Phenomenal. The owner’s passion for his craft is evident in every detail, from the warm welcome at the door to the impeccable presentation of each dish. The dedication to quality and authenticity shines through, making every bite an experience rather than just a meal. The flavors are perfectly balanced, the ingredients fresh, and the execution flawless. The ambiance is just as thoughtful—inviting, intimate, and reflective of the care put into the food. This isn’t just dining; it’s a masterclass in hospitality and culinary excellence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristina
My coworker recommended this place and I decided to make a fun date night out with my fiancé.
The whole experience was amazing. Our waiter was fantastic. He was friendly and took great care to make sure we had plenty of food and drink. The food was delicious. My only recommendation would be the potatoes get a bit more cooked in the potato dish but that could be a personal preference. The drinks were perfect. It’s rarely I got out and have a drink hits the spot. We’d definitely come back to try more drinks and food.
I’d recommend coming here for the atmosphere, food and drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mango Crepe Cake
Robert Van Lith
We were quite excited to go since my partner plus sister are Thai and we know the owner spends a lot of time there and food is inspired by it. I wish I could follow that with a glowing review, but unfortunately it did not live up to expectations.
Let’s start with the good: -atmosphere is very nice, music not too loud, cosy and casual yet still classy -our server was kind and did her best. I think she was fairly new and I wouldn’t call her outstanding but we liked her. -food: most was prerty nice, good quality and mostly tasty. Portions are surprisingly large. The only disappointments flavor wise was the Swedish shepherds pie; it was very liquidy but more importantly rather bland, and the Thai basil chicken, which was good but did not stand out as different in flavor or presentation from basil chicken at many Thai restaurants
Now the not so good: -pacing of the food is really off. Yes it’s tapas style, but that doesn’t mean each dish should come just one at a time and after the previous one is finished, which is what mostly happened. They’re tapas, not courses. Ultimately my partner, who had ordered the whole fish, had already filled up on the other stuff we had ordered since the fish still hadn’t come after almost 75 min. Other reviews mention this too so it seems in general to just be slow to come out. -owner came to our table basically to tell us we had to still take the fish because it’s made to order. You know what, I don’t even care about that part. I get it, the food was already being prepared. That’s fine. However, he frankly came across a little defensive and seemed to think that we just didn’t ‘get’ the concept.
Maybe we caught him on a bad day, maybe kitchen was understaffed affecting the pacing. Who knows.
We may or not try again since we live nearby, but overall it was disappointing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Jason Sillion
Not too occupied
Parking: Located in Medford, Zero Governor Avenue, 10 slots
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sesame Tuna
Kevin Mullally
Awesome food,sevice,friendly staff,I love this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marblehead Mama
A great first time at this place! Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brianna Gable
All I can say is WOW! I have been here twice and I will definitely be coming back many many more times. Food is always mind blowing. The combination of flavors chef puts together are unexpected but always delicious. The drinks also deliver the same surprise and delight as the food. I truly have never tasted anything like it. The staff is great and chef is so kind coming to take time and greet every table. I highly recommend coming here if you have the chance. I cannot wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Swedish Meatball, Churros, Rabbit
Lauren Drooks
Everything was 10/10 - the food and service were incredible, staff and chef are so friendly, and our waiter Alex was great. Tacos were especially a highlight of the meal. Highly recommend this spot!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sheryl Ollie
THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS THE TALENT OF CHEF DONALD!!! Came at sunset Sunday to enjoy my birthday and was greeted by the chef and a very welcoming staff. They helped me choose an uplifting Italian Pinot Grigio to begin my culinary journey followed by an exotic, artistic, flavorful appetizer of Kanom Thai garlic Chive rice cake with sambal sauce. After my tastebuds were thoroughly enticed, I relished in a delectable feast of Nordic stuffed shrimp with Jarlberg, Breadcrumbs, and lemon. And of course I kept going with a hidden treasure of mango crepe cake which was passion fruit, white chocolate, longan, matcha. Thanks to the chef who sent over a sparkling cava for my birthday toast, which is a Spanish sparkling wine. I came alone to enjoy a quiet dinner and left as a new Patron of this wonderful best kept Secret of the North Shore Boston.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mango Crepe Cake
Neta Dagan
I’ve eaten in some great award winning restaurants, and this one is up there in terms of the quality of the dishes, the balance of flavors and the creativity of the chef. Highly recommended!
Tried Swedish meatballs, sirloin, Thai noodles, and broccoli. Most of the food was fine, but the combinations of flavors do not work for me. For example, Swedish meatballs (a little too bland for me) don’t pair with the spicy Thai noodles. Some people might love the variety , but I don’t care for it. TEHO
Bigger problem was the service. Broccoli did not come and we asked about it. The wait staff went into the kitchen and then did not come back. All of the other dishes were already long finished when they brought out the broccoli. Who wants a plate of broccoli 15 minutes after they’re done eating? I understand that orders get lost, but the way they handled it was bad. No apology, no explanation of when it would come out, and no question of whether we still wanted it even though we were finished eating. Instead we are sitting there with our table cleared waiting for the bill when a plate of broccoli shows up. When I mentioned that having it this late was not what we wanted, the wait staff said “I know” - if you know, then why are you giving to us?
Bottom line: if you want to mix and match foods with different flavors, you might like it. Hopefully your service is better than what we got. I don’t plan to go back.
Update Sep 2024: Went back and had problems with service again. Ordered 4 dishes, including a beef dish. 3 dishes came, but no beef. We put in a 2nd order of more food. 2nd order came. Still no beef. After well over an hour - probably closer to 90 minutes - we canceled the beef dish and left. No apology or explanation for why we waited more than an hour and never got the food we ordered. Food was mostly good, but I will not go back to a restaurant where you don’t get the food you order.
Service: 1
Kahveh Kheymehdooz
I've never had such a good dining experience before. We were curious about this place, and the prices were reasonable. We had no expectations, but my god this place was FANTASTIC. The food was delicious, but what really made it wonderful wa the staff. Everyone was so friendly, so knowledgeable, kind - even the chef came out and talked to us.
This place is so thoughtful. Thoughtful with the food, the menu, the environment...it felt like dining with friends. It was the best.
Super super highly recommend. If you're on the fence, please try it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Morgan
A fabulous choice for an always interesting dinner. They always seem to go out of their way to accommodate requests. One night I was returning very late from the airport with a friend who hadn't eaten all day. We stopped at Njord Haven. There was one table of people finishing their dinner (it was late) and we asked if they were still serving. Don said he would be happy to stay open for us. This is typical of what you'll find here. And the food is always delicious and adventurous.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Kelley
I've been with my partner and various combinations of friends a couple of times now and have always had a great experience. The drinks are well made, the food is always really interesting and very good and we enjoy that its a tapas style where plates are meant to be shared. It was a pretty busy evening so we didn't feel that the waits were particularly long, and the plates were timed pretty cleverly to make sure that the table wasn't over crowded or empty. The Nordic/Asian fusion is a neat concept and they do really make it work!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emma Rowe
Food is so good! However The wait service at the bar is not advisable. I sat Without water until I flagged someone down and I probably would have had more wine if it was offered during the Meal. Partner had to walk to the bar to ask for salt. I will continue to come back to njord haven and it’s a lovely spot. I would only get a table when coming here in the future but it’s unfortunate as the view from the bar window is outstanding.
Phenomenal. The owner’s passion for his craft is evident in every detail, from the warm welcome at the door to the impeccable presentation of each dish. The dedication to quality and authenticity shines through, making every bite an experience rather than just a meal. The flavors are perfectly balanced, the ingredients fresh, and the execution flawless. The ambiance is just as thoughtful—inviting, intimate, and reflective of the care put into the food. This isn’t just dining; it’s a masterclass in hospitality and culinary excellence.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My coworker recommended this place and I decided to make a fun date night out with my fiancé.
The whole experience was amazing. Our waiter was fantastic. He was friendly and took great care to make sure we had plenty of food and drink. The food was delicious. My only recommendation would be the potatoes get a bit more cooked in the potato dish but that could be a personal preference. The drinks were perfect. It’s rarely I got out and have a drink hits the spot. We’d definitely come back to try more drinks and food.
I’d recommend coming here for the atmosphere, food and drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mango Crepe Cake
We were quite excited to go since my partner plus sister are Thai and we know the owner spends a lot of time there and food is inspired by it. I wish I could follow that with a glowing review, but unfortunately it did not live up to expectations.
Let’s start with the good:
-atmosphere is very nice, music not too loud, cosy and casual yet still classy
-our server was kind and did her best. I think she was fairly new and I wouldn’t call her outstanding but we liked her.
-food: most was prerty nice, good quality and mostly tasty. Portions are surprisingly large. The only disappointments flavor wise was the Swedish shepherds pie; it was very liquidy but more importantly rather bland, and the Thai basil chicken, which was good but did not stand out as different in flavor or presentation from basil chicken at many Thai restaurants
Now the not so good:
-pacing of the food is really off. Yes it’s tapas style, but that doesn’t mean each dish should come just one at a time and after the previous one is finished, which is what mostly happened. They’re tapas, not courses. Ultimately my partner, who had ordered the whole fish, had already filled up on the other stuff we had ordered since the fish still hadn’t come after almost 75 min. Other reviews mention this too so it seems in general to just be slow to come out.
-owner came to our table basically to tell us we had to still take the fish because it’s made to order. You know what, I don’t even care about that part. I get it, the food was already being prepared. That’s fine. However, he frankly came across a little defensive and seemed to think that we just didn’t ‘get’ the concept.
Maybe we caught him on a bad day, maybe kitchen was understaffed affecting the pacing. Who knows.
We may or not try again since we live nearby, but overall it was disappointing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Not too occupied
Parking: Located in Medford, Zero Governor Avenue, 10 slots
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sesame Tuna
Awesome food,sevice,friendly staff,I love this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great first time at this place! Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
All I can say is WOW! I have been here twice and I will definitely be coming back many many more times. Food is always mind blowing. The combination of flavors chef puts together are unexpected but always delicious. The drinks also deliver the same surprise and delight as the food. I truly have never tasted anything like it. The staff is great and chef is so kind coming to take time and greet every table. I highly recommend coming here if you have the chance. I cannot wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Swedish Meatball, Churros, Rabbit
Everything was 10/10 - the food and service were incredible, staff and chef are so friendly, and our waiter Alex was great. Tacos were especially a highlight of the meal. Highly recommend this spot!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS THE TALENT OF CHEF DONALD!!! Came at sunset Sunday to enjoy my birthday and was greeted by the chef and a very welcoming staff. They helped me choose an uplifting Italian Pinot Grigio to begin my culinary journey followed by an exotic, artistic, flavorful appetizer of Kanom Thai garlic Chive rice cake with sambal sauce. After my tastebuds were thoroughly enticed, I relished in a delectable feast of Nordic stuffed shrimp with Jarlberg, Breadcrumbs, and lemon. And of course I kept going with a hidden treasure of mango crepe cake which was passion fruit, white chocolate, longan, matcha. Thanks to the chef who sent over a sparkling cava for my birthday toast, which is a Spanish sparkling wine. I came alone to enjoy a quiet dinner and left as a new Patron of this wonderful best kept Secret of the North Shore Boston.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mango Crepe Cake
I’ve eaten in some great award winning restaurants, and this one is up there in terms of the quality of the dishes, the balance of flavors and the creativity of the chef. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sesame Tuna, Mango Crepe Cake
Restaurantji Recommends
Tried Swedish meatballs, sirloin, Thai noodles, and broccoli. Most of the food was fine, but the combinations of flavors do not work for me. For example, Swedish meatballs (a little too bland for me) don’t pair with the spicy Thai noodles. Some people might love the variety , but I don’t care for it. TEHO
Bigger problem was the service. Broccoli did not come and we asked about it. The wait staff went into the kitchen and then did not come back. All of the other dishes were already long finished when they brought out the broccoli. Who wants a plate of broccoli 15 minutes after they’re done eating? I understand that orders get lost, but the way they handled it was bad. No apology, no explanation of when it would come out, and no question of whether we still wanted it even though we were finished eating. Instead we are sitting there with our table cleared waiting for the bill when a plate of broccoli shows up. When I mentioned that having it this late was not what we wanted, the wait staff said “I know” - if you know, then why are you giving to us?
Bottom line: if you want to mix and match foods with different flavors, you might like it. Hopefully your service is better than what we got. I don’t plan to go back.
Update Sep 2024: Went back and had problems with service again. Ordered 4 dishes, including a beef dish. 3 dishes came, but no beef. We put in a 2nd order of more food. 2nd order came. Still no beef. After well over an hour - probably closer to 90 minutes - we canceled the beef dish and left. No apology or explanation for why we waited more than an hour and never got the food we ordered. Food was mostly good, but I will not go back to a restaurant where you don’t get the food you order.
Service: 1
I've never had such a good dining experience before. We were curious about this place, and the prices were reasonable. We had no expectations, but my god this place was FANTASTIC. The food was delicious, but what really made it wonderful wa the staff. Everyone was so friendly, so knowledgeable, kind - even the chef came out and talked to us.
This place is so thoughtful. Thoughtful with the food, the menu, the environment...it felt like dining with friends. It was the best.
Super super highly recommend. If you're on the fence, please try it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A fabulous choice for an always interesting dinner. They always seem to go out of their way to accommodate requests. One night I was returning very late from the airport with a friend who hadn't eaten all day. We stopped at Njord Haven. There was one table of people finishing their dinner (it was late) and we asked if they were still serving. Don said he would be happy to stay open for us. This is typical of what you'll find here. And the food is always delicious and adventurous.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I've been with my partner and various combinations of friends a couple of times now and have always had a great experience. The drinks are well made, the food is always really interesting and very good and we enjoy that its a tapas style where plates are meant to be shared. It was a pretty busy evening so we didn't feel that the waits were particularly long, and the plates were timed pretty cleverly to make sure that the table wasn't over crowded or empty. The Nordic/Asian fusion is a neat concept and they do really make it work!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is so good! However The wait service at the bar is not advisable. I sat
Without water until I flagged someone down and I probably would have had more wine if it was offered during the Meal. Partner had to walk to the bar to ask for salt. I will continue to come back to njord haven and it’s a lovely spot. I would only get a table when coming here in the future but it’s unfortunate as the view from the bar window is outstanding.
Food: 5
Service: 3
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