Let me just say it: if you only have one night in Salem, make a reservation at Settler Salem Restaurant. It’s not just good — it’s one of the top three meals I’ve ever had in my life (and I eat for a living, so that’s saying something). Before or after your meal at Settler, check out my Salem Day Trip from Boston guide for more can’t-miss food and history spots nearby.
The Settler is tucked just far enough off Salem’s busy streets that it feels like you’ve discovered a secret. Make a reservation early — seriously, this place books up — and pick your vibe. The outdoor patio is small and ridiculously charming, with twinkly string lights that basically say, “yes, you are about to have a magical night.” Inside is romantic and moody in the best way, with warm lighting and tables that just beg you to linger over a long meal.
The staff sets the tone from the second you walk in. Our server treated us like old friends, happily walking us through every dish on the menu like we were about to embark on a culinary quest (which, spoiler alert, we were). Even the manager came over, chatted with us for a bit, and shared where they source their farm-fresh ingredients. You can just feel how much the whole team loves working here — and it makes the experience even better.
Our food adventure kicked off with the homemade sourdough bread and oil pairing, and honestly, the first bite was when I knew this night was going to be special.
We went for the Chef’s Meze — a curated selection of small bites that night featuring their crispy herb falafel with mint and harissa aioli, plus two chef-selected surprises. One was homemade chips with a spicy, creamy, crunchy dip that dreams are made of (you know the kind you’re sad to see end). We also added a cucumber pomegranate salad made with cucumbers from a farm just a few towns over — super fresh, bright, and exactly what you want to start a meal like this.
Next came the whipped ricotta with grilled sourdough and vegetable crudité. The chili honey drizzle on top gives it just the right amount of sweetness, and the fact that the carrot and cucumber bowl came out with ice so every bite was crisp and cold? That’s the kind of detail that makes my Type-A heart so happy.
Then came the star of the show: the sumac roasted carrots. I never thought I’d dedicate an entire paragraph to carrots, but here we are. These were crunchy from the hazelnuts, tangy from the pickled golden raisins, balanced with tzatziki, and slightly charred on the edges — they were basically vegetable perfection. If someone had told me I’d be planning my return trip for a plate of carrots, I’d have laughed. And yet.
For mains, I went for the Niman Ranch NY strip cooked medium, served with grilled eggplant, olive vinaigrette, and the silkiest soubise sauce. The steak practically melted in my mouth. Brad ordered the pasta special with fresh lobster and burst tomatoes and immediately started guarding his plate like it was a national treasure — which, to be fair, it kind of was.
We couldn’t leave without ordering the crispy potatoes. Perfectly golden, topped with lemon aioli and finely shredded pecorino Romano, they were the side dish of my dreams.
At this point, I was stuffed, but when the server asked if we wanted dessert, of course I said yes. (Dessert is not optional here.) Get the pistachio gelato. It’s creamy, nutty, and so good I actually slowed down just to make it last longer — which, if you know me, is saying a lot. If you want to level it up, get it as an affogato and pour the espresso over top. That hot-and-cold contrast? Magic. We also had the chocolate torte, which was rich, decadent, and the perfect “I definitely didn’t need this but I have zero regrets” finale.
Settler is that rare unicorn of a restaurant that feels both special and approachable. The menu is elevated but not intimidating, the staff clearly loves what they do, and every plate that comes out feels like it’s been crafted just for you.
It’s the kind of place where you find yourself looking around the room halfway through your meal thinking, “Yep, everyone here is having the best night too.”
Everything about The Settler is dialed in — the food, the atmosphere, the service. Every dish is layered with flavor in a way that surprises you with every bite, and the whole experience feels like a special occasion even if you’re just there on a random Thursday night.
So yes, I’m putting this in writing: Settler isn’t just one of Salem’s best restaurants — it’s one of the best I’ve ever been to, anywhere. Make the reservation, clear some space on your phone for food photos, and prepare to have your taste buds ruined for all other meals. If you’re planning to stay overnight, my Perfect 3-Day Boston and Salem Itinerary includes Settler plus other must-try stops.
Confession: my newsletter is where the good stuff lives. Not the polished, edited-for-the-grid stuff, the “here’s the hole-in-the-wall I almost skipped” stuff, the packing lists I actually use, the “don’t book this hotel” warnings before you waste your money on them.
The newsletter is basically me texting you before a trip instead of after one. Sign up and you’ll be the first to know where I’m headed next, plus a few things I’ll never post here.
Link in bio if you want in. ✈️
Yes, it’s only July. Start planning anyway. Fall books faster than people expect, and a few of these destinations are worth getting ahead of. Here are five places worth putting on your radar right now.
Ireland: Cooler temps, moody skies, dramatic coastline fall was made for it. Tourist crowds drop, the green stays, and the whole country feels a little more like itself.
Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC: Fall foliage in the Smokies is the real thing. The color peaks mid-October and the views from the ridgelines are hard to argue with. It’s also one of the most visited national parks in the country, so going on a weekday makes a real difference.
New York City: Fall is NYC at its best comfortable temps, the energy of the city shifting into a new season, and every neighborhood doing something worth showing up for. It’s also just a great walking city when it’s not brutally hot.
Japan: Fall foliage season is as good as spring cherry blossoms and somehow less talked about. The colors are dramatic, the temples and gardens are stunning, and it’s worth planning around peak dates by region.
Mystic, Connecticut: Small, walkable, genuinely charming Mystic in fall feels like exactly what a New England autumn is supposed to look like. Easy to pair with a broader New England road trip if you want to extend it.
Full guides linked in bio 🍂
There are two kinds of travelers: people who plan a trip and then figure out where to eat, and people who book a restaurant and then build the rest of the itinerary around it.I am the second kind. I will not apologize for this.
The reservation gets locked in first. The hotel search happens within the same 24 hours. The flights get compared around the restaurant’s hours of operation. The rest of the trip exists to fill the days before and after the table I actually came for.
If this sounds unhinged, I completely understand. It has also resulted in some of the best meals of my life, so I’m going to keep doing it.
Drop a 🍽️ if you plan your trips around food too.
Let’s talk about when to actually book that Dubai trip you’ve been pinning for two years. I get asked this constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: October through April is your window. Anything outside that and you’re basically touring in a sauna!
October and November give you warm days and cooler nights, which is basically the sweet spot for wandering around without melting. December through February is peak season: gorgeous weather. March and April are the quiet insider pick, right before summer heat shows up and ruins everyone’s plans.
Saving this for later? That’s what it’s here for. Full breakdown linked in bio.
If you’re chasing energy, beaches, nightlife, and nonstop luxury, Dubai takes the crown. If you’re craving culture, iconic architecture, and meaningful landmarks at a slower pace, Abu Dhabi shines.🤍
My advice? Base yourself in Dubai and do Abu Dhabi as a day trip! The perfect balance of excitement and culture in the UAE.
Want the full breakdown? Check out my Dubai and Abu Dhabi guide for tips, itineraries, and must-sees!
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
