Fine Dining Restaurants in Salem, NH

“My husband and I visited The Capital Grille in Salem for my birthday dinner on November 29, hoping for a special evening. The menu looked impressive, and we loved the calamari appetizer and chicken entrée—they were absolutely awesome, flavorful, and well-prepared. Our waiter also delivered outstanding service, being attentive and making us feel welcome. Unfortunately, the night took a downturn with several issues. A persistent cold draft kept blowing in from the frequently opened door on a chilly evening, making us uncomfortable. The main problem was my well-done steak, which arrived charred and burned on one side—they even tried to hide it by flipping the burned part down. When I discreetly took a photo (just in case, as we were happy with other items and might have shared positives online), a manager approached within minutes in a forceful tone, asking what was wrong. I explained calmly and said I was fine without a replacement, but he pushed aggressively, insisting “If you don't eat it, you'll take it home.” It felt confrontational and over-the-top, completely destroying the vibe of my birthday celebration. He then lingered nearby, chatting with our server where we could clearly see and feel the awkwardness. They offered a gift card and complimentary dessert as a gesture, which was appreciated in theory, but they didn't ask our preferences and brought something I don't eat. Now, we're not sure if we'll give it another chance, even with the gift card—why risk another confrontation? If we're happy with something and want to take a photo to share, or if we have a minor complaint, do we have to go through that kind of aggressive damage control? It's a shame because the positives were there, but one bad item and the manager's handling ruined our evening. Overall, a mixed bag leaning toward disappointment.“