If you have been searching for a restaurant in Salem, NH that genuinely delivers on both flavor and variety, Sayde’s Bar & Grill is a name you will hear again and again. Open since 1994, this family-owned gem at 136 Cluff Crossing Rd, Salem, NH 03079 has spent over three decades perfecting a menu that bridges two culinary worlds — the bold, herb-forward traditions of Lebanese cuisine and the hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort of American favorites.
Whether you are stopping in for a casual weeknight dinner, bringing the family out on the weekend, or ordering a spread for a gathering, the Sayde’s Bar & Grill menu offers something for every appetite. Here are the top 10 dishes worth ordering on your first visit — or your fiftieth.
1. Hummus — The Lebanese Classic That Starts Every Great Meal
Few things on a Mediterranean food menu reveal the skill of a kitchen faster than hummus, and Sayde’s version sets a high bar. Priced at $10, this creamy dip is made from blended chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon, and garlic, then served with warm pita bread. It is an ideal starter for the table — clean, simple, and deeply satisfying. You can even add lamb on top for $5 if you want to elevate the experience.
2. Chicken Shawarma Plate — A Crowd Favorite Done Right
The Chicken Shawarma Plate ($24) is one of the most ordered items on the Sayde’s Bar & Grill menu, and for good reason. Sliced marinated grilled chicken is served alongside rice pilaf, fresh vegetables, and a salad. It is a complete, balanced plate that delivers on the promise of authentic shawarma without cutting any corners. The marinade is where the flavor lives, and the kitchen makes it count.
3. Mixed Grill — The Best Introduction to Lebanese Grilling
If you want a single dish that shows the range of the kitchen, order the Mixed Grill ($30). You get one skewer each of chicken, kafta, and your choice of beef or lamb, all grilled and served with sides and dips. This is the plate that converts first-time visitors into regulars. The kafta — ground seasoned beef mixed with parsley and onion — is particularly worth trying if you have never had it before.
4. Baba Ghanouj — A Smoky, Layered Dip Worth Savoring
Baba Ghanouj ($11) is smoked eggplant blended with garlic, lemon, and sesame paste. It is one of those dishes that rewards a slow approach — scoop it generously onto pita and pay attention to the depth of the smoky, savory flavor. It pairs beautifully with the falafel or as part of a shared appetizer spread. This is a staple of Middle Eastern appetizers done the traditional way.
5. Falafel — Crispy, Herb-Forward, and Versatile
The Falafel ($10) at Sayde’s is made from fava beans and chickpeas and arrives deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are served with tahini sauce and hold up whether you eat them as a standalone starter, order the Falafel Wrap ($15), the Falafel Bowl ($14), or the Falafel Fritters entree ($22). If you appreciate a properly made falafel with a light crust and an herby, dense center, this one will not disappoint.
6. Lamb Skewers — For the Serious Meat Lover
If you are a fan of grilled meats, the Lamb Skewers ($28) are essential. Two skewers of marinated lamb, cooked to order, served with rice pilaf, vegetables, and salad. The lamb is tender and well-seasoned without being overpowered. This is the kind of dish that reflects the Sfeir family’s culinary roots — straightforward, high-quality, and built on technique developed over decades.
7. Beef Shawarma Plate — Bold Spices, Hearty Portions
The Beef Shawarma Plate ($26) features sliced tenderloin cooked in warm spices and sautéed with onions and tomatoes. Paired with rice pilaf, vegetables, and salad, this is a filling entree that hits all the right notes. The beef is tender and the seasoning is complex without being heavy. It is a worthy counterpart to the chicken version and regularly earns high marks from regulars.
8. Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls — The American-Lebanese Crossover
This is where the menu gets creative. The Steak and Cheese Egg Rolls ($12) are crispy, fried wheat flour skins filled with shredded beef and cheese. They deliver the satisfying crunch and richness of American bar food with a house-made twist. Order them as a starter while you wait for your grill plate, and do not be surprised if they become your go-to appetizer at a family-friendly grill restaurant like this one.
9. Mediterranean Haddock — A Seafood Plate With Real Character
Not every item on the Sayde’s Bar & Grill menu is grilled meat, and the Mediterranean Haddock ($26) is proof of how well the kitchen handles seafood. Baked haddock is topped with garlic, onion, tomato, and cilantro, creating a bright, herbaceous flavor profile that is lighter than the grill plates but just as satisfying. Served with your choice of rice pilaf, hand-cut fries, or mashed potato, it is a smart order for anyone who prefers fish.
10. Family Grill Platter — The Ultimate Sayde’s Experience
The Family Grill Platter ($100) is the showstopper. It includes a mix of appetizers (Fattoush and Hummus), grilled vegetables, a selection from the grill featuring 2 lamb, 2 beef, 2 chicken, and 2 kafta skewers, hand-cut fries, pita bread, pickles, toum (garlic paste), and the chef’s signature dessert — Baklava. This platter is built for groups and delivers a full tour of everything the Lebanese cuisine Salem NH community has come to love about Sayde’s. It is the best way to experience the breadth of the menu in a single sitting.
Why These Dishes Stand Out on the Sayde’s Bar & Grill Menu
Every item on this list reflects the philosophy behind the restaurant: quality ingredients, traditional preparation, and generous portions. Chef Elie Sfeir trained in Beirut and refined his skills in kitchens across Saudi Arabia before bringing that expertise to Salem, NH. Chef George Sfeir spent over 12 years leading the kitchen at Jocelyn’s Restaurant and later at Beiruti Mediterranean Restaurant. Their combined experience is evident in how every dish is constructed — from the simple hummus to the complex Arabic Platter.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s food safety guidance, restaurants that emphasize fresh, whole ingredients and in-house preparation consistently offer safer and higher-quality meals compared to those relying on processed or pre-packaged components. Sayde’s commitment to making everything in-house aligns directly with this standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sayde’s Bar & Grill offer vegetarian options?
Yes. Several items are fully vegetarian, including the Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Falafel, Taboule, Veggie Grape Leaves, and the Veggie Sampler ($24). The Falafel Bowl and Falafel Wrap are also solid vegetarian meal options.
What are the hours at Sayde’s Bar & Grill in Salem, NH?
Tuesday through Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Can I order the Family Grill Platter for a group event or catering?
Yes. Sayde’s Bar & Grill offers catering services for events of all sizes, including birthdays, office gatherings, and family occasions. They also offer Mercy Meal packages for times of remembrance. You can find more information on their catering menu at https://saydesrestaurant.com/menu/.
Is Sayde’s Bar & Grill suitable for families with children?
Yes. There is a dedicated Kids Menu offering pasta with butter, chicken or kafta kabob with hand-cut fries, and chicken tenders with hand-cut fries — all priced at $12. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it a comfortable choice for families.
Visit Sayde’s Bar & Grill in Salem, NH
The next time you are looking for a restaurant that delivers on authentic Lebanese cuisine and satisfying American comfort food under the same roof, Sayde’s Bar & Grill is the place to go. From the first bite of hummus to the last piece of baklava on the Family Grill Platter, every dish on this list is worth your time. Stop in at 136 Cluff Crossing Rd, Salem, NH 03079, call (603) 890-1032, or visit saydesrestaurant.com to explore the full menu and place your order online today.
