Intimate bistro serving globally inspired dishes in rustic, romantic digs with an upstairs wine bar.
Justin Medas
My wife and I were on a quick weekend getaway to Portsmouth and read so many great things about Black Trumpet. The food, atmosphere and service were top notch. We didn’t have a reservation so we sat at the bar and we were served by John. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the drinks and cocktails he makes. He chatted us up and other patrons at the bar and made us feel like regulars. My wife and I split the lamb which was perfectly cooked served with zucchini, couscous, and a tomato spread. A great blend of flavors. The restaurant is small and intimate in a very old building with ton of history. We will certainly be back the next time we’re in the area
… moreJamie Kane
This was a 5 star meal. The restaurant is unassuming from the outside but quaint on the inside. House in a 200+ year building that has survived fires and the test of time. The drinks are made with care and the food is crafted to be delicious. Shout out John the bartender!
… moreUchizi Phakati
My recent dinner at Black Trumpet in Portsmouth was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I stepped into the charming, historic building overlooking the Piscataqua River, I was captivated by its warm, intimate ambiance. The exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and candlelit tables created a cozy and romantic atmosphere perfect for a special night out.
The service was impeccable, attentive without being intrusive. Our server was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also enthusiastic about sharing recommendations and wine pairings, which elevated the experience. The food was simply outstanding. The wine selection was carefully curated, offering a variety of biodynamic and sustainable options.
Black Trumpet is more than a restaurant, it’s a celebration of flavors, creativity, and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a romantic date night or a memorable dinner with friends, this gem in Portsmouth is an absolute must-visit. Highly recommended!
… moreTyler
My girlfriend and I stopped in on New Year’s Eve for dinner and drinks and were absolutely blown away by: the service, the food, and the wine.
Both of our dishes were excellent. I absolutely loved the lobster based risotto. It was done absolutely perfectly. Additionally the glasses of wine were seriously nice, and we ended up getting another glass we were so impressed.
I absolutely loved the vibe and atmosphere of the restaurant itself as well. The feel of it reminded me of a European/Classic old world bistro. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area. The meal was expensive in excess of $100 for 2 people, but in my opinion was very much worth it.
Thank you Black Trumpet! We will be back!
… moreNancy Dansereau
First time in Portsmouth and could not have picked a better first night dinner. Made reservations ahead so no wait. We shared two appetizers, a medium plate and the seafood paella for our final course. Everything was delicious and filling. Dana was our server and was exceptionally helpful, including wine choice. Monica the hostess kicked off our dinner with “best seat in the house”!
… moreSara Courtney
My husband and I had a gorgeous experience here last night! We enjoyed the bread with orange chive butter (what a beautiful combo!) and the Warm Pumpkin Salad was the best salad I’ve had in ages! We had the steak entree and the duck. The beans on the duck plate stole the show! He got a mezcal cocktail and, thank you John, that was the best mezcal cocktail we’ve had in the area by far!
Our server was professional and kind, the bartenders were authentic and warm. The restaurant is gorgeous and cozy! We can’t wait to come back.
… moreNaya Leite
The best dining experience we had this winter (and into spring) was at Black Trumpet. The food was exceptional. The scallops were cooked to perfection, and the combination of crisp endives and bacon was unbeatable! We also tried the chef’s special, duck breast with wild rice, which was equally delicious.The drinks were delightful, and the service was commendable. Our server offered recommendations in a friendly manner.A highlight of our visit was the stunning view, which was particularly breathtaking on a perfect day.We will definitely return here.
… moreOlga Shestopalova
A lovely place for a data night- the food is certainly great! The chef’s meze plate was excellent – really fun assortment of things that changes daily. I also enjoyed the lamb empanadas, now that’s not something you see every day! The vibe was okay, our waiter didn’t seem too into it, and it was strangely dark and humid inside (kind of like being inside an old boat), but we still had a good time.
… moreJoshua Lash
We rented out the first floor of the Black Trumpet for our wedding rehearsal dinner and had an amazing experience. The food was delicious (as expected) and we loved the care that they put into our menu and into the space. They printed special menus for our dinner, made sure to have some food out right away for our guests, and served drinks quickly so that our guests felt settled and comfortable right off the bat. We loved the local, seasonal menu, which was perfectly prepared and beautifully plated. Plus the pastry chef even made a delicious surprise dessert for me and my fiance. We would highly recommend Black Trumpet for your private events or just for a date night. We hope to be back many more times.
… moreMarcus Privitt
Black Trumpet is a fantastic find. The steak I had was one of the best I’ve ever tasted: juicy, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. The whole dinner felt like a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The bartender made a Manhattan that impressed me, and I’m pretty picky about mine. The host was professional and welcoming, which added to the warm, cozy vibe. It’s the kind of spot where you feel comfortable and well cared for, making it a great pick for a memorable night out.
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