10 Of The Best: Food and Drink

The Inn At Whitefield

4.5 Stars, 9 min away in Whitefield. Friendly, comfortable yet professional dining experience with top notch New American Cuisine. The Ribeye with garlic butter and a side of asparagus will make anyone happy! Located right next to the Weathervane theater where they bring Broadway to the North country every summer. Reservation recommended especially if you’d like to make the curtain call. Open late for the after theater crowd and live music in the pub. Website.

Sunny & Jillian’s Pizza & Pub

4.5 Stars, 9 min away in Whitefield. Pizza and Greek Salad is always a crowd pleaser and an easy meal for the family. Sunny’s is an energetic hometown pizza place popular with the locals and visitors alike, eat in or take out with curbside pickup. It’s close enough that it’s still hot when you get back to the house! I love the Fenway North specialty pizza. Website.

Grandma's kitchen

4 Stars, 10 min away in Whitefield. Popular with families, area locals and visitors alike with a diner type menu and atmosphere. On the way back to the house from almost anywhere. Perfect for brunch after a morning hiking in Crawford or Franconia Notch. Breakfast is offered all day. The crepes are delicious and decadent and they always have fresh pie, usually apple, banana cream, and blueberry.

1865 Wine Cellar

4.5 Stars, 8 min away in Whitefield. The memorable fine dining atmosphere, wine cellar pairings, attentive professional staff and talented chef here make it perfect for that special occasion. Celebrating an anniversary or Valentine's day? Spend a romantic day together and treat yourselves! Coat and tie required. Part of the Mountain View Grand Hotel & Resort.

Polish Princess Bakery

4.5 Stars, 17 min away in Lancaster. A gem, the real deal, authentic high-quality bakery & cafe with European style specials. Lunch specials usually include soup and sandwiches of fresh local ingredients. Danish or pastry with espresso no problem! Do a hike at nearby Mt Prospect to earn your brunch. Be sure to try the rhubarb kolache! Website.

Tim-Bir Alley

4.5 Stars, 26 min away in Littleton. Intimate dining. Perfect for a special occasion or just for that special someone. The excellent chef will create something special to suit you and the presentation is artful. Truly unique and always new offerings Tim-Bir Alley is great for a special occasion for two to six. I suggest the braised lamb chops if they are on the menu. A fine selection of wine pairings. Seating is limited, reservation recommended.

Schilling Brewery

4.5 Stars, 26 min away in Littleton. After an evening shopping in Littleton let out a sigh here! Fresh beer brewed in small batches following European inspired styles make this brewery truly unique and a gem in the north country. Usually offering around a dozen styles from German Bavarian, Czech pale lager to Fruity Belgian ale. Wood fired brick oven rustic Neapolitan-style pizzas are always a taste treat to pair. Casual, energetic atmosphere. Website.

Littleton Freehouse Taproom & Eatery

4.5 Stars, 26 min away in Littleton. Young hip vibe in a mill building with high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows all around. 16 beers on tap from nano and micro-breweries around New England. The menu is created with locally sourced ingredients and includes Italian, American, Caribbean dishes. Brisket and a beer, yes please! Website.

Polly’s Pancake Parlor

4.5 Stars, 37 min away in Sugar Hill. A destination brunch! Yes, please! This is a White Mountains icon set in beautiful Sugar Hill. In its third Generation, family run Polly’s offers every type of pancake imaginable and they grind their own grains so you know it is fresh and the texture is heavenly. Gluten free options available. Website.

The Maia Papaya

4.5 Stars, 24 min away in Bethlehem. On your way to Franconia Notch State Park coffee here will get you ready! My go-to coffee shop but they are much more. Breakfast and lunch, completely vegetarian selection, fresh baked goods, smoothies, and full coffee shop offerings. Seating is more like a living room and always changing the art on the walls from local artists keeps it interesting. Free WIFI, chill music, terrace seating. Great prices! Website.

Honorable mentions:

Chang Thai Cafe

4 Stars, 26 min away in Littleton. Lemongrass, miso, dumplings, coconut, peanut sauce, red & green curry; if this sounds good to you then this is the place to go, can accommodate larger parties and have a kids menu. Also, the best if not only place to get sushi I know of. Bar area adjacent to the restaurant. Website.

Cold Mountain Cafe

4.5 Stars, 24 min away in Bethlehem. Perfect stop for lunch or dinner after a day in Franconia Notch State Park. You can expect a casual atmosphere, high quality fresh local ingredients and great presentation with some unique vegetarian and gluten free offerings? Nice selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. Website.

Libby’s Bistro & SAalt Pub

5 Stars, 37 min away in Gorham. After a day on the famous Kangamangus Highway, sophisticated dining might be in order. Big city taste and style meets small mountain town. “Worldly casual, refined and unrefined” “Seasonal, locally sourced, funky fine dining” Eclectic menu that everyone loves, muscles to middle eastern, pappardelle to Peruvian. Two restaurants in one and an outdoor terrace in the back is perfect for hanging out with groups. They’re open as long as you're there. Website.

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*Star ratings from TripAdvisor