Turner’s Seafood Grill is a long-standing favorite that Bubu returns to time and time again for the atmosphere, service and scrumptious seafood. Bubu’s preferred time to visit this restaurant is during a snow flurry, when it is extra special to sit at the oyster bar and watch the snow fall in adorable downtown Melrose while listening to a music selection that leans toward jazz and old standards sung by the likes of Ella, Frank and Billie. We have sat in the main restaurant and the small regular bar as well, but nothing compares to the experience at the oyster bar. Walk in, hang a quick right past the fresh seafood market and lobster tanks, and saddle up to the marble bar in front of an island with a row of stainless steel pots and young fellows shucking oysters. These guys are the best; always friendly and helpful. Oysters aren’t Bubu’s cup of tea, but one of the eager employees once coaxed him into trying a sample. Served with a little lemon juice and a smile, shooting down the slimy creature wasn’t so bad.
If you only try one thing on the menu, it absolutely must be the Asian Nachos. Bubu has been ordering these religiously during each visit since he discovered them on the menu. Even the non-seafood lovers in his usual dining crew will indulge in these delectable treats. The Asian nachos consist of fried wontons covered with an Asian slaw blend and sesame crusted tuna sashimi, drizzled with wasabi aioli, topped off with just a smidge of candied ginger, and served with a side of soy sauce. It is salty and sweet and so flavorful with a delightful crunch; a perfect blend of flavors and texture.
As you can see, we couldn’t restrain ourselves and dove in before taking a photo…
A funny thing about the Asian nachos: one of the oyster bar dudes filled us in that these things are a giant pain in the tail to assemble. Since they are made at a small prep station right at the oyster bar, he told us to watch as the order ticket came through to the poor soul on Asian Nachos Duty that day. We all had a chuckle at the irked expression on his fellow oyster dude as he pulled the ticket. Poor guy. Worst of all, once one party orders them everyone at the bar takes notice, setting off an Asian Nachos ordering frenzy. But all of the efforts are well appreciated; this is a dish that is beautiful and delicious. Warning: you will not look graceful eating these. Whether you use a fork and knife or go the fingers route, you will make a mess. Not recommended for stuffy business lunches or first dates.
The menu at the oyster bar is a bit different than the rest of the restaurant menu, geared toward a lighter appetite and quicker meal experience. You can order salads, soups, pastas, and appetizers, but the larger seafood meals and lobsters aren’t available here. There is plenty on this menu to choose from, so unless you have your heart set on a certain dinner item, it is worth it to sit here for the special experience. You can order any of the kettle pasta dishes (make your own combination of sauce and seafood) or mussels at the oyster bar and you will see it prepared right in front of you. The salmon dill penne stands out, a decadent pasta dish in a thick and flavorful dill cream sauce. Other menu favorites include the stuffed clams, lobster mac and cheese (made with orecchiette for a pleasant twist), and hearty crab cakes drizzled with a creamy remoulade.
Turner’s also concocts some creative cocktails, and this recent visit’s special drink was a Maple Manhattan- maple infused Jim Beam, vermouth and a bacon garnish- a sweet and savory treat. Check out this luscious drink below, and you can also see the kettle pots in the background.
Bacon! Swimming in booze!
Turner’s does get very busy on weekends and is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Bubu has yet to try every item on the menu but at this rate will have accomplished that goal shortly.
Bubu's Reviews 