The Best Brunch Places in St. John's, Newfoundland

Toutons with baked beans, butter, and Partridgeberry jam

Going out for brunch is a fun thing to do on any day. Brunches can be an integral part of family outings, as well as a great way for friends to catch up.

I compiled a list of my favorite brunch places in St. John's, where you can try traditional dishes or have a hearty, comfort meal.

Top Brunch Spots in St. John's

1. The Rooms

A visit to The Rooms should be on anyone's list, whether tourists or locals. You get to see exhibits on Newfoundland's history and way of life. And the Red Oak is the perfect place to have brunch with an amazing view. The Rooms have giant windows overlooking the Narrows and Signal Hill. So, on a day without fog, plan your trip and enjoy your brunch at the Red Oak. They showcase Newfoundland's heritage in the cafe cuisine with Seafood Chowder, Traditional Toutons, or Traditional Cod Cakes. You can also have a breakfast sandwich, a salad, or pasta.

At times, you can even take your afternoon tea here, with fine teas, sandwiches, and scones.

2. Pür and Simple

While this is a chain restaurant, Pur and Simple is a local favorite. This brunch place offers generous portions of classic breakfast meals, hearty and comforting. You can choose from omelets, wraps, pancakes, and toasts. I also like their smoothies and specialty coffees. Keep in mind, this place is usually busy, so make a reservation if possible.

3. Classic Cafe East

The Classic Cafe East is a no-fuss restaurant with a solid menu. There is something for everyone in this cafe. This is the place to try traditional dishes like fish and brewis, toutons, and fish cakes. They accommodate a modern palate with pancakes, omelets, and more.

The service is great, and you will be called a "duckie".

4. Rocket Bakery

Rocket Bakery is very popular because of its delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. This cafe has a cozy, laid-back environment, with little seating.

I also like that the Rocket Bakery has soup, fresh bread, and cookies already packaged and ready to go.

You have to try a breakfast sandwich and a scone. Pick up Ginger Molasses cookies and a loaf of fresh bread to go.

5. Blue on Water

Blue on Water is a restaurant in a chic, fancy hotel in downtown St. John's. They elevate their brunch with innovative dishes, like Banana Bread French Toast and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with green apple and raspberry vanilla preserve. You also have to try Fish Cakes and Eggs, and the Mussels. Their menu changes seasonally, as is the case with many restaurants downtown.

The interior is stylish, and in the summer you can enjoy our upscale brunch on the outdoor seating.

6. The Battery Cafe

This cafe has a prime location, at the foot of Signal Hill and at the entrance of the Battery neighborhood. So whether you're hiking Signal Hill or strolling through St. John's neighborhoods, you can stop for a delicious treat or meal.

The Battery Cafe offers soups, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. You have to try the Rhubarb Lemonade, along with a Salmon Bagel and a brownie. Or even better, a breakfast sandwich with a latte and a scone. Now I'm just making myself hungry.

7. Jumping Bean

Jumping Bean is also a chain, but it is a local Newfoundland company. And I love the coffee. Any time I pass by, I like to get an Almond Milk Latte and a nice pastry. The Jumping Bean also offers sandwiches, scones, and seasonal beverages.

The cafes are nice and a great place to have a rest or catch up on some emails.

You can also stock up on Screech Coffee, which is coffee infused with the famous local rum called Screech.

Brunch Menu Highlights

No matter which brunch place you choose in St. John's, make sure you try some of the traditional meals.

It's important that we keep a piece of history and tradition with our local cuisines. Fish takes center stage in Newfoundland, no matter the time of day, as it was once the main source of food.

The most popular traditional breakfast dishes in Newfoundland are Toutons with baked beans and molasses, fish cakes with mustard pickles, and fish and brewis. Don't miss the delicious local jams made with local berries, like cloudberries, partridgeberries, blueberries, and local honey.

So, as modern a concept as brunch is, we can find a way to twist some culture into a simple outing with friends and family.

Do make a reservation where possible, as brunch can get crowded, no matter the day of the week. Hopefully, you are visiting Newfoundland during the summer months.

I hope you enjoy your trip and come back to let me know in the comments which was your favorite brunch place in St. John's, Newfoundland.