Welcome to The Oar House
Nestled in the heart of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Oar House boasts a unique blend of coastal charm and culinary excellence. Specializing in pizza, salads, and seafood, this beloved restaurant has been delighting patrons for over 50 years. With dishes like the Maine Lobster Roll and the signature Our House Delight—featuring shrimp, scallops, and haddock smothered in sherried lobster sauce—each bite reflects an unwavering commitment to quality. The inviting atmosphere, complemented by creative cocktails and attentive service, makes The Oar House a must-visit for locals and visitors alike, ensuring unforgettable dining experiences against the stunning backdrop of the harbor.
- 55 Ceres St, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Hotline: (603) 436-4025
Welcome to The Oar House, a culinary haven nestled in the heart of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at 55 Ceres St. Renowned for its delightful blend of pizzas, salads, and seafood, this charming restaurant seamlessly combines casual dining with a touch of elegance.
The menu is a treasure trove for food enthusiasts. One standout is the Grilled Cauliflower Stir Fry, a fresh and vibrant dish infused with ginger soy flavors, while the Filet Mignon offers that indulgent touch with its tender, perfectly cooked meat paired with crisp onion strings and irresistible bordelaise sauce. Seafood lovers will revel in the famous Maine Lobster Roll, featuring succulent lobster meat nestled in a brioche bun, accompanied by coleslaw and fries – a quintessential New England experience.
- Signature Dishes:
- Crab Cakes: Made with lump crab and served with a basil aioli, these bite-sized delights promise to impress.
- Ale Battered Fish & Chips: A classic that stands out with golden fried cod and a tangy malt vinegar aioli.
- Mussels: Available in aromatic white wine broth or fra diavolo sauce, best enjoyed with crusty focaccia.
- Cocktails:
- Perfect Martini: A sophisticated choice for those seeking a refined sip.
- Rosemary Elixir: A refreshing non-alcoholic option, perfect for a delightful afternoon.
- Sunday Brunch: Enjoy a dozen oysters for just $36, or try a hearty sausage for $5.
Dining at The Oar House is about more than just the food; it's an immersive experience. With a stunning view of the harbor, guests can savor delightful meals while enjoying the picturesque atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a casual catch-up with friends, the ambiance is both cozy and inviting.
Many guests have echoed this sentiment. Cece Hay remarked on the excellence of the crispy salmon and harvest salad, while Gary Boyer commended the outstanding service, making unforgettable memories on his anniversary. Such reflections emphasize the seamless blend of quality service and exquisite cuisine.
Whether you are a local or just passing through, The Oar House captures the essence of Portsmouth's vibrant culinary scene. Come experience the charm, flavor, and hospitality that make this restaurant a standout destination.

The food was amazing. We ate the crispy salmon and the harvest salad. We also had the grilled swordfish in the fried brie, which was to die for we also had two cocktails one Negroni and a mai tai whoever comes up with these drinks is ...

If you didnt eat your Thanksgiving Dinner here than you had a horrible one. This was delicious. I feel the price was fair for the meal you received. Our waitress Amy was slammed with customers but yet she was ontop of everything and we were well taken care of. Would do again!

I partnered with Jen Stonehouse to plan a fabulous 80th birthday brunch celebration for my Mom on the second floor of the restaurant. Throughout the process, Jens communication was responsive, clear, creative, and collaborative. We came up ...

Had the best time at the Oar House, celebrating our 33rd anniversary. Bartenders were outstanding, courteous and friendly. Our server Megan, was the best. It was her first night working and she was outstanding. Cant say enough about the staff. Looking forward to coming back in the summer.

My fiance had a fun work dinner here and has been wanting to bring me, so we stopped by on Christmas Eve Eve around 330pm. It was quiet and we were seated in the perfect corner booth. I love how cozy the space was decorated, and the bar is ...

We went with a party of 8 on Friday night. They had no space for us. And were nice enough to accommodate us. The host told us if we didnt mind waiting an hour so they could find a spot for us and the did. Im glad we were able to dine ...

The food, service and ambiance is exceptional. There are many different types of seafood to choose from on their menu whether you like lobster, haddock, mussels, scallops ECT. They are one of the few restaurants in Portsmouth that I know of ...

It was my beautiful day, so had lunch out on their dockside tables overlooking the harborriver. Beautiful view, with canopy overhead so no bright sun on you. Had a lovely arugula salad with shrimp.