GREAT FOOD IN ST. JOHN’S
Here are a few must-tries for great food in and around St. John’s:
Raymonds: 95 Water St., St. John’s, raymondsrestaurant.com The top fine dining spot in St. John’s, Raymonds is posh yet unpretentious. If you’re up for something extra special, go for the tasting menu with wine pairings. Chef Jeremy Charles is both a hunter and a fisherman, and his choice of ingredients is impeccable and he sure knows what to do with them. A recent meal began with seal, whelks and dried and fried cod sounds. Then came moose tartare, cod filet, Arctic hare and partridge. Service is superb and the wine pairings are inspired. Though prices are steep, (about $100-$135 per person without wine), dinner at Raymonds is once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mallard Cottage: 8 Barrows Rd., St. John’s, mallardcottage.ca A true Newfoundland experience, a meal at Mallard Cottage transports you to a place both calm (in the older part of the house) and bustling (in the larger newer space) where copious plates of superb food are delivered by some of the friendliest wait staff you’ll ever encounter, or the charismatic chef-owner Todd Perrin himself. Weekend brunch is not to be missed. Everything from the cocktails to the bangers and mash, bread pudding French toast are excellent and the sweet table is divine.
The Merchant Tavern: 291 Water St., St. John’s, themerchanttavern.ca A modern brasserie of sorts with plenty of bar seating and open-kitchen cooking action to enjoy. The Merchant Tavern is Jeremy Charles in a more casual style, resulting in dishes like moose chili, curried mussels, scallop ceviche and seared cod filet with roasted Brussels sprouts. Be sure to finish off with a slice of vinegar pie with tea ice cream. Good selection of Canadian draft beers and lagers.
Adelaide Oyster House:
334 Water St., St. John’s, 709-722-7222 This oyster bar is the place to be with the most amazing food and cocktails. The crispy fish tacos, beef lettuce wraps, oyster banh mi sandwich and spicy Korean-style chicken wings are crazy-delicious. It’s a bit loud, but lively and amazingly good.
Chafe’s Landing: 11 Main Rd, Petty Harbour, chafeslanding.com The restaurant is pretty bare bones but the setting, in the fishing village at Petty Harbour, can’t be beat. Start off with a plate of tender, fried cod tongues or squid, and follow up with the most delectable, crunchy-on-theoutside/creamy-on-the-inside fish & chips. Up for something different? Try the moose melt.
Rocket Bakery and Fresh Food:
272 Water St., St. John’s, rocketfood.ca For a casual breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up, this retro style café can’t be beat. The third-wave coffee from Phil & Sebastien is great and the cinnamon buns, tarts, croissants and old-school cakes are good fun. Pick up a package of their delicious spice cookies to go.
WHERE FOOD-LOVERS SHOP: Home on Water Street: 156 Water St., St. John’s, homeonwaterst.com This beautiful kitchenware shop is very swanky and sells just about everything a gourmet’s heart could desire. Prices are fair and their selection of knives and All-Clad pots is impressive.
WHERE TO STAY: Blue on Water: 319 Water St., St. John’s, blueonwater.com Located above the Blue on Water bar and restaurant, this discreet boutique hotel is situated near all of St. John’s top restaurants. The queen- and king-sized rooms are spacious and attractive, and prices are reasonable considering the quality of the furnishings and the great location. Rooms start at $149 a night.
Mallard Cottage Inn: 8 Barrows Rd., St. John’s, mallardcottage.ca As of June 1, Mallard Cottage will be opening up a new inn next to the restaurant. Rooms are $250 a night including continental breakfast (tax and fees extra).