Salty Cod is a renowned dining destination specializing in authentic seafood dishes inspired by coastal flavors and traditional recipes. The menu is carefully curated to offer a balance of classic favorites and innovative creations, all centered around the prized ingredient: salted cod.
Salted cod, also known as baccalà, is a versatile and flavorful fish that has been preserved through salting and drying. This technique enhances its taste and texture, making it a staple in many cuisines worldwide.
The Salty Cod menu celebrates this ingredient with diverse preparations, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience.
Overview of the Menu Categories
The menu is divided into several thoughtfully designed categories to cater to different palates and dining occasions. Each section highlights unique dishes that showcase the versatility of salted cod.
- Starters & Appetizers: Light bites and small plates perfect for sharing or starting your meal.
- Main Courses: Hearty and flavorful dishes featuring salted cod in various preparations.
- Sides & Accompaniments: Complementary dishes to enhance your main course.
- Desserts: Sweet treats to conclude your dining experience on a high note.
- Beverages: A curated selection of drinks to pair perfectly with your meal.
Starters & Appetizers
The opening section of the menu is designed to awaken your appetite with fresh, vibrant flavors. Each appetizer features salted cod as a key ingredient, prepared with care to balance richness and zest.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Salted Cod Croquettes | Crispy golden croquettes filled with creamy salted cod, herbs, and a hint of garlic, served with a tangy aioli dip. | $12 |
| Baccalà Bruschetta | Grilled artisan bread topped with shredded salted cod, cherry tomatoes, capers, and fresh basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. | $14 |
| Salt Cod and Potato Cakes | Pan-fried cakes blending salted cod with mashed potatoes and scallions, accompanied by a zesty lemon aioli. | $13 |
| Marinated Salted Cod Salad | Flaked salted cod marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, served atop a bed of arugula and cherry tomatoes. | $11 |
Main Courses
The main course offerings are the heart of the Salty Cod menu. These dishes celebrate salted cod in both traditional and contemporary styles, combining robust flavors and fresh ingredients to create memorable plates.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Baccalà alla Livornese | Salted cod simmered in a rich tomato sauce with olives, capers, and fresh herbs, served over creamy polenta. | $26 |
| Grilled Salt Cod Steak | Thick-cut salted cod steak grilled to perfection, accompanied by sautéed seasonal vegetables and lemon butter sauce. | $29 |
| Salted Cod and Chickpea Stew | Hearty stew combining tender salted cod, chickpeas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, served with rustic bread. | $24 |
| Baccalà Fritto | Lightly battered and fried salted cod fillets served with a fresh herb salad and lemon wedges. | $27 |
| Salted Cod Ravioli | Handmade ravioli stuffed with salted cod and ricotta, topped with a sage brown butter sauce and toasted pine nuts. | $28 |
Sides & Accompaniments
To complement the main dishes, Salty Cod offers a selection of sides crafted to enhance and balance the flavors of salted cod. These sides range from fresh vegetables to creamy starches.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Sautéed Spinach | Fresh spinach lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil, finished with a squeeze of lemon. | $8 |
| Roasted Baby Potatoes | Herb-seasoned baby potatoes roasted until crispy on the outside and tender inside. | $7 |
| Grilled Asparagus | Fresh asparagus grilled and drizzled with balsamic glaze and shaved Parmesan cheese. | $9 |
| Polenta with Parmesan | Creamy polenta cooked with Parmesan cheese and butter for a rich, comforting side. | $8 |
| Seasonal Mixed Salad | A refreshing mix of seasonal greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. | $7 |
Desserts
The dessert menu at Salty Cod provides the perfect sweet ending to your meal. Each dessert is crafted with attention to detail, balancing sweetness and texture.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Olive Oil Cake | Moist and tender cake infused with lemon zest and premium olive oil, served with a dollop of whipped cream. | $9 |
| Ricotta Cheesecake | Light and creamy ricotta cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and fresh berry compote. | $10 |
| Chocolate Sea Salt Tart | Rich dark chocolate tart finished with a sprinkle of sea salt and a raspberry coulis. | $11 |
| Affogato al Caffè | Vanilla gelato “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso, topped with shaved dark chocolate. | $8 |
Beverages
A well-rounded beverage list is essential to complement the flavors of salted cod. Salty Cod offers a thoughtfully selected variety of drinks, from wines to specialty cocktails.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| White Wine – Vinho Verde | Crisp and slightly effervescent Portuguese white wine, perfect with seafood dishes. | $9 glass / $35 bottle |
| Rosé Wine – Provence | Light-bodied rosé with floral notes and refreshing acidity, ideal for appetizers. | $10 glass / $38 bottle |
| Classic Mojito | Refreshing cocktail with fresh mint, lime, white rum, and soda water. | $12 |
| Craft Beer Selection | A rotating selection of local and imported beers to suit all tastes. | $7 – $9 |
| Fresh Lemonade | House-made lemonade with a balance of tart and sweet, garnished with mint. | $5 |
Signature Dish Highlight
“The Baccalà alla Livornese embodies the spirit of Salty Cod — a timeless recipe that celebrates the rich flavors of salted cod combined with the brightness of Mediterranean ingredients. This dish invites diners to savor tradition with every bite.”
This signature dish is a favorite for many visitors. The slow simmering in tomato sauce melds the flavors of the salted cod, olives, and capers, while the creamy polenta base offers a comforting texture contrast.
It is a perfect example of how the Salty Cod menu honors heritage while appealing to modern tastes.
About Salted Cod
Salted cod has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. Originally developed as a preservation method, salting and drying codfish allowed communities to store and transport fish for long periods without spoilage.
This preservation technique not only extended the shelf life but also intensified the flavor and altered the texture of the fish. Salted cod became a staple in many cultures, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and Northern Europe.
At Salty Cod, this heritage is honored through careful preparation methods. The fish is traditionally soaked and desalted before cooking to achieve the perfect balance of saltiness and tenderness.
This process is crucial to unlocking the full potential of salted cod in each dish.
Cooking Techniques and Flavor Profiles
The versatility of salted cod is evident in the variety of cooking methods employed at Salty Cod. From frying and grilling to stewing and baking, each technique brings out different textures and flavors.
For example, frying salted cod in a light batter creates a crispy exterior that contrasts with the flaky, tender fish inside. Stewing allows the fish to absorb surrounding flavors from tomatoes, spices, and herbs, resulting in deeply aromatic dishes.
Grilling salted cod steaks adds a smoky note and a satisfying char, while baking with complementary ingredients like potatoes and olives creates hearty one-pan meals. These varied preparations ensure that every diner finds something to delight their palate.
Nutritional Benefits of Salted Cod
Salted cod, despite its preservation method, remains a nutritious seafood choice. It is high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent option for those seeking lean protein sources.
Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, potassium, and selenium, salted cod supports overall health and wellness. However, because it is preserved in salt, it is important to properly desalinate the fish before cooking to reduce sodium content.
Salty Cod prioritizes health by following careful soaking procedures and pairing dishes with fresh vegetables and wholesome sides to create balanced meals.
Pairing Suggestions
Choosing the right accompaniments can elevate the salted cod dining experience. Salty Cod’s menu includes pairing suggestions to help diners create harmonious flavor combinations.
For example, the crisp acidity of a Vinho Verde or a light rosé wine cuts through the saltiness of the fish, refreshing the palate. Citrusy cocktails like a Mojito complement the herbal notes found in many salted cod preparations.
On the food side, sides such as garlic sautéed spinach or roasted baby potatoes add earthiness and texture, balancing the briny intensity of salted cod. Desserts with citrus or light dairy elements provide a clean, sweet finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is salted cod? | Salted cod is codfish that has been preserved by salting and drying. It requires soaking before cooking to remove excess salt. |
| Is salted cod very salty? | When properly soaked and prepared, salted cod has a balanced, savory flavor rather than being overwhelmingly salty. |
| Can I order gluten-free options? | Yes, many dishes on the Salty Cod menu can be adapted to be gluten-free. Please ask your server for recommendations. |
| Do you offer vegetarian dishes? | While the focus is on seafood, some sides and salads are vegetarian-friendly. Check with the staff for full details. |
| What wines pair best with salted cod? | Light, crisp white wines such as Vinho Verde or Sauvignon Blanc, and dry rosés complement salted cod well. |
Customer Reviews
“The Salted Cod Croquettes were absolutely delicious—crispy on the outside and creamy inside. I loved how the aioli added a perfect tang!” – Maria H.
“Baccalà alla Livornese is a masterpiece. The tomato sauce was rich but not overpowering, and the polenta was so creamy. Highly recommend!” – James T.
“A fantastic experience from start to finish. The staff were knowledgeable and helped me pick the perfect wine to pair with my meal.” – Sophia R.
Conclusion
Salty Cod offers a unique and authentic culinary journey that highlights the versatility and rich history of salted cod. The menu’s careful balance of tradition and innovation, combined with fresh ingredients and expert preparation, makes it a standout dining experience for seafood lovers.
Whether you are new to salted cod or a seasoned enthusiast, the diverse dishes and thoughtful pairings will satisfy and inspire. From appetizers to desserts, every bite at Salty Cod tells a story of coastal heritage and culinary passion.
Experience the taste of the sea with Salty Cod — where tradition meets flavor in every dish.