The best restaurants in Portsmouth

Fresh-outta-the-oven pies with crisp edges, gooey cheese, and classic toppings, Pappy's Pizza & Pints keeps weeknights simple and Friday nights happier. Perfect for grabbing a pie to share, or claiming your own and calling it meal prep.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 11, 2026

Rams Dairy Bar & Pizzaria brings that old-school dairy-bar feel with straightforward American comfort and pizza that hits the spot. Perfect when you want a quick, no-fuss bite after work, minimal decision-making, maximum satisfaction on a weeknight.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 15, 2026

When the sweet tooth kicks in, The Shakery: Eats & Treats comes through with classic shakes, sundaes, and hand-dipped ice cream that actually tastes like summer. Friendly vibe and plenty of choices, a reliable nearby fix for weeknights, celebrations, or just because you survived Monday.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 9, 2026

Set in a beautifully kept 1907 train station, The Depot pairs small-town charm with a surprisingly broad menu, from hand-rolled sushi and hibachi noodles to steaks off the grill. Locals rave about the crab rangoons and generous portions, making it a clutch spot for weeknights or date nights.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 4, 2026

Whether weeknights are chaos or you just want something good without overthinking it, Pappy's Cookin' comes through with from-scratch daily specials that actually rotate. There’s a full burger lineup with playful picks and an unlimited soup-and-salad bar, so everyone at the table lands happy.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 3, 2026

Melini Italian Restaurant does the classics right with home-made pizza and bread, a legit wine and pizza bar, and crowd-pleasers like veal parm, chicken alfredo and tiramisu. Reserve the private dining room or keep it casual, then stroll historic Ironton feeling very well-fed.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 19, 2026

Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.

Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.

Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.

Counter-serve chain featuring signature biscuits & other American classics from breakfast to dinner.

When the evening suddenly calls for something hearty, Arby's delivers with its roast beef classics, stacked hot and cold sandwiches, golden fries, and thick shakes. It’s the no-fuss option locals keep in their back pocket when dinner needs to happen... now.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 3, 2026

Counter-serve chain featuring signature biscuits & other American classics from breakfast to dinner.

Kel’s Tavern keeps it simple in the best way, with elevated American favorites that taste like home but look like date night. Think fried green tomatoes, meatloaf, wings and hefty handhelds, plus solid salads and a kids menu when the whole crew is rolling deep.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 4, 2026

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Low-key Italian eatery featuring a menu of pizza, pasta & sandwiches, plus a party room.

Fred's Pizza Express has been family owned since 1971, turning out the pan pizza folks in Portsmouth swear by, plus specialty pies and legit hot or cold sandwiches. Easy dine in, quick takeout, or delivery when the couch calls... just classic, comforting, Southern Ohio flavor.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 18, 2026

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

Shogun Japanese Steakhouse Restaurant keeps it simple and satisfying with Japanese steakhouse classics cooked just how you like them, plus online ordering when you're in sweatpants mode. Dependable, tasty, and the kind of place you end up craving on a random Tuesday. Check it out.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 18, 2026

When the craving hits between errands, Champs Chicken inside Clark's Pump N-Shop in Ashland is turning out hand-prepared, double-breaded fried chicken with serious crunch, premium tenders with Signature Sassy Sauce, and sides like creamy mac & cheese and battered fries, perfect for quick grabs, family dinners, or easy…

From the Ashland newsletter, September 26, 2026

When you want dinner and a little show, Yamato - Japanese Steakhouse brings the teppanyaki heat with chefs flipping, sizzling, and serving steaks, seafood, and chicken right at your table. Craving sushi instead? They roll it fresh, with tempura, sashimi, and even grilled eel calling your name.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 13, 2026

The Vault - Ohio combines legit crowd-pleasing pizza with a full-on local playground of virtual reality, gaming, and even stand-up at Studio 317 Comedy Club. Great for birthday parties or group hangouts when Portsmouth weather says stay inside, and you still want laughs plus food.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 26, 2026

Oddfellows hits the Portsmouth sweet spot with locally sourced dishes, wood-fired pizzas, made-from-scratch shareables, and craft cocktails, then keeps things lively with duckpin bowling and vintage arcade games. Perfect for meetups with friends or family celebrations, plus a Sunday brunch that actually feels special.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 27, 2026

Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Whether you need a quick lunch between errands in Ashland or an easy dinner, Penn Station Sandwiches nails the combo of grilled subs on hearth-baked bread, fresh-cut fries cooked in cholesterol-free peanut oil, and hand-squeezed lemonade made daily.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 9, 2026

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Fat Patty's is the local move in Ashland when you want one of their Two Hand Beasts, messy wings, and munchies built for sharing, from the Sweet Popper Patty to Southwest Egg Rolls. Hand-breaded chicken gets love too, like the hot honey bacon ranch number that hits sweet, spicy, crispy, juicy.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 14, 2026

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

If you like your Mexican comfort food with some wrestling flair, Suplex Tacos is home of the six-one-nine burrito and serves up quick, satisfying meals that actually hit the spot. Two Ashland locations make it an easy weeknight fix when cooking feels like a heel turn.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 28, 2026

Counter-serve chain dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos in lively environs.

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Penn Station Sandwiches nails the essentials with grilled, made-to-order subs on hearth-baked bread, hand-cut fries flash-fried in cholesterol-free peanut oil, and daily hand-squeezed lemonade.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 1, 2026

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Clark Pump-N-Shop is the no-frills breakfast spot locals keep in their back pocket, perfect for early commutes and mid-errand pit stops. Quick, practical, and consistent, it’s the kind of grab-and-go start that keeps Ashland moving without stealing your morning.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 17, 2026

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Chain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs.

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

Whether you’re craving all-day breakfast, creamy pastas, crisp salads, or a latte that actually wakes you up, M & J Cafe and Food Truck delivers cozy cafe vibes and food-truck convenience.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 24, 2026

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

Suplex Tacos is home of the six-one-nine burrito, a flavor-packed heavyweight that lives up to the name. Breakfast is on the menu, they’ve got two Ashland spots, and with a handy app for quick orders, it’s a clutch move when you need tacos or the signature six-one-nine burrito without slowing down.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 21, 2026

Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.

Toro Loco - Mexican Restaurant keeps things fun with bold flavors, sizzling fajitas, savory enchiladas, and fresh guac, right here in Portsmouth. Friendly vibes for casual catch-ups, and when cooking sounds exhausting, you can order online for quick pickup so dinner still feels like a celebration.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 21, 2026

Counter-service chain offering a range of Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries & lemonades.

Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

Sbarro Ashland Town Center is serving that Original New York slice, with hand-stretched dough, San Marzano style sauce, and 100% whole milk mozz that hits the spot between errands. Not feeling pizza? Their famous stromboli and breadsticks have saved many a hungry afternoon.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 23, 2026

Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

When the craving hits for hot dogs, onion rings, or a strawberry Dole Whip, Coal Grove Freez-Ett is that old-school spot locals know for drive-thru ease, quick snacks, and creamy shakes. Grab a coffee, some pretzel sticks, and call it a small-town win.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 21, 2026

Family-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.

Fuji Japanese Sushi & Steak House has a long list of special rolls and maki, plus sushi or sashimi a la carte. Start with appetizers from the kitchen or the sushi bar, then let your favorites become the weeknight standby your fridge daydreams about.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 19, 2026

Gattitown is that no-brainer Ashland standby when you need an easy dinner and the kids need to burn energy. Think hot buffet pies, a solid salad lineup, and a big arcade that somehow eats time and tokens, perfect for team parties or a midweek morale boost.

From the Ashland newsletter, September 20, 2026

Fast-food chain serving fried fish & shrimp combo meals along with gumbo & funnel cakes.

For locals in Ironton, Arby's is the no fuss answer when roast beef cravings hit, with hot and cold sandwiches, fries, and shakes that do exactly what you need. On nights when cooking sounds impossible, it’s quick, familiar, and reliably satisfying.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 5, 2026

Counter-serve chain featuring signature biscuits & other American classics from breakfast to dinner.

If you want a no-fuss American meal and a proper pour without leaving town, Oscar's Restaurant & Lounge delivers with a full bar, a refreshed menu, and private events where, as they put it, all you have to do is show up. Solid for meetups, weeknights, or just not cooking.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, October 23, 2026

Locals who like options will appreciate that Hot Head Burritos lets you build burritos, bowls, and tacos exactly how you like them, then dial it up with their lineup of sauces. It’s quick, consistent, and they also do catering if your office or team needs an easy crowd-pleaser.

From the Portsmouth newsletter, September 28, 2026

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Whether you want a classic pie or a bubbling pan of lasagna, Mackeys Pizza Pub keeps it simple and satisfying. It’s the kind of no-fuss spot locals rely on for cheesy comfort, crisp salads, and an easy dinner when nobody feels like messing up the kitchen.

From the Ironton newsletter, October 10, 2026