The Merchant Tavern

Name: The Merchant Tavern
Address: 291 Water Street, St. John's, NL, Canada, A1C 5C2
Telephone: (709) 722-5050
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.5

4.5

1716 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Bistro

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 25, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Bistro, Seafood, Contemporary Canadian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(709) 722-5050
Website
http://www.themerchanttavern.ca/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jeremy Charles
Private party facilities
Weddings, large scale corporate functions, to wedding dinners, private parties.Contact our events manager Sarah Wong for further information swong@themerchanttavern.ca
Private party contact
Steve Doussis : (709) 722-5050

Location
291 Water Street, St. John's, NL A1C 5C2
Neighborhood
St. John's
Cross street
Beck's Cove
Parking details
Public Parking lot on Harbour Drive
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,716 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Atlantic Canada
Most Booked
Newfoundland and Labrador
Best Overall
Newfoundland and Labrador
Best Food
Newfoundland and Labrador
Best Ambiance
Newfoundland and Labrador
Best Value
Newfoundland and Labrador
Great for brunch
Newfoundland and Labrador
Good for business meals
Newfoundland and Labrador
Good for business meals
Newfoundland and Labrador
Great for creative cocktails
Newfoundland and Labrador
Hot spot
Newfoundland and Labrador
Good for special occasions
Newfoundland and Labrador
Lively
Newfoundland and Labrador
Most Booked

1,716 Reviews

MJ
MatthewJ
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall1food3service1ambience1
Went for an Anniversary supper. It was so loud we couldn’t chat. Packed us in a small table in the middle of a walkway so we were bumped into neatly every time someone walked by. Very disappointed as we were looking forward to this jight
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The halibut was amazing! Highly recommend. Very tasty.
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KE
KarenE
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
A very good dining experience. We enjoyed our evening at The Merchant Tavern.
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p
philc
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were extremely good. We had the arctic char and halibut and both were outstanding
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favourite restaurant of all time - returning 3 years later and every bite is as good as we remember !!
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JP
JParker
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Dinner at the Merchant Tavern was one of the highlights of my first trip to St John's and when I returned with my parents this year, it was basically a requirement to take them to dinner here. The food was still good but their menu dinner did change from last year. Everyone really enjoyed their appetizer and entree and I would definitely get dinner again when I come back to St. John;s.
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VJ
VickiJ
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food1service5ambience5
Was very disappointed in the meal. Chicken breast was very overcooked and dry
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JS
JamesStanLee
Atlantic Canada
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again an outstanding experience. It’s a must go every time I’m in town. Must ask about their off list wine selection.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous evening. Great food. Wonderful space to share with friends and family. The deserts were amazing and the burger was divine.
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J
Jackie
Toronto
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
In general the food was good but perhaps not the best choice for me to order the duck as it was a bit sinewy and too fatty for my taste. The sauce and veggies were great however! I found the noise level was too much for me on this visit. Last time I was there it didn’t bother me-not sure why the difference. Overall I would recommend this restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
One of the best waitresses I’ve ever had. Excellent Tartar and very good Frites.
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AM
AnneM
Toronto
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Lovely dinner, great service. A little noisy!! Would definitely go back again..
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A
Acadien7
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Both the food and service were outstanding. The squash soup with meat balls was unbelievable. My wife was able to get a gluten-free carbonara papardelle: first time ever we’ve seen that pasta as a gluten-free option. Strongly recommended restaurant.
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IH
IrmaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for the pasta. Was not disappointed! Try the rigatoni!
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T
Tigger
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Amazing food. I had the carbonara. The oil separated from the cheese but it was still very delicious.
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CS
CherylS
Vancouver
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our experience at The Merchant was exceptional! The bruschetta appetizer was a perfect start - fresh tomatoes and herbs on crispy toast. The mushroom Pappardelle was divine, with rich, earthy flavours and lots of mushrooms. The portion size was perfect. We couldn’t resist the chocolate cake and crème brûlée for dessert and they didn’t disappoint. Our sever was attentive, knowledgeable and took great care of our table … it was a memorable experience
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DH
DonnaH
Atlantic Canada
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience2
Food was good, service was good, but the noise...it was like the food court at the mall!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service ambiance, as always, top quality
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RS
RayS
Seattle
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Freshest oysters on the half shell. You can’t go wrong. The duck was a big hit at our table.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall, wonderful experience. A night out at The Merchant Traven never disappoints. 🎉
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p
paul
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
great service, My wife had a great meal mine was a little lacking based on my choice of a pasta dish. overall great experience.
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CK
CarleyK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Fantastic experience. I had the steak frites, and my partner had the duck. The blood orange sauce on the duck was delicious, and the cut of steak was excellent. We will definitely be back. Oh, and the wine was really nice. I believe it was from the Languedoc Roussillon area of France and was called 'Venus'. All in all, we had a wonderful evening!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Food is always great at this restaurant. Service was just ok, not overly attentive.
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MF
MarilynF
Atlantic Canada
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
IT was a great evening out. Friendly staff and very accommodating. Food was delicious and the Lavender Skies drink was really good. Glad I went.
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BS
BrendaS
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Always a pleasure to be in St. John's and have the chance to dine at The Merchant Tavern. Great ambiance, great food and service and always interesting choices on the wine and cocktail list. Enjoyed the fish soup the fresh pasta. Portions were perfect. Looking forward to a return trip....well done team Merchant.
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AB
ABCD
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The chef’s menu was a great experience and was the ideal way to sample a wide array of delicious dishes.
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CD
ChadD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Incredible place. Looking forward to the next visit.
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GH
GuessHoo
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
Great Vibe …. Mussels were somewhat… uninspired…. But overall a fun evening with pretty good food & excellent Crème Brulée
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
Food was amazing and drinks where amazing. Service was not attentive and had several different people attend us and part of appetizer was served after being reminded and with main meal even though it was visibly ready much before.
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N
Nogo99
Toronto
20 reviews
vip
4.0
20 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience3
We dined at lunchtime, and the main courses were excellent. We had arctic char, carbonara and ragu pasta . Skip the Caesar salad - it was overdressed with a mayo style dressing. It's a very large space and perhaps at dinner the energy is livelier; lunch was quiet and felt flat. Service was uninspired.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
Espresso martini and sea breeze cocktails were very good. Steak frites was way too salty but steak was cook well. Artic char was very good but veggies was not good. I had scallops pasta, scallops were good but pasta sauce was not good at all. Matthew our server was very nice We are not going back. Way overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest for foods.
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MG
MaxGC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our first time at the Merchant Tavern... all the talk about the food and service, did not disappoint... very professional, attentive and knowledgeable servers... we were already having a great day, this just took it over the top... Highly recommend the Merchant Tavern.
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ZB
ZoeB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was wonderful!! Absolutely delicious, every dish we ordered was outstanding. And the espresso martini was perfectly balanced, the best I’ve had. Our server was well informed of the specials and dishes, and was very please to deal with. We will definitely be coming back!!
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WR
WayneR
Atlantic Canada
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
seated immediately. Waiter fabulous. Service of drinks and food were delivered in good time . I liked not being rushed.
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PC
PCat
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A fantastic meal from wine to dessert. The pasta was outstanding- scallops- and it was some of the best carbonara I’ve had and I’ve had a lot! Highly recommend. Amazing sommelier and wait staff 👏
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LT
LesT
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Went to Merchant Tavern for our first anniversary. We have been there numerous times in the past although not for a while. We shared the nachos as an appetizer. We were disappointed they used a cheese sauce on the nachos as opposed to real cheese. I had the steak frites. The steak came out room temperature. The butter on top of the steak was not melting as the steak was not warm. The fries were plentiful and hot. They were somewhat overcooked and harder than I experienced in the past. My wife's cod special was flavorful and she enjoyed her entrée. I will say this was not the experience we had in the past.
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E
Elmo6
Toronto
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great, service, recommendations, food. Drinks, dessert.
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MD
MarianneD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great waitress, team of chefs & somalier; food was delicious
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JF
JudyF
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
My only issue was maybe a few more choices would be needed on the menu, but all that was ordered was fresh and amazing, prices are decent whether it be on the food menu or alcohol menu. I would highly recommend when in St-John's.
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AL
ArielL
Caribbean
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The service, first class by Duvisha. So we came back two days in a row!!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Merchant Tavern offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (709) 722-5050.

The Merchant Tavern is rated 4.5 stars by 1716 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 25, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

291 Water Street, St. John's, NL A1C 5C2

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Beck's Cove
Neighborhood
St. John's
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Bistro, Seafood, Contemporary Canadian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Parking lot on Harbour Drive
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jeremy Charles
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.themerchanttavern.ca/
Phone number
(709) 722-5050
Private party facilities
Weddings, large scale corporate functions, to wedding dinners, private parties.Contact our events manager Sarah Wong for further information swong@themerchanttavern.ca
Private party contact
Steve Doussis : (709) 722-5050

The Merchant Tavern

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 1,716 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does The Merchant Tavern offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Merchant Tavern restaurant rated?

Is The Merchant Tavern currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information