RAVE: Seafood in West Cleveland

Yesterday, the SO decided for his birthday dinner that he wanted to try Salmon Dave's in Rocky River. 

This is something we'd been meaning to try but had yet to get around to - mainly because of the price.

But, if you go into the meal expecting to spend $30+ a plate, you won't be disappointed when the food arrives at your table.

Upon entering we were welcomed with friendly smiles from the hostess and manager, then seated promptly. The decor was cool, it was clearly upscale with white table cloths, but the atmosphere was rather relaxed. Walls were decorated with moose heads and large chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

Our server arrived promptly, was friendly throughout the night, but didn't interrupt our conversations (aka, my yacking on about God knows what). He kept our water glasses full too, which is saying something. We don't find that very often. As the SO says, we aren't properly hydrated in most restaurants.

I haven't had service like this in quite some time!

For starters, he went with the Lobster Bisque that everyone at his work was raving about. I passed on the soup initially, as I tend to fill up rather quickly. But one taste of the SOs and I was flagging down our server to order a cup of my own.

It was quite rich, and the SO ended up helping me finish it after he polished off his bowl, but it was by far the best bisque I've ever eaten.

Then it was on to the bruschetta. This girl likes to have a little Italian flare in every meal!

The bread was yummy, and the tomatoes were so fresh I couldn't get enough of them. I wasn't thrilled with the goat cheese fondue that was included on the side, it didn't have much flavor. But, what did I really expect from a seafood restaurant, anyway?

For the main course I really wanted to get crab and lobster, but I could hear my wallet screaming at me as I looked at the menu. So I went with the pretzel-crusted salmon.

Now, let me say this before I proceed. I'm a girl who likes my fish raw. I could eat sushi every day and be a happy girl, so cooked seafood isn't something I typically eat.

But, even with that, this was one of the best pieces of salmon I've ever eaten. It was thick and flavorful. The pretzel crust added just enough texture without taking away from the flavor of the fish.

Served on a bed of green beans and chopped potatoes, I highly recommend this dish.

The SO got shrimp and scallops that I didn't have a chance to taste before my stomach called it quits, but based on the moaning across the table it must have been pretty good.

We passed on dessert to come home and head to bed early.

Given the price and the portion size, next time we go there, we'll probably get soup and split a crab or lobster platter.

Oh yes, there will be a next time.

Here's a snapshot on Salmon Dave's:

Price: $$$$ (about $30 a plate)

Menu Selection: **** (wasn't expecting so much to choose from)

Taste: *** 

Service: ***** 

Atmosphere: **** 

So if you find yourself in West Cleveland and have a craving for seafood, head over to Salmon Dave's in Rocky River, you won't be disappointed.

Cheers!

-A