Best Dining in New Hampshire | 2014 Editors’ Choice Awards

Hungry? The Granite State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors alike. Here are our picks for the best food & dining in New Hampshire for 2014. BEST COMFORT-FOOD DINING: CAMP, Meredith The tin roof, fieldstone fireplace, peeled-wood trim, and big pine tables evoke a classic lakeside camp, and the food echoes the menu that Mom (or your camp counselors) used to make, including mac ’n’ cheese, pot roast, and even s’mores for dessert. There’s also a good menu just for kids. Entrées: from $14. 300 Daniel Webster Highway. 603-279-3003; thecman.com BEST FARM-TO-TABLE DINING: PINE RESTAURANT, Hanover Created by Boston star chef Michael Schlow, Pine mixes big-city panache with farm country warmth. Lemon-and-thyme–roasted Walpole Farms chicken embodies the no-nonsense approach to locavore dining, while lamb loin with turnip purée and smoked paprika brings real flair to New England fare. Entrées: from $15. Hanover Inn, 2 East Wheelock St. 603-646-8000; pineathanoverinn.com BEST DESSERTS: RESTAURANT AT BURDICK CHOCOLATE, Walpole Whether you’re stopping at this bistro (attached to the chocolate shop) for a slice of quiche for lunch or Sunday brunch or savoring the honey-roasted duck breast for dinner, be sure to save room for dessert. The chocolate lemon cake, for example, is a perfect pairing of tart, bright citrus with rich, dark chocolate. Entrées: from $13. 47 Main St. 603-756-9058; burdickchocolate.com BEST PIZZA: 900 DEGREES PIZZERIA, Manchester There are more than a dozen topping combinations to choose from at this pizzeria, housed in a red-brick building in a former mill complex. But stick to the classic Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil to best appreciate the thin, crisp crust when it comes to your table hot from the 900° wood-fired brick oven. Pizzas: from $14.50. 50 Dow St. 603-641-0900; 900degrees.com BEST TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN: REPUBLIC, Manchester The Mediterranean-inspired menu at Republic puts the emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients while catering to appetites of all sizes. Artfully crafted small plates such as mussels Provençal and spicy whipped feta are great for nibbling, while the grass-fed steak frites and falafel fried fish satisfy heartier cravings. With a convenient downtown location and a cozy yet polished interior, it’s easy to come in for a seat at the marble bar in search of espresso or a glass of wine only to find yourself lingering for more. Entrées: from $16. 1069 Elm St. 603-666-3723; republiccafe.com BEST SEAFOOD: SURF RESTAURANT, Nashua & Portsmouth Chef Michael Buckley’s pair of seafood restaurants showcase his sure hand at infusing local fish and shellfish with international flavors. In addition to great sushi, he also offers a “hot stone tuna,” which pairs slices of ahi with a piece of hot granite so that you can sear them to your own taste. Local oysters are often featured as raw-bar specials. Entrées: from $17. 207 Main St., Nashua. 603-595-9293. 99 Bow St., Portsmouth. 603-334-9855; surfseafood.com BEST CAFÉ DINING: POPOVERS ON THE SQUARE, Portsmouth Popovers are only the tip of the iceberg on the menu at this congenial eatery, with lots of outdoor tables for warm-weather dining. But the light and airy treats are surprisingly versatile, whether served with maple butter for breakfast or accompanying clam chowder for lunch or dinner. Popovers even double as bowls for Caesar and other salads. Sandwiches and plates: from $4.25. 8 Congress St., Market Square, Portsmouth. 603-431-1119; popoversonthesquare.com