One of Portsmouth’s best eateries, Jay’s is a hopping destination, and it’s especially good for those travelers who want to eat seafood that has not been cooked in a deep-fryer. A sleek and spare dining room is dotted with splashes of color, with an open kitchen and polished-steel bar; locals seem to have fun eating here, and the place attracts a younger, hipper clientele than most other spots in town. The catch of the day is posted on blackboards; you pick your fish, then pair it with a sauce such as spicy orange-sesame glaze, lobster velouté, citrusy mustard sauce, or simple olive oil and herbs. Pasta dishes are also an option—you can add scallops, mussels, or even chicken.