Anniversary dinner on the North Shore

[cmacl]

I have spent all morning reading the fabulous information on this board. I love it! I've also searched for romantic or great restaurants on the north shore and find most of the threads are a bit older or not exactly where I want to go. So, our 10th anniversary is next week and I'm looking for an unpretentious but nice restaurant for dinner. We live in Topsfield so I'm thinking about Newburyport. Salem feels like it takes forever to get to from our house. Does anyone have an opinion on Mission Oak Grill? We were originally thinking of Pellana but their menu doesn't excite me. Not terribly concerned about budget. My husband loves steak, I love everything! Thank you all in advance for your input.

[mcel215]

I went to the Plum Island Grille and loved it.

[cmacl]

I love the Gloucester suggestions. We lived there when we got married and our wedding was actually at the Ocean View Inn. Now I'm completely undecided about what we'll do. My husband has to drive, so I'm going to let him choose. I'll definitely give an update. Thank you all so much for your advice.

[opinionatedchef]

If you're willing to go to Newburyport, I would urge you to go another 20 minutes to Black Trumpet in Portsmouth. Now THAT will be an anniversary you will remember! Do a CH 'search' for it and some threads will come up. The food there is just terrific, and interesting, and the space is historic and romantic. Exc service as well. I am admittedly major picky, but imo, it is the only restaurant between Portland and Boston that is equal to restaurants in those cities.

[bluesjack]

You're right about the menu at Pellana it won't excite anyone but credit where it is due, they are what they are and the steaks are excellent

[AngerHeSmiles]

it's most likely in the "too far" range but Duckworth's in Gloucester cant be beat

[CocoDan]

We've always had really good meals at "10 Center", in Newburyport. Nice atmosphere, good wine list and good choices on the menu that are done well. You'll have a nice evening there!
Enjoy,
CocoDan

[ipsofatso]

10 Center, I second that.

[cmacl]

Thank you cookfood, I will definitely find the champagne bar! Henning - My husband is older than I am. I have no intention of making it long enough to hang out at the Century House:)

[treb]

Hey, the Century House, on the taven side, has a pretty good burger. I'd recommend the Franklin Cafe in Gloucesta.

[cookfood]

i took my boyfriend to mission oak last year for his bday and we had a great meal-the prices were decent, and the food was great. It felt like a steak house without the HUGE bill. We went for drinks before at the Black Cow on the water-a little cheesy (its good people watching) but within walking distance and has an outdoor deck. Im pretty sure for the whole night including drinks, apps and food was less than a 100. :)
If im not mistaken theres a champagne bar around the corner as well.