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Ristorante Massimo, Portsmouth, NH

Ristorante Massimo

4.8
4.8
2878 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 25 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
  • Charming
Please Note: Online Reservations are for our Main indoor dining room ONLY. Please call us directly for WIne Bar options at 603.436.4000. 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**

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (603) 436-4000
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Jethro Loichle
  • Private party facilities
    Please Note: limited seating during the next few month - Ristorante Massimo is the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion or hosting a corporate event. Here guests can enjoy customized menus, an intimate setting and impeccable service. Our elegant private dining room can accommodate up to 20 guests and special arrangements can be made for larger groups. State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment is available. We look forward to taking personal care of every detail of your entertaining needs.
  • Neighbourhood
    Portsmouth
  • Cross Street
    State Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Entertainment
    Our staff!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

What 2,878 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New Hampshire

    Best Overall

  • New Hampshire

    Best Food

  • New Hampshire

    Best Ambience

  • New Hampshire

    Great for fine wines

  • New Hampshire

    Romantic

  • New Hampshire

    Good for special occasions

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Best Overall

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Best Food

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Best Ambience

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Best Value

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Great for fine wines

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Romantic

  • Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ristorante Massimo delights with "outstanding service and inventive food" in a "cozy and romantic" setting. Guests praise the "incredible meal" and "exceptional experience from start to finish." The "warm, knowledgeable staff" adds to its charm, making it a "perfect spot for special occasions." Highly recommended for authentic Italian cuisine.

2,878 Reviews
  1. Jennifer

    VIP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, fabulous service, food, and atmosphere. Massimo stopping by the table was the icing on the cake

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  2. David

    VIP

    Houston

    51 reviews

    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Jillian is the bomb. Great meal, great service, and such a genuinely cool spot.

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  3. Michael

    VIP

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Not our best experience to be honest. Was placed in very cramped area for two which some might consider cozy. We found it very hot and claustrophobic . Initially service was not great , waited almost 45 minutes for a bowl of soup. We also noticed our waitress spent a long time explaining items on the menu to an adjacent table and other details. Never did anything like that with us! Will go back as we love the restaurant normally , just tonight was an off night and we had different server to the person that we have had before.

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  4. Laura

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Outstanding service and inventive food! Sat in a cozy cove which was special! Great place for a date, and also will return with friends.

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  5. Christina

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional experience from start to finish. Service was smooth and waitstaff was warm, knowledgable and attentive to questions, needs and recommendations. Food was fantastic— new flavor combinations as well as old standbys. Highly recommend.

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  6. Dan

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, authentic Italian meals, great ambience, and overall excellent experience!

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  7. Daniel

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dana, our waitress, was amazing!!! She was so wonderful; she made us feel like we were visiting her at her house! We were celebrating my daughter's 30th birthday, Massimo the owner was so nice to her! He gave her a 30 year old pin (how old the restaurant is this year!). So cool!! Thank you! We will be back soon!

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  8. Curt

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a wonderful experience ! From the moment Massimo greets you to the staff interaction and the wonderful drinks and amazing food…. The restaurant is so cozy and romantic ! We would dine there every night if we could. Curt C

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  9. William

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always an amazing experience. The food, service and hospitality is second to none.

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  10. Lauren

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We finally made it to Massimo into our daughter’s second year at UNH. Worth the wait. Literally my dinner was so good it melted in my mouth. I had the squash ravioli to start then the halibut in the the richest/ lightest/ most heavenly artichoke lemony caper broth… i will Not forget this dinner or the adorable ambiance downstairs. The bolognese was also a hit with my husband and daughter. Can’t wait to go back and maybe try the upstairs' next time. Perfect spot for lucky valentine diners tonight.

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FAQs

Ristorante Massimo is rated 4.8 stars by 2878 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 25 times today
Google Map for Ristorante Massimo

59 Penhallow Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    State Street
  • Neighbourhood
    Portsmouth
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Jethro Loichle
  • Entertainment
    Our staff!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine
  • Phone number
    (603) 436-4000
  • Private party facilities
    Please Note: limited seating during the next few month - Ristorante Massimo is the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion or hosting a corporate event. Here guests can enjoy customized menus, an intimate setting and impeccable service. Our elegant private dining room can accommodate up to 20 guests and special arrangements can be made for larger groups. State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment is available. We look forward to taking personal care of every detail of your entertaining needs.
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