Private Dining & Private Events in Portsmouth, NH

Nichinan offers Japanese private dining and private events in downtown Portsmouth, NH. Located inside Hotel Thaxter, our intimate Parlor Room and full restaurant buyout options are ideal for corporate dinners, business presentations, rehearsal dinners, welcome events and milestone celebrations.

Our team will work with you to create a customized menu, with optional sake pairings and signature cocktails to complete the experience.

Small intimate private dining space at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH, with a table set with plates, bowls, glasses, and chopsticks, dim lighting, large windows, and black leather seating.

Parlor Room

Our Parlor Room offers an intimate setting for business dinners, presentations, rehearsal dinners and family celebrations.

  • Seated Dinner Capacity: Up to 16 guests (banquet-style table)

  • Cocktail Reception Capacity: Up to 25 guests (tray-passed hors d’oeuvres or minimal tables with banquet setup)

  • Food & Beverage Minimum: $2,000

Planning a business dinner or presentation? Tell us about your privacy, seating and presentation needs when submitting your inquiry. Our events team will help determine whether the Parlor Room is the right fit.

Interior of Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH, featuring dark walls, marble-topped tables with plates and glasses, upholstered chairs, large windows with orange curtains, warm lighting, and a traditional Japanese mural.

Full Restaurant Buy-Out

  • A full restaurant buyout gives your group exclusive access to Nichinan’s dining room, bar and staff, with the option to incorporate the Parlor Room into your event.

    • Seated Dinner Capacity: Up to 49 guests

    • Food and beverage minimum: $5,000 on weekdays or $10,000 on weekends

    • Customizable floor plans

    • Parlor Room may be incorporated into the event

    Full buyouts are ideal for larger corporate events, cocktail receptions, weddings and milestone celebrations.

    Not sure which space is right for your group? Share your estimated guest count and event format with our team, and we’ll help you select the best option.

Corporate Dinners &
Business Events

Nichinan offers a polished setting for client dinners, executive gatherings, pharmaceutical events and other private business occasions.

Our team can help you plan the room layout, menu and event flow around your group’s needs. If your event includes a presentation, privacy requirements or specific billing guidelines, please include those details in your inquiry so we can confirm what is available.

Rehearsal Dinners, Welcome Events & Celebrations

Gather with family and friends over contemporary Japanese dishes in an intimate downtown Portsmouth setting. Nichinan hosts rehearsal dinners, wedding welcome events, birthdays, retirement celebrations and other special occasions.

Choose the Parlor Room for a smaller seated dinner or cocktail reception. For larger groups and events requiring a different layout, a full restaurant buyout may be available.

Decorative table setting at Nichinan Japanese restaurant in Portsmouth NH, featuring white flowers in glass vases, a pink ceramic bowl, white plate, clear glass, black napkin, and pink table runner on a black table.

Menus & Enhancements

Every event is different. Our team will work with you to create a dining experience that fits your group, event format and preferences.

  • Meet with our chef to discuss menu preferences and per-person pricing

  • Off-menu options available with final menu approval

  • Optional sake pairings or guided sake tastings

  • Signature cocktails available to personalize your celebration

  • Dietary needs reviewed with our culinary team

Check Availability →

Planning Something Larger?

For larger events, Nichinan is available as a catering option at The 801, JGroup’s dedicated event venue in Portsmouth’s West End. The 801 accommodates up to 90 guests seated or 150 cocktail-style, with flexible layouts, a full bar, AV capabilities and onsite parking.

The 801’s event coordinator will help you plan the space, event flow, bar service and a contemporary Japanese menu catered by Nichinan.

Inquiry Form

We’d love to help make your event unforgettable. Please fill out the form below or reach out directly to our events team. Once we have your details, we’ll follow up with availability, pricing, and a personalized proposal.

Private Dining Frequently Asked Questions