Un Sapore di Campagna
Nestled in historic downtown Portsmouth, Ristorante Massimo offers guests world-class Italian cuisine and the finest hospitality found in only the most celebrated restaurants. From innovative concepts to timeless Italian favorites, each dish is handcrafted and made with great attention to detail by our award-winning executive Chef Jethro Loichle.
The restaurant and its restaurateur Massimo Morgia have been a staple in Portsmouth since 1994. Today Ristorante Massimo offers several styles of seating which are perfect for an aperitivo or for enjoying a multi-course meal. Guests can enjoy lighter fare, small bites, or simply a cocktail in the award-winning upstairs wine bar. For those seeking a more formal dining experience, the main dining room offers an intimate setting with warmly lit brick and stone grotto walls, and oil paintings of magnificent Italian landscapes that will transport you to Italy’s countryside.
Accolades
Most Romantic Restaurant in NH ~ Food and Wine Magazine, 2018
Most Romantic Restaurant ~ Bon Appetit, 2017
Award of Excellence ~ Wine Spectator, 8-time recipient
Best Romantic Restaurant ~ Phantom Gourmet, 2016
Editor’s Choice Award ~ Yankee Travel Magazine, 5 consecutive years
Our Style of Culinary Design
Three essential ingredients define Chef Loichle’s vision for our menu; Warmth, passion and evolution. Our chef’s vision for your dining experience is to bring you back in time, perhaps evoking a dining memory of old. Often times a simple smell or a complex flavor will remind you of a time with family, a favorite excursion abroad, or a special comfort food prepared with you in mind. This is the “warmth” you will always find at the dinner table in an Italian home.
Jethro Loichle’s passion for delivering authentic five-star Italian cuisine is evident in the flavors, his exhaustive research, the thoughtful selection of ingredients, and his creation of dishes. The menu is carefully assembled from regions of Italy where the seasons are reflective of our climates, and the foods pay homage to Italy’s rich history of unparalleled cuisine.
His passion for delighting guests is what inspires constant evolution of the menu. Guests can always anticipate new items to sample, while always ensured the finest Italian cooking. The fare is not overcomplicated. It is complex in flavor and authenticity.
News & Events
Wines For Takeout
May 20, 2020
We're selling a variety of fine wines for takeout service, along with amazing foods.
Join Us on Facebook
May 19, 2020
View amazing dishes. Find out what we are up to. Learn about specials. Receive alerts for new menus. Be up to date on Portsmouth news. Simply have fun enjoying our food photography.
All of this is available by following us on Facebook for free.
Take-Home Cuisine Now Available
March 5, 2019
Ristorante Massimo is offering take-home world-class cuisine Tuesday through Sunday. Please visit our takeout menu where you will find complete multi-course meals - Even pasta "kits" to prepare at home. Note: Please provide a 45-minute lead time for pickup orders.
