November comes with an earlier sunset and a good excuse to make dinner the main event. Around Winnipesaukee, that might mean sharing a pizza in Laconia, finding a booth by Meredith Bay, or settling in under the beams of an old barn in Moultonborough. Here are seven places to put on your date-night list, plus two favorites in Holderness when you feel like taking the scenic route.
Moultonborough
1. The New Woodshed
The restored post-and-beam barn is half the reason to go. Settle in under the old timbers for steak or seafood and give yourselves time to linger. If you have your heart set on the barn dining room, reserve ahead.
Posted dinner service · Thursday through Sunday on the posted fall and winter schedule
The New Woodshed website
Meredith
2. Lago
Inside the Inn at Bay Point, Lago pairs Meredith Bay views with hand-painted Italian countryside murals. Order pasta and pick a bottle from the Old and New World wine list. A table in the waterfront dining room makes an early dinner especially tempting.
Posted dinner service · Daily
https://www.thecman.com/lago/
Laconia
3. Bernini Pizzeria & Wine Bar
For a date night that starts with “let’s split a pizza,” Bernini is the place to go. Start with the arugula, burrata, and prosciutto pie, don’t overlook the to-die-for piccata, and a cocktail menu that pairs with just about anything you’re craving.
Posted dinner service · Daily
Bernini Pizzeria & Wine Bar website
4. O Steaks & Seafood
When the occasion calls for a steakhouse dinner, O delivers with steaks, seafood and a long list of wines by the glass. The Laconia dining room sits beside Lake Opechee, and it’s worth leaving a little room to share dessert.
Posted dinner service · Daily
O Steaks & Seafood website
Gilford
5. The Breeze
Start with a window table while there’s still light on Winnipesaukee. This Dock Road spot is made for a seafood date, whether you split the steamed mussels or settle in over saffron seafood and watch the harbor go dark.
Posted dinner service · Tuesday through Saturday
The Breeze website
Wolfeboro
6. Samuel Avery's Tavern
Next door to Pickering House, Avery’s has the feel of a neighborhood tavern with the care of a special-occasion kitchen. Share a couple of small plates from the seasonal, scratch-made menu, or book a Wednesday dinner for acoustic music.
Posted dinner service · Wednesday through Sunday
Samuel Avery’s Tavern website
7. The Wicked Loon
Right by the town docks, The Wicked Loon is where we’d go for a livelier night out. Start with raw oysters and a cocktail, then choose between wild-caught fish and a hand-cut steak. If you get there before dark, take a quick walk by the docks first.
Posted dinner service · Daily
The Wicked Loon website
Worth the Drive: Beyond Winnipesaukee
Holderness
8. Walters Basin
The big windows at Walter’s Basin look out over Little Squam Lake. Come early enough to catch the view, then take your time over a seafood plate or a burger and a local beer. Tables for two are first come, first served.
Posted dinner service · Daily
Walter’s Basin website
8. Inn Kitchen + Bar at Squam Lake Inn
At the Squam Lake Inn, dinner feels like part of a little getaway. The kitchen builds its menu around what’s in season and works with local growers and a fishmonger. Herbs from the inn’s gardens make their way into the kitchen and the cocktail glass.
Posted dinner service · Wednesday through Saturday
Inn Kitchen + Bar at Squam Lake Inn website
If you can get away a little early, make it a window-table night. The last of the light on the water is one of our favorite parts of dinner by the lake.
