We had our first Oak to Ember experience the other night, and we’re generally favorably impressed. The cocktails were excellent,m - I think I have found a new favorite in The Buzz - and the tuna tartare appetizer was terrific, served with house-made potato chips which was a really nice touch… and there were enough of them!!. It disappeared fast enough that I failed to get a picture of it, but it was ample. Our dinners were very good - loved the ribs, and my wife liked the salmon very much. The flourless chocolate cake had good flavor but was more dry and less “fishy” than I hope for in my hard-core chocolate desserts ;-) but we had no problem finishing it. Topping it all was the excellent service from Davia and Jackson, who were knowledgeable, on top of things (we never wanted for water), and engaging for the whole evening. We will definitely be back!
Overview
Nestled on Rogers Street in Gloucester, MA, Oak To Ember offers a unique dining experience that brings together a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern culinary artistry. Located at 9 Rogers St, this cozy yet stylish restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, known for its innovative dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
One of the standout features of Oak To Ember is its wood-fired cooking. The name itself speaks to the heart of the restaurant’s culinary philosophy-everything is infused with the natural, smoky essence of wood embers. Whether you’re indulging in a perfectly charred steak, a slow-roasted chicken, or their signature wood-fired pizza, you’ll find that each dish is imbued with deep, smoky flavors that are hard to replicate elsewhere.
The menu at Oak To Ember is an ever-evolving showcase of seasonal ingredients, sourced from local farms and purveyors whenever possible. The team here takes pride in using the freshest produce and meats, ensuring that every dish is bursting with flavor. One dish that particularly stands out is the wood-fired roasted vegetables-simple, yet stunning in its execution. The charred edges bring out an unexpected sweetness, complemented perfectly by the herbs and spices that make each bite memorable. If you're a fan of seafood, the locally-sourced scallops, grilled over the open flame, are a must-try. They’re tender, juicy, and just the right amount of smoky.
Aside from the main course, Oak To Ember also excels in its small plates and appetizers. The charcuterie board is a favorite among regulars, featuring a well-curated selection of cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables. It’s an excellent starter for those who want to sample a variety of flavors before diving into the heartier dishes.
In terms of drinks, the restaurant has an impressive wine list that complements its wood-fired offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for a light, crisp white or a bold, full-bodied red, there’s something on the list to suit every palate. The cocktail menu is equally as creative, with many drinks crafted using fresh, local ingredients. If you're in the mood for something refreshing, the Oak To Ember cocktail, made with locally distilled spirits and fresh herbs, is a perfect choice.
The ambiance of Oak To Ember plays a crucial role in its appeal. The interior blends rustic elements like exposed wood beams and stone walls with modern touches, creating a space that feels both intimate and stylish. It's the kind of place that’s perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion. The staff are attentive, friendly, and well-versed in the menu, making sure that every guest feels at home.
A real highlight at Oak To Ember is its commitment to sustainability. From sourcing ingredients locally to minimizing waste, the restaurant strives to have a positive impact on the environment. This dedication not only shines through in the quality of the food but also in the restaurant's ethos. Dining here feels like an experience that’s both rewarding and enjoyable.
As far as reviews go, Oak To Ember has garnered praise for its consistent quality and innovative approach to dining. Many visitors mention how the flavors are unique yet comforting, making it a standout option in the Gloucester area. For those who appreciate the art of wood-fired cooking, this restaurant delivers on all fronts.
If you’re in the Gloucester area and looking for a memorable dining experience, Oak To Ember should be at the top of your list. Whether you're craving a hearty meal or just looking to unwind with a cocktail in hand, this charming eatery offers something for everyone.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
We had a wonderful evening at this restaurant. The service was excellent — our waiter gave us great menu recommendations and was very attentive. It was hard to choose from all the delicious options. The food was outstanding! The mussels came with a delicious, perfectly matched sauce, and the steak as a main course was cooked to perfection with a great charcoal flavor. All in all, it was a lovely evening with a great atmosphere. We felt comfortable from the moment we walked in. We’ll definitely be back! Thank you, Neal!
Stumbled across this restaurant just while enjoying a walk downtown. The herbed sour dough focaccia with sun-dried tomato butter was the best focaccia we have ever had! Wow! Also the clam pasta and ribs with sausage were so smoky and good too! Had a delicious hibiscus and cinnamon drink which was so refreshing!
The atmosphere was great. We loved dining outside on the harbor. The staff was kind, friendly & attentive. We started with the Chowder, Tuna Tartare, and Oysters. For our mains we had the ribs and haddock. Everything was very fresh and flavorful. The menu offerings are unique & different from others in the area. We enjoyed our meal and would recommend Oak to Ember!
I was really impressed by everything we ordered and everything else that I saw that came out of the kitchen. The smoked Monk fish appetizer was delicious and creative. We were in the mood for a burger and it was delicious. We sat at the bar and watched all the cocktails be made and I am sad that I only have one liver because I wanted one of everything I saw made.
My husband and I had our wedding reception at Oak to Ember in June. I can't even begin to explain what an incredible job they did. Their space has the most lovely design & vibe for a coastal wedding - modern, airy, warm and relaxed. Our cocktail hour and dinner utilized all of their indoor/outdoor space which was perfect to accommodate all our guests needs, and we had our dance floor on their gorgeous deck overlooking the harbor. The food & drinks were of course a stand out of the day - a delicious raw bar, incredible passed ricotta crostini & monkfish, followed by multiple options for sit down appetizers and entrees - people were complimenting us on the food for days! Neal and his team are truly so talented and were able to accommodate serving 100+ people at the same time with ease. They let us create custom cocktails and their bartenders had a drink in your hand in less than a minute I swear. Generally, the staff are incredible and go above and beyond. Cally, their events lead, worked with me for months ahead planning every detail - menus, timelines, floor plans, seating charts, decor, and more. Abby, their GM, executed everything flawlessly day of. She and her team handled all of set up and breakdown and tackled any issue that arose so that we had nothing to stress about. Their wait staff and bartenders were so fun and accommodating. Cannot rave about their team enough! Everyone ensured we had the perfect day. If you are thinking about hosting a private event, definitely consider Oak to Ember! They have the most unique, warm atmosphere, delicious food & drinks, and incredible service - you really cannot go wrong. Thank you OTE!
We had a fantastic experience at Oak to Ember! The harborside view combined with the warm, open atmosphere created the perfect setting for our night out. I tried the tuna tartar, the Smoked Oak Burger, and the Brooklyn cake—each dish was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. The burger in particular was outstanding—juicy, smoky, and one of the best I've had. Our server, Tess, was wonderful—friendly, attentive, and incredibly personable. The service overall was top-notch and if I could give more than 5-stars for that, I would. We visited based on a recommendation and have already passed it along to others. If you're looking for great food in a relaxed yet refined setting, Oak to Ember is definitely worth a visit.
Atmosphere was good, service was great…to my personal taste menu options were limited to what I might like. Settled for a burger…which I don’t often eat for several reasons but the burger was tasty! Oh yeah…the brownie sundae was to die for! Sooo good!