Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

PastAmore

5.0

5 (376)

$30 and under

Italian

Amherst

About the restaurant

PastAmore is a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, deserts and salads. The restaurant takes reservations, offers take-outs and also provides catering services. The normal attire here is casual, with the ambience being classy, and the noise level has been rated as quiet during peak hours. It is a good place to visit with kids or large groups for dinner and there is also a private parking lot with bike parking and wheelchair accessibility here as well. PastAmore has a full alcohol bar and the interior of the restaurant is trendy and spacious.

The menu at PastAmore consists of Italian classic dishes such as the Veal Saltimboca, pasta, pizzas, and spaghetti. The restaurant was established in 2001 and the waiting staff is extremely friendly, and efficient in taking orders.

Top review

LarryGold

Dined on Oct 25, 2026

Everything was great. Our waitress was very personable and got us everything when we needed.

The Colosseum Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (941)

$30 and under

Italian

Salem

About the restaurant

The Colosseum Restaurant is an award-winning Italian restaurant offering elegant surroundings and exquisite Southern Italian cuisine. Opened in 1987 by Chef Annibale Todesca, the Colosseum has become an established favorite for diners in Salem, NH and the Merrimack Valley. Chef Annibale Todesca serves the same authentic Southern Italian cooking that he enjoyed growing up in Italy. Like many generations of Todescas, he ventures to the market every day to ensure that he cooks with only the freshest vegetables, seafood and highest quality meats. Please stop by for lunch or dinner. It will be our pleasure to serve you.

Top review

Laureen

Dined on Oct 24, 2026

We had wonderful service and food! Going back soon!

Ristorante Massimo

4.8

4.8 (3175)

$31 to $50

Italian

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Please Note:
Online Reservations are for our Main indoor dining room ONLY. Please call us directly for Wine Bar and Terrace reservations.

We reserve the right to charge $20.00 per person cancelation fee, please call us by 12:00p.m.. the day of your reservation to avoid possible cancelation fees.

**Nestled like a hidden jewel in historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Massimo's warmly lit brick and stone grotto walls, fresh flowers and oil paintings of magnificent Italian landscapes transports guests to Florence, Rome and Venice. Guests relax in a richly appointed atmosphere beneath mahogany-beamed ceilings and private parties unwind in their own intimate dining room. Ristorante Massimo offers authentic dishes from all regions of Italy. From innovative concepts to timeless Italian favorites, our executive chef creates each dish with a distinctive, refined touch as found in some of the world's most celebrated restaurants. **limited dining room availability offered online**

Top review

Alessandra

Dined 2 days ago

A lover of Massimo since the beginning it has been wonderful to return to living in the Seacoast and find it still open. We were treated like royalty by Pamela, the Manager, and Daniela, our server. Food as ALWAYS , is three cuts above any other dining experience in the Seacoast. Bravo everyone, we shall return soon!

Louie's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (275)

$31 to $50

Italian

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Louie's is a rustic Italian restaurant in the West End of Portsmouth, New Hampshire offering fresh pasta made in house, charcuterie, cheese, sourdough bread, whole animal butchery, farm vegetables, local produce. We have a thoughtfully curated wine list, craft cocktails and service that is friendly and knowledgeable. Situated between Kittery Maine, and downtown Portsmouth and just one hour away from Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts.

Top review

JoeGold

Dined 5 days ago

We visited Louie’s on the opening night of Portsmouth’s Restaurant Week and enjoyed a wonderful three-course dinner for $52 per person. I started with my favorite—a perfectly prepared Manhattan—while my wife enjoyed a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. For our starters, I chose the pasta and she opted for the salad. We shared both and enjoyed every bite. My hake entrée and her pork were equally delicious. Lovely desserts rounded out a meal that felt like a special treat. We’ll be returning soon!

The Windham Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (264)

$31 to $50

Italian

Windham

About the restaurant

We are excited to announce we have reopened after our devastating fire in April 25 and are back better than ever. Our menu still has customers favorites like our eggplant stack appetizer, chicken picatta, and spicy mango Korean scallops as well as new dishes like the pistachio encrusted salmon. We have added a delicious Sunday brunch with both savory options (ex omelets, benedicts, breakfast burritos) and sweet options (waffles, pancakes, french toast). Start the meal off with our homemade expresso martini and a cinnamon roll waffle.
If you are looking for a fun place to hang out with the best baretenders, look no further than our upstairs speakeasy and bar. We have live music Thurs-Sun, trivia on Tuesdays and music bingo on Wednesday nights. We also have board games available when you're looking for a little competition.

Top review

jubilee

Dined on Nov 2, 2026

Great meal, martinis were excellent. I think the menu is new; everything was fantastic

Piccola Italia Ristorante bar

4.4

4.4 (40)

$30 and under

Italian

Manchester

About the restaurant

Piccola Italia delivers a refined yet welcoming Italian dining experience in the heart of downtown Manchester at 815 Elm Street. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Southern Italy and the timeless charm of Northern Boston dining rooms, the restaurant offers a warm, classic atmosphere paired with elevated, made-from-scratch cuisine.

The menu highlights a thoughtful blend of Italian favorites and modern specialties, featuring handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, and signature Tuscan grilled pizzas—prepared in a distinctive style that sets them apart from traditional pizza. Each dish is crafted with high-quality ingredients and a focus on authentic flavor, offering a balance of comfort and sophistication.

Located on Elm Street in Manchester’s vibrant dining and nightlife district, Piccola Italia is a go-to destination for those seeking one of the best Italian restaurants in Manchester, NH—combining tradition, atmosphere, and a memorable dining experience.

Top review

Stacy

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

The table side caesar salad was so amazing it has ruined any other caesar salad. The service was great and the food is fresh and delicious.

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Experience

2 For 30 Specials

Experience

Served Daily Pasta Alla Ruota

Experience

Served Daily Tableside Caesar

Tuscan Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (3419)

$30 and under

Italian

Salem

About the restaurant

Originally opened in 2010 as the first authentic Artisan Italian restaurant in Salem, NH, Tuscan Kitchen is now one of the most beloved restaurants in New England. Founder Joe Faro, the son of Sicilian immigrants, had the vision to share his love for Italian heritage with his guests.

Top review

JoanGold

Dined 2 days ago

Jenn was our server and we went for lunch. My family members hadn’t been before and they absolutely loved everything about it. Food was delicious and wine was terrific. Will be back

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Tuscan Market at Tuscan Village Salem

4.6

4.6 (782)

$30 and under

Italian

Salem

About the restaurant

The Tuscan Market is located in Salem, NH in the beautiful Tuscan Village. Close to the shops, the Artisan Hotel and our Lake Park, the Market is in the center of it all. Come in and enjoy full service dining inside the Market or on our heated enclosed patio. Shop for fresh and delicious prepared foods that are ready to take home and choose from our artisan pastry and gelato for something sweet to take home or have at your table. A one-stop shop, guests will be able to choose from an extensive assortment of specialty oils, vinegars and sauces, fresh pasta, imported meats & cheeses, desserts and so much more. From freshly baked breads and homemade pizzas and Panini, to imported pastas and slow-cooked sauces, customers can bring home a truly authentic meal.

Top review

SherryGold

Dined on Nov 1, 2026

The server and I wish I remembered his name he was Scottish was awesome. Very knowledgeable very attentive. Did a fabulous job.

The Rosa

4.6

4.6 (161)

$30 and under

Italian

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

The Rosa shows that sometimes taking something old and making it new again can come out quite well. The founder opened the family-style Italian gem in 1927 using the family home to do it. For 55 years Ralph Rosa fought all odds, including the Great Depression and Prohibition, and continued to provide Portsmouth great Italian classics. For the past 30+ years, The Rosa has continued under new ownership that remodeled and updated, but kept plenty of familiar dishes. Notable menu items include the house-made herb gnocchi with slow braised espresso pork shoulder and lasagna Bolognese. The vanilla cheesecake with an Oreo crust and strawberry compote makes the perfect ending to a memorable dinner or lunch at The Rosa.

Top review

Kathleen

Dined 3 days ago

We gathered for an early birthday party for my 46 year-old son who is soon to be 47! His brother and sister-in-law and 10 year-old Mia listened and asked questions from our waitress. I forgot her name, but she was extremely kind and knowledgeable about the menu. Our waitress made this experience for my family, warm and enjoyable and exciting. Blessings to our waitress and to the Rosa for their hospitality. Thank you very much

Napoletana Pizzeria and Bar

3.6

3.6 (151)

$30 and under

Italian

Portsmouth

About the restaurant

Right in the heart of Market Square, featuring Neapolitan style pizza, artisan Italian dishes and craft cocktails, our dining room and bar provide the setting for a unique and memorable experience

Top review

Annella

Dined on Oct 30, 2026

We had such a lovely experience at Napoletana Pizzeria and Bar! The atmosphere was inviting and perfect for a special night out. We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a wonderful dining experience. We look forward to coming back!

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