New Mediterranean Spot Topolino Opens on Dover, New Hampshire, Waterfront

There’s something happening on the Dover waterfront right now… and it feels like the start of something big.

I got a chance to check out the soft opening of Topolino this weekend, and I’ll just say it like this, if you’re looking for your next go-to spot, this might be it.

It opens on March 31, 2026.

The vibe hits you right away. Bright, open, welcoming… one of those places where you can see yourself grabbing a casual lunch, date night, or just sitting at the bar with a drink. Speaking of that, I started with an Old Fashioned, and yeah… we were off to a strong start.

Then the food started coming.

I went with baguette and cultured butter, and a Caprese salad, simple, clean, and ridiculously fresh. Tomato, mozzarella, basil… exactly what you want it to be, nothing overcomplicated.

But the moment?

Maine diver scallops.

Two scallops, grilled right in the shell with olive oil, herbs, and breadcrumbs… and they were so good I immediately ordered another round. No hesitation.

Topolino leans into Mediterranean inspiration, but it’s also deeply rooted in New England, with ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen.

Chef Evan Hennessey, the force behind Topolino, is a Dover native and one of the most respected chefs in the region. He’s a three-time winner on Chopped and a James Beard Award semifinalist, known for pushing culinary boundaries while staying connected to his community.

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He’s already made waves with his restaurant Stages, which has earned national recognition, and now he’s bringing something totally different to the waterfront, a more casual, Mediterranean-inspired concept designed to bring people together.

Topolino (which means “little mouse”) is built to be a community-focused, all-day restaurant, a place where families, couples, and friends can just hang out and enjoy really good food without it feeling overly formal.

Dover’s waterfront has been building toward something… and this feels like a big piece of it coming to life. You'll find Topolino at 9 River Street in Dover.

If this soft opening was any indication, getting a table here soon might not be easy.

And yeah… those scallops?

I’m still thinking about them.