Leslie's Retreat ****

We entered Leslie's Retreat on a work night looking to avoid having to cook a meal! Once we found the sign that lead us to the parking area in back, we noticed the quaint patio area on our way in. Inside, we found it a little outdated, with dark wood used throughout.

We were surprised to find so many Italian dishes in, what appears to be, a "Yankee" styled restaurant themed after colonial Salem.  Still, it didn't matter with the well proportioned meals they serve.


We had expected the prices to be slightly lower, but when we saw the size of the meals, we understood and had no problem. We got the baked haddock ($10.99) and the veal parmigiana on spaghetti ($9.29) and a soda ($2.29). With heaping amounts of meat sauce and tasty haddock, we were more than satisfied and left with full bellies.

The service was an older lady with plenty of stories to tell and knowledge of local lore.  She explained that Leslie's Retreat was based on a poem about an incident before the famous ride of Paul Revere; the revolution began with Leslie's Retreat.

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ambience: Casual, Intimate

The Good:

Service: Excellent
Cleanliness: Spotless
People: Quiet, a bit of everything
Parking: lot (in rear)

The Bad:

Portions: Large
Location: Although on a main street, it's a little confusing to figure out that they have a lot and then how to get to it (the entry is between a couple of house down the street).
Price: Average

Date Rate: Cozy and casual!

Overall Value: 4

Leslie's Retreat
96 North St
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-9495