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Food & Dining in St Johns

Food & Dining in St Johns

Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada

St. John's Culinary Overview

Ingredients and Flavors

Newfoundland and Labrador's cuisine reflects its strong fishing heritage and food preservation for long, cold winters.

Strong ties to British traditions, especially Irish and West Country English influences. "Comfort food" defines the local cooking style, emphasizing hearty, satisfying meals.

Regional Variations & Ingredients

  • Seafood: Cod, crab, lobster, scallops, and mussels feature prominently. Freshness defines these ingredients.
  • Root Vegetables: Potatoes, turnip, carrots, and parsnips are common. They form the backbone of many traditional dishes.
  • Game: Moose and caribou are present, though consumption is regulated. You may find them in specialty restaurants.
  • Wild Berries: Bakeapples (cloudberries), partridgeberries (lingonberries), blueberries, and cranberries grow wild and appear in desserts and preserves.

Dining Customs and Etiquette

Atmosphere

Dining in St. John's is usually relaxed. Casual attire is acceptable in most restaurants. Tipping (15-20%) is expected for good service.

Reservations

For fine dining, especially on weekends, making reservations is suggested.

Local Interaction

Locals are generally friendly and open to conversation.

Meal Times and Structures

  • Breakfast: Typically served from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Lunch: Most restaurants serve lunch between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
  • Dinner: Dinner service generally begins around 5:00 PM and continues until 9:00 PM. George Street pubs and some downtown eateries deliver later options.
  • Regional Variations: As the capital city, St. John's has a more diverse and contemporary culinary scene. It preserves traditional dishes and has a wider range of international cuisines. Rural areas lean more heavily on traditional "boiled dinners" and home cooking.

Must-Try Dishes in St. John's

Signature Dishes with Descriptions

Fish and Brewis

A traditional dish. It combines salt fish, hardtack (a type of hard bread, known as brewis bread, soaked until soft), and scrunchions (fried pork fat).

Look for this dish in traditional diners or as a breakfast item at local cafes.

Jiggs Dinner

A classic Sunday boiled dinner. It consists of salt beef, boiled potatoes, carrots, cabbage, turnip, pease pudding (a savory, split pea puree), and sometimes turnip greens.

Find it at restaurants specializing in traditional Newfoundland fare.

Toutons

Fried bread dough. Locals often serve them with molasses or scrunchions.

They make a popular breakfast item or a delicious snack.

More Local Delicacies

  • Cod Tongues & Cheeks: A true delicacy. Chefs prepare them pan-fried or deep-fried. Find these in seafood restaurants throughout the city.
  • Figgy Duff: A steamed pudding. It uses molasses, raisins, and spices. Often served warm with a sweet butterscotch sauce.
  • Seafood Chowder: A creamy, rich soup. It features a generous amount of local seafood like cod, scallops, and mussels. Widely available in seafood restaurants.
  • Purity Candy/Cookies: Old-fashioned Newfoundland treats, including lemon creams and jam jams. Find them in local grocery stores.

Traditional Beverages & Iconic Snacks

Screech

A dark rum. It has historical ties to the "Screech-in" ceremony, a popular initiation ritual for visitors.

Local Craft Beer

St. John's has a growing craft beer scene. Breweries like Quidi Vidi Brewery and YellowBelly Brewery have a variety of local brews.

Dining Options in St. John's

Fine Dining Establishments

St. John's has several restaurants offering upscale dining experiences with focus on local ingredients.

  • Mallard Cottage: Located in Quidi Vidi Village, focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
  • Chinched Restaurant & Deli: Focuses on charcuterie and nose-to-tail dining, with an innovative menu.
  • Raymonds Restaurant: A critically acclaimed spot known for its refined approach to Newfoundland cuisine.

Mid-Range Restaurants

Comfortable dining options that balance quality and value, often with local flair.

  • YellowBelly Brewery & Public House: Historic downtown brewpub with pub fare and craft beers.
  • Saltwater Restaurant: Specializes in seafood, offering great harbour views from Water Street.
  • Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co.: A short drive outside downtown, this brewpub delivers good food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Budget Eateries and Street Food

Affordable options for a quick bite or casual meal, including local favorites.

  • Ches's Fish and Chips: A local institution known for its classic fish and chips with generous portions.
  • Various Downtown Cafes and Diners: Numerous small cafes and diners serve affordable breakfast and lunch.
  • Supermarkets: Sobeys and Dominion have groceries and ready-made options for self-catering or picnic supplies.

International Cuisine Options

Diverse Choices

St. John's boasts diverse international cuisine, including Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern restaurants.

Find these options especially downtown and in the west end.

Market Scene

The St. John's Farmers' Market, open seasonally on Saturdays, presents local produce, baked goods, and prepared foods.

It delivers a great way to experience local food culture, though traditional street food is limited.

Dining subtleties & Specifics

Specialty Dining

Try unique dishes like cod tongues or figgy duff for a true local taste.

Coffee Culture

Explore numerous independent cafes downtown for local brews and cozy spots.

Nightlife Eats

George Street pubs and some downtown eateries deliver later dining options.

Bakery Finds

Discover local bakeries for fresh bread, pastries, and traditional Newfoundland sweets.

Special Dietary Considerations

Dietary Needs & Accommodations

  • Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Restaurants and cafes, especially downtown, increasingly include vegetarian and vegan choices. Many menus clearly mark these dishes.
  • Gluten-Free Dining: Many restaurants are aware of common allergens and can accommodate requests for gluten-free meals. Always inform your server of any dietary restrictions at the start of your meal.
  • Allergen-Aware Dining: Most establishments can assist with dairy-free or nut-free requests. Clear communication with your server is important.
  • Resources for Travelers: Use online reviews and call restaurants in advance to confirm their ability to accommodate your dietary needs. Carrying a small Allergy alert card in English can be helpful.

Specific Dietary Options

Halal Availability

Options for Halal food are limited. Seek out specialty grocery stores or specific international restaurants that might cater to these needs.

Researching in advance or contacting restaurants directly is suggested.

Kosher Availability

Options for Kosher food are limited. Seek out specialty grocery stores or specific international restaurants that might cater to these needs.

Researching in advance or contacting restaurants directly is suggested.

Seasonal & Culinary Event Foods

Iconic Snacks and Desserts
Bakeapple Desserts: Pies, tarts, and jams from this distinctive local berry.
Partridgeberry Desserts: Tart berries in various desserts.
Purity Candy/Cookies: Old-fashioned treats.
Seasonal Foods: Berry-based desserts prominent during late summer/fall.
Fish and Brewis: Traditionally eaten on Saturdays.
Festival Foods: George Street Festival features food vendors.
Cooking Classes and Food Tours

Formal cooking classes for tourists are limited. Food tours focusing on St. John's culinary history and local specialties are sometimes available by private guides.

  • These tours explore local markets.
  • Historical eateries are included.
  • They introduce you to traditional flavors.
Farm Visits and Food Producers

Opportunities exist for visits to farms and fisheries in the surrounding region. These experiences are typically outside St. John's itself.

They deliver a clear understanding of where local ingredients come from.

Food Festivals and Events

Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival
  • Held in July.
  • Often includes local food stalls alongside music and cultural performances.
Local Community Events
  • Various smaller community events throughout the year.
  • May feature local food, check local event listings during your visit.

Culinary Experiences in St. John's

Guided Food Adventures

Food Tours

Formal cooking classes for tourists are limited. However, food tours focusing on St. John's culinary history and local specialties are sometimes available by private guides.

Explore local markets. | Historical eateries.
Find Local Food Tours
Farm Visits and Food Producers

Opportunities exist for visits to farms and fisheries in the surrounding region. These experiences are typically outside St. John's itself.

Understand where local ingredients come from.
Discover Local Producers
Seasonal Food Events

The George Street Festival, while mainly music, features many food vendors. The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival often includes local food stalls.

Check local event listings for smaller community food events.
See Festival Schedules

Traditional & Local Bites

  • Fish and Brewis: A traditional dish of salt fish, hardtack (brewis bread), and scrunchions.
  • Toutons: Fried bread dough, often served with molasses or scrunchions, a popular breakfast.
  • Jiggs Dinner: A classic Sunday boiled dinner with salt beef, root vegetables, and pease pudding.
  • Seafood Chowder: A creamy, rich soup with generous amounts of local seafood.

Unique Tastes

Screech & Craft Beer

Screech is a dark rum tied to the "Screech-in" ceremony. St. John's also has a growing craft beer scene with local breweries like Quidi Vidi and YellowBelly.

Enjoy a taste of local brews and spirits.

Berry Desserts & Snacks

Bakeapple (cloudberry) and partridgeberry (lingonberry) desserts, including pies, tarts, and jams, have unique, slightly tart flavors.

Purity Candy/Cookies are old-fashioned Newfoundland treats, found in local grocery stores.

Experience Authentic Flavors

Taste Traditions

Connect with the island's culinary heritage through its hearty and distinct traditional dishes.

Local Brews

Visit local breweries for unique craft beer experiences and taste the growing local scene.

Community Connection

Engage with local producers at farmers' markets for authentic insights and fresh ingredients.

Dining Tips

St. John's dining reflects its coastal heritage. Locals are friendly, so feel free to ask about dishes and traditions.

  • Consider making reservations for popular spots, especially on weekends.
  • Do not hesitate to try local specialties like fish and brewis or toutons.
  • Always inquire about dietary needs and allergies at the beginning of your meal.
  • Explore dining options beyond the main downtown area for varied experiences.
  • Tipping 15-20% for good service is customary.