
St. John's Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar
An upscale Canadian eatery & cocktail bar offering fresh local seafood and unique cocktails in a vintage-chic setting with stunning water views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

St. John's Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale Canadian eatery & cocktail bar offering fresh local seafood and unique cocktails in a vintage-chic setting with stunning water views.
"The food 10/10, Service 10/10, Atmosphere 10/10 – a must-try for locals and visitors alike!"
Reservations are essential
Book your table in advance, especially for special occasions or larger groups, as it's very busy.
Don't miss the seafood specialties
Try standout dishes like the Fishing Admirals Feast or lobster and shrimp pappardelle.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Canadian Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Seafood Extravaganza
Indulge in the finest local seafood, from pristine oysters and succulent lobster to expertly prepared fish.

Stunning Harbour Views & Cocktails
Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and unique drinks with breathtaking views of the St. John's harbour.

Vintage-Chic Ambiance
Experience a cozy and charming atmosphere with a vintage-chic decor, perfect for a memorable meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations are essential
Book your table in advance, especially for special occasions or larger groups, as it's very busy.
Don't miss the seafood specialties
Try standout dishes like the Fishing Admirals Feast or lobster and shrimp pappardelle.
Share plates for variety
Consider sharing fish platters to sample a wider range of the fresh, local offerings.
Seasonal Delights
Visit during prime snow crab and lobster season for the freshest seasonal specialties.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations are essential
Book your table in advance, especially for special occasions or larger groups, as it's very busy.
Don't miss the seafood specialties
Try standout dishes like the Fishing Admirals Feast or lobster and shrimp pappardelle.
Share plates for variety
Consider sharing fish platters to sample a wider range of the fresh, local offerings.
Seasonal Delights
Visit during prime snow crab and lobster season for the freshest seasonal specialties.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise St. John's Fish Exchange for its exceptional seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and professional service. The cozy ambiance and stunning harbor views enhance the dining experience. While the food is largely lauded, some reviews mention minor issues such as dishes being served slightly cool or seafood being a bit chewy, but overall satisfaction remains high.
"The food 10/10
Service 10/10
Atmosphere 10/10
I left NFLD in 1997 and coming back to the island and eating fresh fish and chips is always a must.
This restaurant has some of the best fish and chips I have ever eaten. The cod cheeks were delicious and the service/atmosphere was perfect.
I highly recommend this restaurant to first time travellers/everyone to this lovely island."
Madero Kendall
"This place is amazing. The food was perfect, our service was great and the restaurant itself is so beautiful. We celebrated a birthday there and the staff was so accommodating and pleasant to deal with. It was our first time in the city and at St. John's fish exchange and all the reviews were right, it is a must try."
deb carano
"A really nice place to dine! Great atmosphere, decor, menu of food and drinks, with a daily special menu as well. Patrick, our waiter was great, helpful w recommendations, personal and excellent, wuth very professional service skills.
Prices can be on the high side, but overall experience was very good. I ordered the Newfoundland oysters, lots of sea flavour but a little disappointing as they were seasonally very small. The accompanying fresh shaved horseradish was a very unique add on enhancing the dish. The Cod dish was done well with a slight hoisin like sauce, very flavourful. My wifes 1.5 lbs(small size) Newfoundland lobster plate of was delicious, however I was found the Newfoundland lobster to be a tougher version than Maine/Atlantic lobster that I'm used to, but still overall full of flavour. My friends had the 2.5lb version while an even larger 3.5lb version was available.
Overall, a great dining experience, but be sure to make reservations early as getting a table is exceptionally challenging. Highly recommended."
P H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very busy.
Highlights include the Fishing Admirals Feast, lobster and shrimp pappardelle, and their famous Fish and Chips.
Yes, they have a wet bar with a wide selection of unique cocktails, wines, and local brewery pints.
While not strictly enforced, the restaurant has an upscale, vintage-chic ambiance, so dressing nicely is recommended.
Yes, the menu notes which dishes can be prepared gluten-free.
The restaurant offers a cozy, vintage-chic ambiance with stunning views of the St. John's harbour.
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With one of the most impressive views of the harbour, St. John’s Fish Exchange has dynamic seafood and drink pairings to match. This Water Street restaurant offers a large selection of cocktails like the Jam Jam Martini made with rum, Newfoundland’s own Purity syrup and garnished with an actual Jam Jam cookie, or the Baycation with Iceberg Vodka, charred lemon, pineapple and bay leaf, along with Quidi Vidi Brewery pints and a large list of by-the-glass wines. A daily offering of mussels, oysters, scallops and chowder are always available in addition to signature dishes like Cod Tongues and srunchions or lobster mac and cheese.
The Top 10 Restaurants for a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner in St. John’s
If you want to treat your guests to some top notch seafood, look no further than St. John’s Fish Exchange. The restaurant serves up oysters, shrimp, cod, crab, lobster and just about everything in between (plus a few less-fishy options, for diners who prefer turf to surf). It has a few private dining options to take advantage of for your rehearsal dinner: the Twine Loft Mezzanine (capacity of 40), the private dining room (capacity of 14) or the entire restaurant (capacity of 147).
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Every summer during prime snow crab and lobster season, chefs around St. John’s take advantage of the fresh supply from the North Atlantic, featuring it in seasonal dishes like lobster mac & cheese made with four cheeses at the St. John’s Fish Exchange. Just as often, it’s simply served steamed with butter like they do at Oliver’s, a cozy downtown hideaway. Those who want the full experience of cooking lobster for themselves can head to The Fish Market on Duckworth Street.
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Don’t let the name fool you, SJFX is one of hippest St. John’s bars with patios with a great location right along the waterfront with a modern patio overlooking the harbour. True to the “Fish Exchange” moniker, SJFX features a menu of fresh, authentic Newfoundland seafood including oysters, mussels and lobster. The drink menu also has many nautically themed cocktails, including “Saltwater Joys” and “The Old Hag.
Restaurants in St John's
St. John's Fish Exchange & Wet Bar offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of St. John's. Renowned for serving fresh, locally sourced seafood, this establishment boasts a vibrant atmosphere and an eclectic menu. From the freshest catches of the day to expertly mixed cocktails at the wet bar, it's a culinary haven for seafood lovers and cocktail aficionados alike.
THE BEST Restaurants in St. John’s to Eat ›
Look no further than St. John’s Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar (SJFX). Located at 351 Water St. in the heart of St. John’s, SJFX offers a delectable journey that blends culinary delights with the rich heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing industry. Step into a time machine with our vintage-chic décor and let the harbour views transport you to a different era.
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One of St. John’s must-visit restaurant’s thanks to the high quality and diversity of the food, most locals consider this the best spot to eat out. You shouldn’t pass up this luxury. The interior is extremely classy, and its décor is not too bright or dim.
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Be sure to dress your best and spoil yourself with a live lobster. If you love seafood then you won't regret trying this spot. Fun fact: St. John's Fish Exchange was established to remember those who based their livelihood on the fishery.
The Best Restaurants in St. John’s for a Business Lunch
There’s nothing fishy about lunch at SJFX… unless you want there to be. Local seafood abounds on this menu and caters to the lunchtime crowd with at least five different salads, rich lobster bisques and even fancy fish n’ brewis.
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The food was phenomenal and they have a great gluten friendly menu. The cocktails were also creative and tasty. Newfoundland and Labrador's best 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111150 Gluten-Free Destinations
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When we found the Fish Exchange in downtown St. John’s, it met all our seafood needs. I could not pass on the lobster and shrimp. And David finally got to try Halibut cheeks!
St. John's Summer Patio Guide 2017
The patio may be small, but the drink list at St. John’s Fish Exchange is not. Craft cocktails, beer, and a dozen wines by the glass are enjoyed overlooking the harbour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit