As the only city in southwestern New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region, Keene is the de facto capital of an area filled with rural beauty. There are a number of state parks — most notably Mount Monadnock State Park, home to the 3,165-footer that defines this region — and more than 40 villages and towns in the hilly landscape that invite exploring. With a population of about 23,000, Keene is a key hub for visitors, who find plenty of places to rest, refuel, and recreate within the boundaries of this culturally forward-looking college town. Keene also happens to be popular with Yankee editors, as it’s just up the road from our offices in Dublin. So if you’re looking for tips on where to grab a bite, check out our list of tried-and-true restaurants in Keene, NH.
Central Square in Keene, NH | Favorite Restaurants in Keene, NH Photo Credit : Photo by AlexiusHoratius/CC BY
Luca Paris, a native of Turin, Italy, takes diners on a European tour that ranges from fresh-made Italian pastas to Greek gyros to French crème brûlée. The complex and creative tapas creations here have also won a following (think: clams and chorizo sautéed in white wine–lemon broth, or Moroccan roasted cauliflower with pomegranate seeds and lemon-infused yogurt). On pleasant evenings, the seating expands to encompass a number of sidewalk tables — what could be more continental? Named a 2010 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best Culinary Journey.”
Opened in 2015 just off Central Square, this elegant little restaurant dishes up recipes from all over India, with vegetarian and vegan options as well as meat and seafood. Look for the creamy navrattam korma (vegetables in sauce), malai kofta (cheese-and-veggie dumplings in curry), any of the naan breads (we love the garlic-cilantro version), and of course, a truly delectable chicken tikka masala. For budget-friendly sampling, don’t miss the lunch buffet on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Named a 2016 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best New Indian Restaurant.”
Situated on the first floor of a building dominated by the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fireworks might be mistaken for a similar chain enterprise — which would be a real shame for hungry foodies. Fireworks is a top-notch Italian-Mediterranean joint run by James Beard Award winner Matthew Blau, who has a knack for bringing out fresh flavors and flawless textures in things such as hearth-roasted meats and seafood, handmade pasta, and brick-oven pizza (we love the upscale veggie pie known as the Verdura, with arugula pesto, feta, and mozzarella). And don’t miss the kicky signature cocktails, like the pineapple–Thai basil margarita. Named a 2009 Yankee Editors’ Pick for “Best New Italian Restaurant.”
Hailing from Thailand, the Promploy family have put their stamp on New England dining with a handful of beloved restaurants in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Taste the secret of their success at Keene’s Thai Garden, where the layered flavors of such classics as Massaman curry and pad Thai come shining through in dishes that are cooked just to doneness — never beyond. For dessert, you can treat your palate to exotic treats such as sweet sticky rice (for two), fried banana in honey, and homemade Thai custard.
With its counter service and its simple rustic/industrial decor, Odelay feels fast and super-casual — but nothing about its food tastes cheap or hurried. You can build your own burrito, taco plate, or rice bowl from a menu that straddles Latin and Asian (from carnitas and adobo-marinated chicken, to crispy pork belly and sashimi-grade ahi tuna). The founding chefs emphasize that everything is prepared on-site, “farm-fresh and cooked to order with the most natural, organic, and local ingredients we can source.” Or to put it another way: yum.
A perennial hot spot at the head of Central Square, this New American bistro offers a bit of big-city sophistication with its Deco-style fixtures, sleek bar, and artistically plated food (courtesy of a major update and expansion in 2015). You’ll find a number of classic entrees on the menu (chicken Parmesan, braised shortribs) — but the kitchen also turns out superlative burgers and some addictive desserts, including “The Boss’s Best Coconut Cream Pie.” More than a half dozen martinis, local craft beers on tap, and a comprehensive wine list should please the tipplers in your party.
One of a Mexican-restaurant chain of three (the others are in Peterborough and Milford), Keene’s Mi Jalisco is the place to go for authentic south-of-the-border fare in an atmospheric, sit-down eatery. It’s a bit removed from downtown, situated in a strip-mall storefront, but well worth seeking out. Richly colored plates come heaped with equally vibrant food: marinated shrimp grilled with onions and hot-spicy sauce, overstuffed fajita burritos, plus steaks, nachos, chalupas, enchiladas, and much more. Be sure to check out the daily and weekly specials too, which range from a “kids eat free” night to a two-for-$15 drink-and-dish combo.
Do you have some favorite restaurants in Keene, NH? Let us know!
