Last week one of my best friends texted me and said: “You should do a blog about local places to eat in St. John’s. I always go to your blog to look for it and it’s never there. It’s almost as if it belongs there!” Well, friends, ask and you shall receive because she was right– a list of go-to local restaurants in downtown St. John’s does belong on twowildtides. So here it is!
Bad Bones Ramen. The best noodle dish in the city (probably the whole province) hands down. They’ve got a new location with a bigger dining room, great cocktails, and friendly staff. Perfect any time, any day.
Adelaide Oyster House. While we haven’t been to Adelaide yet ourselves, we don’t have a doubt that it lives up to the hype. Adelaide is known to have trendy vibes, awesome staff, and an exciting atmosphere. It’s a great place to have a classy night out with friends.
Now that winter has (finally) hit St. John’s, why not come warm up your taste buds with some Adelaide lunch? We’ve got…
Posted by The Adelaide Oyster House on Saturday, January 16, 2021
Blue on Water. If you’re planning a romantic dinner with a partner or a quiet night out with friends and family, this is the classiest place to go. Blue on Water has scrumptious food and a great wine selection. Find them on Instagram @blueonwater and reserve your dinner right away.
India Gate. Located on Duckworth Street, this is some of the best Indian Cuisine in the city (also check out the Farmer’s Market if lunch is more your thing); with a low-key atmosphere and spacious dining room, it makes a perfect place for a group occasion.
Have you tried our authentic Indian cuisine yet? Make India Gate Restaurant your first stop to experience traditional…
Posted by India Gate Restaurant on Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Bernard Stanley Gastropub. I’ve never eaten at Bernard Stanley after 1 o’clock pm. Brunch at Bernard Stanley all the way. The french toast is honestly the best in the whole world and their mimosas aren’t something to complain about either.
Exile. Within the swanky Jag Boutique Hotel (one of our favourites in the city) is the Exile bar and restaurant. The food here is to die for, especially their seafood dishes and pasta. They also have great cocktails and a rad classic rock/jazz theme. I’ve had a few special meals here and I know yours will be memorable too.
Jungle Jim’s George Street. The very best place to grab some comfort food either before or after a great night out. There are Jungle Jim’s locations all across the island and a few throughout Atlantic Canada, but the George Street location is always the most fun.
Basho. This is a trendy, contemporary Asian fusion restaurant in the heart of downtown. The restaurant covers two floors and the tables are spaced far apart for a unique, private, and romantic atmosphere. We loved the sushi, steak, and tuna tartar.
Posted by Basho Restaurant & Lounge on Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Sushi Island. This is our favourite place for all-you-can-eat, stuff-your-face, roll-out-of-the-restaurant sushi. They also just made headlines for having the first robotic waiter in Canada. Yes by. @sushi_island on Instagram.
Mallard Cottage. In the heart of Quidi Vidi you’ll see a small building with a small door that looks just too small to be a restaurant. But when you walk inside Mallard Cottage, the space opens up completely and you find yourself in a quaint, rustic dining room. I’ve only had brunch there and it was incredible.
Classic Cafe East. An awesome spot for a classic Newfie breakfast with all the fixin’s– toutons, beans, fish cakes and all. It’s the hangover cure you’ve been searching for.
Hungry Heart Cafe. We love the Hungry Heart Cafe, not only because of their delicious food, but because they are a social enterprise. Profits support the work of Stella’s Circle and the Cafe itself is a job skills and employment program that supports folks who may face barriers to stable employment in St. John’s.
Salt House. Delicious plates at super affordable prices. This is the place to go for a yummy lunch date while your window shopping on Water Street.
EVOO/The Courtyard. In the summertime, the Courtyard (behind Murray Premises) is the coolest place to go for an outdoor meal and drinks. It is the closest thing St. John’s has had to a beer garden until the Beach Bar opened next door over the summer of 2020. EVOO and the Courtyard have high-quality food and friendly staff, but it’s the atmosphere that is the real sell.
Gypsy Tea Room. Another top-notch restaurant for a trendy night out or a celebratory meal. Great food and great cocktails. Need I say more?
Celtic Hearth. Another great pub to hit up before or after a night out on George Street. They’re also open to hosting events, like the PaintNite I did there with a friend a few years back.
Yellowbelly. A staple in St. John’s, Yellowbelly offers great beer and yummy pub-style eats. They also have a great patio and events space. A great location for a work lunch or a chill evening catching up with friends and family. @yellowbellybrew on Instagram.
Cojones Tacos & Tequila. Tacos and tequila. What else can you ask for? Well, a hip atmosphere and friendly staff for sure, and you might as well throw in cool art and a great location. This place has it all. Make it your next stop for a friend’s birthday or a pre-game before George.
Bannerman Brew Co. While the focus here is more on the brewery, they do serve deadly nachos and other yummy appy-style dishes. It’s a great spot for beers and bites with pals.
Some restaurants that we’ve yet to try but have heard amazing reviews about include Terre (in the Alt Hotel), Mussels on the Corner, Oliver’s, No. 4 Restaurant and Bar, and Raymond’s. Let us know which restaurants we’ve missed and check back frequently for updates!
Let us know what you think!