Location: Salem
Top Restaurants in Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
Top 10 American food in Salem, Oregon, United States
Discover Restaurants offering the best American food in Salem, Oregon, United States. Named from the anglicized form of the Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, Salem provides visitors with exactly that - plus a horde of historic sites to explore and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Oregon's capital, one of the oldest cities in the state, exudes simple, small-town hospitality with just enough politics and culture to keep things interesting. Tour the grand, gold-domed State Capitol to learn about the workings of the government, then head to the observation deck for a fantastic view of Salem and its surrounding area. Although the whole city is a living history lesson, brimming with old buildings and landmarks, the Mill Mission Museum is a definite standout. Art buffs should not miss the impressive Pacific Northwest collection at the Hallie Ford Art Museum. In between sights, take time to people watch or picnic at Bush's Pasture Park, or enjoy wine tasting at some of the local vineyards. Salem's idyllic setting, in the heart of the emerald Willamette Valley, coupled with its historic role as political hub for Oregon make it the perfect choice for a delightful and interesting weekend away.
Things to do in Salem
10. Table FIVE .08
Overall Ratings
4 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Anita N
I wrote a glowing review back in September where hubby and I went for a rare weekday late lunch. We decided to go back for dinner - celebrating our 28th Anniversary. The chill jazz we heard the first time was inaudible this time, but the smiley server, Celina, was fast and pleasant. Hubby and I had fun trying different cocktails - the silly-crazy names enticing us more than the actual ingredients. Rob - the mixologist was great about making the Monkey Gland with vodka- usually made with Gin - but I am allergic, Orange, and Absinthe...then I had the 12 Mile Limit, which is a popular cocktail from Prohibition Days when bootlegging passenger boats had to motor out past the 3 Mile Limit to legally serve booze. Perfectly executed, and well-balanced - both. Hubby had the Mine All Mine, and Oh! Darling - and he seemed very happy with them both - he is very particular about what goes in his drinks - he's in the alcohol biz. Apps - the Steak Crostini was simply delish - the steak was medium rare and so very tender - and the horseradish aioli and pesto were the perfect additions, same perfection for the calamari! VERY lightly battered, tender, with cashews and a garlic ginger sauce. We like that the appetizers weren't weighed down with too many unnecessary ingredients - simple enough to be able to taste the main components. Now here comes the part that could have ruined the evening - BUT - saved by professional restaurant management. The Asian skirt steak in hoisin sauce and Wasabi mashed potatoes sang to me; hubby had the wild boar ragu and pappardelle. We ordered garden salads - which were cold, crisp and had fruit, nuts and seeds and a house dressing - a great beginning to our entrees. Unfortunately, my skirt steak was shoe leather - with gristle - inedible. However, when I showed the evidence of inedible-ness to our server, Celine, she immediately brought over...Bobbie! Bobbie was our efficient and friendly server on our first foray to Table 508, and is now the manager. I completely get that steak can be an unpredictable menu item - been to a hideously expensive steak house in Vegas where the $250 steak dinner was...INEDIBLE! But, Bobbie didn't waste time with excuses, she suggested the ribeye, had to to the table forthwith, butter pat still melting...and decadent, fatty in a good way, and made all the hurt go away. (And, our bill did not reflect the upcharge of the more expensive ribeye). I tasted the wild boar ragu while we waited - it melted in the mouth, game-y and sweet. We felt piggishly greedy and decided to really blow out the weekly fat gram and calorie intake by having the Spanish coffee, and the Lemon Rosemary Cornmeal Cake and Buttermilk Ice Cream. The car seemed very far away when we finally were able to drag our sinfully-indulged selves out the door...whew! (We had the other half of the ribeye next morning in our eggs- oink-oink!) We will go back for lunch when it's quiet and we can hear the music - and try some different crazy cocktails! A new favorite of ours, for the food - and for the genuinely excellent service.
9. Amadeus Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By NancyG97304
Amadeus is always a top choice for us and a number of our friends. We chose eating there twice for dinner and once for lunch in the past 10 days.Each meal was excellent, and the service impeccable.1. Friday night, two couples. Make reservations, as they get busy! We each had a different meal... two vegetarians and two meat eaters came away happy, especially after cake from the new en-suite SweetSmith bakery.2. My birthday, and we ordered off the all-day-Tuesday happy hour menu. The salmon fish tacos are my favorite, with a side of grilled asparagus. Pirateâs Booty cake for dessert was to go, as we were too full to enjoy it right away.3. Lunch with a friend. My paleo grilled salmon was delectable (and good for getting me back on my diet after all that cake...). Highly recommended, in the heart of downtown Salem. Diana and her crew are great. Enjoy!
8. Sassy Onion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 138 reviews
Breakfast and lunch restaurant. Mainly famous for breakfast. Also a catering service, but they have a public, very popular restaurant.
Reviewed By James F
We start every weekend with Saturday breakfast at the Sassy Onion. The french toast is excellent and the omelettes are generous. It can be a little busy but it is always worth the wait. The staff is friendly and the food is excellent.
7. Ritter's Housemade Foods
Overall Ratings
4 based on 89 reviews
FAMILY, COMMUNITY & GREAT FOOD IN SALEM Our love of food, family and community are the backbone of Ritterâs Housemade Foods. We wanted to create a place where people can gather, eat good food and share in community. We are committed to our locale and stri
Reviewed By Suewoody23
Just returned from visiting this great place. Lovely food with great cocktails. Visited twice for lunch whilst visiting from the uk and never disappointed. Ordered a beet salad full of great ingredients, freshly prepared, as you can see from the seating area. Also had a Moscow mule which was great. They also have a lovely pizza oven and can recommend the pepperoni pizza. Very quick service too with great friendly staff. Will be back again when we visit salem for sure. Reasonable prices too.Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We appreciate you and look forward to serving you again.Cheers, Jessica, Mike and The Ritter's Crew
6. Newport Seafood Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By rhww1984
We stop here quite often when passing through. Past week we had a surf and turf salad.Every detail was perfect. It was grilled Steelhead and steak, avocado, bacon, chunks of blue cheese, and egg. Came with the best blue cheese and vinaigrette dressings on the side. Add a glass of house Chardonnay, and it can't be beat.Thank you again for taking the time to let us know how we did. We hope you have a great day! Thank you so much again for your feedback! We hope you have a great day!
5. Bentley's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 455 reviews
Northwest Inspired Cuisine In Salem Oregon Looking for lunch, dinner, late night eats, drinks or a reason to celebrate? Join us for a culinary experience you are sure not to forget! Located in The Grand Hotel in Salem, Bentleyâs is a full service, Northwe
Reviewed By yachats70
Our server, John, was very helpful. I had the scallops and asked for the marscapone grits instead of the mashed potatoes and they were very good. My husband had the bucatini carbonara which had way too much prosciutto on it. He would not order that again.Thank you for letting us know about your dining experience, yachats70. We will be sure to take your review into consideration for the future, and hope to see you again soon.
4. Best Little Roadhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 423 reviews
Reviewed By Mahoo95
When dining out and we want "beef", this is one of our favorite places. Staff is always friendly...greet you with a smile. Restaurant has a good 'vibe'...it does have a bar...large screen TVs...meaning it can be noisy. Restaurant is clean and has pretty good parking. Though, on a mid-week outing at / near the beginning of the dining hour, the parking lot was pretty full...more so than I expected...speaks to its popularity.The kitchen was a little out of sync and may have had an "off-night". Our salads showed up after the entrees arrived. Tossed green salads were fresh; lettuce crispy; and refreshing since it had been a very hot day. Both of the petite tenderloins were overcooked. They were ordered med-rare and medium. They arrived as medium and well done. These two steaks were tasty enough; we were hungry; did not send back the steaks nor comment to our server. The tri-tip was ordered med-rare and arrived as ordered. However, it was chewy as in my fellow guests watched me struggle to cut it and observed the challenge as I tried to chew it. However, I did take home the leftover tri-tip to get another opinion. As a leftover the following day, it was warmed in a skillet and was well done by the time is was heated. I will say that as well done pieces of meat it was pretty good...enjoyable with still the 'chew' that tri-tip provides. You could really taste the smokey flavor. I have eaten tri-tip at other establishments; but I believe the lesson learned is that when you are in a steak restaurant there are
3. Annette's Westgate Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 538 reviews
Annettes is located in the historic Kingwood Building. Originally built in 1928 to be a market place. The building has adopted many occupants through it's time. Annette has given the historic building the respect it deserves with a dramatic makeover insid
Reviewed By caron5948
Went for breakfast on a Saturday. Awesome food and good service. Restaurant was very crowded, but they team wait which is always welcome in a busy place. They have a very large menu and we will have to go back to see what we can order next.
2. Wild Pear
Overall Ratings
4 based on 471 reviews
Reviewed By Yolanda2802
Lunch as we drove from Oregon coast to Portland and wanting to get a flavor of Salem. Wild Pair was perfect choice. A very creative menu, locally sourced. Very personable wait staff. Ordered the flank steak salad with smoked paprika vinaigrette; one of the best salads ever. Table also ordered the Wild pear salad and one of the soups of the day, chicken, mushroom and rice. Both very tasty. Saved room for dessert because of the great choices. Selected the banana pecan cake with cream cheese icing. Oh my! More like a carrot cake with bananas instead of carrots. Perfect cream cheese icing, not too sweet. Such a large piece, we saved some to share later in the evening. Highly recommend.
1. Word of Mouth
Overall Ratings
4 based on 846 reviews
Reviewed By HoodsMAA
The food here is delicious! Some of the hash/scrambles can seem a little greasy, but all of the food is great. The right balance between comfort, tried and true recipes with the addition of creativity. Definitely recommend the creme brûlée French toast (no syrup needed)! The only reason for the missing star is due to the consistent waits in a small area. Itâs a sign of great things, though.
