La Maison Navarre - Pastry, Bistro, Wine Bar — Restaurant in Portsmouth

I recently celebrated my birthday at La Maison Navarre, and it was an unforgettable experience. Here’s a breakdown of my visit:

The food was exceptional. We enjoyed the coq au vin and the cassoulet, both of which were flavorful and perfectly cooked. We also indulged in the 7-item charcuterie board, which was a highlight of the evening. The variety of French cheeses was outstanding, and the wine pairings complemented our entrees beautifully. As a lovely surprise, a wonderful couple sent over a delicious pistachio dessert after hearing it was my birthday.

The service was impeccable. The staff was incredible—inviting, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They made us feel special and well taken care of. The chef even came out to greet us and discuss their menu, which changes seasonally. This personal touch made the evening even more memorable.

The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, only about 10 or so tables, perfect for a special occasion. The interior decor was sleek yet comfortable, creating a relaxed ambiance. The absinthe fountain service added a unique and classy touch to the overall experience.

Additional Highlights:

Don’t get me started on the boulangerie! The pastries were fantastic, and they offer a variety of canned and boxed items directly from France. We took home some French butter from Normandy, which was a delightful addition to our pantry.

Overall, La Maison Navarre made my birthday celebration truly special. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. We will definitely...

I was initially grateful they managed to find us a spot, but I should have taken it as an omen when they didn’t even have the white wine my wife ordered. Things only went downhill from there.

I decided on the duck confit and politely requested no onions, assuming this minor adjustment wouldn’t be an issue. What they didn’t bother to mention was that accommodating my request meant completely leaving off the demi-glace—the main ingredient that ties the entire dish together! Had they been upfront about this, I absolutely would have chosen something else. Instead, I was served plain, unseasoned duck and mashed potatoes that, while competently prepared, lacked the richness and depth the demi-glace was supposed to provide. The dish was rendered bland and uninspired—a far cry from what I was expecting.

Adding insult to injury, I overheard other diners facing similar frustrations, like someone asking for a vodka-based drink only to be told they didn’t have it either. How does a restaurant fail to stock basic bar staples or notify customers of significant omissions in their dishes?

While the duck and mashed potatoes were passable on their own, the lack of transparency and glaring deficiencies in both food and drink options made for a thoroughly disappointing experience. Perhaps I was unlucky, but based on the chorus of dissatisfaction around me, it seems systemic. I can’t, in good conscience, recommend this place to anyone. Spend your...

I’ve been coming here for years to pick up their amazing French pastries—especially the macarons, which are always top-notch. Last night, we finally tried the Wine Bar for the first time, and it completely exceeded our expectations. The food and service were both excellent.

We started with the sesame-crusted tuna and the French baguette with butter. Both were delicious. I’m a big fan of good French bread, and this one was outstanding—super crispy and crunchy on the outside, soft and warm inside. The homemade butter it came with was incredible.

For our main courses, we ordered the Creole Crab Risotto and the Short Rib en Croûte from their summer menu. The risotto was cooked just right, perfectly seasoned, and the crab was fresh and flavorful. But the real standout was the short rib dish—braised short rib, caramelized onions, and Gruyère all wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry with a rich demi-glace. It was bursting with flavor and absolutely unforgettable. If it’s still on the menu, you have to try it.

We ended the night with an espresso, a latte, and their Chocolate Sea Salt Lava Cake, which was just as good as it sounds.

All in all, I had a fantastic experience and can’t wait to go back....