Mogador Restaurant, Methuen

After manning grills for 15 years as the executive chef at Plaza III steak house, Salvi Salama took the reigns at Mogador Restaurant. Since then, he has helped to design and prepare a menu that fuses contemporary American and traditional Mediterranean influences. Each dish features local produce, naturally raised meats, and sustainable seafood whenever possible, lending vibrant and fresh flavors to entrees such as lamb tagine or pesto-crusted halibut with tomato harissa sauce.

Split into a dining room and a lounge area, the restaurant keeps diners entertained by hosting live music and belly dancing throughout the week. The performances fill the earth-toned space, which incorporates rich, gleaming woods, intricate wrought-iron dividers, and cushioned banquettes.