11 Best Restaurants in Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire

The refined yet relaxed restaurant in the historic Inn at Pleasant Lake makes a splendid destination for a special occasion dinner, or simply to savor a delicious brunch in the window-lined dining room or out on the patio—both areas have views of the lake in the near distance. The kitchen here turns out artfully plated contemporary fare, such as grilled octopus with Spanish chorizo and a smoked-paprika vinaigrette, and sea scallops with a ginger-citrus chimichurri.

Have a seat in this cheerful bakery's sunny seating nooks or out on the back patio, while you savor an egg-cheddar croissant, house-made granola, a Brie-fig-apple baguette, or one of the delectable pastries or cakes. Favorite treats include maple-pumpkin pie, seasonal fruit tarts, raspberry scones, and praline sticky buns.

This convivial, easygoing gastropub in historic Lyme's rambling Dowd's Country Inn—which also has pleasant guest accommodations—features an impressive list of New England craft beers as well as an enticing selection of reasonably priced comfort fare. Favorites include the half-pound house burger topped with bacon and a beer–smoked gouda fondue, and the confit-pork poutine with a chipotle-cider barbecue sauce.

A Hanover tradition since 1947, this diner-cum-café-cum-bakery serves possibly the best breakfast in the valley, with favorites that include blueberry-cranberry buttermilk pancakes, and corned beef brisket hash with free-range poached eggs. Or just grab a seat at the old-fashioned soda fountain for a juicy burger and an ice-cream sundae.

Students, visiting alums, and locals regularly descend on this wildly popular pub, which has walls lined with shelves of old books. The varied menu features burgers and salads as well as meat loaf, lobster mac and cheese, and vegetarian dishes like crispy-tofu pad Thai and house-smoked tofu street tacos.

Exposed beams, wooden tables, a smattering of antiques, and half shutters on the windows make the amiable Peter Christian's a cool summer oasis and a warm winter haven. From shepherd's pie to seafood and grits with lobster butter, the flavorful comfort fare relies heavily on seasonal ingredients. The owners also operate the eight-room Edgewood Inn, above the restaurant.

Enjoy a scoop or two of rich homemade ice cream at this 10th-generation dairy farm a couple of miles from Lake Sunapee. Interesting flavors like hazelnut, lemon cookie, and maple pecan keep regulars coming back for more, but the barnyard with adorable goats, bunnies, and other critters is almost as big a draw. Although the scoop shop is open only seasonally, you can drop by the solar-powered farmstand year-round.

On a wooded country road just up the hill from Lake Sunapee, this lively little bar and bistro is great for a romantic meal or a relaxed bite after a day on the water or the mountain. The eclectic menu features a mix of classic American and Continental dishes with creative touches. Consider starting with the lobster-asparagus flatbread, before graduating to beer-battered fish-and-chips with Creole tartar sauce, or a New York prime strip steak with bacon-parmesan Brussels sprouts.