It's hard to choose the most beautiful restaurant in New Hampshire - there are plenty of gorgeous, upscale options to choose from. Our pick might be a bit of a wild card – we didn't choose it for a swanky interior or fancy linens – in fact, this place is quite casual. Instead, we focused on the incredible estate in which it's housed, and the absolutely marvelous views you'll enjoy while eating here.

Castle in the Clouds, or the Lucknow Estate, is famed across New England for its gorgeous 16 room mansion perched on a 5,500 acre estate overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. It's less known, however, for the charming restaurant onsite that boasts the best views in the state.

The Carriage House restaurant is, as the name suggests, nestled in the estate's old carriage house. Typically a seasonal venue, it's open this winter for the first time for lunch on weekends.

You'll love dining in what were the old stalls - you'll see memorabilia and tack all around you.

Best of all, there's a roaring fire to keep you warm on these cold winter days.

Come back in the spring and summer to dine on the terrace outside the carriage house, which has the most magnificent views you could imagine.

The food is simple, and good, with a a menu focused on seasonal favorites with modern twists.

There's something for everyone on the menu, and surprisingly enough, dining with these views won't break the bank!

Of course, you can't visit Castle in the Clouds without touring the estate - nor would you want to. This mansion is absolutely spectacular.

You can find Castle in the Clouds and the Carriage House Restaurant at Route 171, 455 Old Mountain Road in Moltonborough. From December 29 – March 25 they're open 11:30–3 for lunch, while in season they're open daily. Check out their website for more details.

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