Northern Spy — Restaurant in Canton

Last evening, my wife and I ventured into a culinary time capsule called Northern Spy, housed in a historical building that once served as America’s first copper and brass factory in the 1800s. This restaurant, merging a quaint 1800s European American aesthetic with an industrial yet cozy feel, was an immediate embrace of history and flavor.

Upon entry, the warm welcome we received was just a prelude to the extraordinary dining experience that lay ahead. Northern Spy isn’t just about food; it’s about a journey, with each dish telling its own story. The menu, dynamic and seasonal, adapts to the rhythms of nature, incorporating local and seasonal vegetables that add layers of freshness and taste unique to the time of year.

Our adventure began with the Wings and Fried Provolone. The wings, adorned with piri piri buffalo sauce and sunflower seeds, were a delightful dance of flavors – a blend I had initially mistaken for culinary overreach but turned out to be a harmonious symphony. The Fried Provolone was a revelation in itself, a crispy delight perfectly complemented by its sauce, setting a high bar for what was to come.

For our main course, the choices were a reflection of the chef’s culinary bravado. I savored a special – a Dry Rub Sirloin Strip with Onion Jus – while my wife indulged in the Ora King Salmon, accompanied by hearth-roasted vegetables, baked quinoa, sweet potatoes, and a sesame vinaigrette. Each dish was a masterpiece, a blend of perfectly executed flavors and textures. The steak, tender and richly flavored, and the salmon, with its crispy skin, were testaments to the chef’s skill in infusing love and creativity into every plate.

The beauty of Northern Spy’s menu lies in its ability to surprise and delight. The seasonal vegetables brought a crisp, fresh element to each dish, enhancing the overall experience with their natural, vibrant flavors.

Even the coffee that followed was exceptional, a perfect endnote to our culinary symphony. And though desserts usually don’t tempt me, the Dutch Apple Pie was a game-changer. Its perfect balance of sweetness and crispness made for a delightful finish.

In summing up our experience at Northern Spy, it’s not just a meal; it’s a journey through time, a celebration of history, seasonality, and culinary artistry. Each bite is a discovery, each flavor a revelation. This is a place that doesn’t just serve food; it creates memories, with dishes that resonate with the heart and soul. We left with a promise to return, eager to uncover more culinary treasures from a menu that is a testament to the chef’s mastery over his craft. Highly recommended for those in search of a dining experience that’s not just about eating, but about savoring...

Northern Spy is a recently opened addition to the Canton dining scene and is slated to become one of the premier eateries in town, especially once Covid-19 is behind us.

Opened in a historical, brick building from 1801 which used to be the nation's first copper mill, Northern Spy's team worked to modernize everything. From the outside, it's gorgeous and I cannot wait to see the full potential it will have once diners are able to eat inside.

My wife and I decide to get takeout there for Valentine's Day and while we didn't opt for their special menu, we decided to go à la carte so we could try a variety of things. We kicked things off with their smoked tomato & cheese flatbread ($16) and their parsnip & cheddar pierogis ($18). Both were delicious and the attentiveness to the presentation and garnishes was impressive. The smoked mushrooms and soldier beans atop the pierogis were a hit. We also opted for the Parker House rolls ($7) which were very brioche-y and came with as side of salted maple butter.

For our main we split the Green Circle chicken ($28) which came with a delicious brown sauce composed of mushrooms and madeira. It came with a side of baked bread sauce which was rather unique but it paired nicely. If you're doing takeout and get this dish, make sure to eat it as soon as possible, it doesn't sit well (we found out the hard way once our toddler refused to go down to sleep sigh)

For sides we also got the Housekeeper's Kohlrabi ($7) which comes in a brown butter sauce and some hazelnuts. Oh, and we had two cocktails to go as well, which were $11 a pop and were terrific. Seriously the cognac-based Champs-Élysées was so smooth and with great notes of Chartreuse, bitters and lemon juice. The Last Word was also a huge hit with gin and Maraschino cherry liqueur, bitters and citrus.

All in all, this hidden gem is off the beaten path, in the midst of an area which is undergoing a lot of development but is setup to really well and it will have no problem quickly establishing itself as Canton's top eatery. The menu is diverse, creative and does a great job showcasing a piece of history and the local ingredients and traditions... with a modern twist. It was lovely and the staff was very friendly and helpful during pickup, which was a breeze. The prices are a tad high overall but the amount of work and care they put into what they dish out makes it well worth it. I look forward to returning for drinks and/or food in the future, and hopefully indoors or on...

So many restaurants on the South Shore have dated, uninspiring menus - I'm always shocked at how boring the restaurants in the area tend to be. Northern Spy's menu gave me hope, but they didn't deliver on an elevated meal. The fried artichoke fritters were nothing special, and the sauce seemed suspiciously similar to the Thai dipping sauce I get from Trader Joe's. The mac and cheese was, again, nothing special - it was lukewarm, I'm not sure where the breadcrumbs were, and the cheese sauce was thin and a little gritty (maybe I did find the breadcrumbs...?). It's most definitely not what you'd expect from a $17 plate. And the brussel sprouts were... fine.

My expectations were set higher because you expect more from a menu which is priced the way this one is. Certainly the dishes I picked were hardly the kinds of food that would have let any kitchen really shine. And yes, I realize that I'm talking about wanting an elevated menu and then I'm ordering mac and cheese. That's partly because I'm looking to eat vegetarian and there weren't a lot of vegetarian main choices. If you're a carnivore, you're likely going to have a very different perspective. But I stand by the fact that of the three things I ordered, nothing made me feel like I'd be interested in returning to try other options.

The wait staff was super nice and did a great job explaining the menu, but I do wonder if the plates for our table were sitting out for a little while as service was a little slow. I didn't mind the leisurely pace, but I did mind that our food was delivered not-so-hot.

If there was any one thing that put a positive spin on the evening, it was the patio. The weather was perfect and the bunnies hopping around the grassy area near us were super adorable! And not having to shout and strain to talk to the other person I was with was...