Strega
94 Lafayette Street
978 741.0004
Nestled on the edge of down town Salem sits what I can only describe as an adult contemporary dining experience.
Stregas exterior does nothing to inform you as to what lies beyond its doors. Once inside you enjoy a beautiful wood bar with impressive columns, warm walls with geometric patterns, and fun retro-style lighting. Three plasma screens at the bar were tuned into the sporting game du jour (Patriots Sunday night game) while the room was filled with the sounds of latin hip-hop and later ambient chill out lounge.
We were promptly seated and a waitress took our drink order. I was disappointed to find out they did not have Bombay Sapphire, a staple at any respectable restaurant. I opted for a Hendrix martini while my dining companion ordered a cosmo. The menu was robust with an emphasis on Italian far. We opted for the PEI Muscles as an appetizer which was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked.
Entrees were priced from $12 -$26 and there was a three course price fixe option. We chose the rigatoni ala vodka and the seafood scampi. Portions were hearty and prepared well. The seafood was delicious but the scampi sauce and pasta left much to be desired. The rigatoni hit the spot and forced me to move my belt one notch to finish it.
The desert menu offered standard choices so we went with a creme brulee and a Bailey’s chocolate mousse. The mousse was rich and just melted in your mouth, the creme brulee was creamy with a hint of vanilla and caramelized just enough to impart a touch of flavor. Desert was capped off with an Irish coffee.
Reservations are not required but suggested especially for Friday or Saturday night.
Atmosphere: A
Drinks: A
Food: B
Overall: B+
3 responses so far ↓
1 Salem Guy // Nov 22, 2007 at 9:17 am
I’ve given Strega two chances and was disappointed both times. While the food was not bad, the prices were discouraging and, for whatever reason, both times our server was exceptionally rude. I doubt I will give it a third chance. In my book…pretty, but not much there.
2 Mr. Salem // Nov 23, 2007 at 8:39 am
“Salem Guy”,
Thanks for your response. I would agree that for Salem the prices are on the high side (average for Boston). Our server was helpful and attentive, perhaps it was due to a slow night but we had no problem with service.
3 Claus // Apr 3, 2008 at 9:53 am
Went last week. Agree with Salem Guy from last year. Not impressed at all. Clubby, pricey, a poorly mixed drink, inattentive server, and mediocre food. Not my thing, may be yours.
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