St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Eating out in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

This area is known for its excellent seafood, and many restaurants offer seasonal specialties with a wide variety of traditional wild and cultured species. Diners find menus packed with fresh salmon, mussels, scallops, shrimp, crab, lobster, grenadier, halibut, turbot, and cod.

Gourmet

Stone House Restaurant is set in a restored 19th-century stone cottage. The innovative menu boasts local and imported game, seafood, and Newfoundland specialties. Diners can complement their meal with a selection from the extensive wine list. 8 Kenna's Hill.

Highly Recommended

Hungry Fishermen--known as the place to come for Newfoundland seafood--is located in a historic 19th-century building overlooking a courtyard. The menu boasts fresh shrimp, scallops, salmon, halibut, mussels, and cod. For non-fish eaters, there is chicken, veal, and five-onion soup. All dishes are served with wonderful sauces, and the homemade desserts change daily. Murray Premises, 5 Beck's Cove.

Local Flair

Ches's has been around since the 1950s, and draws locals from all over the island with its famous Fish-and-Chips. The dining room is decorated simply with laminated tabletops, booths, and plastic chairs, but the coveted dishes ensure that it is often packed from mid-afternoon until late into the night. 9 Freshwater Road.

Romantic

Chez Briann is located in a quaint downtown Victorian townhouse, with dark wood trim and an intimate décor. The irresistible menu offers dishes such as sautéed scallops and garlic over pasta, and stuffed medallions of lamb. Lighter fare includes pâtés, crêpes, and other French dishes. 290 Duckworth Street.

Going party in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Visitors to St. John's have several options for nighttime entertainment. Besides festivals and exhibits offered by the diverse arts community, St. John's also has many good-time bars and pubs.

Resource Centre for the Arts

This experimental theater is one of the country's oldest and most innovative. It features a packed schedule of performances throughout the fall and winter, and summer months bring cabarets, outdoor concerts, plays, and alternative concerts.

The Arts and Culture Centre

This theater hosts musical and theatrical events in its 1,000-seat theater. It also houses an art gallery and a library.

The Ship Inn

This popular bar is a favorite among local artists. Performances vary from flamenco dancing to traditional music.

Erin's Pub

This old-fashioned pub is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and traditional Irish music.

The Fat Cat

This bar is one of the best places in the city to hear live blues music.

Blarney Stone

People flock to this fun spot to sing along with the Newfoundland and Irish folk music.

George Street

Located in downtown St. John's, this beautifully restored street is home to a wide selection pubs, restaurants, and open-air concerts.

Common events in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

The Newfoundland International Irish Festival

Held just south of St. John's, in Mount Pearl, this all-out party features international performers and a children's Leprechaun Festival. July.

Signal Hill Tattoo

At the Signal Hill Historic Site, visitors can see re-enactments of the final 1762 battle of the Seven Years' War between the British and the French. July and August.

Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival

This lively celebration is the province's best-known traditional music festival. August.

New Year's Eve

Revelers pour out of downtown pubs and gather on the waterfront in droves to ring in the new year. December 31.