Salem’s food scene has stepped out of Portland’s shadow, with a growing number of restaurants leaning into Willamette Valley ingredients, creative menus, and modern spaces.
From food halls to chef‑driven bistros, the city now offers plenty of reasons to stay local for a great meal. These five spots are among the standouts.
1. Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails
Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails is a cozy, bookish‑themed restaurant and bar that has become one of Salem’s most talked‑about destinations.
The space feels intimate and slightly eclectic, with a strong sense of personality. The menu is inventive, drawing from Southern, Pacific Northwest, and global inspirations.
You might find fried chicken with a twist, richly sauced pastas, veggie‑forward plates, and seasonal specials that change often.
Flavors tend to be bold and comforting, with clear attention to detail.
Cocktails are just as important as the food here, with a list that balances classics and creative house drinks, often named with literary nods.
2. Ritter’s Housemade Foods
Ritter’s Housemade Foods focuses on exactly what the name implies: scratch cooking with an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
The interior is bright and contemporary, with large windows and an open, inviting feel. The menu offers elevated comfort food—burgers, salads, sandwiches, and mains—with house‑made touches everywhere, from sauces and dressings to cured or smoked elements.
Weekend brunch brings everything from benedicts and hashes to sweet options that change with the seasons.
A small but thoughtful cocktail, beer, and wine selection rounds things out, making Ritter’s an easy pick for both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.
3. Fork Forty Food Hall
Fork Forty Food Hall brings multiple independent vendors together under one roof, giving Salem diners a chance to explore a variety of cuisines in a single stop.
The atmosphere is lively and communal, with shared seating and a rotating cast of food concepts.
Depending on who’s cooking, you might find everything from tacos and ramen to burgers, fried chicken, poke, or plant‑based options. This flexibility makes Fork Forty ideal for groups with varied tastes or for anyone who loves to sample a bit of everything.
A central bar often serves local beers, ciders, and cocktails, adding to the social feel of the space.
4. Xicha Brewing – Salem
Xicha Brewing, originally known for its West Salem location, blends Latin‑inspired food with craft beer in a modern, community‑minded setting.
Its presence in Salem has brought a fresh, vibrant option to the city’s brewery and restaurant mix.
The menu highlights dishes like tacos, tortas, bowls, empanadas, and other Latin American–inspired plates, often featuring slow‑cooked meats, bright salsas, and fresh garnishes.
Vegetarian options are usually available, and everything feels geared toward pairing well with what’s on tap.
The brewery focuses on approachable, flavorful beers—lagers, pale ales, IPAs, and seasonal offerings—that complement the food and make Xicha as much a hangout spot as a restaurant.
5. Venti’s Café + Taphouse (Downtown and South Salem)
Venti’s has evolved into a key player in Salem’s modern food and drink scene, with its combination of globally influenced comfort food and an impressive tap list.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, attracting everyone from families to beer enthusiasts.
The menu ranges widely: rice bowls, curries, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and bar bites that draw inspiration from across the globe.
There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options alongside heartier, meat‑centric plates. The taphouse element is a major draw, with rotating taps featuring regional beers and ciders. It’s a reliable choice whether you’re in the mood for a full meal or just drinks and snacks.
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