The Merchant Tavern
1 / 10

The Merchant Tavern

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Merchant Tavern

The Merchant Tavern

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The food was unbelievable, service was prompt and friendly & I honestly wish I ate there more than once on my trip."

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Canadian

Price

$$$

Phone

+1 709-722-5050

Address

John's, 291 Water St, St. John's, NL A1C 1B9, Canada

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Watch Chefs in Action

Watch Chefs in Action

Dine at the counter overlooking the open kitchen and witness the culinary magic unfold.

Google Review
Scallop Crudo & Charcuterie

Scallop Crudo & Charcuterie

Indulge in exquisite appetizers like the vibrant scallop crudo and perfectly crafted charcuterie.

Best Food in St. John's, Newfoundland: Tips from a LocalGoogle Review
Romantic & Lively Ambiance

Romantic & Lively Ambiance

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

Google Review
Signature NL Cod

Signature NL Cod

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

Google Review+1
Unique Parsnip Dessert

Unique Parsnip Dessert

Experience the 'Celebration of Parsnip' - a creative dessert featuring parsnip ice cream.

Google Review
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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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Incredible and delicious food
Vibrant atmosphere
Friendly and accommodating staff

What People Dislike

Rushed service
Inconsistent quality

Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly recommended to make reservations about a week in advance, especially for preferred seating.

A few of our favourite places to eat in St. John’sGoogle Review

The restaurant offers a unique atmosphere with dim, romantic seating areas and bright, tall windows, and an industrial-chic decor.

A few of our favourite places to eat in St. John’sGoogle Review

Yes, a chef's tasting menu is often available, offering a curated culinary experience.

Google Review+1

Yes, The Merchant Tavern is accommodating of gluten-free diets, with many options that can be modified.

Google Review

The lively atmosphere and various seating options make it suitable for group gatherings.

The Ultimate Guide: 10 Best Restaurants in St. John's NewfoundlandGoogle Review

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