Durham is a college town in the Greater Manchester area of New Hampshire, United States. Durham is found in Strafford County of the state. The town’s population was 15,490 in 2020.
It’s a lively town with several attractions, including the largest mall in the state and an active music scene. Apart from having many attractive sightseeing places, it is also known to house some of the best restaurants.
Durham restaurants are good at offering authentic and quality traditional, Italian, American, Mexican, and Chinese dishes.
Planning a food tour of Durham? Here are the best restaurants in Durham, NH.
Best Restaurants in Durham, NH
1. Aroma Joe’s Coffee Shop
Aroma Joe’s Coffee Shop in Durham has been a popular destination for coffee lovers since it opened its doors in 1998.
The shop is known for its wide variety of coffees and teas. Aside from that, they also provide visitors with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee to go or a place to relax and chat with friends, Aroma Joe’s is the perfect spot.
Aroma Joe’s menu includes coffee drinks such as espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos, teas, and bagels with cream cheese or lox. Patrons can also have sandwiches made with fresh ingredients like avocado, chicken salad, or egg sandwiches.
They also prepare salads, including Caesar salad—made with romaine lettuce hearts instead of romaine leaves so they don’t get soggy—and Greek salad, with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese crumbled over the top.
Soups like minestrone come in three flavors: Italian vegetable broth with tomato sauce and chicken noodle soup made from scratch using authentic noodles instead of pre-packaged ones.
Aroma Joe’s Coffee Shop is open Monday-Sunday from 6:00 am-7:00 pm.
Address: 72 Main Street, Durham, Phone: (603) 397-5623
2. Three Chimneys Inn
Three Chimneys Inn is a historic and charming inn that offers its guests a unique and memorable experience.
The Inn is situated on a beautiful property that overlooks the Oyster River and is surrounded by stunning gardens. The innkeepers are warm and welcoming, and the rooms are comfortable and inviting.
This Inn is the perfect place to stay for a romantic getaway or a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In terms of menu, they offer various food menus, including starters, salads, soups, salmon entrees, and beverages.
For starters, you can try BBQ Portobello Sliders or Spinach & Artichoke Fondue. Then for entrees, Potato Encrusted Haddock garnished with the vegetable of the day & finished with lemon dill sauce won’t be a wrong choice.
The Three Chimneys Inn is open Monday -Sunday from 5:30-8:00 pm.
Address: 17 Newmarket Road, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, Phone: 603-868-7800
3. Breaking New Grounds Coffee Shop
Breaking New Grounds Coffee Shop is one of the best places to eat in Durham, NH.
Breaking New Grounds is a coffee shop that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also has desserts, coffee drinks, and tea. You can enjoy sandwiches or salads at lunchtime, soups, salads for dinner, and pastries in the morning!
This coffee shop is unlike any other in the area, as students with special needs entirely run it. They train the students in all aspects of running a coffee shop, from making the perfect cup of coffee to taking orders and serving customers.
Breaking New Grounds aims to provide students with special needs an opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence through meaningful work experience.
Meals you can try include Nicaragua “Monte Cristo,” Sumatra Boru Batak, and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.
Breaking New Grounds Coffee Shop is open Monday-Sunday from 6:00 am- 9:00 pm.
Address: 50 Main Street, Durham, Phone: (603) 868-6869
4. Domino’s restaurant
For quality pizza, Domino’s restaurant is among the top restaurants in Durham, NH. Domino’s is known for its thin crusts and wide assortment of toppings.
The company is the second largest pizza chain in the world and has over 11,000 locations in over 70 countries.
The atmosphere at Domino’s is casual and inviting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
The menu features a wide variety of pizzas and other Italian-inspired dishes. Domino’s has you covered if you’re in the mood for a quick slice or a sit-down meal.
You can try their well-prepared Chow down on the Honolulu Hawaiian Pizza with the perfect blend of provolone and 100% real mozzarella, ham, pineapple, and bacon.
Domino’s restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:00 am-2:00 am, Friday-Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 am.
Address: 7 Mill Rd Unit G, Durham, NH 03824, Phone: +1 603-868-6230
5. Hannaford Grocery Store
Hannaford Grocery Store is a supermarket chain based in Scarborough, Maine. Hannaford is the largest supermarket chain in New England, serving customers in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Founded in 1864 as a small grocery store by John H. Hannaford at his home on Main Street, it has grown to become one of the most well-known food service products, with over 735 stores across six states.
The stores offer fresh meat, salads, dairy products such as milk and yogurt; frozen foods like pizza dough; and canned goods like soups or beans.
They also offer packaged snacks such as chips or candy bars, along with fresh produce such as fruits & vegetables that can be purchased directly from local farmers’ markets during peak seasons.
Hannaford Grocery Store is open Monday-Sunday from 7:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Address: 7 Mill Road Durham, NH, 03824, Phone: (603) 868-2500
6. Moe’s Italian Subs
If you’re in Durham, NH, and looking for a great place to grab Italian Sandwiches, look no further than Moe’s Italian Subs. They have delicious sandwiches in the kitchen and are served hot off the grill.
Aside from the sandwiches, they also offer an expanded menu featuring turkey, ham, tuna, and several other delicious choices.
At Moe’s, they have friendly staff who are helpful. You can even go the extra mile to offer suggestions on what would go well with your meal before they even ask if you want any toppings added to your sandwich.
Moreso, at Moe’s, the prices are reasonable compared to other restaurants in town, making it easy for budget-conscious customers too!
And if you want something more casual than an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant but still want someplace fun where everyone can get together as families over dinner, Moe’s Italian Subs has got you.
Their Mad Sicilian served with Salami, Capicola, Genoa, provolone, & all the veggies are lovely and delicious to try out.
Moe’s Italian Subs is open from Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-5:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am-4:00 pm.
Address: 7 Dover Road, Durham, Phone: (603) 868-2337
7. Pauly’s Pockets
Are you looking for one of the best places to eat in Durham, NH? Check out Pauly’s Pockets. This cozy little eatery has a delicious menu of mouth-watering sandwiches, salads, and pizzas.
But what sets Pauly’s apart is their fantastic selection of pocket sandwiches. These unique sandwiches are made with fresh, homemade dough and come in various delicious flavors.
Their prices are reasonable too, so it’s worth checking out. If you’re looking for something cheap but good quality, try eating in Pauly’s Pockets Durham.
Pauly’s Pockets offers Appetizers, salads, plate dishes, veggie pockets, grilled pockets, and assorted drinks.
For appetizers, you can try spicy curly fries or mozzarella sticks. If you love salads, you can try their falafel salad dressed with either Greek, caesar, hummus, or Tahina.
Pauly’s Pockets is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 am- 9:00 pm and closed Sunday.
Address: 51 Main Street, Durham, Phone: (603) 868-3110
8. Subway Restaurant
Subway is a restaurant chain that specializes in submarine sandwiches and salads. It has over 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. The first Subway opened in 1965 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The Durham, NH, location is near the University of New Hampshire’s campus. It is a popular spot for students to grab a quick, affordable meal. The restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, including the popular foot-long sub.
Subway is convenient for those looking for a quick and tasty sandwich. The restaurant also offers catering services for events and parties.
The menu at this restaurant features sandwiches, wraps, and salads, including various vegetarian options. They also have a six-inch gluten-free bread option.
Meals you can try at this restaurant include Rotisserie-Style Chicken and Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt, stuffed with melted Monterey cheddar cheese and tender all-white meat chicken.
For salads, carved Turkey with Bacon Salad and Meatball Marinara Salad are good salad options.
Subway restaurant is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 am- 12:00 am, Saturday from 8:00 am-12:00 am, and Sunday from 9:00 am- 10:00 pm.
Address: 72 Main Street Durham, NH 03824, Phone: (603) 397-5355
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9. Taco Mano
Taco Mano is known for providing delicious and authentic Mexican dining experiences in Durham, NH.
It is a family-owned restaurant serving fresh and flavorful dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. The Taco Mano menu features all your favorite Mexican staples, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this charming eatery.
In addition to the great food, Taco Mano also offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff is always friendly and happy to help with questions you may have. You’ll feel right at home when you walk through the door.
Taco Mano offers starters, tacos, mas, sides, desserts, and assorted drinks. For tacos, you can try Pollo Gringo, guajillo marinated grilled chicken breast, poblano-red pepper rajas, grilled onion & queso fresco.
You can also try nachos, quesadilla, taco nano salad, and burritos.
Don’t forget to check out their assorted drinks like Mexican Soda, Horchata, Jamaica or Lemonade, Bottled or Sparkling Water, and Republic Tea. Taco Mano is among the top restaurants in Durham, NH, for an amazing Mexican cuisine.
Taco Mano is open Monday-Wednesday from 11:00 am- 10:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday from 11:00 am- 1:30 am, and Sunday from 11:00 am- 9:00 pm.
Address: 38 Main Street, Durham, Phone: (603) 397-5203
10. Thai Smile 2
Among the top Durham restaurants serving Thai or Asian food is Thai Smile 2. This restaurant is among the authentic restaurants that offer sweet, sour, and spicy Thai and Asian dishes.
People living in Durham who have not visited Thailand get the chance to enjoy delicious Thailand meals. At this restaurant, you will find the original taste of Thailand that is distinctive by its variety of strong flavors and spices.
Thai Smile 2 offers appetizers, entrees, sushi, lunch specials, desserts, and drinks.
For appetizers, try their well-prepared chicken Sa Tae with a grilled chicken on skewers served with peanut sauce and sweet & sour cucumber on top.
If you love salads, try crispy shrimp salad made with red onions, tomatoes, carrots, cashews, and lettuce with lime dressing.
Thai Smile 2 is open Monday-Sunday from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Address: 13 Jenkins Court, Durham, Phone: (603) 868-2772
11. UNH Dairy Bar
UNH Dairy Bar serves visitors healthy and quality food and ice cream.
With over 30 flavors of ice cream to choose from, there’s something for everyone at the UNH Dairy Bar. In addition to all your favorite classic flavors, the Dairy Bar offers a selection of unique and seasonal flavors.
Try the fan-favorite “Maple Walnut” or the seasonal “Pumpkin Spice” before they’re gone!
In addition to ice cream, the UNH Dairy Bar also serves fresh sandwiches, salads, and soups.
UNH Dairy Bar is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 11:00 am -6:00 pm.
Address: 3 Depot Road, Durham, Phone: (603) 862-1006
12. The Works Bakery Café
The Works Bakery café is an excellent place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s also perfect for groups, as several tables are available for large groups.
The menu has an array of options to find something that suits your taste buds. There are ancient organic grain power bowls, breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches, NY-style bagels, chef-inspired salads, Thai chicken salads, hearty hummus wraps, and various sandwiches.
They also have a wide selection of coffees and teas for those who prefer coffee over tea; they offer both options on their menu, and espresso machines are available at each table should you want them!
If you’re feeling hungry after enjoying one of the many items on their menu, try ordering some pastries from their dessert case.
These sweet treats will surely satisfy any sugar craving while leaving a room and enough time left over so that somebody else might order something later today. It is one of the outstanding Durham restaurants.
Their favorite super chicken panini with VT cheddar, tomatoes, roasted onions, baby spinach, and red pepper aioli on sourdough is worth trying out when you visit.
Works Bakery café is open Monday-Sunday from 6:00 am–6:00 pm.
Address: 5a Mill Road Plaza, Durham, Pone: (603) 868-3500
13. Wildcat Pizza
Wildcat Pizza is on the top chart when talking about top Durham restaurants that offer delicious pizza.
Wildcat Pizza is a locally owned and operated pizzeria serving fresh, made-to-order pies for over 40 years. It is known for its generous portions and unique toppings.
They pride themselves on preparing a delicious and fresh meal for every customer.
Their menu features traditional and gourmet pizzas, as well as a variety of calzones and strombolis. And don’t forget the garlic knots!
Whether dining in, taking out, or having your pizza delivered, you will surely enjoy a great meal at Wildcat Pizza. So next time you’re in the mood for some delicious pizza, try them.
Wildcat Pizza is open Monday-Sunday from 11:00 am-8:00 pm.
Address: 3 Madbury Rd., Durham, NH 03824, Phone: 603-868-5530
14. Young’s Restaurant
Young’s restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant serving delicious food to Durham residents since 1936. The menu at Young’s is filled with favorites like meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and macaroni & cheese.
If you’re looking for something more unique or unusual on the menu, try their “whole hog” platter, which includes everything from sausages to ribs!
Young’s offers breakfast all day long, so if you’re looking for something in the morning before you commute home from work, this is one place worth checking out!
Young’s restaurant is open Monday-Friday from 6:30 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday from 7:00 am- 2:00 pm.
Address: 48 Main Street, Durham, Phone: (603) 868-2688
Map of the Best Restaurants in Durham, NH
To get around during your trip to Durham, here is a map of the best restaurants in Durham with markers of the top places to eat in Durham, NH.
Planning a trip to New Hampshire? Check out our guide on the Restaurants in Laconia and Restaurants in Bethlehem for a memorable time.
Plan a Trip to Durham
We hope this list of the best Durham restaurants has given you some ideas for where to go next time you’re looking for some delicious food in the city.
Regardless of your preference, you’ll certainly find a restaurant that suits you. Visit with your loved ones and have an amazing experience.