The Puddle Dock

Review summary

1. E

   Eric R

   VIP

   New York City

   55 reviews

   5.0

   55 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful food, service, and atmosphere. Our go-to place for fine dining and celebratory dinners in Portsmouth. Wonderful chef: great dishes and creative dishes featuring local cuisine.
   

   Is this helpful?

2. K

   Ken

   VIP

   Greater Boston

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   One of the best dining experiences we've had in Portsmouth, NH, and certainly a cut above the rest. The ambiance perfectly blended high-end charm with a delightful old-fashioned feel, complemented beautifully by soft instrumental music. We enjoyed a cozy table by the window, enhancing our evening. Our server, Mattie, provided fantastic service—attentive yet unobtrusive. Little details, such as replacing silverware between courses and pouring my nonalcoholic beer into a nice glass, made the experience memorable. The food presentation was exquisite, matched only by its exceptional taste. We particularly appreciated the thoughtful presentation of our after-dinner coffee in charming and cozy cups. The highlight, however, was their signature dessert: the cinnamon bread pudding, which was simply amazing. Overall, this restaurant stands out as one of the top spots along the seacoast. We will definitely return!
   

   Is this helpful?

3. MV

   MarcV

   Greater Boston

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere. Will definitely be going back.
   

   Is this helpful?

4. J

   Joseph

   Greater Boston

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Despite its extensive array of very good dining options, Portsmouth oddly has very few which reflect its rich early history. However, the Puddle Dock is an excellent achievement of balancing modern comfort in a preserved a colonial setting, including its wonderful wood burning fireplace. On top of that, the service by Natalie and other staff was very attentive and professional, and the cuisine was excellent in choices, presentation and taste (put another way, they are not relying solely on the great atmosphere of the place to draw business). The parking lot is a plus as well. And as an aside, our thanks to the owner for his support of the community.
   

   Is this helpful?

5. D

   Daniel

   Greater Boston

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   I so wanted to love this restaurant. The atmosphere is wonderful. David, our waiter, was very friendly and helpful. But but but. The pricing is over the top. The dishes are ridiculously small. My Ceasar salad was tiny and contained one 1/2 anchovy. My wife got the soup special (cauliflower) -- it was TINY and not hot enough. I ordered an appetizer. It never came. My wife ordered the duck -- it was TINY, expensive, cold, and unappetizing. The meal STUNK! Please please please. Reconsider your prices and portions. Don't serve food luke warm or cold when it is supposed to be hot. Start from scratch with the duck dish. It's terrible.
   

   Is this helpful?

6. KT

   KimberleyT

   London

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A wonderful “neo-colonial” menu with a cosy atmosphere and excellent service. Can’t wait to return!
   

   Is this helpful?

7. M

   Mario

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great place and service. We went to celebrate my wife’s birthday. From the moment you waked into the restaurant the staff is providing standing service food was great even they solve a problem with one of our main courses . My personal favorite was the pear and blue cheese salad
   

   • 

   Is this helpful?

8. B

   Beverly

   Greater Boston

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on February 27, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A wonderful dining place near Strawbery Banke. A cozy historic restaurant that serves a modern version of colonial cooking from chowder to pot pies. Service is top notch and an eclectic beverage list. There is a small parking lot on site too.
   

   Is this helpful?

9. C

   Craig

   New Hampshire

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Went there with another couple and we had an amazing visit. The wait staff were amazing and really took great care of our table.
   

   Is this helpful?

10. D

    David

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    Outstanding menu and service. Very happy with our experience here.
    

    Is this helpful?