Start Your Day Right: Breakfast and Brunch Bliss
Nestled amongst the serene lakes and rolling hills of the Lake Sunapee region, New London, New Hampshire, is more than just a picturesque New England town. While its quaint charm and scenic beauty are undeniable, New London boasts a surprisingly vibrant and growing culinary scene. From cozy cafes serving up steaming mugs of coffee to elegant restaurants offering sophisticated dining experiences, New London provides a delightful array of options to satisfy every palate. Are you searching for the best places to eat in New London, NH? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you on a mouthwatering tour of the town’s most exceptional eateries, showcasing a diverse range of flavors and experiences to make your visit truly unforgettable. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the heart of New London’s culinary landscape!
There’s no better way to kick off a day of exploring New London than with a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch. Fortunately, the town offers several excellent choices to get your morning started on the right foot.
Blue Loon Bakery
One standout is the Blue Loon Bakery, a local favorite known for its freshly baked goods and comforting breakfast fare. Located on Main Street, this charming bakery welcomes you with the enticing aroma of warm bread and brewing coffee. Their menu features classic breakfast staples like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs. Don’t miss their signature breakfast sandwiches, piled high with your choice of fillings on their freshly baked sourdough. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed morning meal. Patrons rave about their friendly service and the quality of their ingredients. As one recent reviewer stated, “The Blue Loon is a must-visit for breakfast in New London. Everything is made with love and tastes amazing!”
The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille
Another popular spot for breakfast and brunch is The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille, while often frequented for their dinner and beer selections, they also offer a surprisingly delicious and hearty brunch menu on weekends. The menu includes delectable options such as eggs benedict, omelets filled with local ingredients, and french toast variations. They also serve lunch and dinner options, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Their lively atmosphere makes them the perfect destination to relax after a long day of exploring the outdoors or to kickstart a fun-filled weekend!
The Coffee Barn
For a quicker and more casual option, consider stopping by The Coffee Barn. This cozy café serves up delicious coffee, pastries, and light breakfast options. They are a local spot for students and working professionals. They serve a variety of coffee beverages, teas, and grab and go sandwiches and snacks.
Lunchtime Adventures: Casual Eats and Midday Delights
As lunchtime rolls around, New London offers a diverse range of options to suit every craving and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and satisfying sandwich, a comforting bowl of soup, or a hearty pub meal, you’ll find plenty of choices to choose from.
Tucker’s Marketplace
For a classic deli experience, head to Tucker’s Marketplace. This bustling marketplace is a local institution, known for its piled-high sandwiches, fresh salads, and homemade soups. Build your own sandwich with your choice of meats, cheeses, and toppings, or opt for one of their signature creations. Their Reuben is a particular favorite, featuring perfectly grilled corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread. Tucker’s also offers a selection of gourmet groceries, making it a great place to pick up snacks and supplies for a picnic. Their casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular spot for a quick and satisfying lunch.
The Millstone Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for classic pub fare, The Millstone Restaurant is a great choice. This lively pub offers a menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other comfort food favorites. Their burgers are a particular standout, made with fresh, locally sourced beef and topped with your choice of fixings. They also have a wide selection of beers on tap, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Look out for any daily specials they might be offering.
Pizza Chef
For pizza lovers, Pizza Chef is a must-visit. This family-owned pizzeria has been serving up delicious pies for years, using fresh ingredients and a time-tested recipe. Choose from a variety of toppings and crusts, or create your own custom pizza. They also offer a selection of pasta dishes, salads, and appetizers. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great place to grab a quick and satisfying lunch.
Dinner is Served: Upscale Dining and Family-Friendly Fare
As the sun sets over New London, the town’s culinary scene truly comes alive. Whether you’re seeking an elegant fine dining experience or a casual family-friendly meal, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
Oak & Grain
For a truly special occasion, Oak & Grain offers a refined dining experience in an elegant setting. Located at the New London Inn, this restaurant features a menu of sophisticated dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the best of what the region has to offer. The wine list is extensive, and the service is impeccable. Oak & Grain is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a romantic dinner. Be sure to make a reservation, as seating is limited.
Grateful Garret
For a more casual and family-friendly option, Grateful Garret is a great choice. This laid-back restaurant offers a menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and other comfort food favorites. They are often mentioned as a family favorite. They also have a dedicated children’s menu, making it a great place to dine with kids. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the prices are reasonable. Grateful Garret is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
The Lake Sunapee Yacht Club
If you’re looking for a restaurant with stunning views, look no further than The Lake Sunapee Yacht Club. While technically a private club, they do offer dining options to the public on certain nights. The menu features classic American fare with a focus on fresh seafood. The real draw, however, is the stunning views of Lake Sunapee. The Yacht Club is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable meal while taking in the natural beauty of the region. Be sure to check their schedule for public dining nights and make a reservation.
Sweet Endings: Ice Cream, Coffee, and Baked Goods
No culinary tour of New London would be complete without a stop for a sweet treat or a cup of coffee. Fortunately, the town offers several excellent choices to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Spring Ledge Farm
For ice cream lovers, Spring Ledge Farm is an absolute must-visit. This family-owned farm makes their own ice cream on-site, using fresh milk and cream from their own cows. The flavors are classic and delicious, and the portions are generous. You can enjoy your ice cream in their charming outdoor seating area, surrounded by beautiful flowers and gardens. Spring Ledge Farm is a truly special place to experience the flavors of New London.
The Coffee Barn
For a caffeine fix and a sweet treat, The Coffee Barn is a great choice. This cozy café serves up delicious coffee, pastries, and light breakfast options. The menu includes specialty coffee drinks, teas, and a selection of homemade pastries. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Blue Loon Bakery
For those with a hankering for freshly baked goods, be sure to check out the offerings at Blue Loon Bakery. In addition to their breakfast offerings, they also bake a variety of delicious pies, cookies, and cakes. Their pies are a particular standout, made with fresh, seasonal fruits and a flaky, buttery crust. Blue Loon Bakery is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Unearthing Local Treasures: Hidden Gems and Seasonal Delights
Beyond the well-known restaurants and cafes, New London is also home to several hidden gems and seasonal delights. These local treasures offer a unique and authentic culinary experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
New London Farmers Market
During the warmer months, be sure to visit the New London Farmers Market. This vibrant market features a variety of local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. You can find fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, and prepared foods. The Farmers Market is a great place to sample the flavors of the region and support local businesses. It’s typically held weekly during the summer and fall.
Local Food Trucks
While food trucks may not be a permanent fixture in New London, keep an eye out for them during special events and festivals. Local food trucks often offer a variety of unique and delicious eats.
A Taste of New London: Final Thoughts
New London, New Hampshire, is a culinary destination that truly surprises and delights. From cozy cafes serving up comforting breakfast fare to elegant restaurants offering sophisticated dining experiences, the town offers a diverse range of options to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, be sure to explore the town’s vibrant culinary scene and discover your own favorite hidden gems. So, come and experience the flavors of New London for yourself, and discover why this charming New England town is a truly delicious destination. We encourage you to explore the restaurants mentioned and try something new! Don’t forget to share your own favorite New London restaurants in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experiences! Bon appétit!
