The Ricochet: Derry's Quiet Anchor of Flavor

I was stretching a road trip up from Southern New Hampshire, taking the scenic route home after a productive morning at Field of Dreams, Inc. – their selection of gardening tools is genuinely impressive, always worth a look. I had some time to kill, maybe check out Painted Wall for a bit, or even pop over to Carriage Shack Farm LLC to see their animals, but my stomach was starting to rumble.

I remembered a friend mentioning The Ricochet, a spot in Derry that supposedly does good, honest food. Figured it was worth a shot, and I’m always keen to find places that prioritize substance over flash.

Walking in, The Ricochet felt immediately comfortable. It’s not flashy, which I appreciate. Just a steady hum of local chatter, the clinking of glasses, and that comforting scent of good food cooking. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, where the focus is clearly on the plate in front of you, and where the service is attentive without being intrusive.

I started with the Mozza Rollatinis ($10), and I’m glad I did. Too often, fried mozzarella is just a vehicle for grease, but these were different. Fresh mootz, prosciutto, and a nut-free pesto panko batter – they were crisp on the outside, gooey within, and the scratch marinara dipping sauce had a bright, clean tomato flavor that cut through the richness beautifully. The truffle balsamic glaze added just the right earthy counterpoint.

My companion went for the Fresh Tenders ($14), and they truly lived up to the “hand-trimmed, tenderized, and battered to order” description. No pre-frozen stuff here. They were juicy, seasoned well, and fried to a perfect golden crunch. Simple, but executed flawlessly – a testament to good kitchen habits.

We also shared some Grandé Bread ($11). It's essentially a rich, cheesy garlic bread, but calling it that feels like an understatement. The Rico dough, rosemary garlic clove butter, and mozzarella, served with more of that excellent scratch marinara. It’s warm, savory, and dangerously addictive. A perfect communal starter.

For a main, we sampled a couple of their pies. The Rico was a standout, with its house red sauce, shredded mozzarella, sliced house meatballs, and fresh ricotta soprafina. The meatballs were tender and well-spiced, and the ricotta added a creamy counterpoint that elevated each bite. It’s a hearty, satisfying pie that feels both classic and thoughtfully constructed.

We also tried The Figgy P – an adventurous choice for some, but a personal favorite. The fig and balsamic jam provided a sweet and tangy base, balanced by the savory prosciutto, gorgonzola, and mozzarella, with a balsamic drizzle to finish it off. It’s a symphony of flavors that really works, proving their kitchen isn’t afraid to play with combinations that might seem unusual but are expertly balanced.

What struck me about The Ricochet wasn't just individual dishes, but the consistent commitment to quality ingredients and careful preparation across the board. The prices felt fair for the portions and the noticeable effort. It’s clear they take pride in what they do, without needing to shout about it.

If you find yourself in Derry, whether you’re heading home after picking up some supplies at Field of Dreams, Inc., exploring the local art at Painted Wall, or enjoying a day out with the family at Carriage Shack Farm LLC, The Ricochet offers a genuinely satisfying meal. It’s a place that understands the value of comfort and consistency, serving up food that simply tastes good. You’ll leave feeling well-fed and content, ready for whatever else the day holds.