With real estate prices in Portsmouth’s “urban core” continuing to rise, the West End has seen a large amount of development in a short period of time. The growth has been so explosive, it almost seems like the Islington Street Corridor project is happening a few years too late.

The neighborhood’s restaurant scene has seen a similar upgrade and expansion that started when Nikki’s Banh Mi joined Darleen’s Subs & Pizza in 2015. (Side note: If you want an authentic Vietnamese treat, head to Nikki’s at 697 Islington St. The aforementioned Islington Street Corridor Project with its relentless road closures has really cut into their business).