The Best Places to Eat Around University of New Hampshire

As a nutrition student, food is always on my mind. Cooking food, eating food, new foods, old foods, all the foods. I have tried my best to not let my college budget hold me back from experiencing all of the local cuisines around Durham, New Hampshire. The love I have for grub and exploring local eats makes me the perfect person to give you the top 10 best places to dine around UNH. So, here it goes:

 

1. The Big Bean Cafe (Durham, NH & Newmarket, NH) – Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal, and The Big Bean Cafe is hands down the king of breakfast foods. From their freshly brewed self-serve coffee, quirky hippy vibe, and deliciously innovative foods; they exceed expectations. Make sure and try their homemade Cinnamon Swirl bread and perfectly seasoned potatoes! https://www.thebigbeancafe.com/

 

2. Hop + Grind (Durham, NH) – Best. Burger. In. Town. Their basic burger is a scrumptious staple, although they aren’t afraid to experiment with flavors and toppings on their beef, chicken, and veggie options. Pair your meal with delicious fries and a craft soda for the full experience – the Raspberry Ricky and the Lemon Lime are my personal favorites. Their retro atmosphere, energetic staff, and student-friendly prices will have you craving their food on the daily. https://www.hopandgrind.com/ 

 

3. La Festa Brick & Brew Pizza (Dover, NH) – If you’re in the mood for pizza, this is the place for you! By the slice or by the pie, La Festa has mastered all your favorite kinds of za from the classics like pepperoni, buffalo, Hawaiian, and margarita. Make sure you try their garlic knots too, they are to die for. https://lafestabrickandbrew.com/

 

4. KB’s Bagels & Java (Hampton, NH) – I told you I love breakfast! KB’s chefs up some of the best bagel sandwiches on the coast. There’s fresh ingredients, fresh-brewed coffee, and fresh flavors. Their surf shop vibe and proximity to the famous “wall” destination at North Hampton Beach makes KB’s a perfect quick trip to escape from campus and breathe in the ocean air. https://www.kbsbagelsandjava.com/

 

5. Flight Coffee Co. (Dover, NH) – Live music, expertly brewed coffee, and delicious pastries/craft sandwiches…what more could you need? Flight is perfect for students who are in need of a cool spot to hang out with friends, study somewhere other than Dimond Library, and let their caffeine addiction take “flight”. https://flightcoffeeco.com/ 

 

6. Armando’s (Portsmouth, NH) – Date night material! Armando’s is an authentic Italian restaurant serving all the best comfort foods from pasta to pizza, seafood, chicken, and incredible desserts. The cannolis are absolutely out of this world. Stop by to treat yourself and the ones you love! http://www.armandosportsmouth.com/

 

7. Franz’s (Durham, NH)- Ever been able to do laundry and order breakfast at the same place? No? I didn’t think so. Now you can! Franz’s in downtown Durham is a laundromat, while also a grab-and-go breakfast spot. I know, I was skeptical, too. Let me tell you, this tiny kitchen prepares really high-quality, perfectly proportioned breakfast “JB wraps” with eggs, hash browns, bacon, and more. It’s quirky for sure, but the food is absolutely stellar. Try the JB wrap with pesto, you will not be disappointed.

 

8. When Pigs Fly Bread (Kittery, ME)- Confession of a nutrition major: bread is my favorite food group. People call me the carb queen… so, coming from a true bread lover, this spot is a destination. You’ll have the opportunity to dine in their full restaurant as well as explore their handmade loaves of bread in the attached store. The bakers are artists when it comes to experimenting with new flavors for breads & spreads, and it is impossible to leave empty-handed. The food coma is beyond worth it, I promise. https://sendbread.com/

 

9. The Friendly Toast (Portsmouth, NH)- Okay, just one more breakfast place! :)  Located in bustling Portsmouth, The Friendly Toast is serving all the best diner classics with a bit of a twist. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu, as well as tasty mimosas for those 21 and over. The staff is fantastic, and the funky decor is instantly charming. Grab a bite and check out this beautiful seacoast city! https://thefriendlytoast.com/

 

10. Bad Lab Beer Co. (Somersworth, NH) – Calling all beer lovers! If you want to “hop” on the craft beer trend, this is the place for you. Their brewery is on location and visible from the dining area, which is a really special touch. Bad Lab has a vast menu of deliciously unique beers to sample & savor. Plus, the quick bites and sandwiches are excellent and cooked in an open kitchen so you know exactly where your food is coming from. The staff creates wonderful lively energy for everyone to connect and share a drink! https://www.badlabbeer.com/

I hope you and yours have the opportunity to try all of these hot spots and more! Stay hungry! 

xoxo carpe diem.