ABOUT US
A passionate journey of culinary art and warm sophistication.
French flair, neighborhood warmth.
Bernadette is a neighborhood restaurant and shop where everything is crafted in-house and served with warm hospitality. The open kitchen and relaxed, welcoming space invite you to experience the French-inspired dishes rooted in Chef Chambers' upbringing and formal training.
Using local, seasonal ingredients, the menu offers approachable, unpretentious fare that celebrates the richness of French cuisine without the fuss. With the same down-to-earth vibe as its sister restaurant, Settler, Bernadette feels like an everyday favorite—inviting, honest, and simply delicious.
Brave as a bear.
Rooted in the French "raison d’être" or "reason for being," Bernadette's design reflects Shanna and Aaron's journey as restaurateurs. The thoughtfully curated space is refined yet grounded, echoing heritage and contemporary style. Quietly luxurious, it allows the richness of French-inspired flavors to take center stage.
Bernadette is like hosting a dinner party with friends. We grew up watching our moms make everyone feel at home around the table, and that’s what we want here—a place to gather, share good food, and feel truly welcomed.
SHANNA & AARON CHAMBERS | OWNERS, HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM: BERNADETTE, SETTLER
THE TEAM
Behind Bernadette
Meet the creative forces behind the dynamic energy of our team. We're always eager to welcome dedicated, ambitious talent. If you're interested in joining us, visit our Careers page for more information.
PUBLICATIONS
In The News
We’re honored to see our story and flavors celebrated. Explore the latest articles and publications covering Bernadette’s unique approach to French-inspired dining.
Aaron Chambers
EXECUTIVE CHEF & OWNER
Chef Aaron Chambers, the culinary visionary behind Settler and Bernadette, brings a rich journey from Yorkshire to Salem, where he oversees every detail of the dining experience. His culinary path began young—baking with his mother and learning farm-to-table values on his grandmother's dairy farm. Starting at the Beverley Arms Hotel at fourteen years old, he honed his skills under Chef Raymond Blanc at Le Manior aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire before advancing globally, including stints at Dubai's Al Mahara and Michelin-starred Café Boulud in New York under Gavin Kaysen. Aaron then launched acclaimed Boulud Sud as Executive Chef, earning two stars from The New York Times, and later opened Bar Boulud in Boston. In 2020, Aaron opened Settler with his wife, Shanna, and now eagerly anticipates bringing Bernadette to life in Salem.
Shanna Chambers
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & OWNER
A North Shore native with a lifelong love of the culinary world, Shanna graduated with a BBA in Marketing from George Washington University. It was during her senior year, while working as a hostess at a French-Indian fusion restaurant, that Shanna met Aaron. Although she pursued a successfull 15-year career in technology, leading teams and driving growth at companies like SAY Media, Localytics, and Indigo Ag, Shanna's heart remained in hospitality. In 2024, she returned to her true passion, bringing her commitment to excellence and love for dining to every aspect of the Bernadette and Settler experiences.
"Bernadette Brings Farm-to-Table, French-Inspired Fare to Salem This Fall"
