Something for Everyone

Whether you’re in the mood for an ethnic specialty, steak or seafood, or pizza and subs, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. The restaurant scene in Dover has exploded.

Located in the heart of downtown Dover, Crescent City Bistro and Rum Bar is an authentic New Orleans-style bistro (with an upscale rum bar) that serves Creole and Cajun cuisine. For a taste of the Orient, stop by the sushi bar at Asia Restaurant or try Lucky Garden’s selection of Chinese specialties. If you’re craving something more exotic, try Thai Sweet Pepper, Kar-Min, or Thai Cuisine Restaurant.

For those who enjoy going south of the border, Dos Amigos is known for its plethora of burritos, tasty tacos, and fresh salads, and Cantarranas Mexican Café serves delicious fresh fruit smoothies and tasty burritos, too.

For deckside drinking and dining on Dover’s downtown waterfront, stop in at the Barn Tavern or Kelley’s Row, both of which serve traditional American fare either indoors in casual elegance or outdoors on a riverside deck. Blue Latitudes Bar and Grill, also with deck service, features upscale world cuisine with an American flair.

For real Downeast lobster and other seafood specialties of the area, head straight for Little Louie’s Fish House, The Fish Shanty in downtown Dover, the Weathervane on Dover Point Road, or Newick’s Restaurant, with fabulous views of Great Bay. Newick’s has repeatedly received “Best of NH” awards from NH Magazine for Best Chowder and Best Seafood.

You’ll find family-friendly American casual dining at Applebee’s Bar and Grill, Station House Restaurant and Pub, or Strafford Farms Restaurant, which also has a seasonal ice cream stand featuring the restaurant’s homemade flavors. You can also get your licks in at Golicks Dairy Bar in the south end, located on Dover Point Road.

You can watch your favorite sports teams on the big-screen TV at the Loft at Strafford Farms, at Daniel’s Sports Bar and Grill, or at Cartelli’s Bar and Grill. For great food accompanied by games or live music, check out The Dover Brick House.

Four of Dover’s hottest breakfast spots are Harvey’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, Week’s Backstreet Kitchen, Dover Soul, and Jake’s. All are located in downtown Dover; they also serve lunch. Dover Soul also features a nighttime-only martini bar and live lounge music.

For casual lunch options, try a slow-cooked, pulled-pork sandwich from Well Dressed Hog, one of Moe’s of Dover’s famous subs, a sandwich from Smiley’s, or a toasted sandwich or salad at Quiznos Sub.

For pizza, supreme salads, and more, choose from La Festa Brick and Brew, Weeksie’s Pizza, Pizzeria Uno Chicago Bar and Grill, or order out from one of the many pizza take-out or delivery venues.

If you’re in the mood for finer fare, try the Orchard Street Chop Shop, which features steaks and an award-winning wine list. (Top of the Chop offers a more casual lunchtime atmosphere, a cigar lounge, and billiards). Or, sample the multi-course meals created at the Atlantic Culinary Academy’s Le Cordon Bleu-style, student-run restaurant, L’Esprit.

Explore Spring Hill (located in a tranquil country setting on Knights Pond in South Berwick) or the Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine, as renowned for its gorgeous views of the ocean as it is for its elegantly prepared seafood.