Settler

Ross was an amazing server. Honestly all the staff was very service oriented. I love the hot cider service, that's a nice touch. I had the grilled octopus, beef duo, chocolate cheesecake and a shot of espresso. Everything was very amazing. The Octopus was slightly over seasoned but cooked to perfection, the beef duo was a rare treat as it came with a strip and short rip on polenta. I WILL BE BACK. Me ordering the cheesecake was overkill as I was full. I also need to acknowledge the 50 year sourdough bread 🤌

A true Hidden Gen in Salem! We had such a great time at Settler. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed — the host even opened the door for us with a smile and walked us straight to our table. Our server was super friendly and explained the menu in detail, which we really appreciated. We started with three small plates: the Meze (falafel, hummus with pomegranate, and a cucumber-orange salad) was super fresh and flavorful. The local mushrooms with a soft egg in the center were my wife’s favorite — rich, earthy, and perfectly cooked. And the charred Spanish octopus was tender and full of flavor, paired nicely with gigante beans and preserved lemon. Our main dish was a special handmade pasta (not on the menu) with fennel, crispy jamón serrano, and Parmesan — so delicious and well balanced. We also had a side of charred brassicas with an amazing dressing — perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. Dessert was next level: handmade baklava with hazelnuts and tajín ice cream — such a unique combo and really tasty. This place is a hidden gem in Salem. You can tell the food is made with care and attention to detail. We’ll definitely be back!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Settler, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The Mediterranean food was incredible, bursting with bold flavors that truly reflected the season. The Yellowfin Tuna was cooked to perfection, and the Mazz platter was a delightful assortment of tastes and textures that left me wanting more. The service was impeccable, making the evening even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this gem for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience!

We just had an incredible dinner at Settler- the service was impeccable, with fresh plates and silverware after each course which were all timed perfectly. They change their menu frequently based on what’s fresh at the moment and that definitely cokes through in the food. We started with a salad and whipped ricotta, then had a pasta course with handmade gluten free pasta - the best I’ve ever had! I had the tuna with chickpeas, and my partner had the chicken which was incredibly juicy and flavorful. You can tell everyone working here is incredibly passionate about what they do - even though we were the last seating, our dinner did not feel rushed at all and we felt so welcomed. The ambiance is quaint, simple, and tasteful as well. We will definitely be back!

It's a great restaurant, albeit a bit overrated for how expensive it is. Everything is fresh and high quality but I found the recipes a little less exciting than they sounded. We had a great time anyhow. Also the chocolate tort was an unbelievable treat. Great spot.

We ate here on consecutive nights. The staff were very friendly and professional. We enjoyed the hot apple cider, foraged mushrooms, basque cheesecake, pumpkin cappelletti, Nova Scotia halibut, Hudson Valley chicken, and casarecce.

After scouring Boston’s restaurant scene for a special bday dinner for a friend, I settled on Settler. What really sold me was its reputation for a house made sourdough baked from a 50+ year old starter gifted to them by the star studded Michelin legend Daniel Boulud who the owner worked for years ago. I bake as well, so was especially curious to see what the hype was all about. The bread was strong on the sour (a bold move given that flavor is not appreciated by everyone), with a spongy dense crumb and toothsome blond crust. We enjoyed it enough to order at least three plate refills of additional slices. As for the food, it had some high’s and low’s which averaged each other out. The standout was the whipped ricotta with butternut squash Muhammara served with spicy lavash. The disappointment was the nova scotia halibut which was bone dry from overcooking—a mistake they made three times on each of the three plates that were ordered! Shocking for a restaurant of this caliber, and price point. Dessert was underwhelming (and at additional cost to the pre-fix $75 menu): an uninspired frangipan tart with ginger ice cream that was more crunchy than smooth from ice particles left by freezer burn. Then there was this aesthetic disgrace: After rejecting my request to bring a bday cake they assured me they would send a candle with dessert. So I expected what we ordered (or a bonus dessert or scoop of ice cream as restaurant overachievers will do) to have a candle plunged inside it. Instead, they put a lonesome candle in a little cup containing nothing at all. A sad looking celebratory dish! Aside from those missteps, the rest of the dishes did not disappoint, like the crispy falafels, Calabrian chili clams, and quinoa. But in the end when the oversized bill arrived its magnitude seemed to far exceed the mixed impression.

Some of the best oysters I've ever had (could use a lil dash of heat to br perfect). The pate was incredible, as were all appetizers. By FAR the best falafel I've ever tasted (I was vegan once, I've eaten lots of falafels!)

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.

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.

To say we love this place is an understatement - we roll in here a few times a month and grab a spot at the bar typically right at 5pm or any time on a Tuesday evening. Space is cozy and stylish. This experience never disappoints - the food, the wine, the folks are all amazing! The Settler team is cool, authentic and super knowledgeable - whether describing a dish, recommending a wine, or just catching up with the locals - they do it with class. Occasionally, they the special chicken sandwich at the bar - yum! Seafood is always a winner - love the oysters. Great funky wine collection (always willing to offer recommendations) and a killer espresso Martini! We love this place and this team!

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.

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!!!!

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.

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.

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.

This place was unreal. Very cozy, kind staff, and no misses on the menu. Everything was fabulous, with a great wine selection. Highly recommend!

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

the appetizers truly brought their game. It's a little bit rushed but overall nice detail to the dishes

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

Just amazing. One of my top 10 eating experiences of my life. Fabulous, wonderful, kind staff. The food was stellar. We got the whipped ricotta which I kinda wanted to bath in it was so magical, pasta, chicken and salad. Everything was plated wonderfully with the such taste. Get reservations on Resy, the place is meant to be intimate and a lovely friendly environment. Like eating at your super friendly bestie's place who is also a Michelin Star chef.

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.

We went here a year ago and loved the food and service. We have a gluten allergy and they were very accommodating. We went tonight and they said they don't do any accommodations at all. They also removed the cocktail menu and only serve wine now. On top of that the waiter tipped himself 20% (on top of the 3% charge) without allowing us to select the tip. He apologized saying it was a mistake but also didn't offer to correct it. It was a disappointing experience. We paid $100 for 2 chicken dishes (one of which was missing half the dish because they wouldn't substitute a gluten free item) and some potatoes. No alcohol, drinks, or apps. I would not go back and I don't recommend for anyone with an allergy.

The food was good but kind of over hyped in our opinion. Was very expensive for just mediocre fine dining food. We got sat outside which was an awful ambiance. There's a massive street or building light blaring in your eyes for the majority of tables outside. Fine to have the experience once but wouldn't go back. Compared to other nearby restaurants, Ledger was all around better.

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!

Ok, this is my favorite restaurant on the North Shore. Food is spectacular and the service is even better if that's possible. They are very attentive and friendly. Everything I had was outstanding. Hmm...maybe I should change my review and keep the secret...

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.

My boyfriend and I tried this on our last day of vacation and it was the best decision! The food was so carefully crafted, the service was lovely, and you could see the chefs cooking beside you. The atmosphere was intimate and high end but not too intimidating. If you're on the fence, try this place!

Food was DELICIOUS. My favorites were the steak tartare and the lobster pasta. I am not a spicy person; the pasta was SO good. N/A drinks were also really good.

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!

This made for a great birthday meal. The service is above and beyond for Salem standards but also what you would expect for a true dining experience. I would compare this to some of my fine dining and even Michelin restaurant experiences. The actual restaurant was beautiful and the lighting made it very romantic. If you're looking to impress someone bring them here.

Had a wonderful dinner--delicious offerings. Amazing server guided us through the menu in detail and helped us make drink pairing choices. We sat out on the patio, which was charming. Can't wait to go back!

My husband and I dined at Settler last night for the first time. I cannot say enough about this place. The food was seriously the best I've had on the North Shore since we moved up here four years ago and we've been to a lot of places. Everything was fresh and incredibly well prepared. Loved the Mediterranean flare and seasoning. The staff all of them were incredibly helpful kind and obviously loving what they do. Our waitress Sabrina couldn't have been nicer. Well done Settler! We'll be back

Sceptical is the first thing that came to mind when i saw the perfect 5 star score on their yelp. But after spending dinner without, immaculate. We we both wondering how can this be so good? In the middle of a tourist town?! Wth. Cocktail: Yuzu highball 5/5 - ordered 2 glasses. Lemony lime fresh, sweet ,super easy to drink!!! Food: Torta flambee 4/5 - basically a well made pizza. Dont get me wrong, its good. Perfect temperature, great flavor balance, swee from onions, salty pancheta, crispy and juicy combined. BUT the rest of the meal really brought the curve up and i didnt feel right giving them the same score. Octopus 4/5 - awesome. Perfectly smoky, not rubbery. The sauce that goes with it has something crunchy sprinkled in and it was absolutely amazinh Casarecce (pork sausage) 5/5 - perfectly seasoned sausage with perfectly cooked pasta. The definition of al dente. Balanced with breadcrumbs, making the dish saucy, meaty and crunchy at the same time. Garnished with arugula which provided the bitternes to complete the dish Ribeye - 5/5. Honestlyx you know how expensive restaurant always have a steak dish cos theres always that 1 meat eater that just needs a fucking steak? Well this is not one of those half ass ribeye. Its 50 dollars and its better than any halfass wagyu we got at other restaurants. Excelleenntt!!! Toffee pudding - 5/5 perfect way to end the whole meal! Perfectly sweet. Balanced with the temperature again! Warm cake not hot, with cold cold ice cream. Lastly, the service. The waiters were so attentive and knowledgable on the menu. Our waiter gave us solid recs! I booked the reservation on resy and left them a note that its our anniversary and requested us to be seated together. Honestly i didnt expect them to honor it since we put in our reservation like 3 hours before our reservation and when we got there the restaurant is tiny and quaint and the tables are full! The team pulled it off and gave us a 4 seater and place our plates side by side. Honestly this might have been a tiny thing so someone but as a couple our experience is 100000x better when we are seated next to eaxh other cos we can have our own conversation and share all the meals! ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE. We can heartbroken that we dont have this place close to us.

We have patiently awaited reservations here; we came Friday, March 3rd. Our Rez was at 7, but at 630, the manager called to let us know tables were a bit behind and we could move to 715. I thought this was odd but then also very thoughtful. They are a very small place; there is no standing room here. So I appreciated the heads up. Décor: It was a bright, clean, and somewhat casual vibe. The wood beams in the ceiling were gorgeous. Our table was next to the front door in a small, tight, rounded booth. At first, I wasn't sure about comfort, but by the end of the meal, I would sit there again. Food and Drink: We started with some nicely balanced cocktails and an excellent white wine for dinner. We opted to start with the Chef Meze for two, which was wonderful after tasting the sourdough; it came with Labneh, falafels, and a kohlrabi salad. All were very, very good. The falafel had a nice dark crunchy crust, but the inside was light and fluffy. A smidge too much salt, but that is nitpicking. The labneh was so thick and creamy I could eat it by the spoonful. The Kohlrabi salad was very refreshing and light. We also got the winter salad with endives, roasted beets, some other crunchy thingy, and a gorgeous smooth velvety beet puree. I didn't like the endive, but the salad was good overall. For the mains, hubs got the fried chicken which was glistening. It was so juicy over a potato puree. I got the sea bass with a Beurre Blanc sauce that was light but then decadent too! The fries! These were suggested as an add-on and wowzah, thin, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. The harissa aioli was amazing! We finished up with the sticky pudding with dates and walnuts, which was very luscious and delish! Service: Ignacio and Lindsey took care of us that night. Both did a fantastic job introducing us to the restaurant and concept. They guided us through our ordering and ensured everything was up to standard. We were well taken care of! I can't wait to come back!

Settler is one of the newer additions to the Salem restaurant scene and quickly making a name for their self. Came here for my birthday dinner this past September and thoroughly everything from the food to the drinks to the service. We kicked off the experience with some cocktails -I ordered the Old Fashioned, which was delightful. We then sampled the burrata drizzled with balsamic - very good. For my main, I chose the lumache w/pork which was so good that it didn't stand to see the light of day. The restaurant is small with a menu that changes often. Everything was fantastic. This is a must visit when in Salem.

WOW, WOW, WOW!! Utterly superb experience in every respect. Full stop. It will be hard to say exactly what made it so perfect because every aspect was just right for us, for the evening. It all just came together. We were greeted as soon as we sat down with tiny cups of warm mulled cider - an adorable and charming start. The room is so comfortable, and it was small enough (this is absolutely not a complaint) that we were always in sight of a member of the extraordinary staff. We were a party of four, with Justin as our main server, but really, every single staff member in the room seemed to be there for us. When the bartender came over to talk to us, someone from the wait staff simply moved to the bar; it was like a seamless, subtle choreography. And while the staff was amazing (highly trained, but not overly formal, so personable, so knowledgeable- I cannot say enough), the food was the absolute star of the evening. We started with whipped ricotta, Lucky Lips oysters, and the mezze for four. Each dish was super fresh, perfectly balanced, top quality. The oysters were the platonic ideal of oysterdom: icy cold, briny, topped with a bright mignonette and some delicate caviar (maybe trout roe?). Not a hint of grit anywhere. But the mezze really set the stage. It consisted of paper thin, extra crispy slices of lavash with two dips. Sounds basic, but it was anything but. In fact, while I loved every single bite of food I took the whole evening, the incredible beet muhammara was a standout. I am already plotting how I can try to replicate it. For mains, we had the Grilled Spanish Lupina (the accompaniments were so delicious), Mafalde Cacio e Pepi, and the steak entree. All were perfectly sized portions, precisely and expertly seasoned. It seemed like it was going to be a lot of food once we ordered, but in the end it was exactly the right amount. We did not mean to have dessert, but the bartender (whose name I am sorry that I cannot recall but he was AMAZING) was so animated and passionate about the sweets that we ended up getting the Creme Catalonia (with rhubarb compote) with two tallow shortbreads that were beyond delicious. The kitchen also sent out a basket of mini madeleines that were soooo not needed, but we ate them all. None of us were hungry at the point when dessert was delivered, but the flavors were so compelling that not a speck was left (and one of us could not stop trying to scrape just one more little bit from the ramekin). The beverage service was equally fabulous. My companions started with an Old Kentucky which arrived with smoke contained under a glass, perfuming the whole table in a quiet, campfire sort of way (smoky, but not overpowering), and a pink Paloma that was so fresh and delicious it was hard not to ask for a pitcher of them. At the end of the meal, we had an espresso martini that was both gorgeous and delicious, and a white port (again, the bartender's recommendation) that was one of the best ports I have ever tasted. We all want to go back immediately, for the food - yes, but also to spend even more time with the staff. This is like making really special new friends while being treated to magical food. Incredible. It is now at the very top of my list.

Amazing food. Justin is the best server/bartender that I have ever seen. The improper Bostonian should write a story on him. Phenomenal ambiance !

I was very excited about trying Settler. The venue is a little small and Salem being Salem, parking can be difficult to find on weekend (there's a garage up the street by the museum which I recommend since it's cheap and large, just make sure to drive there first since the streets are one way and you'll have to make a big loop if you mess up). We were quickly greeted and seated. The table we got was a little small and felt pretty close to the others, understandable seeing as how the venue is small but would have liked a LITTLE bit more space between the tables. This environment itself was enough to not gain the 5 stars for me. Food was all fresh but the flavors were not there for it to earn a 5 stars from me. The drinks I had were unimpressive as well. Maybe I'll give it another try in the future but all in all a good spot to try if you're able to in the area.

Such a quaint and beautiful looking restaurant in the heart of downtown Salem. Does not look like it belongs there. They gave us free hot cider shots. For starters we had the dip appetizer platter. Whipped ricotta, falafel, tabouleh, and pumpkin hummus. All very tasty dishes. Unique flavors and fresh ingredients. I ordered the brand steak, medium rare, cooked to perfection. Such a great dish. Highly recommend this place.

My wife and I had researched restaurants to eat at in Salem and made our reservation about a month in advance. They had a special three course meal planned for the season. I had also read reviews and several people had mentioned that the meal they had at the Settler was life changing. I don't know about that but It was absolutely one of the best meals I've ever had. Pros: * Service was stellar * I don't know how or why but the squash soup was so good... it would taste a certain way and then a new flavor would appear changing it to something even more delicious. * It was the best chicken I've ever had. It was just a chicken breast and she explained how it was prepared but I've never had a chicken breast that was that juicy and good. It could have done without the wheat bulgar but the mushrooms that came with it were exquisite. Cons: There is little space between the tables so you feel like you're eating with other people. I was unfortunate enough to sit next to a lady who threw her napkin on me when she left and that table was then replaced with an ahole who watched a sports thing on his phone with no headphones.

Came up from NY for a weekend in Salem and snagged two seats at the bar. Food was delicious and service was wonderful. I'd recommend Settler to anyone visiting Salem.

The best dining experience in Salem and one of the reasons I'm happy to have moved here. It's on par with the best restaurants in LA and SoCal. I can't wait to go back :)

Pretty good restaurant with great decor and service! Staffs were super friendly and foods were good as well. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 is that they are overpriced. I believe it's more expensive than the restaurants in North End, which is absurd as Settler is located in downtown Salem. Also it's a small business, you'll have hard time finding seats on weekends. Def make reservations!

We saw this place had 5 stars on YELP and decided we needed to test it - and we have concluded there are multiple reasons for the 5 stars! The service, the food, the ambiance! Everything about our dinner experience was extraordinary. We made a reservation, we arrived 15mins early and our table was ready for us. They gave use a palate cleanser which was amazing, and every dish we got was outstanding. We started with the falafels and whipped ricotta - the sourdough is made in house and you can tell how authentic it is. The falafels were the best ones we've ever had - perfect balance. For main dishes, we got the chicken - decadent, no other words to describe it, perfect. Mushroom-Ricotta tortellini, perfection in a bite. Do yourself a favor and book a table at Settler, you won't be disappointed.

It is difficult to find a great dining experience is a tourist town, but Settler is one such place. My wife and I celebrated our anniversary there on a cold-ish October evening on their patio. The pre-fixe menu gave a lot of choice, with unique combinations of flavors. They had good choice of mocktails, which was a pleasant surprise, and not your typical sweet concoction of juices. The server was excellently trained and was pleasant and knowledgeable. It is good to know they are expanding as the only challenge is getting a reservation there due to limited seating.

Tasty dinner fare. We visited Settler on a Thursday night, and it was packed. The design of restaurant is minimalist, and, even though the music was played at a low volume, it was loud in the restaurant. We split the whipped ricotta and crispy herb falafel with grilled sourdough, liuzzi burrata, zucchini pancakes, bluefin tuna crudo, and ricotta gnocchi. The falafel was as good as can be, but the dipping sauce was a bit plain for my taste. The burrata was tasty if you can secure a bite with all of the toppings together (easier said than done). The tuna crudo was solid. The zucchini pancakes were delicious, and the gnocchi was absolutely heavenly. Overall, I had a good experience at Settler and would recommend them for dinner.