If I could give this place a zero star I would! We went here for a birthday dinner, got there was told we needed reservations because there were no tables but could sit at the bar and order food. There were many tables wide open and empty. But we digress. Food -2, both peas order basically the same thing just different fries. Tacos- flavorless, dry, kinda looks like fish, thought it was chicken. No flavor/ seasoning whatsoever, not even just the fish. The pickled onions - no flavor, sauce - no flavor, fish- dry and no flavor. Would not recommend the place. Def not worth a reservation. Luckily our waitress only made us pay for the 2 order of Shirley temples. read more

Martingale Wharf - Blacken Mahi Mahi Tacos w/ regular fries - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Beautiful location right on the water! Friendly helpful staff- Fresh seafood, many options. We had the lobster roll and it was amazing! Seared tuna to die for. read more

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We made a reservation for dinner and we're seated in the bar/ dining room at a table where the walls were slid open. So best of both worlds between inside and out. The view and atmosphere were beautiful and we watched the boats come in and out if the harbor. Our server was funny and engaging, we really enjoyed her and she was on pointe with our service. We started with dirty martinis and ceviche. Both were great. Hubby had steak tips rare and I had the pan seared salmon medium rare over warm soba salad. Oh my gosh it was delicious. I definitely recommend this place. read more

Martingale Wharf - Ceviche and martinis - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

We went to Portsmouth on a Saturday night in August with no reservations or even a perception of where we might want to have dinner that night. We like meandering around a town or city at cocktail time, stopping for a "pop" and then continuing on to another place for dinner. This time we arrived mid-day, had lunch at Howling Wolf (see review) and knew that to keep our calories in line, we would have to forgo the cocktail stop. After lunch, however, we strolled Bow street and its myriad restaurants on the harbor, facing Badger Island. All with lovely view. Each appealing to a variety of palates and esthetics. Views and location are as much a spice as cardamom and nutmeg. We walked into a number of the restaurants that Yelpers had experienced, read their reviews, checked out their ambience. Here is my "two cents"; on Bow Street there is a restaurant for every palate and wallet, all with that lovely view. For us, that evening, walking into Martingale was serendipity. We asked for a reservation, that evening (at 3:30PM), a Saturday night in a coastal town in August. The hostess said, "let me see, I think I can squeeze you in!". We were requesting an outdoor table and there was no indication of rain for that evening. We arrived at 7:20PM and were promptly seated at a terrific table, on the deck, overlooking Memorial Bridge and Badgers Island. A lovely young man eventually found us and took our order for drinks. We were in no hurry, enjoying the view, but, in the summer season, not a place if you need to be at the theatre for an evening performance. Eventually, our order was taken, our meals delivered; baked haddock (perfect) and seared tuna. Food was delicious, view was sublime, service was a little slow (that seems to be the norm these days). But we couldn't have scripted a better evening. read more

Hot food, not precooked cold fry's or tarter out of a jar. Server should not be folding napkins, instead of following up with customers. Ambiance couldn't be better. read more

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Went on a Saturday night with family and had a wonderful meal! It was way too cold to enjoy the view, so that gives us another reason to head back in the warmer months. Our server was attentive and engaging. We had an opportunity to taste a whole range of appetizers- the corn bread with honey butter (it comes out in a mini cast iron pan and enough to share for 3-4 people), the nachos (probably my favorite appetizer. Would probably order this as an entree next time), shrimp cocktail (yum) and hummus (it had a nice subtle kick it to it). For my entree, I ordered the cordon bleu and it did not disappoint. Everything was cooked to perfection! Definitely looking forward to returning :). read more

Martingale Wharf - Chicken cordon bleu - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Awesome atmosphere and views, plenty of varying seating. However, I was extremely disappointed by this restaurant. My husband and I sat at the bar, and service was not great. The bartenders did not display quality hospitality, for example just walking up to us and staring until we spoke (uncomfortable). We ordered just soft drinks, both were flat. I ordered sushi and fries. My husband got the salmon. I was disappointed with the size of the sushi dish, especially how little salmon was in the roll. It also did not taste fresh. It reminded me of sushi you can buy pre made at the grocery store. My fries tasted like they had been sitting out for a very long time. Dead cold, dry, bland, just disgusting. My husband's salmon seemed frozen and the corn salsa it laid on top of was absolutely rancid. Every time we needed something, we had to flag down a bartender. I would never eat here again. It's not worth the money, although the location is fantastic. read more

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Way too late posting this, was here months ago. Had avoided it for years, stupid me! Let's start with decor, surprising modern and Mediterranean inspired. The bar, you know me I ALWAYS sit at the bar, is spectacular. Must see, see my pictures. Love the house plants and herbs guy. Someone cares! We had minimalist flowers this day too. Bring a date and/or your parents. Romantic in an airy and watch the ocean too way. Out door seating to enjoy, Loves. They have some huge private rooms too; I can resist a door and taking a peak. Drinks and food: Can't go wrong. Comfort food as well that's a little INSPIRED. Bring anyone, should find something. Had the shrimp cocktail and made us happy. Drinks were a good pour and inspired. Beer selection good for a resort town; a lil' this and that. The staff is a team and friendly to the patrons. They are using a zone coverage method for the tables, someone is always a minute away from asking if u need something if you're not focused on the food or companions. Everyone smiled a greeting as we arrives, when going to the loo, and lefaving. Who are these happy waitrons? Really a good staff, hope they maintain the quality. The bartenders were great! I am so coming back, it eclipses our regular place. Did I mention the ocean view? A must see. read more

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Pros: the deck. That's it. Food is a joke. I guess they don't feel the need to try very hard because of the location. Service is extremely slow, even at 2pm in the at. Bummed I wasted a meal here. We got ceviche and it was so bland and not fresh, chips were triple fried and old. Sushi came topped with said ceviche. But the view is nice read more

Sleek modern atmosphere with water front dinning with amazing views. Ordered short ribs an MoroccanLamb. Both excellent. Server Sophie was prompt efficient and always had a smile. Don't miss this one! read more

Martingale Wharf - Bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

If you are looking for the perfect view on a fabulous outdoor deck, this is the spot for you! The hostess was incredible! I couldn't find my friend and I was from out of town. She was so kind and helpful! I really loved the food too. The Lobster Roll was incredible. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon! read more

Martingale Wharf - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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What a lovely lunch! We got an outdoor table with minimal wait, the hostess of lovely. We had great mock tails , highly recommend the blackberry basil drink. If I could give the calamari 6 starts I would, it was excellent! Kids chicken tenders and fries was huge, my kids could have split one order with extra fries. I had a great lobster roll with HUGE chunks of meat. The ceviche was also delicious. We enjoyed watching the boats outside. read more

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Came here a couple of months ago and had the pleasure of sitting outside and watching the sunset while having dinner. Food was good, the staff were great and very accommodating. read more

Sat at the big round bar for happy hour last week and Alex and Shane were phenomenal bartenders! They made great cocktails and were super friendly and helpful in deciding what to get. The happy hour snacks were great as well! I'd definitely go back just to have those guys make my drinks again. read more

I ordered the lobster bisque for $14 which was a small bowl of what looked like tomato bisque. A few shreds of lobster meat but hardly enough to justify calling it lobster bisque. read more

Mgmt greed. They accepted an advanced Sunday reservation for 3 at 7:00 w know warning that ( ohh by the way our kitchen closes at 7:30 so we are gonna rush you thru your meal all night long ) and at 7:22 the waitress who was awesome friendly knowledgeable was rushing us for a drink order an app order a dinner order all at once because the kitchen closed at 7:30. wtf. I paid over $350 for 3 people to enjoy my daughter's birthday and she felt rushed uncomfortable and didn't enjoy the experience because we felt that we needed to hurry so the waitress could leave. ( we left at 8:45). Mgmt don't take reservations after 6:30 if your kitchen closes at 7:30. A man ahead of me asked for a table for two and was turned down by hostess who said we don't take walk-ins past 6 on Sundays. Welll Mgmt greed. Maybe you shouldn't take adv reservations either after 6:00 either. We were asked for orders before we even said hi and opened menus. Appetizers weren't even complete before they served food. It's a birthday. She gave us the check w no offer of dessert. And we said well we want dessert. No menus she just rattled off the list and waited.... Rush rush rush. Mgmt don't take reservations if you close the kitchen 30 min. later. Were the cocktail drinks awesome. The oysters amazing the real crab sushi outstanding. Crab cakes fruite de mare and pinwheel skirt steak main courses . All amazing and tira misu and chocolate flourless tort amazing. Yes absolutely 5+ star. Waitress ( except for the rush rush rush ) amazing. But McDonald fast food has a calmer ambiance, than our $350 dinner. Very disappointing. Again Greedy mgmt. Don't take reservations when your kitchen closes 30 min later tsk tsk shame on you. Ohh view and ambiance water front amazing. Mgmt shame on you. You owe my daughter a real birthday celebration read more

Had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner with the family here. The dining room has terrific views and there is a beautiful circular bar that is very inviting. Everyone enjoyed their food including myself. We started with some appetizers including the fried calamari, red curry mussels, and the Korean egg roles. The fried calamari came with a sriracha aioli dipping sauce that went wonderfully with the dish making it my personal favorite of the three. For dinner I went with the braised boneless short rib. It was a serious chunk of meat! Huge portion and wonderful flavor. I would highly recommend for a family night out or even just a drink with a view. read more

Martingale Wharf - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

This place blows. My sushi rice was hard. Allegedly had lobster and it was flaky and dry. New England clam Chowder was grainy and no seasoning. Way over priced for garbage food. read more

Martingale Wharf - Surf n turf roll - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Party of six tonight. Three moms and our babies... we celebrated our seniors about to graduate high school! And we had THE BEST waitress around... Miss Carmen! She made our night spectacular! I would go back again just to have her as our waitress. Could not have asked for a better time. Thank you, Miss Carmen! read more

Martingale Wharf - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

After a bad experience at the River House host stand we found our way next door. Was it Kismet that led us to a wonderful meal at dockside barstools or was it just making good choices about where we want to spend our money? Everyone was pleasant. Got great service from Dominick. Food was good. We started with the cheeseboard and were expecting to order full meals but the cheeseboard was surprisingly filling. Ordered mussels and fries and the spring rolls for our entrees. We ordered our dessert to go because we were so full but when they make a desert that combines our favorite desserts into one, We couldn't walk away. read more

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8 of us celebrated a dear friends 60th birthday yesterday with brunch at Martingale Wharf. We cannot say enough about the excellent service we received from Miss Carmen! A wonderful server greatly influences whether or not you will return to a restaurant & we will be back. Food & atmosphere were great as well! read more

What a wonderful place!! Starting with walking into the restaurant and being greeted by the super sweet hostess, Trinity, really set the tone for the night. Our waitress, Cheyenne, was a delight too & very sweet, accommodating & prompt! Food was delicious! Try the chicken nachos for an appetizer and you can't go wrong with the Wharf burger! Cocktails were top notch too. Oh and to top it off, the view is spectacular!! HIGHLY recommend this place!! read more

Great location and fabulous cocktails! A staple in Portsmouth! Great for groups to share a bunch of small plates!

The view is incredible and the food is good. However the waitstaff & bartender are very rude. Would not recommend.

Great food apps were great, love cerveiche and shrimp cocktail! Great tacos and lobster rolls. read more

Martingale Wharf - Tacos - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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1. We ordered apps, server forgot to put it in, we waited 45 minutes for our food to come out. 2. When our food came out we asked the food runner about our apps and he had the audacity to say "I just run the food". His response was highly unprofessional and should've said "I'm so sorry about that, I will check to see where your appetizers went." 3. When our food came out, it was terrible. I had the chipotle chicken sandwich... you would think it would be spicy... but it wasn't. The chicken tasted like it was drenched in water. My mom got the tacos and they were also very bland the sweet potato fries were cold. My sister had a chicken Caesar salad which was also pathetic. 4. Our server seemed to not show any remorse about forgetting our appetizers. And last but not least, all of our stomachs are in constant pain because of the food. For $150 before tip for all of that food is wrong. I understand if it's top of the line food. But our experience was horrible. read more

Do not recommend. View is fantastic, otherwise you can find much better food elsewhere. We went today and had salads with shrimp, $28 each. The salads had hardly any dressing, average freshness of ingredients. I've had better salad at Wendy's. Service was awkward and very slow. read more

I've been a couple of times this year 2025 one thing has been consistent...unfriendly borderline hostility from the hostess...different each occasion. Most recently I made a reservation for 4 people outside...arrived on time go to check in .....many open tables...hmmm...after a very curt "I'll be with you in a few minutes" ...almost 10 minutes later (our group is standing l) I ever so politely inquired as to the status of our table (she had seated a walk-in ) she practicably bit my head off. Really ? We had plans otherwise we would have walked out...when we were seated she tossed the menus on the table and left us with a I don't care snotty enjoy your meal. The food quality was average ..a large seafood tower with shrimp, clams, oysters and other seafood was delivered to the table with one small partially filled seafood cocktail sauce...getting more was a challenge... At a recent wine event in Portsmouth I met Ray Brandin , new GM. I reached out wanted to provide feedback directly to help this place deliver a better product....he has yet to reply ...it's been two weeks. Basically, they have the best bar and waterfront location in Portsmouth and that's what they rely on. Well they had a ton of open tables on a Friday at 5:30PM and competitors next door were slammed. Cocktails outside good luck with service everything else is a roll of the dice. I don't like writing reviews like this but a hostile team ? Do you want to fail ? ugh read more

Very nice and big restaurant out side seating is wonderful stunning with view. The service was quick and friendly. We went on Monday not that busy. The food was ok. We love shrimp taco and salmon. Beef is over cook and chewy and scallop is pricey only 4 pcs.for 36$ but overall the drink is good the taste is good. read more

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All I can say is that our server Chase was such an amazing host! He was accommodating and had such a positive attitude! We only had drinks but the atmosphere was lovely , the bar was beautiful and we enjoyed our experience. A bit pricey on the drinks but we were on vacation ! read more

Martingale Wharf - Delicious Cosmo! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Maddock sandwich was crispy and came with a surprising amount of fish. Service was slow.

Let's start with the good: the chowder - good flavor and density; fish and chip plate looked okay, and the shrimp tacos were fine. All passable, nothing to complain about, and nothing to write home about. And, now, for the bad: the Fisherman's Platter. They used popcorn shrimp. For the Fisherman's Platter. In New England. Big no, no. They should be embarrassed. It would have been better to serve the platter with three or four regular shrimp instead of 20 popcorn shrimp. Wondering if these folks aren't from New England or ran out of the proper shrimp. If the latter, waitstaff definitely should have mentioned it. Fisherman's Platter was served without tartar sauce, and the chowder was served without a spoon. My daughter was served coffee in a cup that had large and obvious lipstick marks. Not good. This place seems to do well due to it's location, which is beautiful. Avoid unless you are just going for a drink or two on your way elsewhere. read more

The hostesses were so busy chatting with one another and showing one another pictures on their phone, that when we entered the restaurant, it startled one of them. I think that's why she refused us a table and sat us inside instead. Petty. Our server, who we later saw was also bartending, made the absolute WORST drinks. Both our cocktails tasted overtly sweet and had little to no alcohol. Service was extremely slow. I think we waited for over 40 minutes for our sandwiches... and it wasn't even a busy day! Imagine coming here on a weekend. Yikes! The food: We got the lobster roll and the salmon burger. Meh. Nothing to write home about. The lobster roll was soaked in too much butter. I do not recommend that. Overall, an underwhelming dining experience with a hefty price tag. I recommend the River House next door. Dined there the last time I was in NH and remember the service and food both being excellent. read more

Great location and view of the -95 bridge to Maine and the Maine coastline. Excellent food, drinks and service.A bit pricey as well.

Everything about this place was perfect. The atmosphere of the restaurant was really nice. Our waitress was super friendly. We had the nachos for our appetizers. I had the baked haddock and it was very flavorful. For dessert we had the red velvet cake read more

Martingale Wharf - Red velvet cake - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

The food was pretty good, no complaints. The waitress was outstanding; wish I remembered her name I would make sure I gave her the accolades she deserves. The setting was nice, outside overlooking the harbor on a beautiful NH day. I'm giving a 3 because they charged us $50 for a lobster roll. It was listed as "market price". We didn't ask the price so I don't have animosity towards them. But still - $50 for a sandwich?? We paid $52 the night before for a full lobster in a nice restaurant in downtown Boston. $50 is just price-gauging tourists. The menu was pricey enough, which is expected at a tourist location, but again, $50, c'mon. read more

Tonight we dined at the Martingale wharf and the views are absolutely beautiful and that is the biggest selling point. The restaurant was semi-packed for Tuesday night and I was with company that I truly enjoyed. I had a lobster roll and they had a salad and my other friend had the pasta and overall the food is fine, but the service was subpar, truth be told I think he forgot to put our order in, but they were kind and I enjoyed the company so I didn't really notice. I will say this is one of the only restaurants that still serving a lobster roll in March so that was a win! I will definitely be back as the views can't be beat. read more

Martingale Wharf - Lobster roll - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Me: "What's the best place on the docks for a drink? I only care about atmosphere; not the drinks themselves, not the food, not the service. I just wanna sit, sip, and look at water." Friend: "Martingale Wharf." And I got exactly what I wanted. On the most perfect summery Monday night ever, we showed up and were in line to be seated. When we told the hostess we just wanted to have a beverage with a view, she immediately ushered us to the end of their dock where there's a plethora of seats against the railing literally overlooking the water. With a built-into-the-"bar"-umbrella to protect us from the sun and house music featuring singer-songwriters of the past thirty years, it could not have been more perfect. The service was super friendly, but sloooooooooooooooow and all we got were two drinks. The cocktails themselves were just okay: my partner got the Irish Wakeup (Jameson, blackberry brandy, house sour, and a dash of bitters) and I went for the James Q Bailey (a "frothy" pint of Jameson, Baileys, and espresso). But the view? The scene? The vibe? The atmosphere? The ambience? So, so good. Would absolutely come back here for drinks (...and maybe some truffle fries too!). read more

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Perfectly pleasant dinner with a colleague. Good company and conversation, but otherwise, food was fine, service was attentive. Nothing special, but no complaints. The location would be spectacular, but for the drizzly night, we couldn't see any of the beautiful surroundings. On On one hand, that's not a ding on the restaurant, it's the weather. On other hand, their brand is kinda the setting and the setting wasn't. Everything else was ok but not memorable. I'd give them a 3.5 if I could. read more

Be sure to make reservations to get a spot of this standout restaurant! A bit too chilly to sit outside so we dined inside. Adherence to covid precautions made dining comfortably spaced. Sonoma Rose very tasty Seafood dip app very good Spring roll w chicken spicy Siracha sauce (good) Boston Cream dessert(cake needed more cream ratio) Red Eye ( swapped out Jim Beam for Makers bourbon -- delicious cocktail ) Swordfish -- Very nice sear and perfectly seasoned plate. Seafood Scampi w tri color pasta very balanced Scallops ( seafood very fresh with delicious curry sauce and salmon meatballs (BEST he ever tasted!) Fish & chips substitute roasted potatoes very good. Overall, a bit pricey but worth every penny! Great ambiance, Very attentive server ( Cailee). Will definitely return! read more

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