Nashua's Culinary Renaissance: 12 Must-Try Restaurants

By Eric Barton

Mrs. Provencher took my entire journalism class to Martha’s Exchange for lunch, way back when Nashua had just one high school. I ordered a burger, wrote my first restaurant review, and—unsurprisingly—thought it was brilliant.

That was the start of my career in food writing, and yes, I still have a soft spot for Martha’s. Back then, it was the only good restaurant downtown.

Now, my hometown has chefs doing creative things, spots with daring menus that would work in far larger cities, and of course old classics like Martha’s that you could dine at every day. Here then are the 12 best restaurants in Nashua, from a native son.

Surf

1. Surf Restaurant

You don’t go to Surf for quiet—it’s boisterous, and you’ll likely be close enough to your neighbor to ask what they’re having. But the seafood? Worth every decibel. The lobster roll comes crammed with buttery claw meat, and the crispy calamari has a tangy lemon aioli that’ll ruin you for marinara forever. It’s the kind of place that makes you glad Nashua’s not on the coast; they know how to bring the ocean to you.

2. Stella Blu

What was once solely a tapas spot, a.k.a. a concept for in the indecisive, Stella Blu has expanded to a full-service menu with both small plates and entrees. The garlic shrimp, which arrive in a sizzling cast-iron pan, are still a standout, as are the martinis. If you’re looking for a more intimate space, head next door for Stella’s lounge, The Pearl.

3. 110 Grill

A regional chain that doesn’t feel like one, 110 Grill nails the balance of comfort food and refinement. The steak tips are tender and juicy, the chimichurri sauce on the salmon is perfection, and the allergy-friendly menu ensures nobody has to sit this one out.

Martha's Exchange Restaurant & Brewery Nashua baklava cheesecake

4. Martha’s Exchange

Still going strong decades after that fateful high school field trip, Martha’s Exchange is a brewpub that does everything well. The burgers are perfectly messy, the beers are brewed on-site, and the baklava cheesecake pictured here will make you wonder why you ever bothered with cake.

5. Pressed Café

With a couple locations now, Pressed Café is what happens when you combine healthy food with actual flavor. Their avocado toast is piled high with radishes and sesame seeds, and the smoothies are packed with enough kale to make you feel smug about your life choices. And while this spicy unicorn burger was only a weekly special, maybe if you believe hard enough, they will bring it back?

6. Riverwalk Café

A Main Street staple, Riverwalk does everything from house-roasted coffee to sandwiches you’ll dream about later. The turkey bacon avocado on sourdough is my go-to, though the quiche of the day is almost always a winner.

7. Mike’s Italian Kitchen

The artist formerly known as Michael Timothy’s, then MT’s Local Kitchen, has now rebranded itself as simply Mike’s, with a focus on local ingredients and bold flavor pairings. There's flatbreads with creative combinations like fig and cured rosemary ham, house-made pasta like an alfredo with chicken meatballs and artichoke hearts, and a choose-your-own adventure parmesan with chicken or eggplant. The wine list is impressive, though it’s hard to focus on it when the warm bread arrives at the table with salted butter so good it ought to be a crime.

8. Jajabelles Desserts

Locals know Jajabelles best for the house-made pastries like baklava, homemade pop tarts, and brownies. But it’s also a spot for breakfast, lunch, fresh fruit smoothies, mimosas, craft beers, and mind-blowing breakfast sandwiches. The spanakopita you’ll always find on the counter are reason enough to why they’ve passed the 10-year mark on Main Street.

9. Cucina Toscana

In a modest strip mall, Cucina Toscana proves you don’t need a flashy address to deliver respectable Italian cuisine. The interior is warm and dimly lit, while the menu leans heavily on authentic recipes. Don’t skip the tiramisu; it’s impossibly light yet decadently rich. Regulars rave about the friendly service, which feels more like dining with family than a night out.

10. K'sone's Thai Dining & Lounge

This unassuming spot tucked into a strip mall does Thai food like you’ve never had it before. The drunken noodles at K’sone’s are as bold as the name suggests, and the green curry has just the right kick of heat. There’s a full bar, and I’ll just drop a quick Mai-Tai suggestion.

11. Bonhoeffer’s Café & Espresso

More than just a coffee shop, Bonhoeffer’s serves up house-roasted beans and baked goods that taste like someone’s grandma is back there making magic. The cinnamon buns are sticky, sweet, and large enough to share—though you probably won’t want to. But maybe the best part is that this is a nonprofit operation—all proceeds at Bonhoeffer’s goes to Hope and Life.

12. San Francisco Kitchen

For sushi lovers, this downtown spot delivers fresh rolls and inventive appetizers like lobster rangoons. San Francisco Kitchen’s mango tango roll is a must-try, with its mix of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one bite.