You know that feeling when you're walking through downtown Portsmouth and everything feels just a little too crowded? The brick sidewalks are narrow. The wait times at the trendy bistros are pushing two hours. Sometimes, you just want a place that feels open. That’s usually when people stumble into Two Fifty Market Portsmouth. It’s tucked inside the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, and honestly, hotel restaurants usually get a bad rap for being overpriced or soulless. But this one is different. It’s sitting right on the edge of the North End, looking out toward the Piscataqua River, and it has become a weirdly reliable staple for locals and travelers alike.
It’s a massive space.
Really.
If you’ve spent any time in the tiny, cramped taverns of Market Square, the sheer scale of the dining room at Two Fifty Market feels like a relief. You aren't elbow-to-elbow with a stranger. The floor-to-ceiling windows do a lot of the heavy lifting here, pulling in that gray-blue New Hampshire light that makes the harbor look like a painting even on a drizzly Tuesday.
What’s Actually on the Menu at Two Fifty Market?
Let’s get real about the food. If you’re looking for experimental molecular gastronomy or a plate with three dots of sauce and a single microgreen, this isn't your spot. Two Fifty Market Portsmouth leans heavily into what I’d call "refined New England comfort." Think clam chowder that actually has clams in it, not just potatoes and flour.
The menu is a moving target because they try to stick to the seasons, which is basically a requirement if you want to survive in the Seacoast food scene these days. During the colder months, you’ll find a lot of root vegetables and heavier proteins. But in the summer? That’s when the seafood shines.
I’ve talked to people who swear by the pan-seared scallops. They usually source them locally—because why wouldn't you when the fishing boats are literally docked a few hundred yards away? They get that nice, salty crust that only happens when the kitchen isn't rushing the sear. Then you have the burger. It’s a staple. It’s big. It’s juicy. It’s exactly what you want after a long drive up I-95.
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Wait, we should talk about the "Market" part of the name. It’s not just a clever branding exercise. The restaurant actually tries to bridge that gap between a formal sit-down experience and a more casual, approachable vibe. You can grab a quick breakfast before heading to a meeting at the Frank Jones Center, or you can linger over a three-course dinner. It’s versatile. That’s the word. Versatile.
The Harbor View Factor
Location is everything in a town like Portsmouth. While places like the Oar House or the Old Ferry Landing get the "tourist" credit for being on the water, Two Fifty Market Portsmouth offers a different perspective. Because it’s elevated slightly, you get a broader view of the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge and the industrial beauty of the shipyards.
It’s less "salty dog" and more "modern maritime."
There is something strangely hypnotic about watching the tugboats move while you’re sipping a cocktail. Speaking of drinks, the bar program here doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. They do the classics well. A solid Old Fashioned. A crisp local IPA from one of the dozen breweries nearby—think Smuttynose or Great Rhythm. It’s a low-pressure environment. You don't feel like you have to be a mixology expert to order a drink.
Why Locals Sneak In Here
You’d think a hotel restaurant would be 100% tourists. It’s not.
Local business owners often use Two Fifty Market for "power lunches" because it’s one of the few places in town where you can actually hear the person across the table from you. The acoustics are handled well. No thumping bass. No shouting over a crowded bar.
Plus, the parking situation in Portsmouth is notoriously nightmare-adjacent. Being at the Sheraton means there’s a bit more infrastructure. If you’re staying at the hotel, it’s a no-brainer. But even if you’re just in town for the day, it’s a strategic home base. You’re steps away from Prescott Park and the Strawberry Banke Museum, but you’re far enough away from the "Ground Zero" of the downtown crowds to catch your breath.
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Common Misconceptions About Two Fifty Market
A lot of people assume that because it’s in a Sheraton, it’s going to be generic. I get it. We’ve all been to those hotel restaurants that serve rubbery eggs and "garden salads" that are just iceberg lettuce and a sad cherry tomato.
Two Fifty Market Portsmouth fights that stereotype pretty hard.
- The Price Point: People think it’s going to be astronomical. It’s actually fairly competitive with the rest of the downtown area. You’re paying Portsmouth prices, sure, but you aren't paying a "hotel tax" on the quality.
- The Dress Code: You don't need a suit. You don't even need a tie. While it looks upscale with the dark woods and sleek lines, it’s very "Portsmouth casual." Jeans and a nice sweater? Perfectly fine.
- The Atmosphere: Some worry it’s stiff. Honestly, the staff is usually pretty laid back. They have that North Country hospitality where they’re professional but they’ll also joke with you about the weather or tell you which local shop is actually worth visiting.
The Practical Side of Visiting
If you're planning to go, there are a few things you should know that aren't always obvious on the website.
First, the breakfast buffet. It’s a thing. A big thing. If you’re a fan of the traditional American breakfast spread—omelets made to order, fresh fruit, all the pastries—this is one of the better ones in the city. It’s a hit with families because kids can actually find something they want to eat without a fuss.
Second, the "Hoppy Hour." They usually run specials that lean into the local craft beer scene. It’s a great way to sample the flavors of New Hampshire without having to drive to four different tasting rooms.
Third, the outdoor seating. When the weather is right, being outside at Two Fifty Market Portsmouth is top-tier. There is a specific kind of salt air that blows off the Piscataqua that just makes a cold drink taste better.
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Is it Worth a Special Trip?
Look, if you’re coming from two states away specifically for a meal, you might be heading to a place with a James Beard nod. But if you are in Portsmouth, or staying at the Sheraton, ignoring this place is a mistake. It’s the "reliable friend" of the Portsmouth dining scene. It’s consistent. You know the steak is going to be cooked to the temperature you asked for. You know the service isn't going to disappear for thirty minutes.
In a town where restaurants open and close with the seasons, Two Fifty Market has staying power because it knows what it is. It’s not trying to be a dive bar and it’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred bistro. It’s a high-quality, comfortable, scenic restaurant that serves real food.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of Two Fifty Market Portsmouth, don't just walk in blindly.
- Check the Bridge Schedule: If you can time your dinner with a bridge opening, do it. Watching the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge lift for a massive tanker is a quintessential Portsmouth experience, and you have a front-row seat here.
- Ask About the Catch of the Day: Don't just look at the printed menu. The kitchen often gets small batches of fish from local piers that don't make it onto the permanent list.
- Validate Your Parking: If you’re using the hotel’s parking facilities, make sure the host validates your ticket. It can save you a chunk of change that is better spent on dessert.
- Visit During the "Blue Hour": That window of time just after the sun goes down but before it’s pitch black. The way the lights reflect off the river from the dining room windows is incredible for photos—if you're into that sort of thing.
- Walk the Grounds After: Once you're done, take the five-minute walk over to the Moffatt-Ladd House or head down toward the water. The location is a perfect "reset button" before exploring the rest of the city's nightlife.
Portsmouth is a city of layers. You have the historic maritime layer, the modern tourist layer, and the local business layer. Two Fifty Market Portsmouth manages to sit right at the intersection of all three. It’s a bit of an underdog in a city full of "celebrity" restaurants, but for those who know, it’s a sanctuary of space, views, and solid New England cooking.
Next Steps for Your Portsmouth Trip:
Check the current seasonal menu online before you arrive, as they frequently rotate their seafood offerings based on local availability. If you are traveling with a group of six or more, calling ahead for a reservation is highly recommended, especially during the summer high season or graduation weekends for the University of New Hampshire.