Where to Warm Up: Our Favorite Lakes Region Winter Comfort Foods
Cozy Eats and Drinks That Hit the Spot After a Day in the Snow
Last July, we were all about cheese boards on the deck overlooking the water and a good spritz (alcohol or mocktail — your choice). But after weeks of living in a frozen winter wonderland, with temps dipping into the negatives thanks to a persistent wind chill, our cravings have shifted hard toward comfort food. That’s what cold weather is really about; not novelty or trends, but abundance, warmth, and richness. Think meals that fill you up and feel like a hug or a warm blanket… just on a plate or in a bowl. This is the season when ambiance matters in a different way: fireplaces, a place to hang your coat, and staff (and fellow diners) who won’t judge you for ordering the heartiest thing on the menu. Today, we’re cluing you into our short list of favorite meals and places to warm up this winter — the comfort foods we crave, the kitchens we trust, and the spots where the vibes are après-ski (or snowmobile) all day.
A Classic Winter Meal with a View
Lakehouse Grille — Meredith
Lakehouse Grille already feels right in winter — big windows looking onto water that’s quiet and still, a lounge with a fire that actually earns its keep. Start with the lobster corn chowder (comfort in a bowl) and follow with something like the short ribs, slow-cooked, rich, and practically begging for mashed potatoes on the side. Or go seafood-forward with a lobster roll or baked haddock — the kind of meal that makes you forget how cold it was outside as soon as the first bite hits.
Something Italian & Heartwarming
Gusto Italian Café — Center Harbor
Center Harbor’s little slice of Italy does winter right. Gusto’s menu isn’t dinner-only pomp — it’s the kind of place where you can cozy into a bowl of pasta e fagioli mid-afternoon and feel like you’ve found a secret refuge from the cold. Go bigger with a warm baked pasta or a rich panini on their house-made focaccia when you need real sustenance after time outdoors.
Wine, Warmth, & Something Delicious
Gilmanton Winery & Vineyard — Gilmanton
Gilmanton Winery is a year-round stop for us — not just summer sipping. Their current winter menu shifts beyond the expected, pairing comfort-forward entrées with wines that make you settle in. Think Italian-inspired plates from Acari Farm Kitchen (chef-driven, thoughtfully composed) alongside a glass of a Cabernet with legs for days— something like a braised short rib or seasonal risotto has been part of recent winter offerings, making this a stop worth staying for even when it’s chilly out.
Quiet, Good Drinks, and Underrated Ambiance
Wolfe’s Tavern — Wolfeboro
Wolfe’s has been on the quieter side in recent seasons (we think folks have been sleeping on it), but that’s changing — and for good reason. It’s the kind of place you drop into after a long afternoon of winter wanderings. Onion rings piled high and a hearty burger feel exactly right here, and a hot toddy — whiskey, lemon, honey — warms cold fingers before the food even arrives. A low-key den by reputation, this place has the vibe we suspect will be back on everyone’s radar real soon.
A Cozy Meal in Wakefield
Wakefield Inn Restaurant — Wakefield
Wakefield Inn isn’t fancy, but it’s exactly right for winter appetite. Think comfort classics with thoughtful execution: a robust pot roast, rich pasta with meat ragu, or a perfectly cooked haddock with winter veg. The dining room has that woodsy, settle-in energy you didn’t know you needed until you’re halfway through dinner, and suddenly planning your next visit. And, stop in early for a visit in the very cozy speakeasy bar.
Maple-Forward Sips & Seasonal Cheer
Sap House Meadery — Ossipee
Sap House Meadery feels like the liquid version of a warm blanket. Maple and spice show up in cocktails that seem custom-made for post-trail conversations — something like a maple old fashioned or spiced mulled mead. These drinks aren’t just sweet; they’re rooted in place, and paired with their cheese board, you’ll love the balance. Psst, did you know mead is gluten free? And, they’re doing a winter live music series you won’t want to miss.
Everything Feels Better After a Long Day
The Woodshed— Tuftonboro
In Tuftonboro, there’s a steady comfort to The Woodshed that you can’t rush. Think braised dishes and stick-to-your-ribs mains like pork osso buco or slow-roasted chicken, plus desserts that make staying longer a good idea. Throw your coat on a hook, order slowly, talk even more slowly — this place was built for winter evenings that linger.
These dishes and drinks aren’t just fuel—they’re part of the Lakes Region winter experience. They invite you to pause, to savor, to connect with friends and family, and to feel the comfort of being home, even if “home” is just for a moment after a day of adventure.
We’d love to hear from you: what are your favorite comfort foods and drinks for warming up after winter fun? Is there a hidden gem in the Lakes Region that keeps you coming back, season after season? Share your recommendations—we’re always looking for new ways to make winter even cozier.
❄️ Until next time — here’s to life between the lakes and the mountains.
