A quintessential New England small town, there are lots of things to do in Peterborough, New Hampshire. In addition to a classic downtown studded with quaint local businesses and restaurants, Peterborough has great genes. This small town is located in the Monadnock Region along the Contoocook River — one of the most beautiful parts of the state. Dashing good looks aside; Peterborough also has quite the dining scene. (We know — this place is a triple threat!) Peterborough may be a small town with only 6,000 residents, but it’s in the small town that you’ll find some of the very best food in New Hampshire. So, when you’re ready for a great meal, consider checking out some of the incredible restaurants in Peterborough, New Hampshire.

If you agree with Leslie Knope and think breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you need to visit Aesop's Tables.
Peter Rukavina/Google Local
Pun-tastic name aside, Aesop's Tables is *the* best place to get a proper breakfast in Peterborough.
From freshly roasted coffee to next-level quiche, this place does breakfast right.
Aesop's Tables/Facebook
(Their meals are quite Instagrammable, too!)
If you prefer to start the day on a sweet note, you'll have plenty of options.
Aesop's Tables/Facebook
Why choose between a cinnamon roll and donut? Order both!
And of course, Aesop's Tables isn't just breakfast...
12 Depot St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Aesop's Tables/Facebook
Their lobster rolls are absolutely out-of-this-world! Is 9 a.m. too early to eat a lobster roll? Asking for a friend...
Next - lunch. When in Peterborough, a visit to the eponymous Diner is a no-brainer.
liz west/Flickr
Located in a historic (and iconic) green 1950's Worcester Lunch Car, you can't miss it.
Inside, you'll find a delightfully charming, old-school diner.
liz west/Flickr
Sit at one of the booths, and order an ice-cold Coke while you peruse the menu at this popular diner in New Hampshire.
Do yourself a favor and order one of the diner's sandwiches for lunch.
10 Depot St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Peterborough Diner website
This melty, spicy, toasty Reuben is classic diner food. (And the sweet potato fries are addicting!)
If pizza is your love language, definitely plan a trip to Grappelli's Pizza.
Grappelli's Pizza/Google Local
Grappelli's Pizza is a family-owned and operated Italian pizza restaurant, with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Their classic pies are downright delicious.
Grappelli's Pizza/Google Local
In fact, many consider Grappelli's to make the best New York-style 'zas in the area.
And if you're into more experimental pies, Grappelli's Pizza doesn't disappoint.
209 Concord St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Grappelli's Pizza/Google Local
One of the most popular items on their menu is the prosciutto, arugula, and fig pizza with balsamic glaze. It's salty-sweet heaven.

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Another lunchtime option in Peterborough is Charlie's Olde Tyme Creamery.
Charlie's Olde Tyme Creamery/Facebook
It doesn't look like much, but this roadside ice cream shop is the best in town.
The scoops are generous, and the sundaes divine.
Charlie's Olde Tyme Creamery/Facebook
One of the best ice cream parlors in New Hampshire, Charlie's all-natural ice cream is pretty much ice cream perfection.
Charlie's is also known for its fresh lobster rolls.
9 Sharon Rd, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Charlie's Olde Tyme Creamery/Facebook
If you drive by and see them advertising lobster rolls, do yourself a favor and stop - immediately. But be aware: this little gem is open seasonally only, so be sure to check their Facebook page to avoid major ice cream disappointment.
A lunchtime turns to dinnertime, you have several options in the area.
Harlow's Pub/Facebook
One of the most popular restaurants in Peterborough, New Hampshire, Harlow's Pub is an institution.
This is classic, meat-and-potatoes kind of fare.
3 School St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Harlow's Pub/Facebook
If it's good brews and a Cheers kind of vibe you're going for, this is it.
Another Peterborough institution is Cooper's Hill Public House.
Cooper's Hill Public House/Facebook
This Irish-inspired pub in New Hampshire uses locally sourced ingredients and has over 200 kinds of whiskey.
Get the fish and chips. This is one of the best items on the menu!
6 School St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Cooper's Hill Public House/Facebook
Cooper's fish and chips is lightly breaded and fried to perfection. It doesn't more 'classic New England' than this!
If you're partial to the finer things in life, Waterhouse Restaurant is *the* place to eat.
Waterhouse Restaurant/Facebook
Enjoy an intimate dinner in their outdoor patio, which overlooks Nubanusit River. Of course, there are twinkle lights strewn about to make the experience utterly magical.
But if you prefer to dine indoors, Waterhouse's dining room is swoon-worthy.
Waterhouse Restaurant/Facebook
Dimmed lights and ambiance for days! Talk about romantic.
Do you watch Top Chef and geek out at the perfectly plated food?
Waterhouse Restaurant, 18 Depot St, Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
Waterhouse Restaurant/Facebook
Because that's what you'll get at Waterhouse Restaurant, one of the best places to eat in Peterborough. Stunning presentation that showcases the restaurant's fresh, seasonal, picked-from-the-farm produce. Truly a work of art.
Peterborough, New Hampshire, is a charming little New England town.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
It's steeped in history and has some of the best restaurants in the state. Definitely plan a trip to this small town - and be sure to bring your appetite!

Once you learn about all the things to do in Peterborough, New Hampshire, you’ll quickly realize that what Peterborough lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor. This charming small town is home to some of the best places to eat in New Hampshire, and is a must-visit for any New England foodie.

So, what do you think? Are these the best restaurants in Peterborough, New Hampshire? Ever dined at any of the eateries mentioned above? Know of any other great restaurants in small town New Hampshire? Know of other things to do in Peterborough, New Hampshire? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us!

If you’re hungry for more, definitely put these 10 amazing New Jersey restaurants on your bucket list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Things To Do In Peterborough, New Hampshire

Daniella DiRienzo | March 23, 2023

Aside from the restaurants in Peterborough, New Hampshire, what are the best places to dine in New Hampshire?

There are lots of great restaurants in New Hampshire. Here are some of the best restaurants in New Hampshire:

  • Gypsy Café - This funky café is covered in bright murals and full of sunlight. The menu is eclectic and international, with all sorts of delicious and unique dishes to choose from.
  • The Fox Tavern - Established in 1789, this restaurant, which is located inside Hancock Inn, serves delicious interpretations of New England favorites using locally-sourced ingredients.
  • The Old Courthouse Restaurant - As you may have guessed, this restaurant is housed in a historic courthouse, built in 1826. It's on the National Register of Historic Places, and houses the Newport Historical Society's museum on the second floor.

 

What are the most charming small towns in New Hampshire?

In addition to Peterborough, there are plenty of other charming small towns in New Hampshire. Here are some of the best small towns in New Hampshire:

  • Lincoln - Most people who visit Lincoln, New Hampshire, might do so for the White Mountain access. While that certainly helps make this town cool, it's the scenic Hobo Railroad and the annual winter Ice Castles that take it to super-cool!
  • Sugar Hill - This town of fewer than 600 residents hosts the annual Lupine festival each year and it's home to Polly's Pancake Parlor. If those two things don't make up the coolest way to spend a day, we'd rather be uncool.
  • Hanover - Home to Dartmouth College, Hanover is a fun college town in all the right ways. Live music and fun bars are just a few of the ways to enjoy the nightlife here.

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