The Black Trumpet Bistro

29 Ceres Street,
Portsmouth, NH
Phone: 603 431 0887
Email: info@blacktrumpetbistro.com

Highly Recommended

Located on an unassuming alleyway, tucked behind, under and between trendy retail shops, the Black Trumpet Bistro is an intimate, warm and cozy restaurant. Walking in you are immediately faced with the decision of turning right into the dining room or proceeding upstairs to the bar. I chose the bar and was not disappointed. At the head of the stairs you find a small u-shaped bar and table seating for (I would guess) 20 diners. The view is not the greatest; the alley, a chain link fence, construction site and an industrial port but the place still maintains charm. Exposed brick and rough hewn beams, complete with signtures of the builders, make the place relaxing and comfortable.

The menu is divided into four sections:

LITTLE DISHES
Fried Almonds, Olives, and Garlic 5.5, Cauliflower Fritter with curried spinach sauce 5, Albondigas: Three little meatballs served in a warm poblano goat cheese and yoghurt sauce 6, Chef’s Meze Plate: a daily assortment of three little dishes in one 13.

MEDIUM DISHES
Mussels and Mahogany Clams steamed in vermouth 15, Pan-fried Veal Sweetbreads with garlicky Brussels sprouts, 15, Oil-poached yellow fin tuna 14, Cheese Fondue with roasted dipping vegetables and chickpea fries 12, a selection of cheeses [2 ounces], salads, and soups.

MAIN COURSES
Pan-roasted Lentil Galette 17, Cider-braised Pork Osso Buco 27. Seared Marinated Duck Breast 24, Pan-roasted Local Fish 25, NEFF Strip Steak 31, BT Burger 16.

DESSERTS - 8.
Chocolate panna cotta, Carrot and parsnip spice cake. Warm Brown Sugar Cake with butterschotch apples and creme fraiche, Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with pomegranate sauce and mint whipped cream.

Portsmouth has a fairly short list of truely excellent restaurants but the Black Trumpet is certainly at or near the top of that list.