Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Salem

First of all I must compliment our server, Samantha L., she was delightful. She gave us the specials & also the history on the Harbor Burger. I must confess we are not big fans of seafood & since it was lunch time ordered the burgers—they were awesome along with the fries. We love looking out at the Lake Michigan.

Another incredible meal at Lake Park Bistro! I had the Hangar Steak and Frites for the first time and was so glad I ordered it. The steak was juicy and cooked perfectly (I ordered it Medium with some pink). I got the herb butter on the side and can honestly say I barely used it as the steak did not need anything additional. The frites were nice and crispy. I dipped the frites in a side of garlic aioli, highly recommend!! I enjoyed my meal with a smooth glass of Pinot Noir, which paired well with the steak. I had a window seat and enjoyed watching the snow fall outside. And I love sitting in this room and enjoying the mood- romantic dim lighting with lamps and candles. The service here is always top-notch. I never feel rushed and the servers are always very attentive and friendly. Shout out to Morgan for being so lovely!

Overall wonderful experience for a party of 11. Zarletti had a table set up for us in our own private-ish space in the back of the restaurant. We had our own server who was very good and stayed on top of all of our multiple requests. The food was OUTSTANDING. We ordered appetizers for the table, individual entrees with soup or salad, and desserts to share, plus drinks and wine. As a big group we ordered some of everything and it was all was great. The Ossobuco was to die for, the fish dishes, veal, and chicken were amazing, and the pasta was fresh and sooooo flavorful. Most plates at the table were eaten completely clean. Larger groups are required to sign a contract and spend a minimum amount per person ... and we, even in our total joy of eating, we did not meet the required minimum ... however, we were able to have the amount up to the contracted minimum not spent put on a gift certificate for future use. Don't worry about the contract. One small note, we ordered champagne to have with our appetizers and to make a celebratory toast. The champagne was uncorked and let sit AND the glasses used to serve it were large wine glasses. It had lost most of its bubbles very quickly with the uncorking early and pour into the large glasses ... it was still delicious but just not as festive and fun. Champagne should be served in a way that preserves its bubbles. We will return, in smaller groups.

Masons grill was a excellent restaurant. The steaks were great. And our server Thor was very professional.

We had a great meal at Avli! We got there earlier than our reservation, so we had a nice drink at the bar and then were seated promptly at our appointed time. We did a variety of hot and cold meze and made a meal out of that. Favorites included: dolmades, zucchini fritters, octopus and an amazing dish with cheese and peppered fig. Service was attentive without being intrusive. I had been to Avli previously but my 3 guests had not—everyone began to plan return visits.