Vida Cantina

Welcome to **Vida Cantina**, where the vibrant spirit of Mexico meets the charming ambiance of Portsmouth, NH. Nestled at **2456 Lafayette Road**, Vida Cantina stands out as a celebrated Mexican eatery, renowned for its flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Call them at **+1 603-501-0648** to learn more about the magic that unfolds within their walls.

The heart of Vida Cantina is its menu, bursting with creativity and fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. From **bottomless chips and salsa** to the decadent **Guacamole**, life here starts with authentic Mexican flavors. Each dish is crafted with a nod to tradition while embracing a modern twist, making for a dining experience that is both nostalgic and refreshing.

  • Signature Snacks: Dive into the **Goat Cheese Fundido** or enjoy a hearty **Barbacoa Birria Quesadilla** paired with a flavorful consome. For a light option, the **Kale Salad** is dressed with a delightful sherry vinaigrette.
  • Farm Specials: For the ambitious foodies, the **Maine Meat Pig Head Platter** promises a communal feast that captures the essence of local flavors in a way you won’t forget.

Recent patrons have raved about the **fish tacos** and the inventive daily specials, like the **Cubano Torta** and delectable **Fried Fish Torta**. Diners have consistently praised their **margaritas** as some of the best in New Hampshire, adding zest to the overall dining experience.

The ambiance at Vida Cantina is equally noteworthy. With colorful, funky decor and a lively atmosphere, it's no surprise that the restaurant becomes a beloved spot for family dinners and date nights alike. The friendly wait staff adds to the warm vibe, ensuring every visit feels personalized and special.

As you step into Vida Cantina, there’s a sense of coming home. Every plate served is more than just food; it’s a celebration of culture, flavor, and community. Whether you're indulging in the crispy **Sweet Potato Fries**, munching on **Chicharrones**, or sampling from their **salsa flight**, every bite carries with it a story and a dedication to quality.

In conclusion, whether you’re a local or just passing through, Vida Cantina deserves a spot on your culinary checklist. With its inviting atmosphere, creative menu, and commitment to fresh, local ingredients, this café is more than a restaurant; it's a flavorful escape into the heart of Mexico. Join the celebration today!

Menu

Location

Address: 2456 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States
Phone: +1 603-501-0648

🕓 Work Hours
MON 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
TUE 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
WED 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
THU 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
FRI 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SUN 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Car Park
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Entrance
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Toilet
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Delivery
    No
  • Fast Service
    Yes
  • Great Beer Selection
    Yes
  • Serves Great Cocktails
    Yes
  • Good For Watching Sport
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Comfort Food
    Yes
  • Serves Food
    Yes
  • Serves Happy-hour Food
    Yes
  • Serves Healthy Options
    Yes
  • Serves Organic Dishes
    Yes
  • Quick Bite
    Yes
  • Serves Small Plates
    Yes
  • Serves Spirits
    Yes
  • Serves Vegan Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Vegetarian Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Wine
    Yes
  • Serves Brunch
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Catering
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Seating
    Yes
  • Bar On Site
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cosy
    Yes
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Transgender Safe Space
    Yes
  • Accepts Reservations
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • High Chairs Available
    Yes
  • Kids' Menu
    Yes
  • Free Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Paid Street Parking
    Yes
  • Plenty Of Parking
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed Outside
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Yerandy Minaya

    21 May 2025

    We made a quick stop at Vida Cantina in New Hampshire, and it turned out to be a delicious experience. I had the fish tacos, which were fantastic—the fish tasted incredibly fresh and flavorful.My husband tried the birria tacos, and while he noted they were different from what he expected, he found them to be very good as well.Overall, Vida Cantina provided a delightful meal that exceeded our expectations, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone looking for tasty and fresh Mexican cuisine.

  • Author: Lindsay Mead

    03 May 2025

    Seriously the dishes on their menu are a true culinary experience. We have tried an extensive amount of their menu from appetizers to tacos to daily specials to pizza and even including the pig head platter. Nothing at this restaurant has ever not blown us away. The drink menu is amazing in itself. We love this restaurant for a date night or a family dinner, we eat in or do take out. Their chips guacamole and salsa are a go to for football Sundays. The pizza they make is some of the best pizza portsmouth had to offer, don't wait just go now. Most recently I tried the new Cubano Torta and Fried Fish Torta on their menu. Unbelievable.

  • Author: Capital Car Audio

    24 April 2025

    My family and I visited this place after a morning/afternoon at the beach. Was recommended to come here by a Jon whom works in the kitchen because he is a mutual client of ours. He spoke so passionately about this place as an employee and we promised to visit next time we were in the area. So happy we did! Atmosphere is great and every single person we dealt with working there was amazing. Food was incredible and I found myself ordering another one of the tacos we originally ordered because it was so good. Salsa Fresca and chips are amazing and a nice change compared to most Mexican type restaurants. Whole family is looking forward to going again. Thanks John for the recommendation! -JIm-

  • Author: S E G

    05 April 2025

    Easily my favorite Mexican restaurant in NH- I've lived in San Antonio, TX for about a decade so I know what I'm talking about. The margaritas are fantastic, by far the best I've had in NH. While in many respects this is not "traditional" Mexican food, it captures some of the essentials of what makes Mexican food great. The corn tortillas are fresh and taste homemade, the salsa and other sauces are fresh and zesty. But instead of trying to exactly replicate interior Mexican food, the chef relies on local produce that can be found fresh in New England. The result is fantastic tacos, enchiladas, etc that are fresh and creative. This Mexican food here will tide me over until I return to San Antonio.