Food was original and fun. Great sauces matched to specific meals. You choose. Lovely experience, to have your cocktail in the next door cozy sitting room, near the fireplace. Waitress very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

The access to the restaurant is not handicapped accessible. We went for a benefit for Coby Sawyer AEC. The food was atrocious. Over cooked chopped chicken liver on bread.. no spices, no imagination. I ordered corned pork tenderloin... which in itself is weird. It's already tender. It came with Brussels sprouts and a white sauce laced with nutmeg! My wife had crispy rock shrimp which tasted fishy and were soggy. For her main she ordered their salmon. It came to our table company raw in the middle. She sent it back. Less fish returned to the table and still raw. However, our waitress was attending and friendly. read more

The staff were very friendly. I brought my parents here and the staff exhibited patience and kindness towards our entire party. The food was as good as it gets around this region, which means don't get your expectations too high if you're accustomed to higher end dining in big cities, but I certainly mean this as a compliment to the restaurant. read more

Wonderful dining experience. Treat yourself here. Let them pamper you. A bit pricey; but if you enjoy delicious food and quality service, the price shouldn't bother you. read more

Excellent food and outstanding staff. A hidden gem in a relaxing setting. We would go again for a special occasion.

I guess we're on a roll over the last two weeks. Every place to which we've been has been superb and Oak & Grain was no exception. This is a truly fine dining experience. Hands down. One of the very few places that reminded me of the memories of Philadelphia's Le Bec Fin or The Inn at Little Washington. We came over as guests of a friend who visited us during a Spring ski trip. For starters, we had one amazing ski day. Then we dressed up and came to Oak & Grain for dinner. This evening was the three-course​ dinner vs the five-course​ dinner, and devoid of the fanfare​ of the larger culinary festivity​, and we're​ thankful for that. Between the appetizers and the three-course dinner, we were more than satiated. Upon arrival, we were ushered to their large living room where even a large party can find a place for intimacy, as it has several areas of different sizes to gather, every one​ of them with a dramatic view of Mt Kearsarge and Pleasant Lake. We took our cocktails there, and I had a delicious Smoked Maple martini (we're in prime maple harvest) after which we were ushered to our table. One of us had ​succulent lamb chops and two of us had the swordfish which was not only delightful but soft and moist and delicate. Towards the end of it, the chef came over and struck up a wonderful conversation. Hands down one of the best dining pleasures - ever. read more

We had an amazing experience during the Chefs Whim dinner option. Every dish was absolutely outstanding. It was hands down some of the best food we have ever tasted. Our waiter was very knowledgeable in cocktails and wine and he described each dish and wine paring perfectly. We will definitely be returning in the future. read more

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We have dined here twice in the last couple of months, both times it was excellent. Service is friendly, helpful not hovering but somehow always available ! The wine choices are varied and excellent , also they served me a Pinot by the glass that was not on the menu( the one I was yes was out) and the manager was kind enough to offer me another form Oregon. Loved that ! The food has been very very good, and we are currently obsessed with the pastrami smoked salmon app. All around a very very good restaurant , lovely location a much needed establishment in new london. read more

Perfect for a date night! All the food is fantastic! Fresh ingredients and super friendly staff. Ome of our favorite places for date night or a special occasion dinner. read more

Oak & Grain - Valentines day dinner - New American Near Me - New London, New Hampshire

This is a delightful little restaurant on a small lake in New Hampshire, far from hustle and bustle and decidedly unpretentious yet organically tasteful. The food is excellent, though I would caution against the wine pairing menu of three types of wine selected for each course of a meal. The service is calm and friendly without being affectedly nice. read more

Had two excellent dinners here. Of the entrees we had, the lamb and bluefish were superb, the duck breast excellent and the gnocchi good but very different than and Italian dish. Service was attentive and friendly. read more

Beautiful rustic feeling restaurant in a classic inn nestled in the woods and overlooking the nearby lake. The food is probably the best I've had anywhere in the area. Cuisine is more toward fine dining but the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The wine list is diverse. House made cocktails were delicious. I think they hit the mark here and they are a mile ahead of any local competition in New London and elsewhere. read more

We came to Oak and Grain for New Years and it was an awesome experience! We skipped the cocktail hour and arrived just in time for the chefs presentation, which was really informative and a great way to start the dinner. It was nice to have him explain each dish and it made us more eager for the dinner itself. Dinner was one seating, shortly after 7, and everything came out essentially in waves, with plenty of time to enjoy everything and discuss between courses. The service was awesome, we had Katie as our main server (she made my delicious drink too!) and the other servers were very attentive as well. After dinner we were invited to sit by the fire and enjoy dessert and champagne, and while that's not something we would ordinarily do, we found a nice spot and it was really enjoyable. The seating by the fireplace was quaint and there were games and puzzles on various tables. Overall this was the nicest New Years we've had in years, and I hope to make it a new tradition. We will definitely try to come back in the summer as well, I'm sure the dining room is amazing with all the windows open. read more

Oak & Grain - The end of our awesome New Years Eve dinner. - New American Near Me - New London, New Hampshire

In the adorable town of New London the quaint bed and breakfast, the Inn at Pleasant Lake, has has an incredibly talented chef and a fine dining establishment called Oak & Grain. From the very start it is a true culinary experience where the chef speaks to all of the guest in the living room of the inn and spends 20 minutes describe the five locally sourced courses in extraordinary detail - just one of his descriptions would put the Food Network to shame. From the couches in the living room all of the guests are escorted to their table in the dining room and enjoy dinner at the Inn at Pleasant Lake you do not have a choice of the courses, only an option between two entrees - course four. On and I should mention there is only one seating per evening - Wednesday through Sunday but it is certainly an experience if you are in town you do not want to miss. On the night we were there in late September the menu consisted of a soup made of roasted parsnip from Spring Ledge Farm, with conflit leek, crispy brussel sprout leaves, a balsamic reduction, and a lemon créme fraiche. That was followed by a grilled wedge salad with white truffle tarragon dress complimented by blue cheese from Great Hall, bacon from Crispy Battles Farm, chimes, vinegar, onions, shaved radish, and sunburst grape tomatoes. As someone who usually opts for kale or spinach I enjoyed a romaine lettuce salad more than I have in a long time. Those two courses were broken up by an intermezzo of tart cherries in vanilla bean foam and saba. Then after the delicious palette cleanser we had our choice of entree - my parents, my grandparents, and I all opted for the Pan Seared Canadian Scallops which were served with an orange horseradish berre blanc, grilled Cipollini onions, and micro greens served over a red currey acorn squash mousse. The scallops were delicious but since the food was so good I asked for a taste of the other entree and enjoyed my few bites of the marinated grilled hanger steak from Ioka Valley Farm that was served with roasted garlic chimichurri, lemon basil aioli, and roasted fingerling potatoes. YUMMM. Then we ended the delicious dinner with bourbon spiced apple compote galette served with sea salt caramel chantilly cream and raspberry coulis. As it was in-between my birthday and my grandfather's birthday we both got adorable candles in our tasty desserts. Overall a truly delicious meal! read more

Oak & Grain - New American Near Me - New London, New Hampshire

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Great food, pretty original menu and very accommodating for people who have to follow a special diet. We had an awesome dinner here (duck entree, pork belly appetizer) everything was so well prepared and being able to trust a restaurant with my allergies is much appreciated! Great for special occasions but not every seat had a view read more

Sadly, our experience was radically different from most reporters. Perhaps the place was having a bad night, though it certainly wasn't busy. There was no sign of the chef in the dining room. The menu choices seemed odd, with an emphasis on beets. Beet loaf? Prices are high, quality just middling. A duck breast was gray and overdone, though the server had said the chef made it medium rare. Other mains (there were nine of them) were reported as bland and inoffensive -- no raves. Service was a bit brusque, on the impatient side, perhaps a bit amateurish, certainly not friendly, let alone amiable. A birthday greeting from the management provided the centerpiece, despite careful explanations that this was a major anniversary occasion. A early phone call to discuss flowers for a centerpiece was never followed up, and the table lacked any festive touch. Salads were fresh; drinks generally good; bread stale (upcharge!), expensive, and an afterthought. To quote D.F.Wallace, "a supposedly fun thing I wouldn't do again." read more

We had a wonderful dinner here, celebrating my birthday! The food was so tasty and inventive! Started with an amazing salad with beets, toasted quinoa, beautiful tender greens and a really light dressing. The rolls were delicious, made from heritage grain from Maine. We ordered the scallops for an entre, with chimichurri sauce, they were cooked perfectly! For dessert, we shared the cheesecake with rhubarb, served in an interesting deconstructed format. The chef put a tiny edible birthday candle in the middle, made of white chocolate! We ate the whole thing! The kitchen staff even sent out a card signed by all of them! All in all, a wonderful evening! read more

Oak & Grain - Beautiful view of Pleasant Lake from our table! - New American Near Me - New London, New Hampshire

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One of the best dining experiences we've had, mostly thanks to chef Bryan Leary and the talented the Reeds have assembled with Jess and Katie. We were in VT visiting friends who have been here a couple times, and even their expectations were surpassed on this night. You start with cocktail hour - everyone attending dinner and some guests who weren't were all chatting in the coziest of New England B&B living rooms. So inviting and welcoming. Just hung out here for cocktails while others drank bottles of wine. Even a torturous little ball-box game that I put down after 10 minutes added to the enjoyment. At the end of cocktail hour, chef comes out to discuss his dinner. My wife and I are food nerds and thoroughly enjoy talking to our chef friends at regular haunts about the process they go through to assemble dishes, so this was right up our alley. Chef walks you through each dish and each ingredient and in an excellent storyteller way. He's clearly experienced and had influence from New England, Louisiana, the South, and Asia. I'm sure you could ask questions here, but save the Q&A for after dinner, when he comes by your table. You want him back in the kitchen finishing prep for what's to come. Prosecco-macerated frozen grape ice cubes in a ginger beer with blood orange zest. That thing just ruined sorbet for me forever. Going forward, every time I get a small spoonful of sorbet to cleanse my palate I will be disappointed after this delight. Mains were a skirt steak, pan-seared salmon, and my choice, the duck breast. The duck had a soy glaze, a just-a-hint-of-spice kimchi and a carrot ginger puree. The duck was incredible - oddly not as Asian as I'd expect. Bryan is really good at infusing an idea of a flavor in the food without overwhelming. So, the first bite of kimchi had spice, but the rest was just supportive; the soy glaze was there but... wasn't if that makes any sense. The flavor of the duck came through nicely and was supported by those other flavors. Spring risotto was served delightful and the asparagus was perfectly tender and firm. Dessert was nice - I'm not a huge dessert person, but the blueberry crepe was quite delicious. Chef comes through at the end of the meal and chats with each table, when you can pepper him with questions. He's a charming guy with a great story and an even better skillset. This place is so out of the way for us coming from D.C. and not staying there, but I'd make the trip just for his next season's menu. It's a great experience and is supported strongly by an exceptionally talented kitchen. read more

Staff was so friendly when we first came in-brought us to an outdoor table but we asked to go inside and they were happy to change our table. Server was attentive, knowledgeable and very sweet! The building was clean, good distancing & food was phenomenal. We got a bottle of Brut Reserve Cava and the description on the menu was spot on to taste. We had a sourdough toast with tomatoes & onion-almost like bite size bruschetta & a savory crepe filled with a delicious cabbage slaw & pork belly. For dinner we had a statler breast & hanger steak. They offer a daily starch and veggie but have a house option as well. Steak was a little overcooked, but it was cooked so well it didn't matter! We will definitely be back. read more

This is the best fine dining you can find in the area for incredibly reasonable cost. It's all about good food and wine and not about showing off. The dress code is casual. In terms of the Micheline world it deserves at least a bib gourmand and three forks for the ambient. We live in the area and will definitely be back. read more

We wanted so much to like this restaurant. We planned to eat outdoors and the setting was lovely. The service was excellent. Unfortunately,the portions were very small and pricey and the taste was mediocre. We knew we were in trouble when the bread arrived with exactly two pieces of bread and we were told there is a charge for additional bread. The descriptions of the food was wonderful but it is a shame that it did not live up to the description. We left hungry and disappointed read more

We've been coming to New London for decades (we have a house here), and have always heard great things about Oak & Grain, but we finally made it here last night for the first time. In short - the wife and I agree that it was one of the best dining experiences we've ever had. The Inn Manager, the Maitre D, the Bartender, the Chef, the Servers - all were beyond friendly, knowledgeable and professional. You arrive at 6:15 and have a cocktail in their cozy living room. The dinner crowd is small, so you can mingle with some of the other guests. At 7pm Chef Bryan came out and talked about the upcoming offerings - most of which is sourced locally (or even from their back yard!). He was extremely well versed and knowledgeable, and the various dishes were unique. After he greeted us and explained what was on the menu, we were seated and started a fantastic 4 course meal. I chose to do a wine pairing (chosen by chef), which included 3 glasses of wine - each paired specifically for the soup, appetizer and entree. The soup was a potato leek creme fraiche bisque, the appetizer was braised pork belly lardons with tiger shrimp, romesco, shiitake mushrooms, polenta grits and pea shoots. And for the entree I went with the filet mignon, red wine jus, blue cheese butter, leeks and baby carrots. The wife had the black truffle goat cheese ravioli with sundried tomato pesto and grilled squash in a balsamic reduction. I was given a complimentary taste of their third entree option, which was a roasted atlantic pollock with canadian scallop basil crumble. Dessert was a dark chocolate sea salt caramel mousse, toasted almond crumble with strawberries and chantilly cream. Did not have a bad morsel of food the entire night! Ambience was perfect, service was impeccable and the bartender really knew his stuff, and the courses came out at a great pace. Again, the food was spectacular and we left there knowing that this experience was going down in the record books. Cannot wait to go back and try this again. read more

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My daughter and I visited the Inn at Pleasant Lake for the first time for our Father's Day celebration. The restaurant came highly recommended by friends and associates and did not disappoint. We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and conversation on the patio overlooking the absolutely beautiful lake and then were greeted by Chef Brian, who called us into the living room for a fun description of the evening's menu offerings. He kept it light, folksy and short, and especially as first-timers, it was a positive experience, offering a brief glimpse into the chef's culinary philosophy and work ethic. We were then escorted into the dining room, which was lovely with a nice view of the lake. Tables were generously spaced with white tablecloths and fresh flowers. The prix fixe entree' items were beef tenderloin and sea scallops and were accompanied by four other courses including a creamy tomato bisque, a fresh green salad with nuts, cheese and chiffonade of smoked duck breast, a passion fruit sorbet with blueberries to cleanse the palate followed by a dessert of mousse duet napoleon and hand made after dinner chocolates. The friendly and competent wait staff, personable and accessible chef, beautiful setting and wonderful food, skillful preparation and artful presentation guaranteed us a memorable Father's Day experience. read more

This is my favorite place to eat! Chef Leary is such a incredible chef whose passion can be tasted in every bite! The service, food and atmosphere is unparalleled! I just want to scream from the roof top how much I love oak & grain! If you get a chance to go here, you will feel the same way! I have eaten here over ten times, and I have never had a bad bite! Not one! This place truly is an experience that should be had by all! My birthday is coming up, and I already know I'll be having my dinner here! Can't wait! read more

Exquisite carefully made meal we had was one of our best. Chef Brian has leaded us into the wonderful world of fine cuisine. He has spent time explain how each course was constructed, how his Salmon was ordered and flown in and delivery directly to his restaurant. Next, he explained his idea behind each course and how it will affect next one. If you are in town, I would recommend to have a meal or two at his Inn. We are so delightful that we have a chance and we will be back for more. read more

Exquisite taste and presentation from start to finish! Many fresh local ingredients. Every course was carefully and thoughtfully designed. Angelo, our waiter and bartender, was superb. This was a very special evening and we are looking forward to visiting again soon. read more

Everything about the restaurant was incredible. From the incredible view of the lake outside to the kind waitstaff to creative yet classic food options, there is literally nothing I would improve about Oak & Grain. No detail was left untouched. The bread is lovely and comes with infused olive oil. They have a present mix of cocktails for any mood. The appetizers were all stunning, both visually and taste-wise. I personally recommend the focaccia which was a symphony in my mouth with every bite -- packed with flavor yet not overdone or flashy for the sake of being so. All of our proteins were cooked to perfection and the portions were ample. Folks at our table ordered the duck, lamb, steak, and fish of the day and I would honestly place all of them in the top 5% I've ever been cooked. This restaurant has improved so much in recent years and is now truly something to come to New London for specifically. I can't recommend it enough. read more

We have lived in this area for over 13 years and The Inn at Pleasant Lake is without a doubt the best restaurant here and certainly one of the best in New Hampshire. Chef Brian MacKenzie always prepares an amazing meal and the atmosphere at the Inn, including views of nearby Pleasant Lake, is fantastic. If you're in our area, don't miss an opportunity to dine here. I should also mention that our daughter had her reception here and it was beautifully planned and executed by Chef MacKenzie, wedding coordinator Jessica Bray, and the entire staff. If you want to have a special event such as a wedding in the Lake Sunapee area, definitely consider the Inn at Pleasant Lake. read more

Unreal food and an awesome experience. Not a bad price tag either. Hidden gem of New London.

We had dinner at Oak & Grain inside the Inn at Pleasant Lake two weeks ago, and it was more than just dinner; it was an experience. The dinner was a bit on the expensive side, but it was more than worth it. The chef, Brian, carefully detailed each course's ingredients and was able to describe where he sourced each local ingredient from. Each portion of the meal was INCREDIBLE and our entire party of 7 was delighted at every step of the way. We will most certainly be back. read more

Our first time here under the "new" management and "new" chef and the results are about the same as our last visit some years ago. This is a "foodie" paradise. The format is exactly the same as the old days. Cocktails and wine from 6:15-7....dinner discussion at 7....meal from 7:15-? The "Manhattan" I ordered was perfect. Made with "love" and I am not exaggerating. Wifes Pinot was also top notch. Chef Bryans description of the evenings meal is way over my head..almost like he's speaking a foreign language. The man knows his food! The results are excellent. we didn't love his Vichyssoise soup opener. Guess we aren't used to cold soup. Salad was excellent..I mean how often do you get watermelon radishes mixed in with your Mesclun greens? prosecco frozen grapes with orange zest and ginger beer for the intermezzo. I told you this isn't your average Thursday night dinner. For the main event..I had the Filet Mignon(with crispy leeks) and wife had the pan seared Saku Tuna. Both were outstanding. You can do wine pairings with each course if your pocketbook allows. For dessert we had a wonderful passion fruit pudding cake(with vanilla bean coconut rum chantilly cream). Its all very down to earth..not pretentious....and really really good. Its $65 plus the booze and gratuity per person....and it really is a unique enjoyable dining experience. Even if you aren't a "foodie"...like us. read more

We have been many times over the years for dinner and went again this past week. Menus are more or less set but you can choose your entrée usually from two. There was a amuse-bouche (sp?) of smoked duck on a cracker sized crostini (divine), roasted vegetable soup (divine), salad with a too-sticky sweet dressing (meh) with homemade bread (divine) entrée of either swordfish (sticky spicy sweet glaze meh) or crusted roast tenderloin (divine- by far the better choice) both served with risotto (divine) veggies (arugula and asparagus- just meh) and some frozen chocolate mousse type thing for dessert (not for me, below meh) Great bottle of wine (all kinds/ranges of price choices), built in tip of 18% (this bugs me when the wine is automatically included) really really liked dinner but in the past I have always LOVED it. Could've just been my mood. There were over 50 diners (big crowd for this place) and it was actually very loud with one table in particular having a couple boisterous 20/30-somethings....Price fix $58 b4 extras (wine tax tip) The chef does a pre-dinner talk which is engaging but a bit kitschy and promises seconds on anything you want. This sounds like a good idea at the time but really you fill up quite quickly on the courses so we have never taken him up on it. View of Pleasant Lake is beautiful - ask for a table near the window. read more

Based on the 5 star rating we went there for dinner. The dinner was preceded by a presentation by the chef which was both informative and enjoyable. He explained the preparation of the dishes and their local sourcing. We then went into a very brightly lit room which was very cold and spartan. Nothing on the walls, bare wooden floors and plastic clad windows with no coverings. Hardly what you would expect from an old New England Inn. While the food was good the atmosphere or lack thereof made the experience a disappointment read more

Amazing. I would be wrong to simply call this the best dining in New London...it's the best dining experience on Earth!

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Inn. Chef Brian is down to earth, funny and very willing to share information about cooking skills and tips. The food was simply amazing from beginning to end. The only thing holding it back from 5 stars was the wine list which could use some upgrading. Top notch food and service. One of our top spots when we're in the area. read more

The most delicious food you will ever had. An absolute must for anyone who loves good food and a cozy atmosphere.

Food was delicious! The atmosphere was nice and cozy, the chef came out and talked about the food he was going to be making and he seemed very passionate. I would return again, but it is a little pricey. read more

Truly one of the BEST meals I've ever had :) It's a dining experience unlike any other.

The style of this restaurant is really unmatched by any we have ever been to. We arrived for the cocktail hour and sat down in the cozy living room and sipped cocktails by the fire place. The chef then presented what he would be serving us that night which was a treat because it got us excited for what was to come (a fantastic meal). Everything he served us was excellent and each dish had unique and wonderful flavors. The overall dining experience was perfect, so much so that I can't wait to bring my family back here! read more

The new chef has lived up to the high bar that has been set by the previous owner and chef - well done! The dinner on my most recent visit to NH and my stay at the inn was outstanding. Flavorful, creative, the right size portions (after a 5 course meal, I was pleasantly satisfied, not too full - how often can you say that?). From the cocktails outside on the porch, to the introduction Chef Brian provides to set your expectations for the meal, to the ambiance of the dining, looking out on the sunset over the lake, and the amazing wine and food - it is truly a dining experience - all at a reasonable price. I will come back again and again. read more