Row 34 - Portsmouth

This was our second visit to Row 34 in Portsmouth, and we’ve also been to the Boston locations. Overall, we had a very good lunch accompanied by drinks. The crispy chicken sandwich was excellent, and the Nashville hot fish sandwich was unique and flavorful—just be prepared for a strong kick of spice. The lobster roll was on the higher end price-wise but still very good. Surprisingly, the fish tacos fell short of expectations, especially given the restaurant’s reputation for seafood. Despite a couple of misses, it’s still a solid spot, and we would recommend stopping in for a visit.

Great selection of oysters and other raw bar fare. Attentive service (note, I ate at the bar) and tasty food with more-than-adequate portions. Also, they have a great selection of draft beers. The shallot/vinegar something or other for the oysters was mind-blowing. I've never had this before and it was simply wonderful. It's a bit pricey, but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here.

We came here for a special anniversary dinner date, and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. The Tuna Tartare appetizer was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. To our surprise, the team gifted us a crab dip with bread, which was such a thoughtful and memorable touch, it really made the evening feel special. For our mains, we had the Fish and Chips and the Nashville Hot Fish Sandwich with a side of cornbread. Everything was out of this world perfectly cooked, incredibly fresh, and bursting with flavor. You can truly taste the quality and care in every bite. We actually drove all the way from Maine just to dine here, and it was 100% worth it. The ambiance was cozy, romantic, and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. Can’t wait to come back, Row 34 exceeded every expectation!

Was in town for a business, and my colleagues best friend happens to be a local chef. He met us at Route 34 in Portsmouth as a starter we sampled some oysters. I ordered a nice glass of white wine: Landhaus Mayer from Austria. Excellent wine. Main course I ordered crispy whole fish. We were seated at a nice place by the entrance. We could overlook the folks preparing the oysters. Service was excellent. The waiter constantly checked on us to make sure we were OK. Main course portion was really nice. All in all an amazing dining experience. Next time I would order more oysters to sample. Don’t forget to order the blood orange sorbet as dessert. Super yummy.

We came on a reservation. We changed the res a couple times, but they were still able to accommodate us. Open table is great! We got in and were seated at a high top. And then we sat, and sat, and sat some more. Finally the host came over after 15 minutes and got us started. After that, things were great. The food was excellent. I had a coconut curry seafood stew. I also shared some oysters and a corn bread. Food was fresh, and service was fine after the initial wait.

I visited the Boston Row 34 location many years ago, and it was quite memorable, so I was excited to come here while in town for the day. It's spacious, has a good vibe, and had an excellent menu of regional seafood; raw options, wines/drinks were abundant, but I didn't have any this time. I presume the menu changes a little from time to time, but I remember the monkfish from my visit years ago and it was still on the menu. This time I started with the crab cake; it was a 6.5/10 for me.. good textures, but could have had more flavor and maybe some acidity. The steelhead trout was my entree; the fish was cooked pretty good and had decent seasoning, but the squash puree was the excitement-adder to the dish.. 7/10 dish for me. Service was decent. They kind of forgot about me for a long time after I recieved and finished my entree. I didn't walk away quite as enthused as I did many years ago, but it was still a solid meal.

Nice restaurant and servers. Service was slow but we weren’t in a hurry. There was basically nothing vegan so beware of that. I was there on a business dinner so I just had to make due. There weren’t any vegetarian entrees either so I just shared some delicious sides with my friends. (The rolls and mac n cheese were delish). The omnivores loved their oysters and lobster roll.

What a wonderful experience through and through! We were sat within an appropriate amount of time for walk-in on a beautiful day outside. The service was excellent and everyone was very attentive. The host was great, and our waitress bubbly- informative, and attentive. Mouth watering seasonal cocktails, delicious and FRESH seafood appetizers. Our entrees did take a little longer than expected, waitress explaining that there were a few large parties inside.. But they brought out a complimentary platter of jumbo shrimp cocktail completely unexpectedly!! It was such a pleasant, kind surprise. We were more than fine waiting- but that gesture, especially first time in, made the entire experience all that much better. Can't wait to dine there again.

In Portsmouth? Eat here-full stop! What a great place. Service is phenomenal (thanks Kate!!) and the food and drinks are top notch. You won't find cookie-cutter items here. Things are chef prepared with love and skill (Maine Crab Malfadine, Pistachio crusted baked Hake, lager Maine mussels...and so much more, the menu changes from time to time). Great local beer selection and cocktails that are inventive and tasty. This is the place if you want a transcendent dining experience.

Such a bright, open, airy spot. The front of the raw bar was decorated with the grow trays used in oyster farming and looked chic. The aesthetic was perfect for a waterfront restaurant. Our waiter was funny, knowledgeable and helpful. He turned us on to some of the best hot sauce from Maine. It is one of the condiments that they serve. We started with fried clams, which were fresh and sweet. Possibly some of the best we've ever had. We each ordered oysters from each location on the menu. The wide range of flavor profiles from up and down the coast was incredible. I ordered mussels as my main dish. They were fresh and the broth was delicious. Definitely a good spot to enjoy a meal in Portsmouth.

Have you ever seen a 3.5% mandatory "kitchen appreciation fee" added to your bill?? If not here it is at Row 34 in Portsmouth. When does this end? We had a very nice meal and then see this obnoxious fee is added. How about make it a suggested fee???? Not be removed only if you look like a cheapo and ask. Hello corporate, how about you pay your kitchen staff more without clipping your customers. STOP the madness

We stopped in Portsmouth on our way to Kennebunkport for a quick bite to eat. Cute little town!!! The folks here were super nice. Loved hearing that northeastern accent. Also LOVED seeing a beer on the menu from our home (Austin TX) - Jester King Brewery. Kudos to the beer picker! Oysters, phenomenal. Chowder, delicious and filling. Tuna tartare, amazing. Overall excellent lunch!

8 out of 19 seats sat at the bar (including our 2) and about 32 of 120 restaurant seats sat. Two bartenders on but it still took almost 10 Minutes to even get acknowledged. We ordered our drinks as we looked over the menu deciding what to eat. We just didn't get a very welcoming vibe from the place so paid for our drinks and decided to look else where for our meal. The food may be great but if the personality of the establishment is cold and impersonal, I'll go somewhere else

Wonderful dinner! A refreshing menu from the same old/ same old. Seafood stew was amazing and the pork ribs were super generous and delicious. Service was right on as well. Highly recommend

The menu selections all looked great and the actual meals were delicious. Everyone was on point and seemed genuinely happy to be there during our visit. The interior is modern but still cozy for a dinner with friends. Would definitely go there next time we are in Dover!

This location is by far the best I've visited, surpassing both the Boston and Burlington, Massachusetts locations. The seafood is incredibly fresh, the portions are just right, and the quality is exceptional. Every dish we tried was fantastic, and the friendly, welcoming staff made the experience even better.

Stopped by for lunch today. Wasn't too busy and we were seated immediately. Service was kind, courteous, and prompt. My GF thought it was a bit cool (temperature wise) but it was just right for me. Type of place you can hear yourself having a conversation and you don't need to shout over the table, so A+ ambiance. Food-wise, GF got the clam chowder appetizer which she thoroughly enjoyed, I got 3 pieces of shrimp cocktail: big, meaty pieces of shrimp which were super succulent. GF got the fried fish sandwich and I got the fish and chips. Both portions were massive--a lot bigger than we expected--and the fish in both dishes were great. Flakey, tasty, and cooked to the right doneness. Next time we are back in Portsmouth, we will definitely return.

So many oysters, so little time! We had an early evening reservation on a Saturday and were seated promptly. Service was pleasant and attentive. Kyle, our server, was very helpful and knew the menu inside and out. Our oysters on the half shell came out right away along with the shrimp cocktail. Lobster bisque was tasty, but a bit on the thin side. Our entrees were very enjoyable between the Monkfish and Crab Pasta. They have a limited dessert menu, but you can't go wrong with their chocolate chip cookie a la mode. Overall, a very nice meal with reasonable portion sizes.

I've tried this place a few times and they never disappoint! Their raw bar is awesome and they have an extensive selection of oysters. We had the clams and deviled eggs for an appetizer which were both amazing. The salmon was good, and the lobster roll was an incredible! I love the location and that they do outdoor seating. The inside is also beautiful and all of the staff is very attentive. Would recommend for a nice date night!

Food is good but not spectacular for the prices charged. Been to various Row 34s and at least we know what we are getting. Service was attentive. But the kitchen fee(eye roll)? Why is there another fee that is passed onto patrons?

Awesome delicious dinner. Started with the Oysters on the half shell, clam chowder and the whitefish salad small plate. Dinner was the Lobster pasta, Maine crab with fresh pasta, and the Tuna Tartar small plate. Every single bite was loaded with flavor. Row 34 has made our list as a must every time we visit Portsmouth. And our server Julia was just the best!!

I gotta give this place 4/5 stars for how it purports itself. It's missing the fifth star due to some service mishaps and the food being good but not *that* good. It doesn't measure up to the price and status of the restaurant. My friend and I each got the lobster pasta which is one of their most expensive dishes at $42. Again it was good but didn't measure up to that price point. I had high hopes for Row 34 and was slightly let down. That being said, I do recommend going, especially for a date.

Kate our server is amazing! Food is wonderful and we had to cancel dinner reservations in Portland ME just to come back a second night. Chef is probably a future Michelin Chef for his flavors are incredible. Kate provided outstanding service always checking back for refills and to make sure we had everything needed for an amazing dinning experience. We will be back again on our next trip.

Delicious all 4 of us razed about our meals. , amazing server, great ambiance. Definitely would Come back if back in area

This restaurant gives you a nice slice of local seafood fare. The ambience is a sleek, modern, industrial feel. We sat outside, on an early summer night in New Hampshire it is wonderful to do that when you can. We started with a dozen raw oysters from Maine. Shucked correctly and served with three sauces. One of the specials was grilled bluefish, something I got for dinner when I was a kid. It's not a mild fish, but it was prepared expertly. Everyone else was very happy with their choices. Service outside was a little pokey but it was so pleasant outside that it didn't really matter. The cocktail special though, it was mostly ice. Other than that it was a great time. I've been there a few times over the past 7 years, it's consistently good.

The oysters were great and our server was able to point us to our preference of types. Lobster roll was great, a little pricey but in line with the area. Our server was fantastic.

First off a shout out to the greeter who got us a table right before they were stopping full meal service and we were still able order a full meal. We came in after traffic filled drive up from Boston and we needed a meal in the worst way. This place was the right choice for some hungry patrons. It's a great upscale feel the drink choices were interesting. Delicious appetizers and the main courses were a knockout. We did order a lobster roll and it was well done along with a very interesting appetizer with the watermelon feta and really good french fries. My next time in New Hampshire I will arrive earlier in the evening so I can really enjoy all this place has to offer.

We really enjoyed our meal here and our server was nice. The food was fresh and colorful. Good location.

Spent a date night here and enjoyed our evening! Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. Ordered the seafood tower that was more than enough for four people. A great date night spot that doesn't feel stuffy!

They say they have a dog friendly patio but in fact they don't allow you to also feed your dog (kibble, treats) while you are there. I don't know a single other place in the state, or nearby states or Canada for that matter, that has this rule. Also, we waited 25 minutes for a watered down cocktail. The waitresses were so unpleasant, genuinely made me wonder why they were determined to ruin our evening. Just don't bother with this place, they can't even get decent staff.

Row 34 came highly recommended. Omg highlight of our NH trip so far. I got eight oysters and the clam chowder all to myself, plus the salmon board to share. My husband got the pappardelle dish. The hype is for real. Everything was fresh and delicious. The oysters were so fat and juicy. The chowder was a real treat. Pasta dish was simple, sweet, amazing. His cocktail was so smooth that I even liked it (the one with the orange peel). The bill was about $100, and every penny is worth the quality of food, attentive service, and classy establishment. Man, I wish I lived closer! Row 34 is a pretty frickin' solid dining experience. Go here!

Beautiful restaurant and I had high expectations. The oyster presentation was great and the selection also great. The oysters were terrific. I ordered the fish tacos. I order fish tacos everywhere I go and have had many delicious tacos. These Row 34 tacos were not delicious, they were bland and lacked flavor, in fact they were boring. So, if you go to Row 34 try something else. The fish tacos need some banging sauce, crunchy slaw, and tastier shells. A better presentation would help too.

I had an unfortunate experience. The lobster bisque was not edible. It had a burnt flavor and it had an old lobster flavor. We return it and the charge was taken off the bill. The service was great and the wait staff very friendly.

Went there for dinner with a couple old friends last night. Food was on point as usual but I wanted to give our server Grady 5 stars for putting up with my companions. As an Industry Vet I appreciated her calm and professionalism in the face of what my buddies call humor. All kidding aside a fantastic job by Grady! Definitely an great asset to the Row 34 team! Please let Grady know I gave her some bad information. It is the Coupe glass that was supposedly shaped from the breast of Marie Antoinette and not the Nick and Nora.

Made up for a rather overcooked fish and chips at my last visit with a moist and inventive hake. A pleasant surprise and reasonably priced to make up for the cost of the oysters!

Stopped in to Portsmouth for lunch on the way home from Maine. Cute town with lots of shops and restaurants. We choose Raw 34 because of the raw bar. We got got the Raw 34 oyster, PEI and the moonstone RI. Along with a few shrimp cocktail to start. To drink I was served the most perfect martini and my husband sampled the Maine brewing co. lunch date beer. The oysters were very fresh and shrimp were huge! Next we tried the clam chowder. It was silky smooth with big chunks of bacon and clams. For lunch I had the crab cake and my husband had the fish tacos. The crab cake was full of crab and not much breading. On top there was micro greens,thinly sliced peppers and onion. It paired very well with crab cake and gave it a nice texture. The fish tacos were also very good. Fried haddock with a light slaw on top. They also had an array of hot sauces to choose from. We wanted dessert but the bartender seemed to disappear. When he did come back he stayed down at the far end and barely made eye contact. So we decided to leave. Unfortunately this kept us from having the most amazing lunch date. I can't say I'd be back because it's far from home. But if your in the mood for raw bar this is the place!

3.5 stars would be more accurate. The service here is outstanding, about the best I've seen The atmosphere is pleasant. The oysters are myriad and expensive but wonderful, especially their own brand from Duxbury. The rest of the food, however, is a little disappointing in that it could be a lot better. The mussels in a spicy broth were OK, the clam chowder was OK, the whitefish pate was OK, but nothing really spiked our taste buds. (The roast carrots are an exception). Admittedly we did not try any entrees as we were trying to eat lightly to make a 7:30 show nearby. There's a lot of competition in Portsmouth for seafood restaurants, so I'd suggest to Row 34 to up its game a little in the food category.

Overall I really liked this place. All Of the food was fresh and had decent flavor. The calamari (in my opinion) needed to be cooked a little longer. The sauce and flavors were great just a little soggy for me. Fish and chips were great but I prefer strips of fish vs a large filet but that's just a personal preference. My husband got the crispy shrimp roll and it was good but not enough shrimp to fill the sandwich. A little too much bread and not enough shrimp. Overall great flavors just too bready! The Banoffee pie was very good. Cold and refreshing on a very hot May Day.

Outstanding raw bar! The oyster selection is terrific, with emphasis on local New England varieties. The Lobster roll (creamy version) was generous and dressed perfectly. Pricing was very fair. The wine list by the glass could use additional variety. Service was fast and friendly.

Oyster lots of oysters, every day a different kind. My dining partner called her fish and chip, best ever. Mac and cheese is very good. The shrimp pasta dish is just average, shrimp were overcooked. Also , we had the stream clams, they were delicious. Service was excellent. Overall ambiance is good, slightly loud dining room experience.

Row 34 is a seafood restaurant Serving the fruit of the sea primarily from the New England waters. The ambiance is of a modern black and white motif with low lighting very charming as well as soothing. I ordered Tuna Crudo along with Kumusha Wine finishing with Butterscotch pudding. The best way to describe the experience is "it was wonderful. The staff were trained, personable as well as professional. This also is a must on your eating bucket list when in or near Portsmouth NH.

Row34 is among Portsmouth's best restaurants (you can also visit them in Boston and Burlington MA). We've been enjoying the great food, outstanding service and fun atmosphere for years now. It's not all about oysters and beer however. While we always enjoy having some oysters (Swell oysters, raised in Hampton NH are our favorite), it's always a good idea to try one of the pate's or smoked fish options, which are usually outstanding. If you enjoy beer, the list is extensive, but the wines are good, and the cocktails are usually great. The dinner rolls (which are now an upcharge) are very good, but be sure not to miss the biscuit. Served with honey and butter, it is one of the best I've had anywhere. The hot buttered lobster roll is one of the best you will find in town, and there are so many other delicious choices including the Lobster Fettuccine. You really can't go wrong with the menu. Don't hesitate to try them out, but be sure you have a reservation, the place is usually packed.

We went for a special event dinner We were there when the place was almost empty as we had last minute reservations for early dinner Waiter took drinks order and was very very chatty but also stated he knew it was anniversary Then he basically ignored us for the next twenty minutes He was taking the ears off of table guests next to us and never brought us our drinks or our raw bar order We eventually asked another server to help get our drinks but she also dropped the ball and ignored us we eventually got up and walked out Manager emailed cryptic apology offering only to book us another reservation No thanks

The highlight of the meal was the amazingly fresh oysters! I especially love the Row 34 oysters, which only they carry. We loved it so much, we got an additional order after we tried it the first time! We also tried the Spicy Tuna Pate and a Grapefruit cured salmon (can't remember the name of it). The spicy tuna pate was mediocre and wasn't that great. But the grapefruit cured salmon was awesome and so unique. I've never had something like it before and it tasted really good with the accouterments. The pickles and the dill creme fraiche were awesome! We also got the baked oysters, which were fantastic.

Great downtown restaurant with a Boston type vibe! Bartenders especially are top notch at this restaurant and the seafood is spectacular!

Service was exceptional and restaurant had a wonderful decor - both making the dining experience pleasant. I had the lobster seafood boil - very tasty. Of note, the half lobster tail in the dish was the smallest half lobster tail I've seen - the shrimp were more substantial. Ask about it before you order.

Went to Row 34 on a recommendation from a random person I met when I got to Portsmouth. I brought up lobster rolls, and they directed me here. I figured it'd be great if a local said to go there. I got the warm buttered lobster roll, an old fashioned, and oysters to start. I was looking to be disappointed by the hype, but it was probably the best money I've spent on food in a while. The picture of the roll does not do it any justice. Not only was the food great, but the service was top notch. If I ever get back to Portsmouth, Row 34 is my first stop for food.

Darn Covid, no more $1 oysters. Still the ambiance and service are top notch. Fried oysters excellent 5 stars, plate seems a bit smaller but that's ok they fixed the fries! It's tough to pay $4/oyster when your kids slurp them down by the dozen. That's my fault. Great meal great service, get ready to pay up.

Stopped in for a late dinner on a Saturday and was promptly seated by the bar. Loved the vibe - the music was loud enough that you could enjoy it yet still have a conversation, and it was dark enough that it provided an elegant atmosphere without needing to use a flashlight to read the menu. Our server JT was phenomenal - recommended a fabulous wine and local oysters from the raw bar, which quickly became our favorite oysters of all time. The scallops and mussels were absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back next time we are in town!

Had the lobster roll and a drink, the lobster roll was the best I have ever had. The coleslaw needed mayo, didn't finish it. Maybe I would give it 5 stars if they had another option for side's. It's an expensive sandwich, but very good. I would recommend this place for a date or if you love lobster.

Stopped here tonight for an early dinner after a long drive back to the White Mountains after visiting family in NJ/NY. We enjoyed our food and the service was great. What leaves us from a 4 star rating is the addition of a 3.5% "Kitchen Appreciation Fee" that is automatically added to our bill. We tip front house staff 20% unless service is poor in which case we still tip 15%. If a restaurant that has this high ratings and high check averages can't pay their chefs and back house staff a fair wage without passing this on to the consumer (we would rather you more transparently raise your already considerable menu prices)... this new to us practice has us not wanting to return despite the quality of food and service.

A great selection of oysters, and an inventive food and cocktail menu. Not a fan of the Branzino (a bit too bony for my liking), but the appetizers and dessert were fantastic!! Nice little patio area outside, fees private even in busy Burlington.

Stumbled upon this cute place while in Portsmouth. Perfect for some wine and oysters on a chilly afternoon. Great service. Only drawback is it is quite pricy for what you get.

Great service and raw bar was amazing. Very clean atmosphere. I would come back again

It was good. No big complaints. I'd say 3.5 stars. I asked my 11 yr old what she'd give it and she said 3.5 stars as well. She's spent her life in restaurants and has a pastry chef for a mother. She's been exposed to a lot of food and her opinion can be trusted. I've been craving clam chowder since I arrived in town. It gave me the fix that I needed, but it was a little bland. Often times, if you order soup at the end of the day, the base has been cooked down so much by then that they have to thin it out with cream before serving. Their chowder base wasn't too thick or too thin and the potatoes still had a bit of a bite to them. Props for that. I did really like the grilled Salmon. The fish was cooked perfectly and I loved the ginger rice and pine nuts. My daughter ordered the fish and chips. She thought it was really bland. I ate some of hers to get my own opinion. She was right. It was bland. She expressed that she wished she had ordered the grilled salmon too. It was definitely the winner. Cornbread: The cornbread is your basic cornbread, but I loved the maple butter they serve with it. I could have eaten that and disregarded my chowder. Ending the meal with one of their cookies was nice.

My husband and I stopped in for lunch on a very busy Sunday afternoon and were lucky to get a couple seats at the bar. Service was great despite how busy it was. We started with some oysters and little neck clams that were both fresh and delicious and we both ordered the skate wing rice bowl .... Although concept and presentation were good it was so heavy handed with soy that it actually ruined the dish and tasted overly salty ... we will be back to try something else as we liked the vibe of the place

I checked this place out because it was close to my hotel, not thinking it would be such amazing seafood. They have a huge selection and a great raw bar, and their beer list is awesome too. We got the oysters, crab dip, and mussels. These might have been some of the freshest and most flavorful oysters I've ever had. Somehow I took down a dozen by myself. If I lived here I'd be here every day, I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town