Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Salem

Let me start by saying that we ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE. Ledger is our go to place for special occasions, and we will continue to be back. On this visit however, there were a few minor issues that we haven't previously experienced here. The Popovers, an absolute must everytime we come, were a touch overcooked and tasted it. Also the cocktails at $15 a pop shouldn't be 80% ice in my opinion. And while I understand that this place features the grill on the kitchen, the vegetable medley on my chicken entree had several pieces of delecata squash that were beyond a good char. As mentioned, I'm sure this is a "one off" experience, as nothing like this has ever happened before, but I believe in honest feedback as a way to grow and improve, not necessarily just to be critical. I've appreciated this place for the better part of the last 7 or 8 years, and know that everything can't be perfect everytime, no matter how hard we try. Chef Daniel, and this culinary team are very skilled (there's a reason he was previously nominated for a James Beard award), and the FOH staff is always attentive and welcoming!

If you value quality over price, this is the spot. Look, a good meal isn't cheap. You pay for good quality, superb preparation, and excellent service, and Pellana has it all. Our server, Teddy, was on point. Phenomenal service, he was knowledgeable, witty, and best of all, returned to the table right when we needed him without hovering. That's a skill most don't have. We started with the bacon wrapped scallops, and hubby had to grab a bosshog x, I was a bit more moderate with a widow jane. Now, the food. THE FOOD!!!! The best steak I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Perfectly seared outside. A perfect Med cook all the way through from end to end.. I had it topped oscar style. Great bernaise sauce, and we shared the garlic mashed potand creamed corn, which has a lovely hint of roasted red pepper, not spicy, but just the little something needed to cut the sweetness of the corn. hubby had the veal chop. Again, the preparation was flawless, I've never seen a veal chop so perfectly cooked all the way through. The drinks were also well poured and unique, I tried the seaside toast, glenfiddich with a smoked cherry wood presentation. He had the smokehouse, with mezcal. Finished off the meal with a creme brule and pistachio martini. Loved every bite and sip. Can't wait to go back.

We came at the very busy time, Valentine’s Day. Despite our reservation we had to wait for about half hour though it was expected considering circumstances. What we didn’t realize the restaurant expanded the space with veranda. While heated the corner area was not the most comfortable space for people over 60. Huge respect to the restaurant team. After I requested to change our seating to “real” indoor area they were fast to find us the first freed table so the rest of our dinner was perfect.

This place is great. I took my fiance there for Valentine’s Day and the food/drinks/ambiance were on spot. The staff were nice and checked in on us accordingly. I think the owners name is Amil (or Amille). He introduced himself to each of the customers including us. I would definitely come back again. There’s street parking but if you can’t find a spot, there’s small outdoor parking lots available a block or two away (just look for the Peabody parking lot signs) Thank you! Carlos

The waitress was really friendly. Service was awesome and the food was really, really great. We got the steak tartare for a starter and that was really good. Then my husband got the short rib ravioli and I got the salmon, both were excellent. Overall experience was awesome, would definitely recommend!