9 Elm
I want to show you a restaurant serving some of the most delicious food you’ll find north of Boston—full stop. Let’s take a closer look at Nine Elm.
Nine Elm, located in downtown Danvers, Massachusetts, is a neighborhood bistro that welcomes you like family the moment you walk through the door—because it’s run by one. Chef and owner Matthew Sanidas, along with his wife Jean, have built a strong reputation for pairing outstanding food with equally exceptional service. It’s a small American bistro focused on New American cuisine, where everything is made from scratch and ingredients are sourced locally. Guests are greeted warmly by Jean, while Chef Matthew works behind the scenes crafting each dish with care.
The restaurant itself is warm and inviting, blending rustic charm with a polished, contemporary feel. After nearly twenty years, Nine Elm has become a staple in the area. What truly sets it apart, though, is the food—elevated American comfort dishes done right. From perfectly cooked steaks to handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and irresistible desserts, everything on the menu is designed to impress.
A great place to start is with the crab cake, a classic executed perfectly. It’s panko-crusted, loaded with fresh crab meat and no fillers, and served with a whole grain mustard aioli. The result is a sweet, crispy, and incredibly satisfying bite. Another standout appetizer is the bacon-wrapped, blue cheese-stuffed dates. These pack a punch of flavor with every bite—sweet, salty, creamy, and finished with a touch of balsamic glaze.
The short rib ravioli is another favorite, featuring tender meat wrapped in perfectly textured pasta, all brought together with a wild mushroom jus and Parmesan cheese. For something warm and comforting, the signature onion soup is a must. Made with caramelized sweet onions, wine, and rich beef stock, then topped with imported gruyère cheese and broiled until golden, it delivers a deeply rich and savory flavor in every spoonful.
When it comes to entrées, Nine Elm truly shines. The filet mignon is grilled to perfection and topped with house-made blue cheese butter, served alongside whipped potatoes, asparagus, and carrots with a red wine reduction. The rigatoni bolognese is hearty and satisfying, combining lamb, veal, and pork in a rich tomato cream sauce.
One of the most memorable dishes is the Nine Elm pork chop, a family favorite. It’s brined in cider, grilled for a perfect char, and served over smooth chipotle sweet potatoes with house vegetables and an apple cider reduction. The result is a juicy, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.
Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed either. The pan-seared scallops are plump and naturally sweet, served with truffle mashed potatoes and a buttery corn sauce that brings everything together beautifully. The pan-seared duck breast is equally impressive, with crispy skin and rich flavor, served over a butternut squash and smoked bacon risotto with a citrus soy reduction that adds complexity and balance.
To finish, the warm chocolate cake is the ultimate indulgence. Made fresh daily, it’s served with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with salted caramel sauce. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy ice cream, and that hint of salt creates a perfectly balanced dessert.
Nine Elm is ideal for just about any occasion—date night, family dinner, or a casual evening out. With great food, excellent drinks, a thoughtful wine selection, and warm, attentive service, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
