New Hampshire Best Restaurants 2011

BEST CUPCAKE
Shabby Chic,Windham
The confections here are works of art and taste equally divine. Dive into the moist decadence of, for example, “Vanilla Cranberry Swirl,” “Salted Caramel,” or “Cinnamon Pear,” topped with clouds of flavored butter cream ($3.25 each). 4 Cobbetts Pond Road. 603-898-2442; shabbychicwindham.com

BEST ORGANIC FINE DINING
The Rustic Leaf Bistro, Milford
As if it weren’t great enough to eat in a vintage B&M caboose, munching on seasonally inspired, gourmet-crafted, locally grown and organic food makes this a healthful and totally satisfying dining experience. Try the apple cider-brined chicken with butternut apple risotto. Entrées: from $13.95. 15 Elm St. 603-672-1556; therusticleaf.com

BEST WATERSIDE DINING
Garwood’s Restaurant & Pub, Wolfeboro
The next-best thing to drinking up the spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee is drinking a martini with a massive, blue cheese-stuffed olive, alongside a bowl of lobster bisque that rivals anything you’ll find on the seacoast. Entrées: from $9.99. 6 North Main St. 603-569-7788; garwoodsrestaurant.com

BEST GRILLE
Stagecoach Grille, Atkinson
Watch as your 14-ounce ribeye steak is grilled over an open wood fire, or, if you prefer, turn your glance to the breathtaking, rolling 18-hole golf course out the window. Other favorites include prime rib with horseradish cream and rack of lamb with wilted spinach, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and balsamic syrup. Entrées: from $10.95. Atkinson Resort & Country Club, 85 Country Club Drive. 603-489-0211; atkinsonresort.com

BEST FRIED CLAMS
Woodman’s Of Litchfield,Litchfield
Used to be you had to go south of the border (to Essex, Massachusetts) to get a taste of the real thing, at the original Woodman’s (where it’s said the fried clam was invented in 1916). No more: Head to Mel’s Funway Park, hit a few at the driving range, then chow down on Woodman’s legendary goodness. Entrées: from $8.95. 454 Charles Bancroft Highway (Route 3A). 603-262-1980

BEST CHOCOLATE STOP
Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates,Peterborough
From rich caramels and creams to delectable and distinctly designed artisanal creations, Susan Mazzone’s chocolates look beautiful and taste even better. And when it’s hot, don’t forget her ice creams, including the tantalizing named “Death by Chocolate.” 43 Grove St. 603-924-5993; avamariechocolates.com

BEST TAVERN
The London Tavern, Temple
With a menu that includes bangers-and-mash, bubble-and-squeak, and to-die-for shepherd’s pie, this classic eatery, housed in an old stagecoach stop (The Birchwood Inn), will feed your inner Anglophile. Art fanatics shouldn’t miss the room of Rufus Porter murals. You can stay the night, too. Entrées: from $10. Rates: from $89, including breakfast. 340 Route 45. 603-878-3285; thebirchwoodinn.com