The River House – Seafood
Perched along the water’s edge, this coastal retreat welcomes guests with the comforting aroma of velvety seafood chowder and the indulgent warmth of lobster artichoke dip. The dining room hums with a relaxed elegance as plates of golden, crisp calamari and fragrant gorgonzola mussels share the table with vibrant, sun-drenched Mediterranean and quinoa salads. It is a sanctuary of maritime flavor where every bite captures the essence of the shore, blending refined culinary craft with a breezy, soulful atmosphere.
53 Bow Street, Portsmouth NH 03801 https://riverhouse53bow.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Seafood
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, renal, tlc, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at The River House
Dairy-Free at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 1 dairy-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Raw Bar Tower. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Raw Bar Tower. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 26 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Butter Toffee Cake, Maple Dijon Salmon and Grilled Cheese with Fries. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 4 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Haddock Sandwich, Seafood Chowder Quart and Oyster Shooters. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Ruby Red Cosmo. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 5 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Ruby Red Cosmo, Piscataqua Pop and Apple Cider Margarita. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 11 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Butter Toffee Cake, Grilled Cheese with Fries and Mediterranean Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Fat at The River House
The River House in Portsmouth has 4 low-fat-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Ruby Red Cosmo, Winter Old Fashioned and Cranberry Mule Mocktail. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at The River House
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Oyster Shooters | 29.8 g | 54.1 g |
| Sweet Corn Polenta Ravioli | 25.7 g | 50.8 g |
| Seafood Chowder Quart | 20.5 g | 49.8 g |
| Seafood Chowder Bowl | 95.1 g | 47.2 g |
| Spicy Tuna & Cucumber | 60.3 g | 36.4 g |
| Crab Cake BLT | 113.5 g | 33.6 g |
| Smash Burger | 3 g | 32.4 g |
| Haddock Sandwich | 11.4 g | 30.8 g |
| RH Steak Tips | 48.1 g | 26.9 g |
| Lobster BLT | 84.1 g | 25 g |
| Tuna Tower | 19.4 g | 24.3 g |
| Mediterranean Salad | 75.1 g | 23.8 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Sunday - Thursday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its fresh and mouth-watering food quality, guests consistently praise the intimate setting that makes this a standout neighborhood gem. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable service and attentive staff, noting that the exceptionally fresh ingredients and inviting atmosphere ensure a memorable dining experience that visitors are eager to repeat.
Menu
Appetizers
- Seafood Chowder Cup - $10: Lobster, scallops, shrimp, clams, and haddock in a rich creamy soup. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seafood Chowder Bowl - $13: Lobster, scallops, shrimp, clams, and haddock in a rich creamy soup. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seafood Chowder Quart - $25: Served cold to-go. Lobster, scallops, shrimp, clams, and haddock. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lobster Artichoke Dip - $18: Maine lobster meat, artichoke, asiago and romano cheeses, served with tortilla chips. Gluten Free. Available at: dinner, lunch
- RH Style Calamari - $17: Fried calamari rings and tentacles, artichokes, mild chili pepper crisp, lemon aioli. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Tenders - $15: Seared or golden fried tenders with choice of sauce: BBQ, buffalo, honey mustard, honey garlic, ranch, or bleu cheese. Gluten Free. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gorgonzola Mussels - $19: PEI mussels, caramelized onions, bacon, white wine, gorgonzola cream sauce. Gluten Free. Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Mediterranean Salad - $14: Romaine, crispy chickpeas, cucumbers, roasted tomatoes, red onion, feta, dijon-lemon vinaigrette. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quinoa Salad - $14: Mixed greens, cucumbers, red peppers, edamame, avocado, dried cranberries, feta cheese, honey-vinaigrette. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caesar Salad - $12: Chopped romaine, croutons, classic caesar dressing, asiago cheese. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Raw Bar
- Oysters - $3.5: Locally sourced medium sized oysters served with mignonette, lemon, and cocktail sauce. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Oyster Shooters - $11: Choice of Baja lime margarita, blood orange margarita, or bloody mary. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian Available at: brunch, dinner, lunch
- Raw Bar Tower: 12 oysters, 6 shrimp cocktail, 4oz lobster salad, 6 spicy tuna cucumber salad, seaweed salad. Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, High-Fiber, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Cocktail - $14: Five jumbo chilled shrimp served with cocktail sauce and lemon. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tuna Tower - $19: Avocado, red onions, mango, cucumber, radish, sweet tamari marinade, sriracha aioli, rice crackers. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Tuna & Cucumber - $19: Ahi tuna, avocado, spicy chili mayonnaise, tobiko, scallions, sesame seeds, yuzu glaze. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Haddock Sandwich - $17: Fresh haddock fillet, golden fried or oven broiled, toasted brioche bun, house-made tartar sauce, lemon. Gluten Free option. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smash Burger - $18: Black Angus blend, brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, choice of cheese. Gluten Free option. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crab Cake BLT - $20: Crab cake, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun, stone ground mustard remoulade. Gluten Free option. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chicken Sandwich - $17: Brined chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, tangy BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, brioche bun. Gluten Free option. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meatloaf Sandwich - $17: Bacon wrapped meatloaf, fried onion straws, gravy, texas toast. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lobster Roll: Maine lobster prepared salad style or warmed in butter, brioche roll, french fries. Gluten Free option. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lobster BLT: Maine lobster, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun. Gluten Free option. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tall Ship: Maine lobster on brioche roll, served with seafood chowder and hand-cut potato chips. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Maple Dijon Salmon - $28: Cauliflower rice pilaf, chickpeas, craisins, seasonal vegetables, rosemary citrus cream sauce. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- RH Steak Tips - $29: House dry rub sirloin tips, mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, chimichurri. Gluten Free. Available at: dinner, lunch
- New England Baked Haddock - $25: Shrimp and romano cheese panko crust, asparagus, mashed potatoes. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Corn Polenta Ravioli - $24: Sweet italian sausage, ground meatballs, pepperoni, ragu, brown butter. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lobster Cavatappi Alfredo - $34: Cavatappi pasta, maine lobster, roasted tomatoes, arugula, creamy alfredo sauce, grilled focaccia. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish Tacos - $21: 3 fried haddock tacos, shredded cabbage, pineapple mango salsa, avocado ranch, cotija cheese, french fries. Gluten Free option. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mahi Mahi Piccata - $28: Garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, lemon caper cream sauce. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Haddock Basket - $24: Served with french fries, lemon, cole slaw, and tartar sauce. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Shrimp Basket - $23: Served with french fries, lemon, cole slaw, and tartar sauce. Gluten Free. Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Chocolate Torte - $11: Served with caramel and whipped cream. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Raspberry Donut Cheesecake - $11: Served with raspberry puree. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- Butter Toffee Cake - $11: Served with whipped cream and caramel. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
Beverages
- Apple Cider Margarita - $14: El Jimador tequila, triple sec, lime juice, local apple cider. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse, Lectin-Free
- Winter Old Fashioned - $16: Jim Beam bourbon, house-made cinnamon simple syrup, bitters. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Ruby Red Cosmo - $15: Deep Eddy’s ruby red vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice. Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Nutty Irishman - $13: Bailey's, Frangelico, coffee or hot cocoa.
- Cranberry Mule Mocktail - $9: Cranberry juice, ginger beer, fresh lime juice. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse
- Piscataqua Pop - $5.5: Root beer or orange soda. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Coca Cola - $3.75
Kid's Menu
- Grilled Cheese with Fries: Includes a drink. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hot Dog with Fries: Includes a drink. Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chicken Tenders with Fries: Includes a drink. Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish and Chips: Includes a drink. Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about The River House
- Is The River House dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. The River House has 1 dairy-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Raw Bar Tower.
- What can I eat at The River House on a dairy-free diet?
- Raw Bar Tower carry the dairy-free tag, out of 1 tagged dish on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does The River House have vegan options?
- Yes. 5 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Ruby Red Cosmo and Piscataqua Pop.
- Is The River House gluten-free?
- 1 dish is tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at The River House?
- Oyster Shooters, at roughly 54.1g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near The River House
- The York River Landing — Seafood
- Black Trumpet — Mediterranean
- Liar's Bench Beer Co — American
- The Works Cafe — American
- Cure — French
- La Maison Navarre — French
- The Kitchen — American
- Loco Coco's Tacos — Mexican
- The Portsmouth Bread Box — American
- FIVE81°NE — Indian
- Tulsi Indian Restaurant — Indian
- White Heron Tea & Coffee — American
