Joyce D.

Joined 10 months ago

This foodie mamma has eaten her way all over the Eastern US.....Ristorante Massimo is worth every babysitting dollar.   Hidden in Portsmouth, amidst all the new pretentious restaurants, with their stark decor and "goat cheese" on everything philosophy, Ristorante Massimo stands apart for it's elegance and charm.   When you go down into this cellar dining room you are instantly struck by the romantic atmosphere, rustic stone walls, the carefully selected artwork and the pristine place settings.   You are greeted by Massimo himself and his sweet, sincere demeanor is so disarming that you feel instantly at home and relaxed despite the black tied wait staff.  It's ok to be dressed casually nice amidst their elegance.  They make sure of it.   Somehow it's all just perfect.   Then there is the food.  Oh the food!   I can say, without a doubt, that the filet is the best of my life.  The pork appetizer is divine, the figs are something to fight over with a spouse and the peach dessert is "slap your mamma" delicious.  It's italian but either toned done or intensely elevated....I can't decide which.   Either way, you know a meal is good when your dining companions fight over who gets to pay the bill.   We lost (this time ****shakes fist lovingly at dining companions) but we can't wait to battle over the bill again at Ristorante Massimo.   It's a real pleasure when your precious nights away from babies can be spent in a space that's so lovely.   Massimo, the Chef (genius whoever you are) and his dedicated staff are dancing with divinity.  How lucky for me! Whether it's couples night, dinner with friends or family or a business event Ristornate Massimo is perfection so says this foodie mamma.

Doesn't Recommend

EightPointFive

Joined 5 years ago

Terrible if you are or dining with vegetarians. Terrible if you are or are dining with vegetarians. Some meat eaters seem to like it. Better to go over the border to Anika Jans in Kittery.

Recommends

ap2581

Joined 7 years ago

A true classic. I've recently had the pleasure of entertaining some clients at Anthony's. From the moment I walked through the doors I knew we were all in for a treat. And boy were we! The place was packed, yet with the service and attention we received, it felt like we were the only diners there. The wine list is fantastic and the food speaks for itself. Our server was extremely knowledgable about all the menu items as well as all the wines on the extensive list. The host made us feel like royalty - coming by several times throughout the course of the evening to make sure we were enjoying ourselves to the max. Hands down, this is absolutely the best restaursant on the seacoast. I'm not sure how anyone could have had a bad experience there. Maybe you should have gone to Denny's??

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mmttzz

Joined 8 years ago

Save your $$$$$. This has to be the most over rated, over priced, poor service restaraunt in a city filled with mediocre restaraunts. Prices are much too high, the wait staff has no idea what service should be, and the management stands around and does nothing. Go somewhere else!