Encore Restaurant: Top Dining Experience in Salem, OR with Exceptional Steaks & Local Flavors

My husband and I had the most incredible dinner at Encore in Salem, Oregon, and it absolutely deserves all the praise. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with a warm, inviting atmosphere and genuinely friendly service that made the entire evening feel special. The staff was attentive, accommodating, and clearly passionate about creating a great experience. My husband ordered the New York steak special, and it was perfection — cooked exactly as requested, beautifully seasoned, and packed with rich, satisfying flavor. I chose the pasta special, and it was honestly one of the best pasta dishes I’ve had in Salem. The sauce was decadent and silky, the kind that makes you savor every bite. Dessert was just as unforgettable. We shared the nitro stout brownie, which was indulgent and delicious, and the horchata panna cotta, a creamy, perfectly balanced dessert that felt both unique and comforting. Encore is exactly the kind of restaurant Salem has been needing — elevated but welcoming, creative yet comforting, and consistently focused on quality. We can’t wait to go back and try more. If you’re looking for your next favorite spot in Salem, Encore should be at the top of your list.

I was invited to this restaurant's opening alongside family and I brought my two littles with me. My 1 y/o is very picky with veggies and he was begging for more of the soup of the day which was a rich, delightful, butternut squash cooked with cream and coconut milk. I must say, I didnt want to share it! I dont even like butternut squash! The stuffed sliders were the perfect size for my 4 y/o hands, she's not a big meat eater but her plate was clean and thats a "win" for me! She also loved the complimentary popcorn that was provided in liu of the common "chips and salsa" you'd normally get at Mexican restaurants. She ate two bowls to herself lol! Our whole table talked about the smash burger and the ceviche. The smash burger was just so buttery, it melted in my mouth. It had a little sweetness to it that complimented the buttery-ness. The ceviche, I couldn't get enough of. Im used to a red ceviche, this was a green. Let me tell ya, order it, ya won't regret it! One of the owners came out and said it was a family recipe from Jalisco, Mexico. The carnitas (the only thing I got a photo of!) were gone as soon as the plate hit the table. Im not fond of pickled onions but I gave them a try with the carnita and it was the perfect compliment to the taco! Leave it on there! The bartender (hey girl!) she made me a whiskey sour just the way I like, with a whipped egg white floating on top. I've found that the egg white isn't always an option and it really makes a difference. My mom had the SW cubano which is made with a local cheese made in Salem (Don Froylan queso). After giving her compliments to the chef, and mentioning how she liked that the cheese was local, he charmed her with a guava ale that was also from Salem! As an Oregonian, I love buying local, so does she. The chef won her over 100%. This place has a warm ambiance and they make you feel like family. The owner's are best friends who put their heart and soul into the food and experience they provide. Next time, I'm getting a babysitter, ditching the kids, and taking the husband!

The service was amazing from start to finish. The steak was the best I’ve had in a long time—perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The dessert was also delicious. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!

The customer service here is something that is so rare these days. The owner Victor and all of his staff are all absolute gems. The food was phenomenal, the balsamic steak bites are a MUST. Will recommend and will be back!

A must Dine. This is a new restaurant in the heart of downtown. Christine the bartender was polite and very accommodating. Victor was great! He provided a welth of knowledge over all food related questions and actually knew the ingredients. Bonus!!! Food was Hot & Fresh, everything was actually top notch. We cannot wait to come back and see how round 2 fairs. On a side note, menu and specials change not sure what is a guaranteed staple so go try it now!! Just saying..

Had my birthday dinner tonight with my daughters. It was our first time visiting this restaurant and they did not disappoint. The vibe , food , service was top notch . We will definitely be coming back. Oh almost forgot the Marion berry mocktail is worth talking about

Amazing food & amazing service. Stumbled upon Encore walking around and so happy that I did! I will definitely be back. Victor (the owner) is the best. P.S: Get the cauliflower. So good!

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt personal and elevated. We were taken care of by Victor, the chef and co-owner, who was incredibly warm and engaging. It was definitely the most welcome I’ve felt at a restaurant in a long time. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, and each one was delicious: - Ceviche - not what you might typically think of when you think ceviche but delicious nonetheless, with fresh guacamole and shrimp - Pecorino Fries with Black Garlic Aioli - I need the recipe for the aioli because it was like no other aioli I’ve had. Amazing. - Carbonara - Lots of bacon. I don’t know if I need to say anything else (except that it was mouthwateringly delicious) - Wagyu Burger - best burger I’ve had in a long time. Juicy, savory, sweet, and just a little bit spicy… so good! - Cocktails - ordered the Caamel Appletini and Marionberry lemon drop and both were well made and tasty. - Nitro Stout Brownie - You can never go wrong with brownies and ice cream. Seriously delicious, and loved the Heath toffee pieces on it. The atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable while delivering amazing food, incredible service, and a warm personality. Definitely recommend for date nights, dinners with friends, or any meal where you want great food and great energy. Already planning my next visit.