I went to the Black Trumpet Bistro with fairly high expectations. I chose the upstairs Wine Bar with a pleasant view of the harbor. Service was OK, not great. The wine list is good. The bread was tasty. I ordered - tried to order - the sweetbreads appetizer and was told "we're out of that, but it's really good." It... more

My wife is a true and somewhat serious foodie (cook and Zagat devotee) and on the way back from a weekend in Portsmouth today we bantered for some time about the best meal in a summer of travel to various parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and California. Her vote was a tie between the Black Trumpet, where we dined... more

This small restaurant is hidden on an alley near the waterfront of downtown Portsmouth. It is on two floors in an old brick building. The first floor is an attractive cozy bistro, and the upstairs is an even cozier but deightful wine bar. We ate upstairs. One table near the front window has a water view, but it does not... more

Each course wowed us with the unique vibrant flavors of this very creative chef. If you only have one night in Portsmouth and you love and appreciate great food, this is the place. more

Of the many restaurants in food rich Portsmouth, Black Trumpet is by far my favorite. Staffed with intelligent, unique, outgoing and down to earth individuals, Black Trumpet's ability to cater beyond your culinary imaginations lets it shine above the rest. With seasonal menu changes, local ingredient sourcing and a masterful chef, obviously passionate about his art, the combination results in... more

Started by seating us on lower floor despite reservation requests x2 for upper floor. Soul and R&B blasting from loudspeakers. Strident serving person, tasteless food ($31 for bland, unimaginative paella with shards of lobster in the form of discardable miniature claw remnants). $95 check for two entrees and one bowl of chowder, one glass of wine! No kidding. Stay at... more

... hate to be a downer but the food was just not that good. This is my home town, I love the atmosphere and trying new places but this was a disappointment. When the highlight is the cheese and crackers it's not a good sign. We had 3 apps; the meze plate- 3 tapas style bites of bland food- fried... more

We finished off a day trip to Maine by eating at this restaurant. The service was very good from start to finish. The host and wait staff were pleasant, helpful, and attentive without hovering. My roast duck was delicious. My husband thought his fillet mignon was superb, especially the mushroom sauce. We have been to this restaurant several times over... more

Black Trumpet has one of the most unique offering of dishes in all of Portsmouth. Items you would never think to combine, make for a wonderful night out. Excellent wine list, atmosphere, and service. I recommend eating upstairs in the wine bar as opposed the the dining room downstairs. It's a first-come first-served basis in the wine bar, but the... more