
The Merchant Tavern
A celebrated St. John's tavern blending industrial-chic decor with exceptional local seafood and seasonal dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Merchant Tavern

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A celebrated St. John's tavern blending industrial-chic decor with exceptional local seafood and seasonal dishes.
"The food was unbelievable, service was prompt and friendly & I honestly wish I ate there more than once on my trip."
Book Ahead
Make reservations about a week in advance to secure your desired seating.
Table Preferences
Consider requesting specific table preferences when booking for an optimal experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Canadian
Price
$$$
Phone
+1 709-722-5050
Address
John's, 291 Water St, St. John's, NL A1C 1B9, Canada
Website
themerchanttavern.ca/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Watch Chefs in Action
Dine at the counter overlooking the open kitchen and witness the culinary magic unfold.

Scallop Crudo & Charcuterie
Indulge in exquisite appetizers like the vibrant scallop crudo and perfectly crafted charcuterie.

Romantic & Lively Ambiance
Enjoy a dual atmosphere with intimate, dim seating and bright, window-lit areas.

Signature NL Cod
Savor the perfectly cooked NL cod, boasting a crispy top crust and meltingly tender fish.

Unique Parsnip Dessert
Experience the 'Celebration of Parsnip' - a creative dessert featuring parsnip ice cream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Make reservations about a week in advance to secure your desired seating.
Table Preferences
Consider requesting specific table preferences when booking for an optimal experience.
Consider Tasting Menu
Opt for the chef's tasting menu for a curated and memorable culinary journey.
Weekday Visits
Visiting on weekdays may offer a quieter dining experience compared to weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Make reservations about a week in advance to secure your desired seating.
Table Preferences
Consider requesting specific table preferences when booking for an optimal experience.
Consider Tasting Menu
Opt for the chef's tasting menu for a curated and memorable culinary journey.
Weekday Visits
Visiting on weekdays may offer a quieter dining experience compared to weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Merchant Tavern is highly praised for its exceptional food, particularly the fresh seafood and unique dishes like the parsnip dessert. Diners also appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and friendly service, with some noting the bar area as a great spot. However, a few reviews mention instances of rushed service and inconsistencies in quality over time.
"Tonight was not my first visit to Merchant Tavern, and I have always enjoyed the food and service. This evening was another dining pleasure. We started with the bread and butter (a sundried tomato version), which was simply delicious. Next, the generously sized salad of arugula with sweetened whole cranberries, orange slivers, and pepitas in a light and creamy dressing. On to the NL cod entree. I can't say enough about the thin and seasoned crispy top crust covering a perfectly cooked cod filet - moist yet held together. It melted in the mouth. Served with a caper sauce, roasted mini potatoes, and crisp asparagus. Next, bigoli (thick pasta noodles) in a leek cream sauce with roasted mushrooms and parmesan. We finished with an exquisite and aptly named Celebration of Parsnip - a parsnip and brown butter cake topped with parsnip ice cream and crispy parsnip curls. The ice cream was more like butter. The flavours were subtle, and the varying textures created a unique dessert experience that elevated the lowly parsnip to rock-star status.
If my cod photo appears to show a small serving, it's because it's just my portion of the shared plate.
Interior - The seating areas are dim and romantic on the right side of the restaurant with standard-height tables. On the left side are the hightop tables and bright, tall windows. The centre square is a large bar with seating on three sides. Lots of options to suit your mood. Make sure you make a reservation. This is a busy, vibey spot showcasing both casual and business attire.
Final note: Although we ordered from the menu, there was a chef's tasting menu."
Pamela Janes
"Spectacular! Excellent choice when booking reservations in NL. The food was unbelievable, service was prompt and friendly & I honestly wish I ate there more than once on my trip. It was soooo delicious!!!"
Taylor Shields
"Experienced my first ever tasting menu
Started the night with some sparkling and white 🍷
First course was an assortment of tuna crudo, scallop cheviche, NL snowcrabs and merasheen bay oysters. The crudo was a burst of umami. The sour and refreshing flavour of the cheviche wakes up your mouth perfectly before all other courses.
Second course was a pan fried Newfoundland cod with a lemon-butter sauce. The brininess from the capers was wonderfully unique to my south asian palette. Most favorite dish of the night.
Third course was a lobster spaghettini with lobster bisk. Al dente pasta, creamy bisk, sweet lobster. What more you can ask for!
Fourth and the main course was a rendered duck breast with parsnip purée and butter roasted parsnip and mushrooms. Finished with a smoky jus.
Fifth and the final course was a coffee cake topped with orange mascarpone on a base of caramel sauce. Perfectly sweet, balanced with the mascarpone whip. The Sauternes at the end felt like a course by itself"
Swarup Sharma Druba
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It is highly recommended to make reservations about a week in advance, especially for preferred seating.
The restaurant offers a unique atmosphere with dim, romantic seating areas and bright, tall windows, and an industrial-chic decor.
Yes, a chef's tasting menu is often available, offering a curated culinary experience.
Yes, The Merchant Tavern is accommodating of gluten-free diets, with many options that can be modified.
The lively atmosphere and various seating options make it suitable for group gatherings.
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This tavern is an ode to the merchants who, for hundreds of years, called St. John’s and the province home. The restaurant is co-owned by head chef Jeremy Charles, who celebrates local produce through the dishes he creates. Think pulled-pork pancakes drizzled in sticky, sweet maple syrup and confit turkey cakes with a cranberry compote dolloped on top.
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Located in the heart of downtown St. John’s, this restaurant has quickly become one of the most popular places to enjoy a leisurely evening meal with friends and family while indulging in delicious local fare. With its mix of modern-meets-rustic style décor, vaulted ceilings, original artwork and low lighting, Merchant Tavern offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for savouring delectable dishes made from locally sourced ingredients like halibut caught off the coast of Newfoundland or wild mushrooms picked right out on a nearby hiking trail. Whether you’re visiting our bustling capital city as part of your vacation or live here year round, be sure to pay a visit – we guarantee it won’t disappoint!
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The Merchant Tavern is the bustling little sister of Raymond’s Restaurant and offers diners an accessible menu and dining experience in Chef Jeremy Charles’ unmistakable style. Local seafood shines in simple preparations which feature the inherent freshness of the fish and subtle saltiness of our pristine waters. The chilled seafood platter is a feast for the eyes and a great way to sample the lesser known cockles and crustaceans that are sourced on the island.
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The Merchant Tavern, located in the heart of St. John’s, stands out as a culinary gem that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. This restaurant is popular among locals, cruise ship guests and tourists with its rustic charm and modern flair. Indulge in their delectable seafood platters featuring locally sourced ingredients, and experience a harmonious fusion of flavours that showcases the essence of Newfoundland culinary heritage.
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For a memorable meal from celebrated restaurateurs Jeremy Charles and Jeremy Bonia, make a reservation at The Merchant Tavern. Housed in a former Bank of Nova Scotia building downtown, the bistro is known for its sustainable seafood and an energetic atmosphere. As its name suggests, the restaurant zeroes in on the offerings of local merchants for a menu of crowd-pleasing items like oysters, scallops, beef tartare and steak frites.
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The Merchant Tavern blends contemporary culinary creativity with Newfoundland’s rich culinary traditions, offering a vibrant yet laid-back dining experience. The spacious interior features industrial-chic decor, high ceilings, and an inviting bar, making it perfect for group gatherings or casual date nights. Chef Jeremy Bonia showcases local seafood, meats, and produce in imaginative dishes that honor the island’s bounty.
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The Merchant Tavern was my favourite restaurant in St. John’s. The restaurant’s design and atmosphere had me feeling like I was in Toronto more so than in St. John’s along the East Coast but the people were so casual that it had a completely different, more relaxed vibe that was welcome. The Merchant Tavern focuses on quality, local and sustainable ingredients with knowledgeable staff, top specials and drool-worthy food.
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Jeremy's customers at The Merchant Tavern on Water Street can experience the freshest scallops, served in their shells and prettily decorated with tiny flowers. Further up the road and overlooking the harbour is Jeremy's fine dining restaurant Raymonds, awarded the title of best restaurant in Canada in 2014. Jeremy developed his skills in Montreal, Los Angeles and Chicago before returning home to open Raymonds in 2010.
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As the little sister of Raymond’s this restaurant needs no introduction. The Merchant Tavern stands on its own two feet on the St. John’s dining scene as a must-eat. Years ago I raved about brunch at The Merchant Tavern, which in its own right is one of the best in the city with perfect hollandaise sauce, fluffy pancakes and melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts.
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Alex is also the forager for The Merchant Tavern (see below) and we spent a few hours foraging herbs and chanterelle mushrooms with her. I think we got to go with her to her mushrooming spot precisely because we come from away. No mushroom hunter in their right mind would take a local to “their” spot.
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A large central C-shaped bar, lots of wood and iron decorate the industrial space, bar tables, restaurant tables, more comfy bar stools overlooking one of two open kitchens. Six taps serving a good range of local micro brews and good food. Worth going well out of your way to try this place.
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There are also tons of sit-down establishments serving brunch in downtown St. John’s, but the Merchant Tavern never disappoints. Delight your taste buds with the Eggs Benedict or Newfoundland Breakfast and a side of bottomless coffee or the classic Merchant Caesar.
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Why you should go: Fine dining at its best, The Merchant Tavern is home to many delectable meals. Choose from Newfoundland Lamb Curry, Beetroot Salad or various other fulfilling meals. You won't be unsatisfied with any of the menu options.
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Featuring local and seasonal products, Merchant Tavern offers a menu that won’t leave you hungry. Celebrity chef Jeremy Charles—two-time Air Canada Best New Restaurant Award winner—is behind this superb restaurant. A memorable experience!
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I was disappointed that Raymond's was closed for the season, but The Merchant also had an excellent reputation, which Raymond's supported. Even better was the food!. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the restaurant is spacious.
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The Merchant Tavern works mainly with Newfoundland seasonal ingredients, making your visit to the restaurant an extra Newfie experience. What about closing your night enjoying their Vangole pasta with fresh clams and a glass of wine?
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Had a great meal at the Merchant about a week ago, and it was up to their usual impeccably high standards. Great service, food was fantastic. Highly recommend for casual up to pretty fine dining.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit