such as falafel burgers, or pad thai, and American classics such as cauliflower buffalo wings or Seitan vegan chicken nuggets.

Expect a cozy yet open dining experience. Please note that no alcohol is offered at the restaurant.

Best Restaurants in Concord for Grab and Go

If you are looking to grab a quick bite or drink to-go, these Concord options would be perfect. Swing by for a sandwich wrap or iced coffee.

17. Live Juice

Live Juice is a small sandwich and smoothie shop that would be the perfect option for a grab-and-go wrap, or juice. All of their food is hormone and antibiotic free and they pride themselves on their healthy, local produce.

All of the food/drink at Live Juice is prepared in-house even the salad dressings and sauces. Expect your order to be made fresh using the best local ingredients.

Explore their many smoothie and juice flavors your next visit!

18. Nina’s Bistro and Sandwiches

Nina’s Bistro is a perfect stop for a quick lunch or breakfast stop. The ingredients are simple and fresh and there is a pretty good variety on the menu.

The menu has a few sandwiches, paninis, soups and wraps. There are vegetarian options.

19. Teatotaller

Teatotaller is a queer-owned cafe that offers light bites to eat and coffee drinks. The inclusive, welcoming space caters to dairy/gluten free customers as well as vegetarians and vegans.

Stop by for a coffee, or for one of the cafe’s events. It was featured in New Hampshire Magazine twice as a “hipster oasis of tea, coffee, and pastry goodness”.

Map of Best Concord Restaurants

Visiting Concord, NH: FAQs

Concord is the capital city in New Hampshire and offers a lot for a casual visitor passing through or longtime resident. Grab a bite to eat in-town and explore the mountains nearby to ski, hike or leaf peep.

Here are some common questions about Concord, New Hampshire:

What is New Hampshire’s famous food?

New Hampshire is known for its classic New England cuisine, especially fresh seafood from Maine and Massachusetts. Lobster rolls, scallops and fresh fish will all be typical offerings.

New Hampshire is also known for its traditional baked goods including blueberry pancakes, apple pie, apple cider donuts and of course- maple syrup.

Explore the many local craft breweries in New Hampshire too!

What is Concord New Hampshire famous for?

Concord is most known for its nature and outdoor adventure as well as its history. Its close proximity to many ski and hiking destinations make Concord a must-stop on any New Hampshire or Vermont road trip. The Contoocook River flows through Concord and offers opportunities for kayaking, paddling and relaxing.  

If you are looking for a less adventurous activity, visit Concord’s famous New Hampshire Historical Society or tour the historic home of 14th U.S. President Franklin Pierce.

Is Concord NH pretty?

Concord, New Hampshire is a beautiful place to visit especially in the summer or fall. While it is not necessarily a tourist destination, Concord is set among the White Mountains which are illuminated in colorful foliage in the fall months. It is definitely worth a visit to check out the mountain view and local sites.

Conclusion: Concord, NH Restaurants

Concord is a hidden gem in New Hampshire that is well worth a visit. Its culinary scene is solid and its New England classics such as lobster rolls and scallops are delicious. Alternative options include Texas BBQ, sushi or Mexican.

The craft breweries and local coffee shops also offer some impressive local flavors. There is a commitment to farm-to-table cuisine as well as healthy ingredients. Concord chefs work with local farms to ensure their food is pesticide and hormone-free and that animal welfare is taken into consideration.

Concord is cute New England city with a beautiful backdrop of the White Mountains. Visit for a weekend to explore its local history, and outdoor activities, or stop by while on a hiking or nature road trip.