Top Dining Destinations for Dinner in St John's Newfoundland

A Halibut special at the Merchant Tavern

St. John's, Newfoundland's capital city, combines stunning landscapes and amazing hikes with an impressive culinary scene. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, love exploring international dishes, or want a cozy spot to relax, St. John's has something for everyone. In this post, we will explore some of the best places to enjoy an elegant dinner in this charming city.

The Fish Exchange

If you love seafood, don’t miss The Fish Exchange. Located in downtown St. John's, this restaurant specializes in serving fresh fish, Newfoundland oysters, lobster, and more. The Fish Exchange is one of my favorite dinner spots in St. John's.

The inviting atmosphere blends casual with elegance, making it suitable for a romantic evening. Additionally, their signature cocktails perfectly pair with seafood, enhancing every bite.

For an elevated dinner you must try the Halibut, fresh Oysters, and the lobster dishes.

For a cultural dive, pick the Seafood Chowder, the Cod tongues and Scrunchions, the Fish and Chips, and the NL Seafood Stew.

My personal favorites are the Halibut, the Mussels, and the Crab Dip.

For unique cocktail flavors, try the Newfound, Fish Merchant's Mojito, or the Berry Bramble.

Oliver's Restaurant

Oliver's restaurant is a small and cozy spot. It's perfect for a romantic dinner date, offering casual fine dining and great wines.

Start your meal with a delicious Seafood Chowder and Crispy Cod Tongues.

The entrees are diverse, there is something for every taste. The menu changes with the season, but you'll always find fish, red meat, and pasta in the mains.

I like to pair the house white wine, Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc, with the Halibut Piccata or the Jambalaya Fettuccine. For the steak, choose the Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet.

For a local cocktail, try Dark and Foggy, as is often the Newfoundland weather.

If you like gin, try Oliver's Negroni, made with Seaweed Gin.

YellowBelly Brewery

When you're looking to relax with hearty comfort food, The YellowBelly Brewery is the place to be. The building is a heritage home, which survived St. John's Great Fire of 1892.

This cozy eatery serves up pub food, gourmet burgers, Asian food, and has daily specials. The vast menu caters to a crowd, so it's the perfect place for a laid back diner with friends. Wash everything down with their craft beers.

You can savor an elegant Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza, Nachos, SJS Short Rib Poutine, or a Crispy Cod Burger.

My go-to are the YellowBelly Fish and Chips, the YellowBelly Pale Ale Mussels, and the Buffalo Chicken Nachos, along with a pint of their Pale Ale.

The beer is brewed onsite, and you can order a pint, or a flight of samples, so you can try a few of them before deciding on your favorite.

The Merchant Tavern

The Merchant Tavern has an industrial space vibe, and serves upscale dishes inspired by local ingredients.

Their dishes change seasonally, so take your chance on that interesting menu item, as you may not have another opportunity.

You may also pick the Chef's Tasting Menu, if you're an adventurous foodie.

You have to start with fresh Merasheen Oysters, NL Mussels, or Cod bites.

Then pick a main, like Cod or Duck Breast, and share a pasta.

The Merchant's desserts are always unique and creative, so don't skip them.

Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail, like Kiss the Cod, or Barracuda. Both of these feature spirits from the Newfoundland Distillery.

For a special event, book The Bank Vault. It is a private area, where you can have a fun celebration or a business meeting.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

The Keg is situated right downtown, on the harbor of St. John's. It is a great place for a perfectly seared steak in a casual setting.

You must have the Mushrooms Neptune and the Spinach Dip for appetizers. Follow up with a classic Steak or Salmon, and add some shareable sides.

I loved the Blackened Chicken, it was flavorful and juicy. I also like their burgers. I do need to go back and try more seafood appetizers, they all looked tasty.

The Billi Miner Pie is another must, as it is a delicious ice cream slice, topped with fudge, caramel, and almonds. Pair this with a specialty coffee, like the Spanish one, with brandy and cacao. Or go for matchy-matchy, with the Billy Miner coffee.

St. John's, Newfoundland, is truly a culinary delight, boasting a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. From fresh seafood to innovative international fare, the city's restaurants reflect its rich culture and commitment to quality ingredients.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual night out, be sure to explore these top dining destinations during your next visit to St. John's and indulge in the flavors of Newfoundland.