when the server asks "have you dined with us before" I feel the energy leave the room. if the answer is yes or no, either way it's off putting. There are better ways to welcome diners. read more

Settler was the only restaurant I had bookmarked in Yelp for Salem, and I have to say... my past self nailed it. From the moment we sat down on the patio on a warm summer afternoon, everything just clicked. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun to chat. The wine deserved its own shoutout. We all ordered the same glass, and after our first glass we opted for the bottle. We also ordered the octopus, potatoes, multi-herbed yogurt, pastas, and the fish special. Every plate was thoughtfully presented, the ingredients were incredibly fresh. Bonus points for having leftovers from the appetizers. Expect to spend around $75+ per person, but for the quality, experience, and execution, it was justified. Restaurants using local/seasonal ingredients will always be my favorite, and Settler is exactly the kind of place I'm excited to return to. Now I just need to a little self-control next time to save room for dessert. read more

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This might be my favorite meal of 2026 so far. The service, the ambiance and the food were all 10/10. I already can't wait to come back! Our server was Ross and he was so fun and memorable. His recs were spot on - starting with the wine. For our appetizers, we had the oysters and the whipped ricotta. They were incredible!! For our main, we had dry aged ribeye special for two. Oh my god - that was to die for! The side salad and potatoes were equally amazing. All in all, an excellent night. read more

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We stopped into Settler on a random Wednesday night. The restaurant is smaller and cozy with a beautifully intimate vibe without feeling like you're on top of each other. The service was incredibly friendly but there may have been some miscommunication because we got the opening welcome spiel from multiple servers - but that's okay! We got to hear multiple differing opinions on the menu. I ended up getting the oysters, chicken, and the potatoes, and honestly I'm conflicted. The oysters were great, well-dressed, clean, and delicious. The potatoes were absolutely fantastic. The chicken however... saying it was magical isn't exactly right but I have never had such a perfectly cooked chicken in my life. I did not know you could get such a crispy skin with such clear grill lines while keeping the white meat so utterly moist and delicious. I'm still not entirely convinced that witchcraft wasn't involved and given its Salem, have to assume that's what happened. Us normal people will never be able to make anything to that level of perfection. Definitely looking to go back. read more

Settler - Chicken dish, potatoes in the background. - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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The service at this place was top tier and we never felt like we were waiting. However reading the reviews I expected 10/10 food and it was very mediocre. We got the whipped ricotta which came with grilled bread that completely covers the flavor of the feta. I wish we got crackers with it because by the time the meals came we were getting full. We got the chicken and cavatelli. The chicken was delicious and such a large portion. The cavatelli was ok but not very flavorful. I expect more from the food when paying this price. read more

The food was fantastic and so was our server Ross. It's quaint and full of charm. A must stop for an elevated meal in Salem

Went to dinner with my husband after a fun touristy day in Salem. Very cozy upscale ambiance. Didn't have a reservation but I would recommend one as they only had 1 open table. The carrots were fantastic. Probably my favorite thing I ate although pricy. The chicken was also delicious. Juicy and the lollipop leg was crunchy to perfection. The ravioli was probably my least favorite. I ly was pretty Al dente and for the price 4 pieces felt small. It just didn't feel like a complete dish was missing something. Over all very good dinner. Great service waiters very attentive always filling the water glass although food took a bit to come out. read more

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Celebrated my partner and I's two year anniversary here and it was perfect for the occasion. The wait staff were amazing at their jobs and talked us through the entire menu. They made some accommodations for me since I'm vegetarian, which we really appreciated. The menu seems to change every month, but if they have the Meza you got to try it! I did take off a star since my gnocchi main wasn't too great. It was a bit of a let down after the amazing appetizers and freebies they gave us! The place is packed in. If you want a private setting, this may not be the place. You will be sitting real close to the other tables. But if your looking for a fancy dining experience with some great food, it's worth it. read more

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Found this neighborhood gem while visiting Salem. Small and intimate restaurant and got lucky with seats at the bar. Would definitely recommend making reservations as we saw people being turned away since there weren't any available seats. My friend and I ordered some small bites to share and it did not disappoint. Like wow, you can really taste the quality of the ingredients. Service was very friendly and attentive. Would go again! read more

Settler - Mezze platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Now this is what I call service, beyond satisfied with my experience here. Food was great, the environment was uplifting. Perfect evening.

I can see why it took us so long to get a reservation...this place is tiny (indoors they had like 8 tables and maybe 5 bar seats)! It was worth the wait! The service was amazing, multiple servers checking on us, refilling water from a cold carafe they put on each table, every staff member was attentive and knowledgeable. The food was also delicious. The specials were very creative. We ordered the corn arancini which were crispy and delicious and the lemon lobster pasta from the specials menu. We also got a very large salad that had pistachios and pomegranates in it. The sausage pasta was also delicious and both pasta dishes had homemade pasta. Their sourdough is fantastic and so was the special strawberry spuma dessert we got. The only bummer is the parking situation. We had an early table but still had to circle the area and finally lucked out with a meter about a block away. If they had valet parking, it would be heaven! read more

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Exceptional across the board. Cozy inside. Lovely outside. Exceptional food & staff that go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure both the service and the food is nothing but fantastic. The read more

On a business trip, I decided to stop by here because of the reviews and menu. My high expectations were exceeded. For starters, we got the whipped ricotta with carrot and pomegranate, as well as the oysters with pomegranate rosé mignonette and trout roe. Both were delicious, though the whipped ricotta was the standout for me. The flavors worked beautifully together, and the grilled sourdough was excellent and clearly fresh. My only critique is that it should have come with a bit more bread initially, but we asked for more and they kindly brought it out. For mains, I had the strip steak and my coworker had the chicken. The cook and seasoning on both were excellent. Honestly, I would not be surprised if sous vide was involved based on how spot-on everything was. The side of crispy potatoes with lemon aioli and pecorino romano was also fantastic. Overall, the presentation, balance of flavors, and execution of the food were all top tier. The service was also some of the best I have seen. The staff were incredibly attentive, and the wine they suggested paired excellently with the meal. The dessert menu was honestly very impressive. We got what was essentially an apricot tart with a pistachio crust and custard, and that may have been the biggest standout of the night for me. If I go back, I would absolutely save room to try more desserts. The ambience was intimate and cozy, making this a great date spot. It is a smaller space, which also seemed to help the staff stay very engaged and attentive with drink refills and checking in at the right times. Overall, I would highly recommend this place if you are in the area. The menu was thoughtfully designed, the food was excellent, and the service really stands out. read more

Went back in October for a birthday dinner. Incredible service and food - staff is super knowledgeable and friendly!! Dessert is a MUST have - the madeleines are out of this world! Perfect for a special occasion or celebration! read more

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Had an amazing splurge dinner tonight in Salem at Settler restaurant. The food was amazing, and the service was just as amazing. There was no fault with any moment of our experience! My daughter and I were sat outside in the beautiful Salem evening sunshine, and while we ate our fabulous dinner we got to watch the sun sink behind the buildings and trees of downtown at sunset. I wish I lived in Salem so I could come here again. Sadly we are just visiting from the west coast. Bravo Settler!!!! read more

Settler - Grilled sea bass collar - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Stumbled upon this place right before we left Salem. Best food we had in the Boston area during our trip. Service was fantastic. Best pasta I've ever had. Beats the pasta I had during a trip to Italy. Don't tell the Italians. I had the lobster pasta. Lobster was beautifully cooked and melts in your mouth. All the food was wonderful. 10/10. My only complaint would be the cocktail which was not balanced. Small place so I'm sure they get pretty packed and limited seating. Honestly felt pretty lucky we got a table. read more

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The best meal on the North Shore. We stumbled across this jewel. Make a reservation. Go with the specials. Everything is amazing. The wait staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the product. read more

Just wow. From start to finish this was an all-around excellent meal. We came for an early dinner and were seated immediately. Our server was kind and friendly and made an effort to get to know us, but never pressured us or hurried us along. He also walked us through the menu, providing explanations of dishes and combinations of dishes. We sat outside and had no issues with the sun. The inside was beautiful and sleek. We started with the whipped ricotta and sourdough bread. The whipped ricotta with chili honey was just sweet enough, the bread was grilled to perfection and they went together perfectly. I ordered the Cavatelli and it left me near speechless after the first bite. There was a beautiful combination of chopped pistachios, squash and butter/oils. It was just the right amount too. My SO ordered the swordfish dish and it was perfectly cooked and seasoned We finished with chocolate genoise topped with chocolate mousse with a small scoop of fresh mint ice cream. The mint ice cream was made with one of the employees home grown mint and it was some of the best mint ice cream I've ever had. The chocolate genoise was perfectly spongey and the mousse was light and melted in your mouth. All this was done efficiently and with kindness. There were multiple employees coming and going to check in on us and bring our food out expeditiously. Thank you to the team at Settler for making our experience one we will certainly remember! read more

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First time to Salem and decided to try Settler. I didn't make reservations and was lucky enough to score 2 seats at the bar. This place was busy! Staff were very friendly and greeted us with warm cider and good menu suggestions. We wanted something light so we decided to split the trio of house dips and Feta & Kale Bourek. We were so excited to try them I forgot to take pics... Both were delicious, easy to share, and surprisingly filling. I'll definitely come back on future trips to Salem. read more

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Settler is my favorite restaurant in Salem. I celebrated my birthday with them earlier this year and then recently returned. Everything was fantastic both times. Settler is tiny, so reservations are a must. When I reserved, I could not reserve online for one person, but hope that has been updated. Service is great--I think I had the same server during both visits. Settler has a warm, welcoming vibe. The cocktails are interesting and delicious, which I appreciate. So far, the Jalisco Peace Treaty has been my favorite one. I love that you are started with a palette cleanser. Their bread is amazingly addictive. We loved the cured flounder and I regret not getting a second order of that dish. On my first visit, my main was the casarecce with pork, cabbage, and fontina, which was perfect and it was hard not to order the updated version on my return visit. But I knew I wanted the ricotta capelletti, which was delicate and fitting for summer. Both visits ended with cookies, which was the perfect ending for two perfect meals. Settler is a must visit when in Salem or on the North Shore. read more

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We had an amazing experience at Settler. The staff are so knowledgeable and incredibly attentive. The food is also delicious! We got pasta, steak, meatballs, and sourdough bread which were all absolutely delicious. Would definitely go back! read more

Having been a regular at settler for the last three years with nothing but amazing experiences, last night was strange. Did not have a reservation so arrived 10 min early and sat next to a friendly couple also waiting for a bar seat. Then to my surprise another couple walked up and helped themselves right in with no regard to the line. With the understanding that this couple may not have seen the sitting line at the door, I would have expected the manager who greeted them and brought them straight to the bar to have told them there was a clearly visible line. Thankfully the rest of the wait staff was accommodating and I was able to be seated. Appetizers were lovely with a timely arrival, however the two entrees ordered took over 40 minutes to arrive and were merely subpar, not settler standards previously experienced. All in all, no reason to rush back. read more

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Celebrated my birthday here and everything was phenomenal! Every dish we kept saying - "holy wow this is so good". I definitely did not expect to find such amazing food in the middle of Salem. One of the best meals we've had, even compared to other fine dining restaurants (and not just in Mass but all over). We got the mezze for 2, I actually don't love falafel usually but these were soo delicious I'm dreaming of them and the carrot dip (can't remember the actual name) was INCREDIBLE! The sourdough they start you off with was delish. The oysters were soo good! We were already sold on getting them but our waiter, I believe it was Justin, sold us even more so we got a dozen. They seemed so fresh and even the shells looked different than most oysters. Gorgeous. We also got the ricotta dip and the octopus. Both were so yummy and the octopus was very tender - it's really easy to mess up octopus and they nailed it. For our mains, we got the steak and the squid ink crab pasta, which was on special. I'm not kidding when I say we are dreaming about these. The steak was so absolutely incredible. When I order a steak, this is what I want. It melted in your mouth and was a perfect MR. Better than any steak we've had at a steakhouse. It was seasoned well and the flavors in the dish were simple but insanely good. We savored every bite. The pasta was amazing as well, the crab in it tasted fresh, and the sauce was perfect. We got pistachio gelato affogato and the crème brûlée for dessert. Both were amazing. There was not one dish we wouldn't get again. It was a 10/10 meal. But wow, that steak really blew us away. It's good to note that they don't do cocktails anymore which was a surprise, but they have wine & beer. And some n/an options like sparkling lemonade or fever tree sodas. As far as service, it was amazing. Seems like one big family serving you. They've perfected the dance. Everyone was so nice, knowledgable, easy to talk to, and helpful. While I think you might have an original waiter, all of them come over to check on you and chat, to the point there was never a moment we needed anything - it was done before you would ever have to ask. It's a smaller restaurant so they can really take care of you. I highly recommend going here and have nothing but good things to say. We are based in Los Angeles or we would be here all the time. It is well worth the money. read more

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I really enjoyed Settler; the food was exemplary. The service was great as well. Outdoor dining is available on days with nice weather. read more

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This place was unbelievable! My husband and I came here and had a wonderful experience. We got there early to grab a drink at the bar and everyone who worked there was extremely accommodating. The bartender Ross was extremely friendly and kind. He made amazing cocktails, that were very well balanced. Everything we ate was delicious and we both said it was the best meal we had in years! The outdoor area is very pretty as well, where you are across from some beautiful architecture! Pricey but worth it to have an amazing meal! read more

Settler - Pork pasta dish that was incredible - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Amazing place and I can't wait to go back. Intimate, beautifully and thoughtfully decorated, carefully curated bar, creative and well plated dishes, and great service. Really a special experience! Did I mention delicious? Went there on April 26th after visiting the Peabody Essex museum. No resv, but read that they don't reserve seats at the bar. So we went right when they opened and sat at the bar which we often prefer. The place fills up quickly! Highly recommend--it is very rare that I give 5 stars! read more

The BEST restaurant in Salem. No notes! My husband made us a reservation for the week of Valentine's Day, and we had the best dinner EVER! Settler is such an amazing and cozy spot with a wonderful menu and vibe. Everything we ordered was incredibly good and presented in the most beautiful way. What makes them stand out the most is their out-of-this-world service. Their team goes above and beyond to ensure you have an outstanding experience. Our reservation was pretty late in the evening, so we ended up being the last people there before closing. In the kitchen, they were cleaning up and made a noise that my husband joked sounded like the dentist (it was not a big deal, and was purely a joke!). A member of their team came over and offered us coffee and said that he hoped it would make up for the dental work. I was absolutely floored by the way that they heard one little comment and took immediate action. You can't get this kind of service anywhere else. We are already planning our next dinner at Settler, and will have many more to come! Thanks for an amazing date night! read more

Very rarely do I rate any restaurant with five stars, but Settler earned them. While it does take some time to get reservations (due to the well deserved popularity), the wait is well worth it. From the attentiveness and knowledge of the service staff to the quality of the food, nothing could be better. The offerings from the bar are very interesting (given Settler's current license that prevents service pure spirits such as off the shelf vodka and dark liquors) with an amazing wine list. Our server did a great job describing the tastes of a variety of wines that were unknown to us at the table. You'll find a wonderfully creative menu, made with amazing ingredients, that will not disappoint. And the service is impeccably timed from beginning to end. Salem has many dining options, but Settler should be at the top of your list if you haven't been there. read more

In a town riddled with tourist shops and restaurants, it's nice to find a locally owned restaurant right off the main road of Salem. A very initiate restaurant that prides itself on local sourcing food. The restaurant experience was most enjoyable with great service from start to finish! And the welcoming surprise of their hot cider was a perfect touch.We started our meal with sourdough bread made from their very old starter and butter from Vermont. We then had the ricotta cheese that had essence of lemon with more yummy bread. Our next course consisted of beet salad: the salad was spot on. We also tried pate: this pate was made with pork not duck accompanied by pickles and mustards. For dinner we enjoyed raviolis and a pasta with boar. The raviolis were perfectly prepared. The pasta with the boar was ok, but not our favorite: the flavoring was not to our liking and a bit salty. The meat in the pasta was nice and tender. For dessert we finished with rhubarb gelato which was a perfect finish to our meal! All this accompanied by a perfect bottle of wine! As menus change, we look forward to our next experience! Don't forget to make reservation! read more

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We had a really nice experience at Settler! The ambiance was very nice and the service was very attentive. What we loved most was the focus on locally sourced ingredients. We started with the whipped ricotta and their clam special. The clams were in a really delicious broth with a great mix of herbs. Our meals were fantastic. The chicken had a yogurt and dill sauce that balanced the chicken well. We also shared a side of crispy potatoes that was great. read more

Settler - Roasted La Belle Chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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Located right by Essex street, Settler is a fantastic place to enjoy fine dining. The atmosphere is quiet and romantic, making it easy to have a conversation. The service was in point, the staff came by and made sure we had everything we need without having to ask. The food was so delicious and present beautifully. Would definitely come back here! read more

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I never would have thought they would have such a great fine dining, pre fixe menu experience in Salem, but they do! Just make sure you make a reservation well in advance for this place! We sat at the bar and it was nice being able to sit at the bar and still have the same dining experience. We walked in from the cold and were greeted with a warm cup of cider. All of the food from the prefix menu was amazing! My pasta and clams dish really stood out. I also definitely appreciated the recommendations provided by our waiter/bartender. read more

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A lovely gem in Salem! This fine dining establishment is quaint and cozy with fantastic service and somewhat of an open kitchen. We had the pre fixed menu for October and be to quite honest - I expected more. One would think with a pre fixed menu, each item should be spectacular purely based on the regularity of cooking. However, that wasn't entirely the case. Our mezze was absolutely fantastic and we were so excited for the remaining dishes. But- alas, the flavors did not compare. We still thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend - perhaps next time it will hit the mark. read more

The food here is always impeccable. Have had several different dishes and have had the different iterations of the menu (from pre fixe to mezze. Even things I normally wouldn't order, like a pork or shrimp dish, have all been delicious. They've changed the whipped ricotta style, and while the current one is good as always, I did absolutely love the previous style with honey. I always ask for extra toasted sourdough bread, and they never disappoint. The kind of local place that remembers your name and preferences. The staff is all kind and remembers faces, too. It is my go to for any occasion and rivals any Boston restaurant for quality. read more

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The cook actually presented to us the dishes and described everything inside of it!! And constantly poured us drinks. There was a candle in the middle of the table which made the place seem so rich and warm. Don't even get me started on the food... it was delicious. The meze is def a most read more

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Everything is amazing here from the staff the food and the ambience. Highly recommended for a incredible dinner

Phenomenal flavors and service. Everything is fresh. The servers are knowledgeable and work as a team to make your dining experience the best it can be. Recommend asking for the lemonade that they give you mixed with vodka for your cocktail. Nice beer selection of some local staples. The swordfish and oysters were perfectly done, as was the gnocchi. We sat outside and the patio was wonderful. Only downside was the miserable, pretentious family next to us who complained about everyone they've ever met in their entire lives. Great place! read more

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Great food and service! This was the best service in town and we ate at over 8 restaurants in the past few days. Each and every dish we had was delicious. Appetizer- We had a lamb meatball dish that was off menu and a shrimp dish. Very tasty. Dinner- We had the pumpkin ricotta agnolotti and the harrisa chicken. We would return for both of these. Each agnolotti pasta was filled like a fat pillow and the chicken was so flavorful. Wine- I had a red wine recommended by our server and it was amazing. Ambiance- It's clean and simple decor highlight the focus on the high quality of the food. read more

Settler - Harrisa chicken - Mediterranean Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

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We were in the area, and got a walk in table. Not having heard of this restaurant before, we weren't sure how good it would be. But we didn't need to worry. The service was amazing, and the food stood up to the fanciest tasting menus we've had. The manager that night was so thoughtful and made us feel so welcome for my birthday dinner! We don't live in the area, but we will be back for Settler for sure! read more

The food was good-- very seasonal and interesting. Larger portions than originally let on! I did feel a bit rushed though, the energy was that of the actual kitchen staff very snappy and efficient. That's not typically my speed when dining out, personally. The layout was also a bit tight but that made it cozy. We also ate at the bar due to not having a reservation and were treated just as though we had a reservation and a proper table. All-in-all it was a nice experience, just not the energy that would cater to just anyone looking for a luxurious dinner out read more