This New Hampshire City Is Earning A Reputation Among Foodies

Despite its proximity to idyllic hikes and abandoned towns in the White Mountains, Manchester is a bustling spot that doubles up as the most populated city in New Hampshire (according to World Population Review). Alongside its access to stunning nature and roster of cultural attractions, the city has earned a glowing reputation for its dining scene. Popular among everyone from foodies to culinary bloggers, its diverse selection of eateries has sparked widespread interest, and its options go beyond fine dining excellence and Michelin-star magic. Manchester's restaurant scene is booming, and there's no shortage of variety for discerning diners and street food aficionados alike.

For visitors looking to eat their way through Manchester, getting there is convenient, whether you're driving from big East Coast cities like Boston or Portland or flying in from farther away. Out-of-towners can book flights through Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), an underrated regional airport offering cheap flights and New England beers, just 15 minutes from downtown. Being a large New England city, Manchester has plenty of accommodation options, covering everything from big names like Hilton and Marriott to cozy boutiques and village inns. And if you're heading away from downtown for a day at Massabesic Lake (one of Manchester's top things to do, according to Tripadvisor), don't forget to nip in for a quick look around Youngsville, a New Hampshire lake gem with small-town character and historic trails.

Manchester's downtown is dotted with fabulous restaurants within walking distance of each other, making it easy to enjoy a foodie crawl without driving all over town. A stroll is always a good idea after a walk, right? One of the most well-regarded restaurants in town is Red Arrow Diner, which has been receiving accolades in New Hampshire Magazine for almost two decades. The 24/7 diner has been visited by everyone from Paul Newman to RuPaul and Adam Sandler, and it was also featured on an episode of Food Network's popular "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." The Red Arrow Diner even has a reputation among politicians, with Pennsylvania publication Lehigh Valley Live writing that "pretty much every White House wannabe makes a pilgrimage to this tiny almost 100-year-old diner." A historic diner beloved by presidents, drag queens, and comedians? Red Arrow Diner must be doing something right.

The Frida Kahlo-inspired Alas de Frida also gets plenty of love in a packed food scene, with one Reddit user describing it as "the best Mexican I think I've had." One enthusiastic Google review was blown away by the authenticity, saying that Alas de Frida "do not mess around when it comes to authentic flavors." Mexican-food fans can also visit its sister restaurant, El Rincon Zacatecano Taqueria, which is highly rated on Tripadvisor and Google for its authentic flavors and exceptional service.

If you like a feast in the morning, Chez Vachon is a Manchester staple serving French-Canadian-inspired dishes like crêpes and poutine, with the My Quest for Poutine blog referring to it as "pretty close to perfect." Heavy praise, but well-deserved. Ultimately, Manchester's blossoming reputation as a foodie destination comes from its perfect mixture of gastronomic excellence and variety, allied to a delightfully walkable core. Looking for a foodie adventure with a difference? Get yourself to Manchester.