The popular Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar restaurant in New Brunswick is already a nightly hot-spot for locals. But big improvements to both the restaurant and its menu are drawing bigger crowds than ever. In particular, Salt has a new lower level dining experience that will interest both large groups and solo diners.
Executive Chef Christian Graciano owns and operates the restaurant with his family aboard. Since opening in 2018, Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar has quickly become one of The Best Seafood Restaurants in NJ. Aside from the food, Salt stands out for its exceptional staff and inviting atmosphere. Though the food is the same caliber as a white-tablecloth restaurant, Salt boasts a fun, laid back energy.
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Leveling Up (with Lower Level Dining)
Those who have already been to Salt know the main dining floor has a modern, rustic look. However, Chris and Tammi say the new, lower level — dubbed “The Cove” — gives off more of a speakeasy vibe. Patrons who descend the staircase to this lower level will find a comfortable lounge area, small bar, and table seating. The bar is a spacious six-seater, while the lounge is designed for cocktails and small plates. In fact, the lounge has an exclusive menu with items like calamari, a charcuterie cheese board, and other light bites. It doubles as both a casual space for pre or post-meal cocktails, or a relaxed meetup space for guests.
The lower level also allows Salt to fulfill one of their most requested features. Thanks to the new space, they can now accommodate large groups of up to 10 guests at the same table. They can even put tables together downstairs – something they don’t do on the main level – to accommodate big groups. Salt accepts reservations for both their Upper Level (main dining room) and Lower Level via OpenTable. Click here to reserve a table.
New Menu Additions
But the restaurant itself isn’t the only part of Salt that’s recently received an upgrade. The menu now includes a few new items that have quickly become fan favorites. For example, Chris’ wife says the Gnocchi with Lobster & Peas is so good, even non-gnocchi eaters will enjoy it. It comes with handmade ricotta gnocchi from Ló Re Pasta, lobster, English peas, tarragon, lemon zest, and baby spinach. Meanwhile, Chris says the “Key West” Florida Grouper is a big hit. This grouper comes with coconut-panko crust, citrus basmati, charred broccolini, lump crab, and avocado key lime butter.
Of course, many of their most popular menu items are still available as well. This includes small plates like Clam Chowder and Charred Octopus, and entrees such as Seafood Risotto and Seared Diver Scallops. Click here to see the full menu.
Visit Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar at 103 Church St in New Brunswick. (Click here to find them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.
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Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations via OpenTable.
They have gluten-free options, yes.
Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar offers both vegetarian and vegan dishes, yes.
No, they do not offer takeout. But they do offer catering pick-up for special events.
They do not offer delivery, no.
Yes, they serve alcohol.
Yes, their kids’ menu includes homemade chicken fingers & fries, buttered pasta, and salmon.
All Photos: © Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar
