"We went to Michelle's for Mother's Day. We made a reservation weeks in advance. In effort to cram guests in, they sat us in the back, by the bar. It was noisy and we felt we were part of the staff as they were chatting and hanging out by the bar. Two small tables were pushed together against the wall for our party, making it hard to sit and be comfortable. The tables were uneven and it was just simply inappropriate. To top it all off, the food wasn't great. Very disappointed."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"First restaurant I have been to in quite sometime where I was treated like they were actually glad to see us. Service was excellent a d friendly all the way around. The owner even took time to stop by. Can't say enough about Trevor (bartender). Add a trul great meal and we enjoyed it all. Definitely will go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This restaurant is in a great location! The food was excellent! I was expecting alittle more class. When greeted at the door I found it had more of a pub atmosphere,very relaxed alittle too relaxed for me and my party. Due to that introduction I don't believe I will return. Also I just found it had no ambiance!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"What a wonderful evening! The food was fantastic, as was the wine. The service, however, surpassed it all. We were a party of 5 with two children. Staff couldn't have been more gracious and attentive, even to the point of putting our Mother's Day bouquets in water while we dined!
Salmon was best I've ever had and chocolate pot de creme was divine. Cannot wait to return to Michelle's."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Classic French country. The cassulet was very good, but not traditional. The mushroom/poached egg appetizer was delicious as was the onion soup. The seafood/pasta dish lacked some flavor, but seafood was cooked perfectly. Our waitperson was very attentive and personable. The wine list included a large variety of wines by the glass. Our table overlooked the street below and was a great place to people watch. We are looking forward to going back to try other selections."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had the salad with beet starter, followed by main courses of salmon with goat cheese and cassoulet with lamb and boar sausage. The cassoulet was under-seasoned, the lamb was overcooked, and it was generally quite boring. The salmon was better, but no more than "fine" rather than much good. The salad with beet was actually decent. The portions were quite sizeable and it was not inexpensive ($140 incl tip for 1 starter, 3 main courses, 2 glasses of wine)...and I speak as a Manhattan resident who not infrequently visits Portsmouth. They would do much better to reduce the size of portions and pay rather more attention to the quality of the food. I would not return."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Six of us went on a Sat. during restaurant week and and had an excellent time. Our food ranged from very good to excellent, I would liked to have given the food 4.5 stars if avaiable. Drinks were inventive and very tasty. The waitstaff was outstanding. Can not say enough good things about our waiter, Bill. We would ask for him the next time we go. This was our first time at this restaurnant, and we all said we would definitely return. Just make sure you make reservations. We saw no less than 4 sets of people turned away because they were full."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Seriously understaffed for restaurant week... We were told the bartender was also a server and he had 6 tables to serve.
One mixed drink, one bottled beer and one bottled of wine took over 20 minutes to be served upon our arrival. This was after a 5 minute wait for our server."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We decided to try Michelle's for the first time during restaurant week because for $29.95 per person, we were told, we could pick any appetizer/salad, entree, and dessert off their regular menu. This meant trying a new expensive restaurant at a lower price. This is a good deal at Michelle's. I had the lobster salad, seafood Provençal & chocolate/raspberry bread pudding, all of which were excellent! My husband had an unusual concoction with mushrooms & poached egg appetizer, rib eye that doesn't' appear on the regular menu, & spice cake. Note that dessert choices for restaurant week are much more limited than normal menu! Wines are expensive, with cheapest at $38, but we got a very good Sangiovese. Server was very attentive."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The restaurant is clean though some attention needs to be paid to the rug on the stairs When full the noise level is somewhat distracting. Table size is adequate, clean & set well Our server Derek was pleasant & had a good knowledge of the wine list & food preparation . Although we did have to ask for the bread service. Food preparation was exactly as ordered & the presentation was pleasing. Management at Michelle's is perhaps the best in town, friendly, genuine & caring. Many restaurant in Portsmouth serve good food, Michelle's take that extra step & adds the love that comes through to all its guests making the dining experience truly special."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went to Michelles for Easter Sunday brunch for the first time. We loved it so much, can't wait to go back for a romantic evening meal. We had seats upstairs overlooking Market Street, I felt as though we were in Europe. My boyfriend had the seafood crepes which looked delicious, he raved about them. I had salmon which was cooked perfectly. I would recommend anyone that appreciates a quaint spot with excellent food choices to try this restuarant! The staff was terrific as well, how could I forget to mention that. One other footnote, we had reservations for 11am and they seated us immediately when we walked in at 10:55."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I went here for my anniversery on a Tuesday night. We had the crab stuffed portabella mushrooms, which were fantastic! Both of our meals were delicious and the service was fantastic. They were trying out some new menu items so the chef came by to ask what we thought of the food, which I thought was a nice touch. Overall we were not dissapointed and would like to come back and try brunch!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great location in the heart of Portsmouth. We had a great experience all around! Kari was a very tentative server and the food was excelent. We will definately go back for dinner soon."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Dinners here have always been very good with friendly, attentive service. The menu offers a variety with delicious salads and apps. A small bar is on the 2nd floor with most of the dining area."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went for brunch and the food options were amazing. They had a great spin on the classics such as eggs benedict with filet mignon or lobster. YUM! We all loved our meals. It was a bit pricey but well worth it. The restaurant was cute and fit a large group of us on a saturday. The location is downtown and walking distance from shopping and hotels. The bloody mary's were to die for! The service was super friendly."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I went to Michelle's on a date and was pleasantly surprised when they were able to seat us an hour earlier than our reservation time. The table was small and in a kind of busy hallway area, but we were hungry and didn't mind too much. Our waitress was excellent and was on top of our drinks. The food took a while but it was worth the wait. I can't wait to go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband took me to Michelle's for my birthday dinner. The food was FABULOUS!! It's a little tight dining right beside your neighboring tables. But the atmosphere is energetic and fun. Not a place for children. It was a great night!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Lovely fixed price menu for Valenine's Day! Close proximity of tables (bistro feel) lead to interaction with other guests (mostly over menu choices) was fun."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Went on Valentine's Day. Nice selection on the fixe prix menu. Food was well prepared. Surprised that the bartender did not know or have the makings for a Kir, a standard French aperitif made with white wine and creme de casis."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were seated downstairs in spite of a reservation that had been placed weeks before. The door was constantly opening and closing as patrons came and went, and we had to wear coats to stay warm. We had to ask the waiter to bring bread (other tables got this automatically) and then he didn't bring anything to put on it. Came back later with some oil. Took my app plate before I was completely finished, and my dining partner was only half way thru. Never took our desert order, someone else asked us if we had placed one. Then, came by and said there was a delay in the desert we ordered. Overall, not a pleasant experience, especially for the price we paid (pre-set menu for Valentines day). I would not go back nor would i recommend it"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Our only regret was that we went Valentines weekend when they were only offering a "special" V-day menu. (which we both did have fab meals off that menu) We can't wait to go back to enjoy the entire menu. Perfectly located to park (cheap) in parking garage. Short walk from there."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had our Valentine's Day dinner at Michelle's on Market with a special prix-fixed, menu. While we were unaware that this would be the only menu offered, no other selections available, there was an delicious assortment from which to choose. Everything we had was delicious and I went down to the kitchen and told the staff so. Even though the tables are very close together, it gave us the opportunity to connect with our neighboring tables and it truly added to the overall experience. The waitstaff, and hosts (not sure if they were the owners) were really lovely people. I think you will really enjoy this dining experience!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Valentine's Day with a fixed menu. Very good and enjoyable. The waiter was indifferent and a bit lazy but did not spoil the evening. A good meal, well prepared... we will certainly go back and would recommend Michelle's highly."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went to Michelle's with another couple for Sunday brunch and would all definitely go again. Service was friendly and attentive, but not too much so; everyone liked their food. The roast potatoes and cheese grits sides were awesome, with just the right amount of pepper. Be aware that the portion size is huge: one of our friends said that they might need a building permit for the Monte Cristo sandwich, which two hungry people might not be able to finish. I had shrimp provincal (usually scallops, but they didn't have good ones that day so were substituting lobster, salmon, shrimp or any other seafood of your choice), which had a wonderful flavor and filled me for the rest of the day."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Our second trip to Michelle's was uneventful. Our waiter was polite if disinterested. We heard other waiters actually engaging their patrons in polite conversation and providing the list of specials. Our waiter seemed to be thinking about other things and never mentioned the specials. The food, however, was just what we wanted - good."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This restaurant space has always had a great ambiance, and is super cozy. But I was unimpressed by the food for our first meal there. It all sounded great on the menu, but fell short of tasting great.
For sure it's better than I can make for myself, but most meals were described as "okay", save for my friend's pork dish which was quite undercooked. Our waiter quickly and graciously straightened out the problem, and my friend was soon eating again. And without asking they removed the charges from the bill, which is super impressive.
In a town with so many great restaurants, it's hard to if you don't really nail all the details. I commend that they recognized this fact and adjusted our bill. Hopefully they can work the kinks out."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Michelle's on Market Square remains a hidden gem in the Portsmouth area. Although it has been open for some time, it always seems to have reservation availability (although it seemed quite busy when we went) and not many locals have tried it yet. I've now been twice, once for Restaurant Week and once outside RW. Michelle's is definitely a great place to pick for RW b/c they typically offer their entire menu available for the fixed price cost for that week.
The meals I've had there have been outstanding. This last time I ordered the steak au poivre and my wife got the rack of lamb. Both meats were cooked to perfection with excellent sauces and vegetables accompanying them. I highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Michelle's On Market Square