Best of North Shore: Dining - Salem eateries that made the cut

Northshore Magazine has released its 2010 Best of the North Shore list, and we aren't surprised to see some of our favorite restaurants recognized for their greatness. Here are some of the Salem restaurants who got the nod this year.

General Excellence!

Some of the most ambitious, authentic, and skillfully crafted dishes available anywhere can be found at Sixty 2 on Wharf in Salem. Chef and owner Antonio Bettencourt cooks like an obsessive Italian grandmother while the wait staff is comprised of convivial, articulate, well-informed food aficionados who love their jobs, love the restaurant, and, above all, love the food. You will, too. With plenty of house-made items (charcuterie, cheeses, pasta) and thoughtful portions, this relative newcomer on the Salem culinary scene has quickly raised the bar as the top dining destination.

Sixty2 on Wharf,
62 Wharf St., Salem
978-744-0062, sixty2onwharf.com

Al Fresco Readers’ Choice:
Finz Seafood Restaurant
76 Wharf St., Salem
978-744-8485, hipfinz.com

Beer Menu Readers’ Choice:
Gulu- Gulu Café
247 Essex St., Salem
978-740-8882, gulu-gulu.com

Breakfast Readers’ Choice:
Red’s Sandwich Shop
15 Central St., Salem
978-745-3527, redssandwichshop.com


Brunch

Sure, their Sunday brunch has your typical eggs and bacon, but when you eat at Nathaniel’s in Salem’s Hawthorne Hotel, you’re in for more than just a meal—it’s an experience. An elegant atmosphere is accentuated by live jazz and an assortment of menu options that feature virtually any ingredient that your appetite can crave. This is what Sunday mornings were made for.

Nathaniel’s
18 Washington Sq., W. Salem
978-825-4311, hawthornehotel.com

Indian

When you take your taste buds for an exotic tour at Passage to India in Salem, they will thank you afterwards. Try blends of savory spices in their samosas, tandori, and curry soups; also try the Garlic Naan, which is always fluffy and flavorful.

Passage to India
157 Washington St., Salem
978-832-2200, passageindia.com

Italian

Bella Verona is a little taste of Italy, right in Salem. Small and cozy, this Italian haven is perfect for an intimate date or cocktails with friends. The food is flavorful without being overly saturated with oil, butter, or garlic. We’re fans of the Caprese Salad and the Veal Scallopini. Throw in a bottle of Chianti and it could be a while before you finally say “ciao.”

Bella Verona
107 Essex St., Salem
978-825-9911, bellaverona.com

For a complete list of all of the winners in the Dining category, visit nshoremag.com.