Sea Salt — Restaurant in Marblehead

Updated (changed from 3 to 5 stars):

A little behind here, but pretty big improvements since opening weeks.

I’m taking these guys from 3 to 5 stars because they really showed up during the pandemic. Order online/phone was really well done, etc and I’m sure it was not easy. The food quality remained consistent and the growlers of beer to go were pretty clutch. We still prefer to order take out vs eating in, just not a great experience with the setup and there is always something weird going on at the bar (beers listed are not on tap, or bartender is not in a good mood. Food is always spot on.

original review below -

First review here, intend to update after a couple more visits. Wanted to give 4 stars but it’s not ready yet...

tl:dr- up and coming, working out some kinks still, ask not to sit by kitchen if on a date, the beer list may not be accurate. Try the wings!

First, was excited to try this place, it’s about 6 weeks new. It’s hidden behind the Muffin Shop, not entirely clear but you can park in the unmarked spots next to Crosby’s Market. Also important, it is small and super busy so reservations are 110% advised.

There are 3 seating areas, 1) the area where you walk in is adjacent to the kitchen -has seating- is terribly un romantic, the lighting is off and to the left is a community table that is kinda cool but not designed terribly well. 2) The bar is fun and the further back you go the better. There is a narrow spot where they put a ledge for standing up but that is a terrible place to be because your constantly in everyone’s way - it’s too narrow. 3) the back dining room is cozy and is where anyone on a date night or romantic occasion would want to be ... I’d wait for it if I had too. Bad news: no reservations for under 6 people so if you can get a table it’s going to be hit or miss unless your willing to wait out the better seating.

The prize of Sea Salt is the number of beers on tap although on the night we came 5(!!!) of the 10 or so beers on the tap menu were out and the remaining selection was okay but not great... the bar tender was super friendly and apologetic said that that the owner was a beer nerd and liked things that were local/micro brews which is all cool but that means they need to update the list daily so one does not get excited about a beer and then have to make 2-3 other choices that are also not available. The wine variety is decent.

In any case, other than being crowded and few things were out of place, with some working out of the kinks Sea Salt has a lot of potential. Will return and...

I can’t say enough about the excellent service and over-the-top hospitality at Sea Salt. We showed up unannounced with a 7 lb Chihuahua in hand after taking a a stroll through historic Marblehead on a gorgeous Friday night - and asked if we could eat on the outdoor patio. David, the manager, was super welcoming, accommodating — and active (not always the case with GM’s). He took the initiative to light an outdoor heater to keep us comfortable. At one point he ran across the street to shop at Crosby’s when they were low on an ingredient - he is a rollup your sleeves sort of leader, which may help explain why all the rest of the staff are equally engaging and wonderful. Marc was our server and was extremely charming, knowledgeable and helpful about the menu and specials that night. You can tell when people truly enjoy what they do and where they work - Marc was that guy. He is going places, as they say. We had Maple Manhattan cocktails to start (divine), Korean chicken tenders, Ahi tuna poke, and Aleppo Honey Roasted Salmon entree - and shared it all. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and tasty. The Korean chicken tenders had authentic gochujang, were just slightly dry, but still solid and plentiful for an app. The ahi dish was the star of the night - lots of chunky fresh tuna, a large crispy wonton “bed”, wonderful complementary salsa adds, and the spicy mayo was a big hit with me (wife thought it could have used a smidge less mayo and smidge more spice - but hey…); the salmon was perfectly cooked and all the flavors on the plate blended nicely together. The honey advertised on this salmon did not really come through to add some sweet, but otherwise was a well executed dish. All in all - the meal was a B+ but the professional service from every employee we saw makes this an A restaurant any day of the week. Sea Salt is a “must try” for any visitor or local Marbleheader. A big thanks to David, Marc, and the chef team at Sea Salt for making this a wonderful impromptu meal on a picture-perfect New England Fall evening. We...

So we ate a lot. We ordered the wings, mussels, Caesar and house salads. We also had the kids spaghetti and the risotto. Everything was lights out. They started us off with some bread. Then the wings and mussels. The wings were hold overs from jack tar and tasted perfect. Didn't even desire any ranch or blue cheese. The mussels were next level. So many folks get it wrong but you got it right. The bread was a perfect touch. We loved the salads as well. I'm a huge fan of the Caesar and I've had them all over. So many places give you the gross hard past of romaine but Sea Salt served up mostly the green parts. The house salad was just as good. The kids meals were fine, small portions of pasta which you'd expect. The kids menu was expansive which was cool.

The decor was pretty bland but that's cool with me. Went there for food not decorations. Did like the lights on the wall...