My Favourite Restaurants In Newfoundland

I love eating, however, we don’t eat out very often as we both enjoy cooking at home. It tends to be healthier and cheaper. So when we do eat out I want it to be amazing! I’d rather spend more money at a nicer restaurant then go to a mediocre place more often. That being said there are a few budget friendly restaurants on this list that I love. Newfoundlanders love good food. For such a tiny province we have tons of amazing restaurants here. These restaurants span all genres so there should be something on here for everyone!

My Favourite Restaurants In Newfoundland

EVOO

EVOO is probably my favourite restaurant in the city. Sometimes I think I should have been born in a mediterranean country like Italy because my love of mediterranean food is intense. EVOO has a quiet romantic atmosphere and feels like you are sitting in a wine cellar. However, if you are a big group don’t let that stop you from checking it out. I’ve gone to work dinners there with 20+ people. Their menu is mediterranean inspired filled with lots of pasta and pizza options as well as typical main courses. They also change their menu regularly which I love! Be sure to try the arancini and you can’t go wrong with any of their pastas.

 

 

Bernard Stanley

Bernard Stanley is a casual gastro pub that is great for meeting up with friends. Their large menu is filled with what I would describe as pub food with a twist. On their menu they have a small plates section which I love for times when you are not so hungry. Recently I tried the surf and turf off the small plates menu and it was the perfect amount of food. They also have a awesome brunch menu here to, eggs benny and $4 mimosas are the key to my heart.

 

Piatto

I have eaten at Piatto so many times I have lost count, I actually had their lunch special (small pizza + salad) today. They are the go-to place for authentic Italian pizza in St. John’s. My favourite is The Stephanie, caramelized pears, goat cheese, prosciutto and balsamic glaze. So good. Paired with their Barbabietola Arrostita salad is perfection. Their house made beer Piatto Birra is excellent if you are into craft beer. They also house monthly wine + food tastings where you get to try the latest pizza creations and sample unique wines. We have gone a few times and it is a fun night out! We have two Piatto locations in St. John’s. Personally I prefer midtown because there is ample parking and the location is bigger. But if you are downtown the location is lovely as well.

Basho

The best steak in the city can be found at Basho. I have never tasted steak in my life as good as the dry aged striploin. Basho is an upscale Japanese Fusion restaurant with a hip vibe and amazing food. While I am no expert in sushi, I like it but I don’t LOVE it, Basho also has some amazing sushi. They have a great cocktail list, try the Lychee Martini, and an inventive appetizer list. This place is great for date night.

 

 

Mallard Cottage

If you are a come from away (CFA) visiting our beautiful province, checking out Mallard Cottage is a must. Mallard Cottage uses local ingredients and a lot of local game to create a unique menu that changes nightly. This is the place to go if you want a true taste of local fare while sitting in what feels like a rustic cabin. However, while the dinner menu here is amazing Mallard Cottage shines at brunch. Their brunch menu is inventive with a local twist and they have a bottomless dessert table that won’t disappoint. Mallard Cottage is located in Quidi Vidi, if you visit be sure to take some time to stroll around “the gut” as it is affectionally called and if it is open check out Quidi Vidi Brewery.

 

Rocket

If you are spending some time in the downtown area be sure to checkout Rocket for lunch. This casual bakery has a great lunch and pastry menu. I love their made to order sandwiches and pulled pork turnovers. Also, any of their desserts are incredible.

 

Bonavista Social Club

If you are headed to the Bonavista Peninsula be sure to have a meal at the Bonavista Social Club. We enjoyed their woodfire pizza and moose burger and both were amazing. This place is casual with a beautiful view of the ocean. They grow most of their produce on site, you can take a stroll through their gardens. Be sure to pickup some of their pasta sauce to take home. So good!

 

 

 

Stone Jug

The Stone Jug is about a 90 minute drive from St. John’s. It is totally worth the drive, everything is good here! I’d recommend taking the scenic route that follows along the ocean. It takes longer but it is beautiful. Along the way stop into the The Newfoundland Distillery Co located in Clarkes Beach for a tasting . The Stone Jug is a gorgeous restored heritage building. Their menu is mostly pub fare but it is all delish. The pork belly tacos I had on my last visit were to die for! I have had their chowder a couple times and it is pure comfort food. I have yet to have a bad meal here, definitely check it out!

 

 

 

 

 

If you are local what are your favourite places to go? 

Planning a trip to Newfoundland? Check out all my Newfoundland posts here! Also, feel free to send along any questions about Newfoundland you may have. Happy to help!