Otis
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Otis
Located in the center of historical downtown Exeter, NH, Otis. Restaurant is situated in the former home of the Otis Sleeper Jewelry Store, built in 1910. Attached to the recently remodeled Inn by the Bandstand, Otis. Restaurant has paid homage to the deep rooted history of this quaint town by keeping the original details of the building.

With gorgeous crown molding, original ceiling and floors, and huge windows overlooking the famous bandstand, the space naturally lends itself to what we feel is an amazing space to dine in. Serving dinner five nights a week Otis. Restaurant's focus is Modern American food driven by locally sourced ingredients.
Reviews (21)
Olga S.
Olga S.
Dec 22, 2021
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A hidden gem of Exeter! Never thought I'd find a tasting menu here and yet, Otis blew me away. The tasting menu changes weekly, and you get two options for each of the five courses. Each course was incredibly plated and beyond delicious! I tried things I wasn't sure I'd like, but ended up loving them. My favorites were the trout on pumpernickel and the sweet potato pasta. The steak was also incredible, cooked to perfection and oh so juicy. It was a blast sitting up at the bar, seeing things being prepared in front of you. The pacing of the courses was perfect, we had enough time
Benjamin Groves
Benjamin Groves
Nov 19, 2021
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Otis is always a great time. Chef Frank always has the highest quality of ingredients, served in simple yet elegant ways. His flavors look to inspire, evoke, and stimulate the senses. The tasting menu is a fantastic way to try a little of everything he has to offer.
Michael R.
Michael R.
Nov 15, 2021
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Finally made it to Otis, and enjoyed an exceptional meal start to finish. The bonus was that we were able to sit at the chef's table and had the pleasure to meet owner/chef Lee Frank, and chef Matt Berry (of Dahlia) who was the sous chef for the evening. The two of them made the dinner that much more enjoyable. At this time Otis is doing a 5 course prix fixe menu with 2 seatings per evening. The first seating is at 5:30 and ends at 7:30, a bit tight but they nailed it, and I can't say we felt rushed at all.

There are two choices for each course, and the menu is updated weekly. Since
Peter
Peter
Nov 13, 2021
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$60 tasting menu provided a great variety of dishes and flavors. Favorites were a squid ink gnocchi and shrimp, and a pork with a ME (Maine) bean, bacon... ragu type side/sauce. Service was very good, casual, bar atmosphere. Tried four of the cocktails, recommend the Aviation and the Feels Like Fall.
Alex H.
Alex H.
Nov 09, 2021
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This is a brutally honest review of the food here, not reflecting on the service or accommodations, which were very well done, but rather the overall taste and satisfaction of the foods that we had during this tasting.

So, Otis is a restaurant that has a local celebrity chef that does 2 tasting courses for guests, reservations are a must and the seating is intimate (like 3 tables) and if not able to get that then you'll be at bar seating if space is available, so the whole thing is constructed to be an experience.

I'll preface this by saying, I'm a foodie and snobbish when it comes
Jennifer Liu
Jennifer Liu
Sep 13, 2021
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Really great deal for a 5-course yummy dinner. Portions were just the right size, 2 options to choose from for each of the courses but all were well-prepared and delicious. One of the desserts, a sticky pudding with bourbon, was fantastic and a bit intoxicating! Good service but not a lot of tables so be sure to make a reservation.
Simon Beylin
Simon Beylin
Aug 29, 2021
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Amazing every time we visit. We have been there a dozen times, and have never had the same dish twice. The creativity of the chef is out of this world. The entire team is amazing. It feels like your friends invited you to their home- personalized touch, and truly care that your experience is memorable.
Scott Nadolski
Scott Nadolski
Aug 18, 2021
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I have been going here since Chief Lee opened. He has a great rotation on the menu which is always fresh and new. The utilization of local products keeps me comming back every month.
K. D.
K. D.
Jul 13, 2021
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Wow a real culinary experience dining at Otis last night! We had 7:30 reservations. The 5-course meal gives 2 choices for each course,
So we essentially ordered everything on the menu (which I hear changes every week). The four staff members worked mechanically well together yet not mechanical - social and gracious. Not only was every course delicious, but every BITE was delicious! Carrot soup, gnocchi, crispy chicken thigh, scallops, salmon, pork, beef, and desert…. We had it all, presented tastefully and uniquely. We are looking forward to introducing other foodie friends and relatives to
Pete D.
Pete D.
Jun 19, 2021
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Why does the Otis have a preset menu??? I understand it's a limited seat restaurant and they can only buy so many supplies, but they should be able to give their clients choices. Two choices per course when you don't want that much and is very limiting is not a choice it's a mandate.
Dan K.
Dan K.
May 21, 2021
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Every meal has been nothing short of excellent. Owner is an awesome, talented guy and his wife and all staff are great. My favorite restaurant in Exeter!
Katherine S. V.
Katherine S. V.
Feb 22, 2021
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The food is DELICIOUS- and I actually crave their soups. I tried recreating one of them- unsuccessfully!

I love the décor and whole vibe of Otis. Perfect date restaurant - or for a small group of 4 to have an intimate meal. It's nice to have a place I can get dressed up and not feel out of place. Reminds me of living in the city.

I love the open kitchen concept. This is one of my favorites. Highly recommend.
Selena C.
Selena C.
Dec 08, 2020
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We like the vibe of this place and the presentation of the food. However, majority of the food is over salted. We understand the importance of adding salt to dishes. It brings out more flavor, make the crust crispier and meat juicier. But there is a line between right seasoning and over salty. The chicken and steak are dry. The pork is very juicy. We love the dessert especially the sticky toffee pudding. Another thing about the steak. I really love the rosemary coated crispy skin but it's just over cooked. It tastes rubbery. We got two slices. One of them is the edge of the steak. I love the
Doreen C.
Doreen C.
Oct 23, 2020
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So... in all this craziness, this amazing Little Restaurant gets it done... the food is amazing... I had the Broccoli and Fennel Soup... awesome ... the next course .. Kale and ricotta Ravioli ... delicious... Next... Halibut and Carrot... unbelievably delicious next is Pork with pumpkin and root vegetables... can't wait!... amazing!!!... and of course the desert Vanilla... Apple ... and ginger snap delicious.... the perfect ending to a delicious meal...the bartender, Mike is the best and Lee the owner and Jonathon are fantastic... Give it a try... call for a reservation... I promise you
Natali I.
Natali I.
Jul 17, 2020
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I wish I could leave no stars. I have been here more than once, fair chance given. The chef has made the sous chef cry (he left, another took his place, actually more than one). The wait staff has cried. I have witnessed this. The food is good, when the chef is not an ..... Tonight I was there, I was not asked how I wanted my steak cooked. It came medium. I sent it back for rare. It came back burnt on one side and medium rare. I complained. I was told that my service was over and it was a disappointment because he was trying in the pandemic to offer a service. He announced this to
Dave H.
Dave H.
Jan 25, 2020
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Exceptional food and drinks. Each dish was amazing, flavor profiles were incredibly enjoyable as was the presentation. Chef is an artist who clearly takes his craft seriously. Atmosphere is cozy, enjoyable, professional. When it comes to great food and a fine dining experience, Otis rises well above the rest. It's great to have them in the seacoast area.
Charles Peter D.
Charles Peter D.
Oct 04, 2019
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Great food, and atmosphere. Friendly staff and great food.... Small ad intimate space. You'll have fun give it a try....
Samantha W.
Samantha W.
Sep 20, 2019
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Beautiful historical building with fantastic windows. Unique, comfortable and artful atmosphere modern and shiny! Welcoming, gracious, attentive staff. Cool vibe, yet inclusive. Open kitchen and great ventilation so you don't leave smelling like the food--but if you did, it would be amazing smells as the food is absolutely outstanding. I went with friends/coworkers and we split 3 entrees as apps and then had dinner. Every.single.plate. was SO beautiful and delicious! I loved the thoughtfully crafted salads and entrees -- this is what others aspire to. Stop reading this and just go see for yourself
Evie H.
Evie H.
Jul 24, 2019
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This is an incredibly special place. Located in the quaint downtown of Exeter, the ambiance of the restaurant is heightened by a variety of factors. On the pricier side, but is well worth the money! For most special occasions, this is where we always choose to eat! It is a smaller venue, so noise is sometimes an issue (not that it's partly loud but the small space amplifies sound). There are vegetarian options and they also can usually cater to dietary restrictions! As a frequent eater here, there are a couple tips to make the most of your experience!

1. Try to make reservations ahead of
Anne Altman
Anne Altman
Sep 26, 2018
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An delicious and amazing meal! We sat at the chef's table and ordered the tasting menu. I feel that the pictures speak for you themselves; parsnip soup, beet and feta salad, seared scallops, and more!
Excellent service. I can highly recommend Otis.
Da W.
Da W.
Feb 12, 2017
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Can I give this place 6 stars? Both times we have dined here have been extraordinary. It is the most professional experience with the best most creative food that I have had on the Seacoast for years. Both times I have sat at the counter and watched the chef and sous chef perfectly coordinate their dance in limited space to create their art. And if you are vegetarian or vegan, no worries! (Coffee carrots? Wow!). The chef will make you something amazing and be happy to do it. Save room for dessert--they are amazing.

The chef makes sure that you know he is happy and grateful you came