A few weeks ago, Jim and I took some time out to have lunch at Cafe Mediterraneo at 119 Congress street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I have been by this restaurant many, many times and it is always super busy. We went on a Wednesday afternoon for lunch and we were able to get right in and have a front table by the window to watch the hustle and bustle going on outside. The restaurant itself is very well kept and very clean. The table was nicely set with water, warm bread and menus in our hands as soon as we were seated. The lunch menu had a number of things to choose from, but I went with one of my all time favorite dishes, Fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp ($18.00) and Jim chose the Italian Sub ($9.00).
The Fettuchini Alfredo is made with their special blend of cream, romano cheese and butter. You can add chicken or shrimp as I did. This lunch did not disappoint… it was excellent. The pasta was cooked perfectly, shrimp just right and the cream sauce was rich and flavorful! Excellent dish !
Jim’s Italian sub was filled with spicy cappicola, salami, mortadella, fresh provolone cheese, lettuce, onions and red peppers…this was also very good. There was not a crumb left when Jim was done! The bread was just right and filled with some of the most flavorful meats available, the cheese was just the right amount to balance all of that meat! Excellent !
I had some time to look over their menu and I already want to go back as there is so much more to try. They are open for lunch and dinner with daily specials. They had some great looking appetizers. Everything from bruschetta ($9.00) with garlic bread, tomato, basil, red onion and balsamic to an antipasto plate ($12.00) with assorted Italian meats and cheeses, hot cherry peppers, mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. They have a number of house specials as well, these all looked fabulous! Pork Osso bucco ($22.00), seafood risotto with muscles, lobster, scallops, shrimp, spinach roasted red peppers, black olives in a feta cream sauce ($24.00), or how about a roasted half duck ($22.00), maybe baked salmon ($22.00) or another one of my favorite dishes lobster ravioli ($19.00). So many great house specials, this is just a glimpse of what they have! They have a number of pasta, seafood, chicken and veal dishes.
If you are looking for something a little smaller they have plenty of soups and salads to choose from as well. The Cafe Med soup ($5.00), Pasta e Fagioli ($5.00), along with Caesar salad ($6.00), Caprese salad and a house salad with tuna, eggs, cucumbers, tomatoes and black olives on a bed of mixed greens ($8.00).
So if you find yourself in Portsmouth, give Cafe Mediterraneo a try, they do have a website and also take reservations at 603-427-5563.
Enjoy!
