We ordered the Pan Roasted Duck Breast and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. The duck was absolutely killer, I had no idea duck could be this flavorful and juicy! Perfectly paired with the mushroom risotto. Our server was hilarious and helpful and the atmosphere inside is delightful. Plates here start in the mid 30$ range, but it was excellent. I would definitely come again
Overview
If you're ever in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, craving a memorable meal, Cure Portsmouth should be at the top of your list. Nestled at 189 State Street, this charming restaurant offers a unique dining experience that blends rustic ambiance with contemporary cuisine. The cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff make it an excellent spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Cure Portsmouth has something special to offer.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Cure Portsmouth is the inviting atmosphere. The restaurant features a modern yet rustic interior, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and warm lighting, creating a relaxed yet upscale environment. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, ideal for a laid-back night out or a romantic evening.
The menu at Cure Portsmouth is a true reflection of the region's culinary diversity. They focus on locally sourced ingredients, giving you a taste of New England's finest produce and seafood. A highlight of their menu is their creative use of fresh, seasonal ingredients that truly capture the essence of Portsmouth’s local food scene.
One standout dish that keeps customers coming back is their seafood chowder. Rich and creamy, packed with tender shrimp and scallops, it’s the perfect starter on a chilly evening. Another popular option is their handmade pasta, often paired with fresh vegetables and a delicate sauce that lets the natural flavors shine. Whether you're a fan of seafood or prefer a hearty meat dish, the menu has something for every palate.
But the food isn’t the only thing that sets Cure Portsmouth apart; the drinks are equally impressive. The restaurant boasts an excellent selection of craft cocktails, many of which are inspired by local flavors. The bartenders here are masters at their craft, able to recommend the perfect drink to complement any meal. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, there’s no shortage of options to explore.
The wine list at Cure Portsmouth is thoughtfully curated, with a variety of choices that pair beautifully with the menu. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the selection, which includes both well-known labels and smaller, boutique vineyards. The staff is knowledgeable and always willing to offer a recommendation based on your preferences.
What really elevates the dining experience at Cure Portsmouth is the exceptional service. From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted with a warm welcome. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making sure you feel right at home throughout your meal. The staff’s ability to recommend dishes based on your tastes or offer wine pairings shows their deep understanding of the menu and their commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the regular menu, Cure Portsmouth offers a selection of rotating specials that highlight the best of what’s in season. These limited-time dishes are always a treat for regular visitors, offering something new to look forward to with each visit. The specials often feature the freshest seafood, local meats, and unique flavor combinations that reflect the restaurant’s creativity and passion for food.
The restaurant’s location in Portsmouth also contributes to its charm. This historic New England town, with its cobblestone streets and coastal views, is a great place to explore before or after your meal. You can take a stroll along the water or visit some of the local shops, making for a perfect day out.
For those planning a visit to Cure Portsmouth, it’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially on weekends when the restaurant tends to get busy. With its blend of delicious food, friendly service, and intimate atmosphere, it’s no wonder that it’s become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite or a more refined dining experience, Cure Portsmouth delivers it all, making it a must-visit spot in the heart of Portsmouth.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Locals ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 805 reviews
Wonderful meal at Cure tonight. It's Restaurant Week in Portsmouth, and we partook of this special menu. I had the Short Ribs, and my wife had the Salmon. Appetizers were tasty; Entree Portions were nicely sized and perfectly cooked. Sides were creative and generous. Desserts (chai panna cotta and apple torte) were small, but tasty. Facility is broken up into smaller rooms allowing for clearly heard conversations. As with almost all Portsmouth restaurants, paid on-street parking can be tight. Recommmended.
Food was amazing. We got the escargot, french onion soup, duck and the diver scallop special. All were amazing. Server was great- friendly, knowledge. Small place and the bar is also small, so don't expect to come there early to have a drink on a weekend.
Our first visit and can't believe we have never eaten here. Lobster Bisque amazing and the lobster was so tender I'm thinking it was poached. Loved the Strawberry & White Balsamic salad. Grilled bread basket with our apps. Braised Short Ribs SO delicious and I loved the Seared Statler Chicken - so much flavor. Flourless chocolate cake with PB sauce and cinnamon creme brulee for desert was yummy. Hope they never remove that cake! Inside the place screams old Portsmouth to me, before the days of all the buildup and we love it! Small, cozy, brick walls, very small bar. If you want a little more room, they have the covered patio. Staff was great, Seth was our server, and we loved him. Great feel too if you want to go solo because the tables and bar are small. We went at 5pm on Wednesday and it filled up, I suggest reservations.
I love this place. Came here for the first time and will definitely be coming back. The food is amazing.. Drinks are delicious. The waite staff is on point. I recommend the short rib entree. Very tender. fall apart with a fork.
We went for a Sunday dinner date and had a phenomenal meal and excellent experience. My husband got the roast duck with a black rice mushroom risotto and I got the vegetable herb papardelle. Both meals were excellent. The corn bread side was also delicious - perfectly sweet and buttery. The STAR of the night was the flourless chocolate cake with peanut butter. Unbelievably good. The atmosphere was lovely and the staff was incredibly kind. We will absolutely be back!!
One of the best meals I've ever had. The dining and bar space was intimate without feeling crowded. Both cocktails I ordered were fantastic. Highly recommended, especially for a romantic meal. I was able to walk in and sit at the bar, but seating is at a premium and I would highly suggest a reservation.
Everything was speculation. We got strawberry salad (our favorite thing), PBJ ribs, lobster bisque (very rich and delicious with chunks of meat), duck (not at all gamey but slightly a little too rare in the middle), the scallop special, and cornbread (which was basically dessert!). Very unique and creative.