Igloo Dining at 3 New England Restaurants

Winter dining inside a transparent dome while overlooking city rooftops is nothing new in Boston, where five different restaurants offer this novel option. But the trend recently spread to the seacoast of Maine and New Hampshire, so food lovers north of Boston don’t need to travel to the city for this winter al fresco experience.

© Courtesy of Colwen Hotels

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine, are well-known to food lovers, and these igloos add a new dimension to fine dining for couples and small groups of friends or family. The heated igloos seat up to six people who can enjoy harbor and skyline views over seasonal cocktails and dinner. Blankets for added warmth and Bluetooth speakers for music create a cozy dining nest, whatever the outside weather.

In Portsmouth, Rooftop at the Envio is a chic restaurant and bar above AC Hotel Portsmouth, an upscale downtown hotel. From its Fire & Ice-themed igloos, the view sweeps across the tidal river as it flows into the harbor. The menu reflects the seaside location with fresh takes on lobster favorites and a menu based on locally sourced ingredients.

© Courtesy of Colwen Hotels

In Portland, Fire & Ice Igloos at Harbor Bistro + Terrace overlook the Old Port District and harbor from a terrace off the main dining room. The menu is devoted to the bounty of Maine waters and farms and is based on fresh and sustainable local New England products. Outside, a fire blazes in the terrace firepit, and inside the igloo it’s warm even on the coldest winter nights.

Elsewhere in Portland, Ski Lodge Igloos at ALTO Terrace Bar + Kitchen are on the fourth-floor terrace of Cambria Hotel. The décor and lighting are reminiscent of a ski lodge, so you can enjoy an apres-ski experience without spending the day on the slopes.