Even after the economy "went south" in the late 80s, Portsmouth still remained the leading dining destination in the state-a distinction it holds to this day. In fact, according to an article in an edition of Restaurant Business Magazine, the Greater Portsmouth area at the time ranked 13th in the nation in metro per capita restaurant sales-ahead of such urban areas as Boston, Seattle, Denver, Miami, Washington and Chicago.

The biggest problem with dining in downtown Portsmouth is deciding which of the nearly 100 restaurants to try first. The Dolphin Striker continues to serve exquisite New England fare, as it has for decades. The Portsmouth Brewery offers an eclectic sampling of sandwiches and hot entrees, which you may wash down with its famous Old Brown Dog or Black Cat Stout brews. The Portsmouth Gas Light Company is a popular nighttime spot for good cheer and delicious brick oven pizzas named after local landmarks. Light jazz piano sounds serenade diners at The Metro, a bistro reminiscent of New Orleans, while today's popular musical sounds are the focus for patrons enjoying a sandwich, salad or burger at Bananas or Muddy River Smokehouse.

In the dead of winter, visitors may want to "nip" in to one of Portsmouth's many streetside java dens like Cafe Brioche, Starbucks and the Genip Tree.

On summer afternoons, residents know there isn't anything better than sitting on a harborside deck in front of a big order of fried clams, watching the tugboats chug by. Dining on Portsmouth's restaurant decks creates something of a summer-long festival of socializing. Professionals young and old, college students, families and couples savoring the romance of the serene waters can be found enjoying the food, spirits and ambience of The Old Ferry Landing or The Oar House. If you're looking for lighter fare, stop by Belle Peppers, Me & Ollies, Café Brioche, or the many other small shops tucked into just about every corner of the downtown area.

The Seacoast also offers what every visitor wants in abundance-seafood. A lobster dinner at Warren's Lobster House in Kittery or Portsmouth's landmark Yoken's Restaurant will have you seeing these crustaceans in your dreams. And other delectable treats from our waters may be found at the Dinnerhorn Restaurant on Route 1 as well as Saunders at Rye Harbor, or Pesce Blue, Neptunes Bar and Grill and Jumpin' Jay's Fish Café right in downtown Portsmouth. If you have a big seafood appetite, or a big group, you may want to try a downeast-style feast at Foster's Downeast Lobster & Clambake in York.

Portsmouth also offers culinary treats representing cultural and ethnic specialties from around the world. Those seeking the finest Mexican and Mediterranean dishes north of the border have their choice of Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and Watering Hole, Shorty's Mexican Roadhouse or Currents Mediterranean Bistro. Pasta lovers will have a tough time choosing between Momma D's Casa di Pasta, Sal & Anthony's, Radici or Anthony Alberto's Ristorante Italiano. For a taste of de islands, mahn, stop into the Blue Mermaid-voted the Seacoast's most popular dining establishment. The city also offers delicious choices for Asian cuisine: Sakura (Japanese), Chiangmai Thai (Thai) or the Portsmouth Super Chinese Buffet on Route 1. And if you're looking for world-class dining, try 43 Degrees North Kitchen & Wine Bar just off Market Square.

As you can see, Portsmouth offers something to please the most discriminating palate, from Italian, French, Greek, Mexican, and Jewish delicatessen to Thai, Indian and much more.

Those looking for some atmosphere and a touch of colonial elegance may want to check out the Library Restaurant in Portsmouth, Three Chimneys Inn in Durham or the York Harbor Inn overlooking York Harbor.

For a more complete listing of dining facilities, call (603)436-1118 for your Guide to the Seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine, or write to the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 239, Portsmouth, NH 03802. You may also visit the Chamber's web site at www.portsmouthchamber.org. The online guide contains links to the home pages of many Chamber-member restaurants.

For more on the city's dining choices, visit the Chamber's online business directory and check out the following categories:

• Restaurants
• Bakeries
• Breweries
• Candy
• Chocolate
• Coffee Shops
• Delis
• Frozen Yogurt
• Gourmet Foods
• Ice Cream
• Lobsters/Shellfish