Peter Cannizzaro
The food was unique, and the plating was meaningful. I appreciated the contrast between flavors with the ahi tuna, and steak tapas.
There are not many restaurants where I go out and I’m blown away by the food. This was one of them.
… moreJohn Brady
We’re from Pennsylvania and stumbled across this place accidentally during our travels. The first time we were here, we just stopped for drinks as we had just had dinner. After looking at the menu, we quickly realized we wanted to come back.
A year later, we were back and excited to try this place. Everything we tried was incredible and extremely flavorful. The passion and care from the chef is evident as he stopped by our table multiple times to ask how it was, how we were, and to talk a little bit about his creations and background.
The food, drinks, and service are top-notch. If you want to step outside of your comfort zone and try something different, this is the place to go. Highly recommend. We will definitely come back every time we’re up this way.
… moreKayBee
We were given a very generous gift certificate for here, and were like, “what is Nordic/Asian fusion?” lol. Had no idea what to expect. Bartender immediately greeted us, and we were seated at the front window with nice view of the ocean. Some items were very interesting, some were difficult to imagine, so we went with the suggestions of our waiter Paula. We ordered way more than we needed and ended up eating almost everything! The Korean Caesar salad was delish. We also got sesame crusted ahi, Krabbekake (crab cakes), pad Thai, wok seared bok choy, and the Shui Dong Cumin Spareribs. Everything was great. Service was a bit slow, as others have commented. But there was a festive feeling, almost like a dinner show! I gave atmosphere only a 3 b/c I was literally bumping knees with the table about 4-6” away!
… moreDylan Polin
Five stars. Definitely worth checking out.
My wife and I stopped into Njord Haven after it caught our attention as a Nordic–Asian fusion spot, which we had never seen before. The concept alone piqued our interest, and after seeing some strong reviews, we decided to give it a try. We’re really glad we did.
The food was excellent. Portions were well-sized, everything felt thoughtfully prepared, and while some of the Nordic-inspired items were a little outside our usual comfort zone, everything worked together really well and tasted great. My wife especially loved the bok choy, and I was a big fan of the drunken noodles.
One standout for us was the “Flying Jacob” Swedish egg rolls. The combination of chicken breast, bacon, banana, Havarti cheese, creamy curry, pineapple chutney, and cashew sounds unusual on paper, but it came together far better than you’d expect. Super interesting and genuinely delicious.
The cocktails were solid, though slightly on the sweeter side than our personal preference. Not overly sweet, and I’m sure many people would enjoy them, just something worth noting.
We also asked our server for recommendations and got a cheerful “everything,” which gave us a laugh. That said, for a concept that’s newer to many people, it could be cool if servers highlighted a few go-to dishes to help introduce first-timers to Nordic flavors.
Overall, we had a great experience and would absolutely recommend Njord Haven, especially if you’re looking for something a little different but still very approachable. We’ll definitely be back.
… moreAmelia Kollier
Possibly the best meal I’ve enjoyed in the area. The bok choy dish and chicken drunken noodles were perfectly spiced, hot, and fresh. My kumquat G&T was so flavorful and not too sweet. The prices felt affordable for how thoughtfully crafted everything was. Our server Jose was so nice and attentive. The owner and chef, Don, came to the table to check how our meal was and was SO kind and engaging. I’ll be back!
… moreOB 21
Visited this restaurant after a search on Google. I was intrigued by the combination of Nordic/Asian fusion menu. This spot is a gem that I wish I’d known about for longer.
From the welcoming and friendly staff to the interesting food options and overall flavors, this place is a must try. We enjoyed all of the 5 tapas style dishes we ordered. Our waiter Jose was very attentive and knowledgeable. He even made some suggestions on what to try. The Chef/Owner Don came out to the tables and introduced himself and ensured we were enjoying our meal. Will definitely be back!
… moreRebecca Bourque
I’d give this spot a solid 3.9, the food was good though maybe not what you’d expect – less fusion more an array of Nordic/Swedish courses on one side of the menu and Asian dishes on the other. Served tapas style, you can get a bit of everything but they aren’t really “fused” together themselves.
The drinks were delicious, just wish we got more full of a glass across the board for the price. On the topic of cost, the food was much more worth it, especially with the size of the plates served. We loved the ribs and “KFC” most, but would definitely go back with a group to try more!
… moreSheryl Ollie
THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS THE TALENT OF CHEF DONALD!!! Came at sunset Sunday to enjoy my birthday and was greeted by the chef and a very welcoming staff. They helped me choose an uplifting Italian Pinot Grigio to begin my culinary journey followed by an exotic, artistic, flavorful appetizer of Kanom Thai garlic Chive rice cake with sambal sauce. After my tastebuds were thoroughly enticed, I relished in a delectable feast of Nordic stuffed shrimp with Jarlberg, Breadcrumbs, and lemon. And of course I kept going with a hidden treasure of mango crepe cake which was passion fruit, white chocolate, longan, matcha. Thanks to the chef who sent over a sparkling cava for my birthday toast, which is a Spanish sparkling wine. I came alone to enjoy a quiet dinner and left as a new Patron of this wonderful best kept Secret of the North Shore Boston.
… moreSarah Nguyen
Exceptional food at this cute restaurant by the sea in Swampscott. Chef and owner Don was a delight to talk to, and service was great. The flavor profile is very unique and we enjoyed every dish. The drinks were also well crafted and delicious.
… moreGary Gelb
This was about my 10th visit to Njord Haven in the year I’ve lived in the area. it’s one of the most unique and delicious restaurants I’ve ever been to. Half the menu is Nordic and half the menu is Asian, but nothing is exactly straightforward and it all has a little bit of a twist. My favorites are the Stockholm, Caesar salad, the Japanese, pancake, and the twice cooked fried Shanghai ribs, which have an incredibly strange, delectable and addicting spicy cumin – Szechuan rub on them. Also, delicious are the crabcakes sesame crusted Ahi tuna, the Swedish meatballs, and the Nordic haddock tempura, which is their twist on fried fish. That’s almost half the menu and everything else I’ve had here is excellent as well. The dishes are all made for sharing or not, and the prices are extremely reasonable for the quality and quantity that you get. Also helpful is that many of the dishes allow you to substitute a vegan version of whatever meat is in them. I could write a whole other review about the cocktails, but I’ll just say that the one called River to Upsala is my favorite. it’s a bourbon based drink that has yellow chartreuse, pear juice, lemon zest, and torched thyme. Very flavorful, and has quite a kick. Atmosphere is excellent as well with always a great unique playlist. I’ll be back soon!!!!
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