5 Best Restaurants in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Mallard Cottage

$$$ Fodor's choice

Roaring fires, an open kitchen, and jars of homemade pickles lining the rafters set the scene in this renovated historic building in Quidi Vidi Village. The menu changes daily based on the best ingredients available from local sources and might include spit-roasted pork shoulder or tuna tartare, always accompanied by novel and succulent vegetable dishes. With an on-site sommelier, the wines and cocktails keep up with the food. On Sunday the restaurant has live music.

8 Barrows Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1A 1G8, Canada
709-237–7314
Known For
  • on-site sommelier
  • Sunday brunch with live music
  • fun beer garden
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. Nov.–May, Reservations essential

Bacalao

$$$

Sit back and relax in the cozy dining rooms of this converted old house and sample updated traditional fare. Bacalao, pronounced "back-allow," is Portuguese for "salted cod," a historic staple of Newfoundlanders and the Mediterraneans who came here to fish; a variation of it is featured every night. Other nouvelle-Newfoundland options include moose and caribou dishes, and mussels in Quidi Vidi Iceberg beer. Off-street parking keeps this spot attractive to its more suburban customer base.

65 Lemarchant Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 2G9, Canada
709-579–6565
Known For
  • <PRO>local ingredients</PRO>
  • <PRO>famed salted cod</PRO>
  • <PRO>convenient parking</PRO>
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential, Credit cards accepted

EVOO

$$$

EVOO combines the rustic surroundings of a gastro pub with Mediterranean-influenced fare. The menu offers seafood, vegan, and meat-based options and a good wine selection. Find them on the first floor of the historic Murray Premises, opening onto the courtyard.

Recommended Fodor's Video

India Gate

$$$ | Downtown

Consistency and quality in service and food make this one of the busiest restaurants in St. John's. This family-owned business is the oldest Indian restaurant in the city, serving food prepared to order in a classic tandoori oven. In the evenings, the atmosphere is inviting and romantic.

286 Duckworth St., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 1H3, Canada
709-753–6006
Known For
  • generous servings
  • fresh-baked naan
  • vegetarian dishes
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Pi Pizzeria

$$$

This gourmet pizza shop has been winning international competitions for years with their innovative thin-crust creations in a family-friendly, eclectic atmosphere. The ingredients on their signature pizzas may sound random, but the chef has all the golden ratios down and the taste is perfect.

10 Kings Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 3P1, Canada
709-726–2000
Known For
  • unusual specialty pizzas
  • fantastic Caesar salads
  • tortellini in spicy sauce
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Tues., Reservations encouraged