Tuscan Kitchen’s New Seacoast Location

New Hampshire’s already thriving Seacoast culinary scene has a new player, and it’s a big one.

Tuscan Kitchen opened a third operation in Portsmouth on March 1, just a quick drive from the Route 1 rotary. Tuscan Brands owner Joe Faro expects the spot to be a vibrant and thriving addition to the area.

He invited members of the media to the new 6,000-square-foot operation earlier this month and personally conducted a tour of the premises, including a spacious dining room, multiple fireplaces, a 75-seat outdoor patio, an open kitchen with counter seating, a smart bar area and the same soothing, rustic earth tones that dominate the Tuscan Kitchen/Market operations in Salem, N.H., and Burlington, Mass.

Faro had the barely contained enthusiasm of a new dad as he escorted his guests, and who can blame him? It’s an impressive site.

He decided to celebrate and even show off a little — the good kind of showing off — with a sumptuous sit-down tasting dinner.

A spectacular appetizer board with imported prosciutto, various meats and cheeses and Methuen-made truffled honey? Yes, please. A robust, full-bodied, house label Super Tuscan red? I’ll take two. Homemade pasta prepared tableside in a cratered parmesan cheese wheel? That seems to be very good idea.

And that was only a sampling of the fabulous multicourse repast.

Though the adjoining Tuscan market won’t be open until June, patrons can expect to find the same quality meats, pastries, artisanal breads and cheeses, pastas, oils, spices and more that have made Salem’s Tuscan Market a must-stop destination in southern New Hampshire.

And as I wandered through the market space, I realized that as soon as its door opens, this will be the ultimate place to go picnic shopping in the Seacoast area.

Hey, Portsmouth! Tuscan Kitchen and Market have arrived, and you’ll want to make them two of your best friends.

Tuscan Kitchen and Market
Portsmouth, N.H.
(603) 570-3600
TuscanBrands.com