Consider Rehearsal Dinners in These Superb Local Venues

The days of stuffy sit-down rehearsal dinners the night before a wedding are over. Today couples are getting revved up for their wedding day in all sorts of fun venues… from restaurants to backyards to beaches to bowling alleys. Most of these standout rehearsal ideas can take place at home or in a restaurant, and each of them is sure to please everyone from your Bubbe to your best friends. Following are restaurants on the North Shore that welcome rehearsal dinners and will accommodate to your every whim.

Gourmet Garden
430 Paradise Rd., Swampscott
781-599-1780
gourmetgarden.org

Whether your event is casual, or calls for a truly extravagant meal, this local favorite might be just the ticket. How about a traditional Chinese banquet or a multi-course sushi feast? Gourmet Garden has two separate rooms which can be used for private events of 25-100. Ask for Sharon and she will be delighted to help you. The restaurant will customize a menu and print them as well. Parking is a breeze.

Sixty2 on Wharf
62 Wharf St, Salem
978-744-0062
62onwharf.com

Sixty2 on Wharf is a casual neighborhood bistro serving rustic, modern Italian cuisine on Pickering Wharf, Salem.

Chef Antonio Bettencourt and his team are dedicated to using the best locally-sourced, all natural ingredients in season and at the peak of flavor. The cooking at Sixty2 on Wharf shows true soul and a commitment to the true “craft” of cooking. 

Sixty2 on Wharf offers a private dining room with seating for up to 25 people. For larger events the entire restaurant is available as well. Sixty2 on Wharf is also wonderful for an intimate rehearsal dinner. Ask for Jonathan or Antonio.

Polcari’s
92 Broadway, Saugus
781-233-3765
Pizzeriaregina.com

Family style cuisine and a taste of Italy. World famous Regina Pizza is always available at Polcari’s. The authentic Italian cuisine served here uses old family recipes straight from Boston’s North End. The evening of your rehearsal dinner begins and ends with fun. Uncork the chianti and celebrate Italian style. Ask for Scott Newman and he will assist you from antipasti to cannoli.

Salem Waterfront Hotel
225 Derby St, Salem
978-740-8788
salemwaterfronthotel.com

With so much to offer, the Salem Waterfront Hotel is the perfect boutique property to experience your rehearsal dinner or wedding. This is truly an opportunity for “one stop shopping.” The hotel is ideally situated on picturesque Salem Harbor. Private rooms or the Regatta Bar… take your pick… for a truly New England experience offering the finest in fresh seafood, excellently prepared. Contact Dan or Mary Lynn.

Trattoria Sablone
33 Smith St, Marblehead
781-631-8140
sablonesrestaurant.com

The food and the service reflect the feeling of a Tuscan trattoria. The hearts of the Maffeo family have always been in this restaurant, and the experience is more than simply going out to dine. The space is intimate and you can take over this charming space, or have a portion of the dining room. Sergio will customize a menu that will please any palate with an appreciation of the finest in regional Italian cuisine. Ask for Sergio or Jessica.

The Lyceum Bar & Grill
43 Church St, Salem
978-745-7665
The Lyceum.com

From intimate winter rehearsal dinners for 25 people near a warming fire, to upstairs for 100 guests, the Lyceum will provide the atmosphere and food to complement your very special occasion. The food is local, of the highest quality and with a flair for exceptional flavor and presentation.

Upstairs-at-the-Lyceum (not handicapped accessible) features two function rooms with a light and sophisticated ambiance. Both rooms showcase large windows, exposed brick walls, and an historic flavor. The first room is equipped with a small, fully stocked bar and a lovely working fireplace with wide plank floors and exposed beams. The second room is a bit more formal with carpeting and a small dance floor. Ask for Kristen and she will personalize a party that will exceed your expectations.

Su Chang’s Fine Chinese Cuisine
373 Lowell St, Peabody
978-531-3366
suchangspeabody.org

Ask anyone on the North Shore and they will tell you a story about Su Changs. Noted for their warm hospitality and fine food, Su will treat you and your rehearsal dinner guests like family. With a private room upstairs to semi-private dining on the main floor, the décor is lovely and parking is easy. All you need do is show up. Let the chefs create a sumptuous Chinese banquet or a cocktail party with lots of pu-pu’s passed around and food stations… the choice is yours at this beloved and favorite Peabody venue.

Capts Waterfront
94 Wharf St, Salem
978-741-0555
capts.com

On Salem’s historic Pickering Wharf, Capt’s Waterfront is a lovely setting for rehearsal dinners. Menus can be crafted to suit your tastes with uncompromised views of the Salem waterfront. The seafood seems to jump out from the ocean and private and semi-private spaces abound. Have a martini tasting… or name a martini after the wedding couple… the Capt’s team will make your rehearsal dinner one to remember. Decks are also available for that perfect summers night. Dirk will assist you with all of your details.

Caffe Italia Trattoria & Bar
10 School St, Marblehead
781-631-5700
caffeitaliarestaurant.com

When charming and hospitable come to mind, when flavorful Italian regional cuisine and an extensive wine list come to mind in historic Marblehead… think Caffe Italia. Choose from either the private Italian marketplace area or a part of the main dining room and you will have your dream rehearsal dinner come to life. Owner Donna Oliviero will make sure that every detail is taken care of and this special evening will be remembered for years to come. Hand crafted antipasti, pasta, and the finest seafood and meat… plus the best tiramisu in town will make this event perfect in all ways.