Restaurants in Salem, Oregon

Serving homemade food from scratch in a neighborhood setting, ACME Cafe in Salem, Oregon, is a local leader in New American cuisine. The contemporary designed interior features exposed HVACs, track and pendulum lighting, and light-colored walls that add to an inviting ambience. Wood tabletops, hardwood floors, and an old-fashioned, behind-the-counter diner kitchen, makes this an ideal setting for a date night. ACME Café utilizes locally sourced ingredients to prepare their sumptuous fare. Selections include items like parmesan rockfish, chicken fried chicken, and seared rockfish with lemon butter, black pepper, parsley, and shallots. All dinners come with two sides.

110 Hansen Avenue South, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-798-4736

Located in the historic Grey Building in Salem, Amadeus Cafe believes in providing customers with great food and service. The contemporary interior at Amadeus Café provides an ambience of relaxation and casualness with light colored walls, high ceilings, and exposed HVACs. Hardwood floors, dark wood furnishings, and multiple dining areas make this restaurant an ideal setting for a date night. The culinary team serves “fork-to-mouth” cuisine using only locally sourced ingredients. Menu items include selections like Korean fried chicken, spiced lamb, and grilled salmon – wild caught Coho with sautéed cabbage, mashed potatoes, Latin herb sauce, and asparagus.

135 Liberty Street Northeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-362-8830

Large portions of food are just one of the many reasons customers rave about Annette's Westgate Cafe in Salem. Patrons also love the all-day breakfast, and the enticing salad bar. The long-standing restaurant exudes comfort and relaxation with an interior of exposed HVAC’s, two-toned walls, and large pane windows. Dark wood furnishings, ceiling fans, and an outdoor dining area that is dog friendly make this venue a desirable choice for the whole family. The all-American menu includes selections like rib eye steak, meatloaf, and salmon fish and chips – Alaskan salmon, coleslaw, and French fries.

1311 Edgewater Street Northwest, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-362-9588

Bentley's Grill in Salem is located inside The Grand Hotel serving food inspired by the great Northwest. The elegance of the interior of Bentley’s Grill is captured by its barrel ceilings, show kitchen, and large pane windows. With polished, hardwood floors, cushioned dining booths, and a romantic indoor fire pit, Bentley’s Grill is an ideal setting for a romantic night out. The culinary team sources ingredients from the Pacific Northwest to showcase seasonal changes on the ever-changing menu. Entrées include items like grilled New York steak, seafood stew, filet mignon, free-range chicken, and burnt end mac and cheese.

291 Liberty Street Southeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-779-1660

Restaurants For a Date

In 2017, the dream of three friends in Salem came true when they opened Bo & Vine Burger Bar, a place where friends come to hangout, drink beer, and indulge in great burgers. White walls, pendant lights, a gleaming copper counter front, an edgy urban wall mural, and a bank of date night booths create a sleek urban space with clean lines and a minimalist vibe. Guests can dine al fresco on a front patio that seats 16. Burgers are handcrafted and house made French fries and tater tots are served with special sauces. Guests can choose their favorite patty, bun, cheese, toppings, and sauces to build a burger. Even the milkshakes are hand-spun.

176 Liberty Street Northeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 971-301-2585

Serving classic Italian-American cuisine since 1997, Christos Pizzeria in Salem provides patrons with a dining experience they’ll not soon forget. Nestled in the Little Italy neighborhood of the city, the restaurant’s interior features high ceilings, pendant lights, and an open kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wood trim, and a warm color palette give this restaurant a homey vibe. They believe that serving Italian fare properly means only using the freshest ingredients. Even the pizza dough is made fresh daily. Besides pizza, Christos serves grilled rib eye steak, linguine and clams, pasta alfredo, beef braised short ribs, and veal or chicken marsala.

1108 Broadway Street Northeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-371-2892

Recognized as one of the top restaurants in the Willamette Valley, DaVinci Ristorante has been a staple of fine Italian dining in Salem for over 20 years. The epitome of elegance, DaVinci Ristorante features ornate iron, candelabra-style chandeliers, red tile floors, rich wood furnishings and finishes, and plush leather seating. With exposed brick walls, a stylish marble topped bar, and a cozy loft, this restaurant is an in-demand choice for a romantic dinner. The menu, like the seasons, changes to utilize the freshest produce and ingredients possible. Menu favorites include veal Milanesa, center cut filets, pork medallions, and a five-course Chef’s Tasting Menu.

180 High Street Southeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-399-1413

Gamberetti's is an award-winning, casual eatery in Salem serving authentic Italian fare. This modern restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and exposed wood beams. Tuscan-colored walls create a warm and inviting space. Soft pendant lighting, and a loft dining area make this an ideal venue for a romantic dinner. The Italian menu is focused on classic dishes, plus vegan and gluten-free options. Entrées include traditional dishes like Cioppino – a house special with lobster, corvina, shrimp, and clams in a red broth that is as spicy as it is rich, and Chicken Piccata – pancko crusted chicken in a light butter caper sauce with white wine and lemon and a side of fettuccine.

325 High Street Southeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-339-7446

Gerry Frank's Konditorei in Salem has been a household name in this area since 1982. This bakery/café with a black/white/red color scheme features black and white checkered floors, white walls with red trim, and large windows overlooking the street. Light-colored wood bistro tables and chairs, and fresh flower centerpieces, make this a fun place for an afternoon date. Konditorei, meaning pastry/cake shop in German, this restaurant serves far more than sweets, though diners won’t want to turn down the creatively decadent treats. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus include sandwiches, soups, and salads. There is also a wine list.

310 Kearney Street Southeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-585-7070

Having recently moved to Salem from the woods of Turner, Oregon, Gilgamesh Brewing occupies a building that runs along Pringle Creek. This contemporary rustic-chic restaurant’s interior features exposed beams, industrial lighting, hardwood floors, and a stone fireplace. Two outdoor patios – one covered and one uncovered – overlook a creek that flows along the back of the property. The tranquil ambience is perfect for a romantic evening. Sourcing ingredients locally for the freshest ingredients, the menu features global and American eats. A few favorites include include steak with Yukon Golds, grilled steelhead, and Vampire Slayer cheese ravioli. They offer a range of house brews where the motto is “There’s a beer for everyone.”

2065 Madrona Avenue Southeast, Salem, OR, Phone: 503-584-1789