Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Newfoundland and Labrador

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Newfoundland and Labrador? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Portage

4.8

4.8 (1041)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

Located in historic downtown St John's, Newfoundland. An upscale casual cuisine of family - style dishes that share between 2 - 4 people. An eclectic selection of wines from around the world. Reservations of 6 or less can be made through OpenTable. We do not take reservations of groups larger than 8. Walk - ins welcomed when seats are available. We do not reserve the bar seats and Chef's Table. Thank you.

Top review

Leslie

Dined on Jul 7, 2025

Service was fantastic, food was outstanding. A fun way to do dinner with friends

The Little Sparo

4.7

4.7 (879)

CAN$51 and over

Italian

St. John's

About the restaurant

There is nothing complicated about food, and nobody understood this better than the Italians. They knew that a delicious meal did not require elaborate preparation - just proper ingredients, and the passion and patience to let them work their magic. At The Little Sparo, we apply these principles in all we do. From our fresh baked naturally-leavened bread and pizza to our homemade extruded pasta, every item is prepared with gentle, attentive care. Come enjoy the comfort of Italian cuisine, in our newly renovated, open-concept restaurant with breathtaking views of the St.john's harbor that carries right through to the narrows. Book a table in our elegant dining room or come relax by the fireplace in our cozy, inviting lounge. Our kind and knowledgable staff are here to welcome you with the warm and friendly hospitality that Newfoundlanders are known for. Come join us for dinner!

Top review

Joan

Dined 6 days ago

Lovely evening out. Delicious food, wonderful service. Will go again.

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Popular dish

Creste di Gallo Mac and Cheese

The Merchant Tavern

4.7

4.7 (1998)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Bistro

St. John's

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Merchant Tavern,

The Merchant Tavern pays homage to hard-working people who appreciate fine fare and spirits. Using fresh ingredients from local purveyors and some inspiration, we create dishes that will make you feel sated.

Top review

Sandy

Dined 7 days ago

Always great vibe ….. great menu; beautiful bar… super service as always.

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4.7

4.7 (425)

CAN$30 and under

Asian

St. John's

About the restaurant

LIV - Nordic for Shelter and Life, embraces a new approach to dining, importing a true European style of partying by combining cuisine with a vibrant nightlife.

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined on Jul 3, 2025

We had another great night at Liv! Katie our server was so great! Food was delicious as always!

Quintanas De La Plaza

4.7

4.7 (75)

CAN$30 and under

Mexican

St. John's

About the restaurant

Bringing you a delicious blend of Tex Mex food to St. John's, NL since 1980! A new experience for you. A tradition for us! Located in Churchill Square just minutes from downtown and Memorial University. Come sit back and enjoy some of our most popular dishes including the Mexican Flag, Flautas or Fish Tacos. We offer a wide selection of tequilas and the best margaritas and sangrias in St. John's!

Top review

PierreVIP

Dined 6 days ago

This has been one of our go to places for several years. The staff know us and the service is always great. Food last night was exceptional, hitting the flavour buttons perfectly. Always good value.

Exile

4.5

4.5 (968)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

Thrill your senses with a dining experience at Exile, JAG's restaurant. Exquisite plates will tantalize your taste-buds and an embracingly warm atmosphere creates the perfect dining experience.
Enjoy our locally sourced ingredients at lunch, during a weekend brunch, or on a special night out with family and friends.

Top review

ToniVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Overall, good place to go! Had the eggs benny - would highly recommend.

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Popular dish

Pad Thai Brussel Sprouts

Popular dish

Steak Salad

Moxies - St. John's

4.6

4.6 (507)

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

Moxies restaurant is a contemporary casual restaurant offering a globally inspired menu and hand crafted cocktails in a vibrant and interactive atmosphere. Moxies has over 50 locations across Canada and 6 US locations in Dallas, Houston and Miami. We are excited for you to experience everything Moxies has to offer!

Moxies St. John’s is conveniently located 15 minutes from downtown, a short 10-minute drive from the St. John’s International Airport, and near the Memorial University and Health Sciences Centre. Our menu is developed by Executive Chef, Brandon Thordarson and has dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner! Come in for a perfectly grilled Sirloin Steak; a warm, comforting bowl of Herb Alfredo; or the Chipotle Mango Chicken, bursting with flavor. So whether you’re staying on-site at the Sandman Signature St. John’s or shopping at Avalon Mall or the big box stores on Kelsey Drive, pop-in and join us – we’re just around the corner!

Top review

DanielleVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food and drinks were great Except at the end the bartender just left to clean chairs and we were waiting and waiting for more drinks….poor customer service

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - St. Johns

4.6

4.6 (4558)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steakhouse

St. John's

About the restaurant

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar serves the finest cuts of succulent steak, aged for tenderness and grilled to perfection. Prime rib is a Keg specialty, slow roasted, hand carved and perfectly seasoned with special Keg spices. The restaurant also serves delicious seafood, memorable appetizers, crisp salads and decadent desserts. A casual ambiance and friendly, very knowledgeable staff are proud and reliable trademarks of The Keg Steakhouse & Bar. You'll find a truly comfortable and satisfying dining atmosphere accompanied by a fun and up-scale bar setting where guests can enjoy an excellent wine list, signature Keg martinis, and fresh squeezed juice cocktails.

Top review

Alison

Dined 3 days ago

It was our anniversary and the service and food was awesome.

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No. 4 Restaurant & Bar

4.4

4.4 (43)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

Start your evening with one of our carefully curated cocktails, from classics with a twist to seasonal concoctions designed to awaken your palate. The bar serves as the perfect prelude to a memorable meal, whether you’re unwinding after a long day or gathering with friends for a special occasion.

But it’s the food that truly steals the show at No. 4 Restaurant. With a menu inspired by local, seasonal ingredients, we offer a range of dishes that blend comfort with refinement. Every dish is crafted with the finest quality ingredients and a touch of creativity. Our chefs pride themselves on delivering balanced flavours, delicate textures, and an ever-evolving menu that keeps things fresh and exciting.

To end your meal on a sweet note, indulge in one of our decadent desserts. Each dessert is a celebration of taste and artistry, designed to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Top review

Elaine

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent place, nice ambiance and away from the hustle of Water Street. Great spot to go and then participate in the St. John’s ghost walk which starts nearby.

Casa Amigos Restaurant NL

4.5

4.5 (26)

CAN$30 and under

Mexican

St. John's

About the restaurant

Casa Amigos NL is a vibrant and welcoming Mexican restaurant located in the heart of downtown St. John's. The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, with colorful décor and friendly staff. The menu features a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From classic tacos and burritos to sizzling fajitas and flavorful enchiladas, there's something to satisfy every craving. Casa Amigos NL also offers a selection of refreshing margaritas and other Mexican-inspired cocktails. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or a festive dinner, Casa Amigos NL is the perfect place to experience the true flavors of Mexico.

Top review

Mark

Dined 4 days ago

Loved this little mexican place in downtown st. john's. We were on the upper level and had the whole place to ourselves. Defintely request the window seat next time. Had the beer battered cod tacos ~ delicious! could easily had these as my entree! Entrees my husband had the chicken fajitas ~ cooked perfectly! huge portion. So good. I had the chicken pollo in the wrap (can't remember the name). Chicken was a little overcooked but still tasty. Would try something else next time. JOHN our server was amazing! Will definitely be back with some friends. Great new find!

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