Culinary Delights: A Guide to Our Favourite Restaurants in St. John’s

Over the past number of years, St. John’s has become a vibrant culinary destination, known for its fresh seafood, traditional cuisine, and eclectic dining scene.

With so many dining options available steps away from Dvele Inn, let’s unpack some of our favourite places to eat in our beautiful city:

Terre Restaurant

125 Water Street
terrerestaurant.com

A restaurant with exceptional cuisine inspired by the local landscape and nearby sea, using traditional cooking methods, lead by Chef Matthew Swift. In 2021, Terre was selected as one of ‘Canada’s Best New Restaurants’ by enRoute Magazine’s expert food panel.

Signature Dishes: Terre’s menu changes often, but they are well known for their seafood choices. If you’re dining with a group, we recommend choosing a few options from the menu to share.

The Atmosphere: Cozy and inviting, with earthy tones and a focus on showcasing Newfoundland's natural beauty through both cuisine and decor.

Portage

128 Water Street
portagenl.ca

Portage offers a contemporary take on Newfoundland cuisine, with a menu that highlights the region's diverse culinary heritage. Named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2023, Portage is a must on your list of places to dine.

Signature Dishes: Portage’s dishes have been perfected for sharing. We recommend trying the mouth-watering “Bibimbap” Beef Tartare or the Cod dish, plus, you have to try a selection of the local root vegetable plates, with seasonings and sauces that change often.

The Atmosphere: Modern and sleek, with a vibrant ambiance and touch of Newfoundland charm, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. For a unique experience, ask to sit on the kitchen side where you will be treated to a ring-side view of the culinary team in action.

Stella’s Brasserie

142 Military Road
stellasbrasserie.ca

Georgestown — meet Paris! Stella's is the newest dining experience by the award-winning Hungry Heart team, the flagship social enterprise of Stella's Circle. This trendy spot features fresh and locally sourced small plates and creative cocktails. Steps away from Dvele Inn, we highly recommend guests stop by Stella’s.

Signature Dishes: While you can’t miss with any of the dishes at Stella’s, we recommend the Tuna Crudo, Dynamite Shrimp Taco, or the Braised Short Rib. Stella’s also offers a variety of Gluten Free and Vegetarian or Vegan options for this with dietary restrictions.

The Atmosphere: Warm and inviting, Stella’s holds a special place in our hearts. Our sister company, SAM Design, engaged in a complete makeover of the restaurant as a way to give back to our community. Read more about the project here.

The Little Sparo

2 Hill O’Chips
thelittlesparo.com

Nestled in the heart of downtown St. John’s, The Little Sparo brings an authentic taste of Italy to our city. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this fresh restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the best of both worlds.

Signature Dishes: The Little Sparo is known for its pasta dishes and sourdough pizza offerings. Try the Burrata Caprese, the Ricotta Ravioli, or the Izabela pizza for tastes that are sure to delight your senses.

The Atmosphere: The restaurant features stunning views of St. John’s Harbour and the narrows from almost any seat in the house. Unique design details and cozy seating make this a great spot for a date night or a gathering with friends.

Basho

283 Duckworth Street
bashorestaurant.com

A gem for sushi lovers, Basho offers an extensive menu of fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes.

Signature Dishes: Enjoy their creative sushi rolls with local seafood or try a creative cocktail to start your evening.

The Atmosphere: Contemporary and lively, with a sushi bar where you can watch the chefs at work.

The Merchant Tavern

291 Water Street
themerchanttavern.ca

Located in a historic building in downtown St. John’s, The Merchant Tavern is a gastropub that pays homage to Newfoundland’s culinary heritage while infusing it with a modern twist. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and innovative.

Signature Dishes: At The Merchant Tavern, guests can indulge in classics like Seared Scallops, NL Cod, or the Double Smash Burger. For a unique culinary experience, try the Five Course Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairing.

The Atmosphere: The Merchant Tavern exudes a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with cool casual vibes, rustic modern touches, and bustling bar scene. Whether you're enjoying a casual dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the warm ambiance and friendly service make The Merchant Tavern a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Mallard Cottage

8 Barrow’s Road
mallardcottage.ca

Historic charm meets modern cuisine at this beloved restaurant housed in a restored 19th-century Irish-Newfoundland vernacular-style cottage in scenic Quidi Vidi Village.

Signature Dishes: This quaint restaurant is well-known for its seafood and Newfoundland-style dishes paired with top-notch wine choices. With new owners putting a new spin on the space, a new menu is coming at the end of May, so stay tuned to their website for updates.

The Atmosphere: Rustic and cozy with a warm ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.