Amazing food and staff. Fresh ingredients. Pasta made in house. Drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts were delicious!

Great food, ambiance, and servers---but I'd advise you to pay with cash to avoid the Credit Card Processing fee of 3.5%. While I understand why they must add it, nothing on the menu or anywhere in the restaurant warns you about the fee. It's just a lovely surprise on the final bill. read more

First and foremost you will never experience this level of finesse, freshness and quality at this price point EVER. I mean really, I was foolishly expecting a more rustic meal but was blown away by the delicious subtly, the freshness of the ingredients and the knowledgable unpretentious service. If you think I'm bullshitting read my other reviews, I'm honest to a fault. Okay, we sat at the bar and the first engagement with our server/bartender was a question and recommendation. I prefer to start my meal with a white wine, most often a Sancerre. Since they don't carry a Sancerre or Sauvignon Blanc our server/bartender suggested a Friulano - Friuli Colli Orientali, which was perfect, complex but not pretentious, a perfect paring with my first course. I enjoyed this lovely and perfectly balanced starter of flavorful fresh pea shoots against the char of artichoke and Umbrian chick peas (they are smaller than what your used to and packed with flavor.) If it weren't gosh, I would have used a spoon to get all of those flavors in my mouth at the same time. My forever partner order the bruschetta made up of grilled bread, fresh burrata and prosciutto. On their own all of these components were delicious, however I found the saltness and the char overpowering the burrata and prosciutto. I'm being very very particular on this point only because I grew up eating this stuff. So its more of a personal preference than a critique. Let's move onto the entrees which arrived at the perfect time as a result of the impeccable service - bravo girlfriend, you killed it. Forever partner had a deliciously delicate halibut filet partnered with fiddleheads, coin pasta and a deliciously balanced lemon sauce. I went out of my comfort zone of ordering anything and everything with red sauce and order this wonderful melee of lobster, asparagus, violin spaghetti and goat cheese that remained memorable with every bite. We kept switching plates because we couldn't get enough of the wonderful and perfect blends of taste profiles. You can do this unabashedly after 29 years of marriage. Anyway, what more can I say other then the flavors were superb and the service was excellent. I don't care how in advance you have to make a reservation - DO IT!!!! read more

Amazing!! Looking forward to going back for more. Drinks and food and service and location is excellent

I have not had Italian food this good since I lived in New York City. Take my advice - run, don't walk, to bask in glory that is Cornicello in Exeter, NH. From the first sip of my cocktail (a sublime concoction called "By the Riviera") to the Pistachio Olive Oil Cake for dessert it was one treat after another. We enjoyed the Classic bruschetta as an appetizer - fresh tomato and basil with just the perfect amount of garlic. For an entree I had the CARBONARA con CAPASANTE, the scallops were cooked to perfection and the drizzle of carbonara sauce and fresh pasta were a perfect combination. My companion had the CALAMARI RIPIENI which was perhaps one of the most amazing dishes I have ever tasted. The calamari was tender and the sausage stuffing was outstanding. I suspect Cornicello is destined to be one of the best restaurants on the Seacoast - I only hope I will be able to get a table once the word gets out. read more

Unique food, warm friendly service and community atmosphere Lovely addition to food scene in our small community read more

A must visit if you are going to Exeter NH. You need to make a reservation as this restaurant is booked. This is a small restaurant similar to one in Italy or one in the the North End of Boston which is our favorite location for Italian food. Staff was so accommodating and the ambiance on the river was divine. A bucket list choice if you live here or visit the Seacoast of NH! read more

This new Italian restaurant in the heart of Exeter NH is phenomenal in all aspects. Food is awesome, local, and authentic. Service is attentive and fun. View of the river is beautiful. Nice selection of cocktails and wines. Already looking forward to hoing back again. read more

Cozy, warm and inviting. The pasta dishes were amazing. My wife had the mushroom raviolis (small handmade and packed with yummy mushrooms) which were out of this world. Daughter's boyfriend said his swordfish was the best meal he'd ever had. The spinach linguine is had with my shrimp scampi was amazing - it was green and had the best bite to it. Daughter's bolognaise had a great smoky flavor. The waitress and hostess (loved how she chipped in and helped) were great - friendly and helpful without interrupting. A+. Can't wait to go back. read more

Meal was fantastic and service was spectacular as always. The location cannot be beat right on the river. read more

See all

Food was good but the our dish was supposed to have medallions of swordfish with our pasta. Could not identify the swordfish it was so small. Good flavor but over priced for $30. Waitress Lisa was excellent. Probably will return, but will scrutinize the entrees to ensure we get better value for our dollars. read more

Exceptional meal, dined with another couple and all 4 of us had differ entrees, each one was superb as well as the 3 appetizers. Selection of wines represented a good variety and very authentic Italian mix. Will hope for their continued success as this is a boutique establishment with evidence in their craft. Great location and view from dining room. read more

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. The menu changes often, if not daily. I will return.

This is hands down our favorite restaurant. Whenever we go out this is always our first pick, if we can get in! We started coming here in 2020 when they opened and immediately knew it was something special. The attention to detail, love and artistry put into every single dish is why we love Cornicellos so much. They source all the ingredients locally so the menu changes with what is available, which we love and appreciate for many reasons(natural diet to what is in season locally, local farm and small business support,etc.). All the dishes are made from scratch to order and homemade pasta is hand made, you can even catch the owner Tim in the front window making it! If you are looking for a unique and truly authentic Italian experience Cornicellos is it!! read more

It is a cute and small restaurant and that creates a charming atmosphere right away. The staff was well informed and professional. Our server Lindsey was polite and friendly and knew the menu well. If that wasn't enough for a good review, then the food is. The meal was impeccable. It was delicious beyond reckoning. It is THE reason to come to Exeter to dine. I can't recommend Il Cornicello more highly. Five stars is a no-brainer. read more

Excellent dishes, loved everything! Great drinks, appetizers and pasta. Will be back. New England is littered with mediocre Italian food places. It's wonderful to have an an exceptional one in our area. read more

Excellent service, delicious food and lovely atmosphere. We really enjoy Cornicello- food is always fresh .

This place is simply incredible. The creativity and execution of the menu sets the bar for all other restaurants. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Great to see Exeter adding another high end restaurant. read more

See all

This is absolutely my kind of restaurant. It is small, and thus difficult to get a reservation within a few weeks' time. We were planning to visit the area from Texas and got a reservation at 4:30 one day, which was the only time available the dates we were planning to be in town. They graciously moved our reservation from one day to the day before, at the same time, that week when I called and left a request to do so. Our reserved seats were at the bar. Kendall, the bartender, was such a professional. She made a mocktail for my husband, something not many restaurants can do. She recommended menu items, was attentive and knowledgeable and was nice, too. The food was perfect. We even took two desserts back to our room because we knew we would want to eat later since our dinner was so early. Everything from the decor, the creative food, the service, all of the staff, were wonderful. Please go. You'll be glad you did. read more

Beyond! My husband is Belgian and he moved here from Europe last year where he managed a 2 star Michelin star restaurant. We have been searching high and low, between Massachusetts to California to Florida to Maui to finally have a top culinary experience. Or even a decent one, if I am to be quite honest. This place hit every single note SOLIDLY. The service, the drink, the ambiance, the attitude and the food all are TOP. We will easily take the 4 hour drive from the Berkshires to eat here. Yes. We would make a trip out of this. Finally. He found a place that hit all the notes. Only one other place in the US made his top list and that was in Sarasota. Thanks all of you. Thanks to the owner and chefs, the servers - we feel the LOVE. read more

Best restaurant in Exeter hands down. I've dined at Cornicello 3 times now and each time has been better than the last. From the decor to the impeccable service to the copious amounts of wine I have been nothing less than impressed. The real star of the show is the food at Cornicello, the menu is different every day and each meal seems to be more delicious than the last. If you are looking for a beautiful intimate dinner this is your spot. read more

I almost don't want to write a review... I'd like to keep this place a secret so I can continue to walk in twice a without a reservation. This is my favorite restaurant in the area. The staff couldn't be nicer, the food couldn't be better. I love that they switch up the menu and I can always try something new. They are flexible with dietary needs and made a custom dish to please my picky mother. The only area for improvement is that I wish they were open all week. Come here for dinner. read more

Wè have gone here three times in the last year ànd ìt is outstanding. Èxeter really needed a real Italian place to have fresh homemade pasta. The owner Tim loves what he does, and sometimes you can watch him make pasta from the front window. The atmosphere is also really great and has views of the water read more

Cute location along the river with a bar in the middle. Amazing food. Hard to get a reservation but worth it!

Quaint upscale Italian trattoria overlooking the river in downtown Exeter. Bright and cozy with ample window seating and a u-shaped bar, the vibe is relaxing. The food is excellent and the drinks are superb. Home made pasta dishes are my fav and the desserts are wildly delicious. A perfect spot for date night out. read more

Make a reservation several days in advance and prepare yourself for a culinary adventure of handmade delights in a beautiful, rustic and friendly atmosphere. My husband and I enjoyed sitting by the window, sipping wine and cocktails while watching the gulls, ducks, and herons fishing in the Exeter River just outside. We shared the olive tapenade and burrata bruschetta with a lovely salad before our main course. It was difficult to choose but we were both very happy with our selections. We could not resist trying the desserts: pistachio cake and chocolate mousse. They served enough cake to bring some home for the kiddos. Cornicello is a delightful excursion in downtown Exeter and I look forward to returning. read more

Cornicello - Italian Near Me - Exeter, New Hampshire

This restaurant is amazing! If you are looking for an authentic Italian meal you need to put this on the top of your list. A complete gem tucked away in small town New Hampshire. The menu is always rotating, which speaks to the use of fresh, local ingredients. Our family has also done takeout several times and the meals are still excellent. The pasta is handmade and hard to beat, highly recommend to anyone looking to find a new regular in their rotation, you won't be disappointed. read more

First time at il Cornicello and it was our anniversary dinner - VERY happy with everything about this restaurant. Reservation was made for the counter, we were seated on time and had a fabulous bartender/server who made our night special. We both ordered bruschetta: one with hummus the other had a sausage topping. Superbly crafted! For meals we had pork cacciatora and bolognese con fettucine. Stellar quality meals. Truly. The bolognese is not the typical red sauce but a traditional recipe (the menu notes this and lists the ingredients). This is fine adult dining in a semi-casual setting. HIGHLY recommend. read more

Absolutely great Italian food. First time I've had a meatball that I liked other than my own. Our server, Lisa, was great. Will definitely be back. Wish they had a bigger beer selection. I know IPA's are the thing now but a few more options of something lighter (wheat, lager) would be nice. read more

Twice frustrated by their reservation system. When you call for a reservation yet you are always rolled over to voicemail with instructions to make your reservation by leaving the details in a voicemail. Two other points: no one calls you back, and, it turns out when you show up at the time of your reservation you learn you do not have a reservation. What they fail to convey in the voicemail instructions is that your reservation is not real unless someone calls you back. But then no one calls you back. Go figure. read more

Terrific location which may require a short yet pleasant walk after you found your parking space. The main dining and bar area surrounded by windows for a great view of the Squamscott river and make for a special setting. It's not intimate or quiet, but it feels warm and special. Really good Italian wine selection and proper guidance from sommelier. The Chef and the menu can proudly claim authentic Italian heritage. The secret is fresh, local ingredients lovingly and respectfully handled and served. And do call it "broo-shay-ta" to annoy your wait person... ;-) And you can purchase some difficult-to-find items in the shop. Will happily drive an hour to return. read more

I went to dinner with two friends looking forward to a good Italian meal but was very disappointed. Two of us ordered a chicken dish that was dry and lacking anything but a dry, charred flavor. We were both bored with the lack of flavor and lack of much in the way of sides on the plate. The third woman in our group ordered a meal to go for her husband and after paying full price for a short rib dinner received two ribs with no sides. Our waitress was lovely but none of our group will return for an over priced unacceptable meal. I wish I could have given a better review but that wasn't my experience. I hope Cornicellos management takes these reviews as a means for improvement. read more

What a fantastic meal!! We drove an hour to give Cornicello a try and it was SO, SO worth it!! The menu changes a lot so you know you're getting great, fresh ingredients and ideas. The appearance of the restaurant is super inviting, the staff was very attentive and Chef/Owner Tim and his kitchen team knocked it out of the park!! Everything from the house wine to the mains to dessert was fantastic!!! Give Cornicello in Exeter a try-you'll be damn glad you did!! read more

By far, the best authentic Italian food you will find for miles. Run, do not walk or saunter to get a table. This is a cozy, charming place in the heart of downtown Exeter. Right by the flowing waters of the River. Definitely a favorite spot for diners young and old. read more

We tried Cornicello's in Exeter tonight. Got a parking spot right in front. Had a 4:3O reservation, (First ones there) got a great window seat. Comfortable small cozy restaurant. Server was very attentive. We started out with a nice glass of Chianti. We had the tuna appetizer with chopped sweet cucumber and avacado. It was tasty but small amount of tuna for $14. Then onto the bruschetta, got 2 different. One was the classic with baby tomatoes Mozz cheese, dressing was to die for and nice balance of toasted bread and juicy tomatoes. 2nd bruschetta was mustarda with mustard apricot sauce and pistachio's. I could have made a meal out of these, so good. $14 each. Entrees was crusted halibut (very fresh tasting) with homemade medallion pasta and fiddleheads in a cream sauce, which was very good $33. Other entree was homemade tomato and regular spaghetti with chopped asparagus pieces and lobster in a cream sauce, which was very tasty but hardly any lobster and asparagus. $33 dessert was a lemon custard in a mini pie shell with strawberry rhubarb on top and a pizzelli. Not crazy about the lemon custard... seemed too loose and not lemony enough. $10. read more

Unbelievably delicious! One of the best meals I have ever eaten ( and I am old). The Ravioli stuffed with Bison was a real treat. The pistachio cake-out of this world. Would have licked the plate if I could. The service was wonderful. We arrived early for our reservation and we were treated to a glass of Prosecco on the house while we waited. Can't wait to return. Highly recommend. Anyone giving less than 5 stars must be nuts!! read more

The food is off-the-charts delicious, and the staff and atmosphere make for a truly memorable meal. Do not miss a chance to dine at Cornicello, it is first rate in every respect! read more

My wife and I just got takeout from Cornicello and it was amazing. Most authentic Italian I've ever had in NH, bar none. It does have unique hours, but it will be a regular part of the rotation now! read more