The Cozy Taberna

My wife and I went for our anniversary. I'm celiac, so finding a nice place that can meet my dietary needs is always a challenge. The food was outstanding. We had the salmon and the pork chop and they were both flawlessly executed. Our server was very kind and attentive and really went out of her way to look out for my dietary restrictions and ensure we had a great experience. Hands down the best dining experience we've ever had in Salem. Thank you for a wonderful evening!

Let's start with the look. The Cozy Taberna is aptly named. Tucked down an oddly chic alley, this restaurant is a nice size but still with a cozy feel. With a bar on one side and an open kitchen (which I love) on the other, you have a view of the kitchen no matter what side you sit on thanks to the huge angled mirror over the bar (great touch). The feeling is warm and welcoming. Not at all pretentious. Now for the service. We were greatly by a nice man who not only seated us immediately but thanked us for chosing to dine with them. Our waitress was even more lovely and so knowledgeable about the food. We had a very picky eater in our party and she asked the chef to make us something not on the menu. And the chef agreed. They had no problem putting sauces on the side either. Oh and one of the owners stopped by our table and was so genuinely friendly and kind that we didn't know she was the owner until she stopped by again and something she said clued us in. I don't have enough good things to say about the people of the Cozy Taberna. The food.... Oh dear God. I know when someone reads this they will think I'm exaggerating but it is the absolute truth. This was one of the best meals of my life. I'm from Hawaii and we have amazing food there, including some of the best restaurants in the world. The Cozy Taberna topped them all. From appetizers to dessert, everything they brought out was the best I'd ever had. The brussel sprouts with caramel and fish sauce was amazing, the flavors growing bolder and more complex with every bite. The bacon wrapped dates made me wish there were more to an order, and the selection of wines was impressive. The garlic chicken,with its sticky sweet and smoky sauce was mind blowing but the bavette steak was a triumph. Cooked to perfection, charred lightly, sliced and covered in a mushroom sauce that was completely unexpected- sweet and savory instead of the usual buttery beurre blanc you find covering most steaks. It's the kind of dish you dream about. I am already planning my next visit. As for desserts, they didn't let us down. They had a very nice selection of things unique to them and a couple twists on crowd pleasers like cheesecake and molten lava cake. They even had a gluten free torte. I went with the Spanish French Toast which was actually a bread pudding sliced up and fried so that the outside was crisp and the inside soft. Three generous chunks came swimming in a crème anglais. Let's just say that I kept eating long after I should have stopped. Why did I take the time to write such a long winded review? Because it truly was the best meal I've ever had in Salem and this restaurant is still fairly new. I'm invested in its success now. Honestly, I think I'd cry if they closed. Please, go eat there and you'll understand.

Absolutely delightful evening sitting at the counter in front of the cooks and prep line. The food was fabulous, and the chef went out of her way to fix a dish gluten free. We can't wait to go back, and enjoy watching the inner workings!