Let me just say it: if you only have one night in Salem, make a reservation at Settler. 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).

Walking In

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.

What to Order

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.

Dessert

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.

The Vibe

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.”

Pro Tips

• Reserve early. This place books fast.
• Come hungry. You’ll want to order several small plates, a main, a side, and dessert.
• Bring friends. Sharing plates means you can try more — and you’re going to want to.

Final Thoughts

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.