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A neighborhood French bistro & Bar in Salem - Bernadette, Salem, MA

Bernadette

4.9 (102)
$31 to $50
French
65 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

Make a reservation

A photo of Bernadette restaurant

Bernadette

4.9
$31 to $50
French
Salem

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
Bernadette is a neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic downtown Salem, where everything is crafted in-house and served with genuine hospitality. Our open kitchen and relaxed dining room invite guests to experience Chef Aaron Chambers' cooking—rooted in classical French technique, New England's seasons, and the simple pleasure of gathering around the table.

The menu brings together timeless bistro classics with seasonal dishes inspired by local farms, fishermen, and producers. Whether you're stopping in for a glass of wine and a few snacks at the bar or settling in for dinner, Bernadette offers thoughtful cooking, warm hospitality, and a dining experience that feels both timeless and welcoming.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, Bistro
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Chef Aaron Chambers
  • Private party facilities
    Bernadette welcomes groups of up to 16 guests for shared dining in the heart of the restaurant, surrounded by the energy and warmth that define the space. For larger gatherings, partial buyouts of our Bar Side or Kitchen Side dining areas are available, as well as full restaurant buyouts for special occasions.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Salem
  • Cross street
    At the corner of Washington Street & Church Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Bernadette is located in downtown Salem, just a short walk from the Salem Station on the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line commuter rail, with regular service to and from Boston. Several local bus routes also stop nearby in downtown Salem.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Wine

All Experiences

  • Chef's Tasting Table

    $132.60 per person

    Prepaid

    2 - 6 people

    Multiple dates available
    Our Chef’s Tasting Table is a front-row seat to how Bernadette cooks. You’ll be seated at our round table in the dining room for a seasonal tasting menu from Chef Aaron and the team - think of it as Bernadette’s current menu reimagined: smaller portions, more courses, and a thoughtful progression designed to show the full range of flavors, techniques, and ingredients we’re excited about right now. This experience is set, intentional, and paced as a tasting. It’s ideal for guests who love to try everything, trust the kitchen, and want to settle in for the night.
    Chef's Tasting Table Photo
  • Weekday Group Dining

    $85.00 per person

    8 - 16 people

    Multiple dates available
    Designed for larger parties looking to settle in and enjoy the full Bernadette experience together. Dinner begins with a selection of shared dishes for the table, followed by a seasonal starter and choice of entrée. Your party will be seated together in our dining room. While this experience does not include a private dining room, it offers the same warm hospitality and lively atmosphere enjoyed by all of our guests. The per person menu is designed to showcase the flavors, ingredients, and hospitality that define Bernadette. Vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary accommodations can often be made with advance notice. Please note any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking. Guests interested in upgraded entrées, including New York Strip, Ribeye, or Marblehead Lobster, are encouraged to contact the restaurant prior to their reservation.
    Weekday Group Dining Photo
  • Weekend Group Dining

    $125.00 per person

    8 - 16 people

    Multiple dates available
    Designed for larger parties looking to settle in and enjoy the full Bernadette experience together. Prior to your reservation, you’ll select three starters and three entrées from our current menu to offer your guests. Dinner begins with shared dishes for the table, followed by your selected starters, each guest’s choice of entrée, and shared desserts. Your party will be seated together in our dining room. While this experience does not include a private dining room, it offers the same warm hospitality and lively atmosphere enjoyed by all of our guests. The $125 per person menu gives larger parties the opportunity to experience Bernadette’s seasonal menu while still offering guests plenty of choice. Vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary accommodations can often be made with advance notice. Please note any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking. Your menu selections will be confirmed with our team prior to your reservation.
    Weekend Group Dining Photo

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Bernadette.

4.9

4.9
(102)
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Greater Boston

    French

  • Boston Metro North

    Best Overall

  • Boston Metro North

    Best Food

  • Boston Metro North

    Best Service

  • Boston Metro North

    Best Ambiance

  • Boston Metro North

    Innovative

  • Boston Metro North

    Great for fine wines

  • Boston Metro North

    Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Bernadette in Salem is a culinary gem offering "exceptional service" and "delicious food." Guests praise the "well-informed staff," "beautiful ambiance," and memorable dishes like "lobster pasta" and "spiced fig sorbet." With an atmosphere both "sophisticated" and "welcoming," it's a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts.
102 Reviews
  1. Richard Gold

    Greater Boston14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great, apps, mains and desert.  Drinks very nice too…  Service was outstanding

    Is this helpful?

  2. pamela

    Greater Boston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely open kitchen atmosphere. Service and food amazing from start to finish. We (party of 6) had a hard time leaving.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jeannine

    San Francisco14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, excellent service, nice ambiance and it was quiet!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jerrell Gold

    Hawaii1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Megan was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food and service were both excellent. It’s really impressive when a team can deliver on the busiest night of the year.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jeffrey

    Greater Boston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 31, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food and service was phenomenal. Would highly recommend anybody who would want to try. 

    Is this helpful?

  6. Alexander

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    it was very good. busy night but service was quick and helpful. great food.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Lauren

    Houston5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the best time at Bernadette! The wait staff was kind, helpful, and attentive, with great wine recommendations and fast service. The food was excellent - my husband got the lobster pasta, and I got one of the specials for the evening. It was delicious and a perfect portion! We also got the spiced fig sorbet, which tasted like fall. We’ll be back next time we’re in Salem!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Joshua

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Service was fantastic and the ambiance was very nice. Cocktail was outstanding but stronger than anticipated so be careful! The food slightly missed the mark and left us wanting more.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Stephanie

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was absolutely amazing. Food was very tasty!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Summer

    Dallas3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was so good, we loved the chicken dish and the apple dessert was so yummy!!!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, Bistro
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Chef Aaron Chambers
  • Private party facilities
    Bernadette welcomes groups of up to 16 guests for shared dining in the heart of the restaurant, surrounded by the energy and warmth that define the space. For larger gatherings, partial buyouts of our Bar Side or Kitchen Side dining areas are available, as well as full restaurant buyouts for special occasions.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Salem
  • Cross street
    At the corner of Washington Street & Church Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Bernadette is located in downtown Salem, just a short walk from the Salem Station on the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line commuter rail, with regular service to and from Boston. Several local bus routes also stop nearby in downtown Salem.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Takeout, Wine

FAQs

Bernadette centers on a relaxed dining room with an open kitchen, and it also has a bar where guests enjoy snacks or wait for a table, many diners ask to be seated near the kitchen for a front‑row view of the action.

Many guests report leaving comfortably full, reviewers specifically mention being "too full" or having "left feeling full and happy" after their meals.

Bernadette offers a warm, elegant French‑bistro vibe, an open kitchen, softly glowing candles, and a stylish, inviting dining room that feels perfect for celebrations or a relaxed evening.

Casual Dress, comfortable, everyday attire is appropriate; nothing formal is required.

Saturday nights are a lovely choice, guests describe Bernadette as "hopping" on Saturday evenings and praise the lively atmosphere and attentive service.

For a calmer visit, aim for a Tuesday evening or an earlier weeknight dinner, guests specifically enjoyed a Tuesday visit, while prime dinner times (for example a 7:30 reservation) and Saturday nights tend to be busier and lively.

Private dining isn't part of Bernadette's offering, the focus is on the open kitchen and relaxed dining room experience.

Yes, families do bring children for special occasions here; guests describe celebrating a son's birthday and mother–daughter visits, and staff are repeatedly praised for warm, attentive hospitality.

Bernadette is owned by Shanna, guests note she takes a personal interest in honoring reservations and welcoming diners.

Yes, Bernadette is a popular choice for anniversaries and special evenings, with guests praising its charming, elegant ambiance and attentive service.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Greater Boston
  4. Boston Metro North
  5. Salem

Make a reservation

A photo of Bernadette restaurant

Bernadette

4.9
$31 to $50
French
Salem

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
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