DaVinci Ristorante

Came in for the first time yesterday for my birthday. The whole experience was great! The food is so authentic, the drinks were strong and our server Lisa is PHENOMENAL! She really knows her stuff. Best service I've had in YEARS. I do wish that for the $225 we spent, that the desert would have been free for my birthday. Other than that, the experience was great and we definitely will be back.

The environment was amazing - it was my first time eating in a restaurant with live piano music that was classy yet calming. Our server Gina did a great job refilling our drinks and had great recommendations for our food - and that food! Such high quality ingredients cooked to perfection, each course was beyond superb. I’ve had goat cheese before, but the appetizer (canary melon, sheep cheese, and prosciutto drizzled with honey and hazelnuts) allowed me to try sheep’s cheese for the first time and it was so rich and creamy. I would highly recommend this as a fancy treat for a very special occasion: mine was my first year anniversary with the love of my life, and I would go there everyday if I had the funds.

It was one of the top three dinners I have ever had! From the appetizer to dessert to cocktails, everything was perfect. If I were home, I could have licked my plate delicious. The atmosphere and staff were impeccable and so welcoming and friendly. The bartender hand crafted his menu and placed amazing touches on classics as well as unique drinks. We can't wait to go back as soon as we can!

I really wanted to give the place 5 stars, but I just couldn't do it. If it was merely the service from my server Christopher or the overall ambience, it would easily be a 10 star review. The staff is what still makes this place great!!! Christopher is one in 100 servers. He has product knowledge and a table side manner of pure class that is not often found in Salem oregon. The host and bartender were also very welcoming and again exemplified perfection. The 1st time I dined at DaVinci 30 years ago, I was star struck. It was the go to for all of us living in South Salem. We moved a decade ago and were in the area the evening of. The food was good, but a couple plates really missed the mark. The halibut was disappointing. Fish itself was old and dry. The bechamel had zero flavor as if the chef might have forgotten an ingredient or 2. The pan fried oysters were ok. The pasta was great, the steak was perfectly cooked and the desserts were fantastic. Overall if this was merely a food review, it would have only been 3 stars at the price point expectation. The crew easily raised the bar. Drinks are fantastic. Next time I plan on just going in for cocktails and maybe a pizza.

Linda was absolutely amazing. She recommended a fantastic drink, and despite how absolutely busy the place was, she was friendly and endearing. She kept me updated and entertained. I cannot be more thankful to have had her as a server. Thomas was equally as impressive. Funny, and charming. For how busy they were, the staff appeared to keep everything pristine and very professional. (Edit, I actually don’t remember if his name was Thomas or Xavier, or Jackson?? The aforementioned recommended drink was doing its job haha) I showed up to the venue about two days ago during the Matt rife comedy show next door, and it made the experience that much more enjoyable.