46 Best Restaurants in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Bannerman Brewing Co.

$$ Fodor's choice

Located in a former firehouse at the east end of Duckworth Street, this trendy beer and coffee bar makes an ideal place to chill at the end of your downtown explorations. The architecture features industrial elements like exposed beams and massive glass garage doors that open to an outdoor space in summer. The atmosphere is friendly and calming, a choice spot for work or for fun.

90 Duckworth St., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 1E7, Canada
709-747–-2337
Known For
  • friendly and engaging staff
  • communal tables are great for work meetups
  • baked treats are irresistible

Bonavista Social Club

$ Fodor's choice

The name implies more than just a restaurant and it is: a view, a respite, a community. From a table inside, you can watch pizzas cook in a wood-fired oven while sitting on handcrafted wooden furniture. On the deck, the views of the sea and gardens and farms surrounding the restaurant are unimpeded. This has fast become a locals' and travelers' favorite, and you are likely to bump into a friend here, even on your first visit. Located in Upper Amherst Cove just off Route 235, it is a short drive out from Bonavista.

Chinched Bistro

$$ Fodor's choice

This culinary diamond shines with innovative yet hearty food, whether you're dining in the sit-down restaurant or grabbing something from the take-out deli. With so much perfect meat, seafood, and vegetables tucked into one tiny building, this is more than just a hidden gem. If the pork theme seems heavy, be assured the handling of flavors is light and responsive. With a small enough group, you can sit at the bar downstairs and enjoy delicious tapas.

5 Bates Hill, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 4B5, Canada
709-722–3100
Known For
  • handcrafted charcuterie
  • house-infused spirits and cocktails
  • pig-ear fries
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential

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Darkstar Coffee Roasters

$$ Fodor's choice

It's rare for a coffee place to be a destination, but folks on the Avalon say this little coffee place with an ocean view is worth the drive. The brews are roasted in-house and served with fresh pies and pastries. The interior has a contemporary industrial feel with communal tables, and the rear deck overlooks the water.

179 Water St., Newfoundland and Labrador, A1Y 1B1, Canada
709-596–2234
Known For
  • savory pies made fresh daily
  • incredible views both indoors and outside
  • small-batch house-roasted coffee
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Weds.

Hungry Heart Café

$$ Fodor's choice

Open for breakfast and lunch, this café makes the perfect spot to take a break from touring and enjoy a variety of options like shrimp pad thai, roast cauliflower soup, or any number of daily changing specials crafted by one of the most versatile chefs in Newfoundland. Under the umbrella of the nonprofit Stella's Circle, all revenue from the restaurant goes back into helping the most vulnerable in the community.

142 Military Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 2E6, Canada
709-738–6164
Known For
  • fresh salads
  • house-made desserts
  • Saturday brunch
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Mon. No dinner

Java Jack's Restaurant and Gallery

$$$ Fodor's choice

The pleasures of this lively restaurant begin with a stroll past the meticulously kept organic garden. The dinner menu has many seafood options as well as meat dishes and vegan and vegetarian selections. The wines are well chosen and reasonably priced. The restaurant also doubles as a gallery; works by Atlantic Canadian artists (all for sale) decorate the walls. Stop in for a take-away bag at lunch or dine here and enjoy the splendid harbor views.

88 Main St. N, Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0K 4N0, Canada
709-458–2710-in-season number
Known For
  • lobster Benedict for breakfast
  • splendid harbor views
  • local artwork on walls
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Sept.–mid-May, Reservations encouraged

Mallard Cottage

$$$ Fodor's choice

Roaring fires, an open kitchen, and jars of homemade pickles lining the rafters set the scene in this renovated historic building in Quidi Vidi Village. The menu changes daily based on the best ingredients available from local sources and might include spit-roasted pork shoulder or tuna tartare, always accompanied by novel and succulent vegetable dishes. With an on-site sommelier, the wines and cocktails keep up with the food. On Sunday the restaurant has live music.

8 Barrows Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1A 1G8, Canada
709-237–7314
Known For
  • on-site sommelier
  • Sunday brunch with live music
  • fun beer garden
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. Nov.–May, Reservations essential

Norseman Restaurant

$$$ Fodor's choice

The high quality of the food and drink here, combined with the remoteness and spectacular view, make a meal at the Norseman one you remember. Expect traditional seafood, with a smart and extensive menu of craft beer, wine, and spirits. Paintings, jewelry, carvings, and children's books are on display and for sale. In July and August, there's live traditional music on Friday evenings starting at 6:30.

Piatto Pizzeria and Enoteca

$$ Fodor's choice

Following standards set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), Piatto’s pizza chefs (pizzaiolos) have been trained to prepare authentic Neapolitan pizza. The midtown location offers a contemporary setting that makes a popular lunch stop. Using choice ingredients, including a low-gluten flour, their classic and updated pizza treatments are delicious when enjoyed in-house, but you can also buy their make-at-home kits to enjoy the same fabulous pizza in the comfort of home.

Raymonds

$$$$ Fodor's choice
Arguably the best restaurant in Canada today and one of the best in the world, Raymonds features classic Continental cuisine reimagined with local ingredients and upgraded to the acme of perfection. The dining room is elegant and grand, with chandeliers overhead and city lights reflecting off the harbor through massive windows. For a more intimate evening, look into the bar which serves the same menu but in a softer, almost vintage, setting.
95 Water St., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
709-579--5800
Known For
  • <PRO>exquisite tasting menus</PRO>
  • <PRO>varied wine list</PRO>
  • <PRO>grand historic decor</PRO>
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. year-round and Mon. Oct.–May. No lunch, Reservations essential

The Nook and Cannery

$$ Fodor's choice

This easygoing diner does a bustling lunch service in large part due to the personality and creativity of its owner, locally known as an innovative and improvisational chef. Enjoy casual fare with surprising ingredients in a space decorated with an eclectic mix of family photos, bottled preserves, and tabletops repurposed from old furniture and signage. Vegan, gluten-free, and meat-based options are available in generous portions.

Twine Loft Dining

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Every evening, the set menu at the Twine Loft proves to be one of the region's best meals. Relax into a true fine dining experience complete with an on-site sommelier. The deck overlooking the water is also available without reservation for happy hour drinks every day from 3 pm to 5 pm. Dietary restrictions are accommodated, but require advanced notice and discussion.

Bacalao

$$$

Sit back and relax in the cozy dining rooms of this converted old house and sample updated traditional fare. Bacalao, pronounced "back-allow," is Portuguese for "salted cod," a historic staple of Newfoundlanders and the Mediterraneans who came here to fish; a variation of it is featured every night. Other nouvelle-Newfoundland options include moose and caribou dishes, and mussels in Quidi Vidi Iceberg beer. Off-street parking keeps this spot attractive to its more suburban customer base.

65 Lemarchant Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 2G9, Canada
709-579–6565
Known For
  • <PRO>local ingredients</PRO>
  • <PRO>famed salted cod</PRO>
  • <PRO>convenient parking</PRO>
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential, Credit cards accepted

Bagel Cafe

$$

The name belies the menu at this cozy spot on Duckworth Street where you can get excellent food for any meal of the day. Generous breakfast offerings bring local ingredients to traditional dishes. The with eclectic decor and soft lighting, the atmosphere is both relaxed and intimate. 

Bare Mountain Coffee House

$$

This stone cottage offers a bright interior with both sofa and table seating and a view of Random Island in Trinity Bay. In finer weather, you can enjoy your coffee from an Adirondack chair on the patio overlooking the water. Enjoy coffee from small batch roasters in the province, as well as a light meal or baked treats that include gluten-friendly options.

Boreal Diner

$$$

This diner serves a variety of dishes, all with fresh ingredients (some grown right on the front patio) along with a small but balanced selection of wine and craft beers. Salads are excellent, and they serve some of the best pies and baked goods in the area. Boreal not only sources from local farms but from local individuals to support backyard farming.

61 Church St., Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0C 1B0, Canada
709-476–2330
Known For
  • pies baked daily, like molasses custard pie
  • coffee from local roaster
  • support of local farmers
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sept.–May

Brewed Awakening

$

This place has everything a favorite coffee shop should have: great coffee roasted in-house, food prepared from scratch, and a hip but welcoming atmosphere. This one is located on Bernard Street and has convenient parking.

93 Mt. Bernard Ave., Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, A2H 5G3, Canada
709-634–1919
Known For
  • excellent cappuccinos
  • homemade baked treats and granola bars
  • great sandwiches for lunch
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No dinner

Cabin Six Pizza

$$

This is a little pizza shop that's made a big splash, with stone-baked pizzas with interesting toppings and locally grown or foraged ingredients. This destination eatery is a throwback to the old general store that once occupied the space with retro touches like a tiny black-and-white TV playing cartoons and industrial artifacts on the walls, alongside photos by a local photographer known as "Old Bones." Best not to try calling ahead; this two-person operation is doing a booming business.

18 Trinity Dr., Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, A5A 0L5, Canada
Known For
  • the BBQ pulled pork pizza
  • the "bearded chef"
  • fun retro decor
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Thurs., Walk-in only

Ches's

$$ | Downtown

This restaurant has been serving fish-and-chips to a steady stream of customers since the 1950s. They come from all walks of life to sample the flaky fish fried in a batter whose recipe the owner keeps under lock and key (literally). The decor is strictly laminated tabletops and plastic chairs, but the fish is hot, fresh, and delicious.

Crow's Nest Café

$

On the way to the Long Point Lighthouse, this friendly little café has a great ocean view and a deck from which to enjoy it—you might even see a passing whale or two if you're here in July or August. Light meals, including house-made soups, wraps, and chili, are served until 5 pm, or you can drop in for high-quality coffee and a delicious cinnamon bun. This is a good place to pick up a bagged lunch before you hike or to replenish your energy upon your return.

127 Main St., Crow Head, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0G 4M0, Canada
709-893–2029
Known For
  • great views
  • excellent chili
  • bagged lunches for hikes available
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–May

EVOO

$$$

EVOO combines the rustic surroundings of a gastro pub with Mediterranean-influenced fare. The menu offers seafood, vegan, and meat-based options and a good wine selection. Find them on the first floor of the historic Murray Premises, opening onto the courtyard.

Fisherman's Landing

$$$

The wide-ranging menu at Fisherman's Landing includes plenty of seafood as well as other options like pizza. Both the food and the service here are reliable (and the food is heavily breaded, whenever possible). It can get busy, but you can always browse the crafts shop next door in the liquor store until your table's ready.

Green Kitchen

$$

Enjoy your vegan meal in this relaxing atmosphere with hardwood floors and natural lighting. This casual eatery offers plant-based fare with most elements made from scratch with ethically sourced ingredients. 

47 Harvey Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 2E9, Canada
709-237–2223
Known For
  • delicious and healthy smoothies
  • vegan children's menu
  • cozy Sunday brunch
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Growler's Ice

$

Be sure to try the house-made ice cream at this tiny sweet shop along the main road a little ways past Fogo Island Inn. An island favorite, they offer both unique and classic flavors.

125 Main Rd., Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
709-658–7015
Known For
  • the best (and only) ice cream on the island
  • jam jam ice cream, a classic Newfoundland treat
  • dairy-free options
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–May

India Gate

$$$ | Downtown

Consistency and quality in service and food make this one of the busiest restaurants in St. John's. This family-owned business is the oldest Indian restaurant in the city, serving food prepared to order in a classic tandoori oven. In the evenings, the atmosphere is inviting and romantic.

286 Duckworth St., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 1H3, Canada
709-753–6006
Known For
  • generous servings
  • fresh-baked naan
  • vegetarian dishes
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Irish Loop Coffee House

$

Just a five-minute drive from the boat-tour docks in Bay Bulls, this restaurant is affectionately know as "Judy's" to locals. Diner classics like tuna melts and BLTs are served with tea, coffee, or beer to sate hikers and tourists who have gratefully come upon this friendly beacon.

Les P'tits Graviers

$$$

A family-friendly spot, Les P'tits Graviers is known for a wide variety of fresh French cuisine. Using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, they adapt their menu frequently. It can be quite busy so be sure to make reservations.

2 rue Maréchal Foch, St-Pierre and Miquelon
508-41–75–28
Known For
  • tasty pizzas
  • great sauces on local meat dishes
  • boozy desserts
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed.

Levain

$

A tiny whiff of Paris in the neighborhood of St. John's known by locals as the Fish 'n' Chips district, this bakery sells breads and pastries made in the French style. While they don't provide full barista service, you can order a coffee to go. 

77 Harvey Rd., St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 2E9, Canada
Known For
  • surprising flavor combinations
  • decadent cinnamon rolls
  • artisanal breads that look like works of art
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

Lightkeepers Seafood Restaurant/Great VIking Feast

$$$$

Good seafood and solid Canadian fare are served in this former lighthouse-keeper's home on a parkland site overlooking the ocean. Book the raucous Great Viking Feast dinner theater, where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet amid table-pounding, cheers, and laughter as actors perform a typical example of a Viking court of law.

21 Fishing Point Rd., St. Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0K 4S0, Canada
709-454–4900
Known For
  • Viking-theme dinners
  • views of whales and icebergs
  • great seafood chowder
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sept.–late May

Madrock Café

$$

Down a long road jutting off from the town of Bay Roberts, you'll find this small diner that's worth tracking down. Their toutons (a stiff, doughy, fry bread traditionally served with molasses) are quite tasty. The portions are plentiful but balanced and the prices are the best you will find on the island. Expect crowds.

723 Water St., Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0A 1G0, Canada
709-786–4047
Known For
  • heavenly and unique house-made bread
  • big crowds
  • early closing time at 5 pm