Updated January 6, 2025.
Salem’s dining scene is buzzing with new and exciting flavors! Over the past year, a number of fresh restaurants and bars have opened their doors, serving everything from breakfast to comforting classics. Regardless of whether you’re a Salem resident searching for a new go-to spot or a visitor eager to experience the city’s food, you’ll want to try these 10 new local restaurants.
Wolfhounds Bar & Grill
Wolfhounds Bar & Grill brings another upscale dining experience to Salem. This new establishment—led by Chef Travis Gunn—features a menu brimming with locally sourced ingredients and creative flavors. Located in the space formerly occupied by Kitchen on Court Street and Palomino’s, Wolfhounds opened their doors in November 2024 and has quickly become a new local favorite. Guests can savor expertly crafted dishes and cocktails along with great service.
Nekia PNW Kitchen & Bar
Nekia PNW Kitchen & Bar (pronounced “Neh-kay-uh”) opened in December 2024 on the first floor of The Holman Hotel in downtown Salem, replacing Pacific Standard. Nekia boasts local farm-to-table ingredients, house-made sauces and bar syrups, and a fresh twist on Pacific Northwest dishes. The Holman provides the perfect backdrop for happy hour gatherings, business dinners or special occasions.
Cascadia Pizza Co.
Cascadia Pizza Co., known for their Neapolitan-inspired wood-fired pizzas, expanded into Salem in November 2024 by acquiring Basil & Board. This marks Cascadia’s first venture into the Oregon market, bringing with them a dedication to quality and community that has defined the brand since 2015. Their menu features a variety of pizzas with Pacific Northwest-inspired toppings, salads, and wings. This new spot aims to be a gathering place where flavors and friendships are shared, continuing the tradition of great pizza in this iconic space.
Honey&Co.
Honey&Co. opened their doors in the summer of 2024, bringing a new breakfast and lunch experience to the former Busick Court building downtown. Affectionately adopting the title “Salem’s Brunch Spot” this charming eatery is the creation of Rob and Donna Melton—a couple with deep roots in Salem’s dining scene. Donna, with over 30 years of service at Busick Court, and Rob, a seasoned bartender, have curated a menu that combines traditional breakfast favorites with innovative twists. With their cozy atmosphere and continued dedication to community, Honey&Co. has quickly become a go-to spot for brunch in Salem.
Wok N Pho Chinese & Vietnamese Cuisine
Wok N Pho opened their doors in December 2024. Specializing in Chinese and Vietnamese dishes, the restaurant offers a diverse menu made with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. With favorites like pho, rice and noodle plates, wok dishes, and more, you’ll be sure to walk away feeling full and happy.
Vortex Eatery + Taphouse
Vortex Eatery + Taphouse, a new family-friendly dining spot founded by brothers Mo and Eric Chappell, opened in South Salem during the summer of 2024. The restaurant embodies the brothers’ shared passion for delicious food and warm hospitality. Their menu features a range of items, including poke bowls, hand-pressed burgers, salads, steaks, sandwiches, and more. Vortex welcomes all ages at all hours, and they love to host regular events like trivia and paint + sip nights.
Frida’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Frida’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar is a vibrant addition to Salem’s culinary scene, having opened their doors in late 2024. Located in the former South Salem Venti’s building, this restaurant serves upscale Mexican dishes in an exciting new atmosphere.
Damascus Kitchen
Damascus Kitchen, which opened in September 2024, has brought more mouthwatering flavors of the Middle East to Salem. Occupying the Fork Forty Food Hall space formerly home to Syrian Kitchen, this new restaurant puts forward a menu that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the region.
Precious Pizza
In 2024, Precious Pizza opened a brick-and-mortar location in the Reed Opera House after operating as a pop-up for the last few years. They are known for their small batch Grandma-style pan pizza made with fresh ingredients and cooked in the highest quality olive oil. You can order full pies as well as pizza by the slice. In addition to classic flavors like cheese and pepperoni, they also create specialty pies made with ingredients like figs, peaches, and even elote.
The Easy Otter
The Easy Otter, a southern-inspired restaurant, has been delighting diners in Salem long before their brick-and-mortar opening in May 2024. Boasting comfort food with a southern twist, their menu features mouthwatering fried chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken tenders, fluffy beignets, hearty burgers, and a selection of refreshing brews.
With new restaurants to explore, Salem’s food scene continues to thrive and impress. These local spots bring fresh and exciting menus, new atmospheres to explore, and a taste of the community’s culinary creativity. Next time you’re planning a meal out, consider these fresh and exciting options right here in Salem. Happy eating!
