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The Merchant Tavern, St. John's, NL
The Merchant Tavern, St. John's, NL
The Merchant Tavern, St. John's, NL
The Merchant Tavern, St. John's, NL
The Merchant Tavern, St. John's, NL

The Merchant Tavern

4.5
4.5
1716 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Bistro
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

2 people

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
  • 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
  • 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

NoiseModerate

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
  1. 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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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The halibut was amazing! Highly recommend. Very tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  3. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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

    Is this helpful?

  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  12. 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..

    Is this helpful?

  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service ambiance, as always, top quality

    Is this helpful?

  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  24. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  27. ChadD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Incredible place. Looking forward to the next visit.

    Is this helpful?

  28. 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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  29. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  30. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  31. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  32. 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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  33. 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  34. 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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  35. 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 👏

    Is this helpful?

  36. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  40. 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!!

    Is this helpful?

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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Merchant Tavern

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
  • 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
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