Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Newfoundland and Labrador

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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 (1029)

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

Keith

Dined 5 days ago

Incredible food, atmosphere, and overall experience. Thank you!

The Merchant Tavern

4.7

4.7 (1990)

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

Michelle

Dined 6 days ago

Always delicious food, great service and a great night out!

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Jack Astor's - St. John's

4.7

4.7 (454)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

Our mission? Great people helping other great people totally have a blast while enjoying amazing food. Wow, that was a mouthful. But can you blame us? We’re a restaurant. One that specializes in delicious food and great times. Our goal is to make you laugh. And depending on your hot sauce tolerance, cry.

In all seriousness, we take real pride in our food. Try our Cluckin’ Fresh Chicken Fingers, made and seasoned with fresh, never frozen chicken tenders. This isn’t run-of-the-mill pub grub. Our Band of Chefs are influenced by a wide variety of tastes and have travelled across the globe to gain inspiration.

But outside of the kitchen, we find it hard to take ourselves seriously. We have an Elvis booth. For no particular reason. Folks, that really does say it all. We’re sports fanatics, music nuts and love a good joke. If you’re into at least one of those things, we should hang out.

Top review

James

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Food was very good - Ryan our server was quick to serve and quick on his feet with a few Newfie jokes. Live music was fun. Restaurant was quite busy but our meals arrived fresh , hot and tasty with surprisingly fast turnaround.

LIV

4.7

4.7 (422)

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

JasmineVIP

Dined 4 days ago

What a wonderful surprise to have such an upbeat and energetic vibe in a restaurant in SJ! The food was so flavourful, the service was amazing ! I will definitely go back next time I'm in town!!

Exile

4.5

4.5 (965)

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

JenniferVIP

Dined 5 days ago

It's a wonderful place to have delicious food with excellent service. Plus spacious room and energetic background music. My favorite place to eat!

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Popular dish

Pad Thai Brussel Sprouts

Popular dish

Steak Salad

The Adelaide Oyster House

4.5

4.5 (499)

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

We’re a small and energetic restaurant on the corner of Adelaide and Water St. in the heart of downtown St. John’s. We carry a wide selection of East Coast Oysters and our menu focuses on seafood + fun, vibrant small plates. We have a rotating selection of local craft beer and wines and an ever evolving cocktail list. Some call us loud, but we prefer lively! TripAdvisor's 'Certificate of Excellence', "Where to Eat in Canada" x 4, and voted St. John's Top Seafood restaurant!

Our reservation policy has changed in order to support the best possible customer experience. Please note - For the fairness of all our guests during this busy summer season, we have turned off reservations for our dinner service for parties of 8 or less. We accept walk-ins all day both in restaurant, bar and our large sunny patio as well!

You can always contact us via email at adelaideoysterbookings@gmail.com or by telephone at 702-722-7222. Our door is open and you are always welcome!

Top review

Mike

Dined 7 days ago

Staff was Amazing.. my favourite place to eat in St. John’s! They made it a great birthday experience for me. Thanks so much for a great night

Fionn MacCool's - St. John's

4.5

4.5 (360)

CAN$30 and under

Pub

St. John's

About the restaurant

Locally owned Irish pub in the heart of North America's oldest city. We offer a large selection of beer on-tap and delicious cocktails. Our food menu caters to all with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. We have live music every Friday and Saturday, so don't hesitate and book today!

Top review

DanielleVIP

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

Entertainment and food was great! Andrew always makes my margarita and it’s always excellent. He made my first two last night and as always they were great! The new girl Anna made one after last night and it wasn’t right! She didn’t shake it just pour everything in the glass and gave it to me and it didn’t taste right!

The Rec Room - St John's Avalon Mall

4.4

4.4 (163)

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

The Rec Room redefines the meaning of fun with exciting arcade games, attractions, mouth-watering eats and live entertainment all packed under one roof. We’re Canada’s premier “eats & entertainment” hot spot!

For reservations of parties of 13 guests or more, please call the venue directly. We kindly request our guests refrain from making multiple reservations for a single large party. While we will do our best to accommodate large groups, we cannot guarantee multiple reservations will be seated together.

Please note: parties of 8 guests or more will have 18% gratuity automatically applied.

Top review

Matthew

Dined on Mar 13, 2025

Had a delicious meal and excellent service. Our waitress Jasmine was A+++

No. 4 Restaurant & Bar

4.4

4.4 (42)

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

Mel

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Like the restaurant, food is great, service was good. However their food menu is getting a little small.

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