North Shore Restaurants
Steak
Pellana, Peabody
Standout Qualities: This old-school steak house serves classic starters such as Clams Casino, shrimp cocktail, and a wedge of iceberg with blue cheese dressing. And they serve every kind of beef cut imaginable, from sirloin to filet mignon to Porterhouse to rib eye. It is always cooked to your liking.
What’s New: The restaurant just went through a renovation and it’s expanding its bar and lounge area. As a result, it’s a wonderful place to meet old friends for cocktails and conversation.
9 Sylvan St., Peabody, 978-531-4800, pellanarestaurant.com
Sushi
The Northshore has some great sushi restaurants but our favorites are below.
Osaka Asian Bistro, Merrimac
Standout Qualities: A repertoire that goes well beyond the standard tuna and salmon – although those are exceptionally fresh as well. In addition, the menu occasionally offers live scallops, white tuna, and Kumomoto oysters.
What’s Unique: Their lovely presentation, including a glowing LED display with the sushi boat for two.
Insider Tip: Explore the small but thoughtful list of sakes by the bottle or enjoy some good cocktails.
32-34 Broad St., Merrimac, 978-346-8828, osakamerrimac.com
Tacos
BuenoMalo, Andover
Philosophy: Just like Abuela makes. Chef/co-owner Franco Lozano III sticks to classic preparations and high-quality ingredients. In addition, she uses recipes passed down by his Mexican grandmother,
What’s Unique: During the day, this North Shore Restaurant is all fast-casual fun. It welcomes families and folks on their lunch breaks with overstuffed tacos and burritos. At night, the lights go down, the music cranks up, and a garage door rolls up at the back, revealing a full bar.
93 Main St., Andover, 978-409-2119, buenomalo.com
Thai Restaurants
Royal Orchid, Rowley
Standout Qualities: Thoughtful service, with food cooked to order (nothing sitting around waiting to be dished up) in a calming, Zen-like space.
What’s Unique: The staff is very accommodating and takes allergies and other special dining needs very seriously.
Insider Tip: Weekday lunch is well-priced and speedy, but never rushed.
303B Haverhill St., Rowley, 978-948-3676, royalorchidthai.com
Vegetarian Restaurants
Life Alive, Salem
Standout Qualities: This North Shore Restaurant makes a dedication to organic sourcing, sustainable packaging, and consideration for both employees and customers, alongside delicious healthy food.
Fun Fact: Life Alive was offering grain bowls long before they were trendy.
What’s New: A fourth location in Brookline this spring.
281 Essex St., Salem, 978-594-4644, lifealive.com
Vietnamese Restaurants
Soall Bistro, Marblehead
Standout Qualities: Many recipes come from the two owners’ mothers, including the classic pho, which simmers overnight.
What’s Unique: A thoughtful wine list prepared by a top Boston-area sommelier.
Insider Tip: Soall Bistro owners Sa Nguyen and Mia Lunt occasionally offer Vietnamese cooking classes. Check Facebook for details.
10 Bessom St., Unit 9, Marblehead, 781-990-1233, soallbistro.com
Waterview Restaurants
It’s no surprise that both of our best Waterview restaurants are in Gloucester and Salisbury, check them out below.
The Market, Gloucester
Standout Qualities: The Market overlooks the boats bobbing on the Annisquam River and is paired with thoughtfully prepared seasonal cuisine.
What’s New: Extended weekend brunch hours, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
33 River Rd., Gloucester, 978-282-0700, themarketrestaurant.com
The Deck, Salisbury
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the free valet parking! This is one of our favorite restaurants on the water, and the second floor deck is a must see!
179R Bridge Rd., Salisbury, 978-499-4422, thedecksalisbury.com
Need the new list? Stay tuned for our 2019 Best Restaurants list.