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Looking for the best restaurants in Dover NH? We’ve got you covered! Dover is one of our favorite dining destinations along New Hampshire’s Seacoast region. As the fifth largest city in New Hampshire and largest city on the Seacoast, you have quite a bit of variety in the restaurants here!
Dover makes a great place for an afternoon visit. Some come to visit the local breweries, take a relaxing day away from Hampton Beach, or explore the town when visiting the University of New Hampshire in nearby Durham.
Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Dover, NH! Be sure to bring your appetite.
This post was most recently updated in May 2023.
Table of Contents
Stalk
286 Central Avenue, Dover NH // (603) 343-2600
Located only steps away from historic Dover City Hall, Stalk has a fresh atmosphere and fun decor. When you enter the restaurant you will immediately notice the industrial modern theme. The bar is the main focal point, and dozens of top shelf liquors are caged in by exposed pipes. Cozy up at a table for a romantic night out or enjoy a cocktail or pinot grigio at the bar.
A modern American bistro, Stalk prides itself on their excellent service and handcrafted dishes that support local farms. They offer various meal options, including small plates, vegetarian, and meat and seafood. A reservation is recommended and can be secured online or over the phone, or you can order takeout.
What to get at Stalk: The locals rave about the Pan Seared Halibut and Citrus Grilled Shrimp entrees — see what they’re talking about! The Hand Rolled Cavatelli is a popular vegetarian option, and don’t forget about the Strawberry Cake for dessert.
La Festa Brick & Brew
300 Central Avenue, Dover NH // (603) 743-4100
Across the street from the old Foster’s Daily Democrat building as well as Henry Law Park, La Festa Brick & Brew has been a favorite spot of the locals for years. If you are looking for an easygoing and cozy hangout spot that serves New York-style pizza and local draft beers, this is the place! Featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and a wraparound bar, La Festa is a family-friendly restaurant that is sure to please.
Offering both dine-in and take-out, La Festa has a couple of options when ordering. Their pizza is sold both whole and by the slice. There are many toppings to choose from, including vegetarian and make your own.
What to get at La Festa: For an appetizer, you cannot go wrong with their hearty Garlic Knots. BBQ Chicken, Eggplant Primavera, and Grandma Margherita are all popular pizza options. And for dessert, there are always Cinnamon Knots!
Khaophums I
555 Central Avenue, Dover NH // (603) 749-9300
Just outside downtown Dover and across from the Chamber of Commerce is Khaophums Fine Thai Restaurant, a homey destination for spicy Asian cuisine. This restaurant might not seem special on a first glance from the outside, but as soon as you step into the dining room you will be transported to a different world. Featuring golden decor and dark wooden tables, Khaophums is perfect for a great dinner.
Dine-in and take-out are available at Khaophums, along with daily lunch specials. Everything is prepared fresh and there are a variety of vegetarian options. Spicy food is clearly marked so you know what you are ordering and can have a great experience.
What to get at Khaophums: The Pad Thai, the Ginger Salmon, and the Tom Yum Soup are all raved about by the locals. You will love their Fried Ice Cream for dessert, and most dishes allow for a vegetarian substitution.
Diverge
421 Central Avenue, Dover NH // (603) 343-4343
Tucked up near Dover’s scenic Cocheco Mill Building is Diverge, an American restaurant that strives to provide great food in a warm, upbeat atmosphere. This large, comfortable space is perfect for lunch or dinner at any time of year, and plays host to special events. They offer tavern-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
The goal at Diverge is to become not only a Dover pillar, but a destination for the whole Seacoast region. To that end, they offer dine-in and take-out. They pride themselves on sourcing ingredients from local farms and vendors. A kid’s menu is on offer, along with a couple of vegetarian options on their small menu.
What to get at Diverge: Start with the Tacos, and then the Chicken Sandwich is perfectly messy and delicious. Pair it with a seasonal or caesar salad, and have the kids try the chicken tenders and fries.
Chapel + Main
83 Main St, Dover NH // (603) 842-5170
Located on Route 4 just minutes from the Maine border is Chapel + Main, a hip brewpub that occupies an industrial chic space. Serving gastropub brunch and dinner fare paired with craft beer, this spot offers a great atmosphere and one of Dover’s more unique dining experiences. They are independently owned and pride themselves on creating a stronger community through food and drink.
At Chapel + Main, bar and outdoor seating are first come, first served, but they offer reservations for their dining room. Both dine-in and pickup are available. They offer many gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options.
What to get at Chapel + Main: The Trout Dip and the Street Corn Mac n’ Cheese are popular starters, your bartender will provide you with a great beer recommendation that fits your preferences. For mains, you can’t go wrong with the Korean Fried Chicken or the Meatloaf Sandwich. Wrap things up with a sweet treat like the Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
Stages at One Washington
1 Washington Street #325, Dover NH // (603) 842-4077
Stages at One Washington is on the third floor of the Washington Street Mill, which overlooks the Cocheco River. Inside is a cozy industrial space that is perfect for a good time with friends. They serve Progressive New England Cuisine and draw the inspiration for their menu from around the world. It is one of Dover’s more famous local places thanks to award-winning Head Chef Evan Hennessey.
In order to dine at Stages at One Washington, you must make a reservation because they are a 6-seat chef’s counter establishment. The cost is $150 per person. At this time they do not accommodate vegan or dairy free diets.
What to get at Stages: There is no set menu at Stages at One Washington. They serve an eight- to ten-course menu that is constantly evolving with each seating.
Saigon & Tokyo
892B Central Avenue, Dover NH // (603) 750-4128
Located in Dover’s North End, Saigon & Tokyo has been one of the best restaurants for Asian cuisine in the area for many years. This small but mighty restaurant is a great place because they use the freshest and most natural ingredients to prepare every dish. They offer a wide variety of delicious food, including Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese staples.
Saigon & Tokyo currently offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery for their food, but note that there is a delivery fee based on distance. This is not your regular menu – it is very large and there are many vegetarian options, as well as different levels of spice. They also have a full bar and handcrafted sushi.
What to get at Saigon & Tokyo: The Wonton Soup is extremely popular among those who visit. If you enjoy the spicier side, you will love the General Tso’s Chicken. You can’t go wrong with the Egg Noodles or the Cashew Shrimp.
Fat Dog Kitchen
20 Third Street, Dover NH // (603) 516-0106
Found in a cozy brick building in the heart of downtown Dover is Fat Dog Kitchen. It is an easygoing local eatery that offers sweet and savory breakfast food as well as sandwiches. Open for breakfast and lunch only, this is a cozy spot with a friendly atmosphere and decor that is so much fun.
Fat Dog Kitchen offers dine-in and take-out options. Their mission is to offer comforting food to everyone from babies to grandparents while making their restaurant feel like an extension of your home. They have several vegetarian-friendly options from which to choose.
What to get at Fat Dog Kitchen: The Corned Beef Hash has been called the best around by the locals, and the Fat Elvis, French toast topped with bananas, peanut butter, and topped with bacon, is a locally famous item that made the Phantom Gourmet. Look out for their specials, which change often!
Ember Wood Fired Grill
1 Orchard Street, Dover NH // (603) 343-1830
Ember Wood Fired Grill’s current location offers a unique dining experience inside a historic firehouse in downtown Dover and is one of Seacoast locals’ favorite restaurants that doubles as a fun nightlife spot. They are a from scratch kitchen that sources all of their ingredients thoughtfully (and locally when possible) and makes their own pasta. The restaurant features a casual upscale setting with a locally inspired menu of American fusion dishes.
Reservations are welcome over the phone or online to dine at Ember Wood Fired Grill. They are open for dinner five nights a week. For your convenience, they offer inside dining, outside dining, or take out, but there are not many vegetarian options.
What to get at Ember Wood Fired Grill: Start off with the Pork Dumplings and pair them with a nice drink, then move into the Steak with Green Peppercorn Sauce or the Shrimp and Risotto. Finish your meal with the Espresso Creme Brulee.
2 Home Cooks
40 Chestnut Street, Dover NH // (603) 842-5463
2 Home Cooks is a breakfast and lunch restaurant that serves traditional American comfort food. The atmosphere is quaint and comfortable, and if you sit at a back table you can enjoy a great view of the Cocheco River. This is a place with a large menu that is very customizable thanks to the friendly staff.
Dine-in (indoor and outdoor) and delivery are available at 2 Home Cooks, and be sure if you do a take-out order to get it in early. They strive to serve great food made simply and cleanly. An open kitchen allows you to watch your food being prepared.
What to get at 2 Home Cooks: The regulars rave about the pancakes, and there are several varieties to choose from. Have the kids try the chicken fingers. If you are in the mood for lunch instead, you cannot go wrong with the Reuben Melt. And do not forget about their Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits!
Patty B’s Italian Restaurant
34 Dover Point Rd, Dover NH // (603) 749-4181
Patty B’s Italian Restaurant is a popular casual standby in Dover, serving what many consider the best food for lunch and dinner. Porch tables allow for outdoor seating, but inside you will find warm decor and a sense of home, no matter where you are from. This is the type of place to bring the whole family, but make sure to get a reservation if you have five or more people in your party.
The mission of Patty B’s Italian Restaurant is to carry on the Italian tradition of quality foods. Nearly everything is made from scratch and with love, and there are many different types of dishes to choose from. They offer dine-in and take-out but no delivery.
What to get at Patty B’s Italian Restaurant: The Bruschetta is a local favorite if you are looking for an appetizer. The Eggplant Parmigiana is a great vegetarian option, and they have an extensive wine list. If you want dessert, look no further than their selection of homemade cheesecakes, cannoli, and more.
Tucker’s
238 Indian Brook Rd, Dover NH // (603) 413-5470
The motto at Tucker’s is “Good Eats, Great People”, and you will feel that sentiment the moment you step through the doors of this New Hampshire staple. This has healthy and versatile options for breakfast and lunch in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Calling about thirty minutes before you plan to arrive is recommended to secure a table – this is not a place you want to visit last minute!
Tucker’s offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery. Their menu has many vegetarian options to choose from, and there is also a kid’s menu. Everything is made to order using the freshest ingredients, and they partner with local farmers to support sustainability.
What to get at Tucker’s: The Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast, Irish Benny, and the Hash and Cheese Omelet all have rave reviews. They also offer made-from-scratch Drop Biscuits and Banana Bread for more good food!
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Have you been to Dover? What are your favorite Dover NH restaurants?
