10 Hardest Restaurant Tables To Book In New Hampshire (That Foodies Dream About)
Booking a table at some New Hampshire eateries feels like a quest. I’ve circled dates on my calendar, refreshing reservation sites at precisely midnight, only to be met with “fully booked.” It’s a culinary rite of passage, I suppose.
The anticipation builds with every failed attempt. These aren’t just tables; they’re coveted spots where incredible flavors await. I’m determined to snag one of these hard-to-get reservations soon – the foodies are buzzing about them for a reason!
1. Otis – Exeter
Securing a table at this Exeter gem requires strategy and speed. With only 28 dining room seats plus a tiny 4-seat chef’s counter, Otis operates on a tasting-menu-only format that changes weekly.
The five-course experience means each seating takes the entire evening, so there are precious few openings each week. Chef-counter spots vanish within hours of reservations opening. The intimate format lets diners watch culinary magic happen right before their eyes, making those four seats the hottest tickets in town.
Weekend slots disappear fastest, though weeknight availability offers slightly better odds.
Your best bet involves marking your calendar for when bookings open and jumping online immediately. Flexibility with dates helps tremendously when competing for these limited seats.
2. Stages At One Washington – Dover
Dover’s most exclusive dining experience operates more like a ticketed performance than a traditional restaurant. Stages offers a chef-counter format with extremely limited seatings and a prepaid prix-fixe menu that creates natural scarcity. The theatrical setup puts diners inches from the action, watching every slice, sear, and sauce.
Prepaid ticketing means serious commitment. Strict cancellation policies protect the restaurant from no-shows, but they also mean you need to be absolutely certain about your plans. Planning at least a few weeks ahead becomes essential, especially for weekend evenings.
Think of it like buying concert tickets rather than making a dinner reservation. The format ensures an unforgettable experience but demands advance planning and flexibility.
3. Cure – Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s beloved bistro has built a loyal following over years of consistently excellent seasonal cooking. The small dining room holds roughly 40 seats in winter, expanding to about 60 when the patio opens in warmer months.
Weekend prime time fills up weeks in advance, particularly during peak tourist season. The restaurant’s commitment to local ingredients and ever-changing menu keeps regulars returning constantly. I once tried booking a Saturday night in July and had to settle for a Tuesday three weeks out.
Weekday reservations offer your best shot at snagging a table. Early or late weekend time slots sometimes have openings, and the seasonal patio occasionally frees up additional availability during summer months.
4. Row 34 – Portsmouth
Raw bars and energy collide at this seafood hotspot that packs crowds year-round. Row 34 combines exceptional oysters with creative seafood preparations in a high-energy setting that feels both sophisticated and fun. Summer weekends and pre-show nights generate particularly intense demand, with tables filling up rapidly.
The restaurant’s popularity stems from consistently fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere perfect for celebrations. Prime Friday and Saturday slots require booking well in advance, often weeks ahead during peak season. Walk-ins face long waits, especially during dinner rush.
Weekday evenings offer significantly better availability than weekends. Early dinner reservations around 5 or 5:30 also tend to have more openings, letting you beat the evening crush while still enjoying the full menu.
5. Black Trumpet Bistro – Portsmouth
Chef-driven creativity meets neighborhood warmth at this Portsmouth favorite that’s been delighting diners for years. Limited seating creates natural scarcity, while the restaurant’s reputation for inventive, globally-inspired dishes keeps demand steady.
The bistro’s smaller footprint means fewer tables available during each service. Weekend bookings fill quickly through the online system, but calling directly sometimes reveals short-notice openings from cancellations. The staff knows their regulars well, creating a welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel at home.
Midweek availability tends to be better than Friday or Saturday nights. Calling the restaurant directly rather than relying solely on online booking platforms can occasionally uncover hidden availability.
6. The Foundry – Manchester
Manchester’s contemporary dining scene revolves around this popular spot that consistently delivers innovative cuisine in a stylish setting. The smaller dining room during peak service windows creates bottlenecks, especially on weekend evenings when everyone wants to celebrate.
The Foundry’s reputation as one of Manchester’s most exciting restaurants means tables get claimed quickly. The menu balances creativity with approachability, attracting both adventurous eaters and those seeking elevated comfort food. Reservations open several weeks in advance, and savvy diners book immediately for prime slots.
Early booking is crucial for weekend nights and any special-event evenings like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve. Weeknight reservations offer more flexibility and availability while still delivering the same excellent food and service.
7. Firefly American Bistro – Manchester
Anniversary dinners and milestone celebrations find their home at this Manchester institution that’s been marking special occasions for years. Limited prime-time seating creates scarcity during the most desirable evening hours, particularly on weekends.
Strong demand persists year-round, with Friday and Saturday evenings booking solid weeks ahead. The bistro’s refined American cuisine and polished service make it a safe bet for impressing someone special. Regulars know to plan ahead or risk disappointment.
Late-weekday reservations around 8 or 8:30 sometimes have better availability than earlier slots. Calling directly can occasionally reveal last-minute openings from cancellations, especially on weeknights when flexibility helps.
8. Molly’s Restaurant & Bar – Hanover
Dartmouth College culture and local tradition converge at this Hanover institution that’s fed students, professors, and townies for decades. The restaurant operates on a call-ahead and walk-in culture rather than strict reservations, but Friday and Saturday nights still create serious competition for tables.
My college roommate swore by their burgers and insisted we hit Molly’s every Parents Weekend. Even with calling ahead, we’d sometimes face waits during peak hours. The casual atmosphere makes waiting more bearable, but planning helps.
Call-ahead seating works where available and can reduce wait times significantly. Earlier weeknight visits around 6 offer your best shot at avoiding the dinner rush and snagging a table quickly.
9. Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro – North Conway
Tourist-heavy North Conway has one standout Italian destination that locals and visitors fight over constantly. Limited large-party tables create particular challenges for groups, while seasonal demand during ski season, fall foliage, and summer weekends makes any table tough to secure. The bistro’s reputation for authentic Italian preparations keeps it perpetually busy.
High season weekends require booking as early as possible, sometimes weeks ahead for larger parties. The restaurant’s location in a major tourist corridor means demand fluctuates wildly with seasonal visitors.
Flexibility with seating location helps tremendously. If you’re willing to sit at the bar or copper bar, walk-in availability improves significantly compared to waiting for a traditional dining room table.
10. The Library Restaurant – Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s classic steakhouse delivers old-school elegance in a downtown location that’s perfect for special occasions. Weekend prime time and celebration nights stay regularly full, with the restaurant’s fine-dining reputation attracting diners seeking something memorable.
Booking at least a week ahead becomes essential for weekend evenings, particularly Saturday nights when everyone wants the full steakhouse experience. The restaurant’s downtown location also makes it popular for pre-theater dinners and post-shopping celebrations.
Weekday windows offer significantly more flexibility than weekends. Tuesday through Thursday reservations often have better availability while still delivering the same exceptional food, service, and atmosphere that make The Library a Portsmouth institution.