Contemporary Japanese inspired by Portsmouth’s sister city, in the heart of historic downtown.

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Opened in December 2022 within the elegant Hotel Thaxter, Nichinan brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Portsmouth. Named for our city's Japanese Sister City, a relationship dating back to the 1905 Portsmouth Peace Treaty, our restaurant honors this special connection through culinary excellence. Chef Dylan Felch crafts guest favorites like Crispy Miso Eggplant, signature sushi rolls, and Wagyu Gyoza, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails. Whether you're joining us for an intimate dinner or celebrating in our private Parlor Room, we invite you to experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that defines Nichinan.
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Assorted Japanese dishes including sushi rolls, sashimi, and appetizers at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH, served on a marble table with drinks and chopsticks.
Assorted Asian dishes at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH, featuring a steamed bun sandwich with pork belly and cucumber, sushi rolls, fried chicken with vegetables, dipping sauces, and drinks.
Interior of a restaurant with dark walls, round marble tables set with plates, glasses, and utensils, velvet chairs, large windows with orange curtains, warm lighting fixtures, and traditional Japanese artwork on the wall.
Assorted colorful cocktails at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH, featuring drinks garnished with cucumber, mint, cherry, dried lemon, and orange peel on a white table with green background.
Bowl of Asian dumplings garnished with green onions and red chili threads at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH, served on a white marble table with a glass of water.
Sushi with cucumber, salmon, and garnishes on a black plate, and eel bao buns with cucumber and sauce on a gray plate, served at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH on a marble surface with a glass of red beverage.
Bowl of ramen with half boiled eggs, pork belly slices, bean sprouts, mushrooms, seaweed, and green onions with soy sauce on the side, and a small plate of sashimi with cucumber and wasabi in the background.
Close-up of a vanilla and white chocolate ice cream bar topped with white powder and gold foil, served at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH on a black plate.
Person holding a black plate with assorted sushi rolls garnished with sauce and a green leaf, served at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH.
Steamed bun filled with barbecue pork, pickles, and garnished with green onions, served at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH on a gray plate.