Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Newfoundland and Labrador

OpenTable

Updated 05 October 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Newfoundland and Labrador? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

LIV

4.9

4.9 (689)

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

Brandon

Dined 2 days ago

The food was fantastic, service was even better. Excited to return again!

Snow White Laundry

4.9

4.9 (58)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

St. John's

About the restaurant

Our story begins with Snow White Laundry, a well-known Chinese-Newfoundland family business that served generations of residents in St. John's, Canada's oldest city. Today, Chef Ken Pittman, grandson of the laundromat's owner, carries that legacy forward through intention, emotion, and craft. Combining seasonal ingredients, thoughtful hospitality, and a deep connection to Newfoundland, we offer a dining experience that honors the past while creating something entirely new.

Top review

IanGold

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food and service! Nice atmosphere. Highly recommend!

The Merchant Tavern

4.7

4.7 (2106)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Bistro

St. John's

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Merchant Tavern,

The Merchant 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. We keep 21 Bar Seats and 5 Raw Bar Seats for Walk-Ins.

Top review

Tanya

Dined 5 days ago

Such a lovely place to enjoy true Newfoundland evening. Cosy but elegant, joyful but quiet with the most amazing food. Everything on the menu looked too good we couldn’t decide!! So we did the chef’s choice which was spectacular. Their Parker rolls are a reason to come on their own but the tartar (beef and tuna) oysters, beef and desserts were to die for. We walked back to the hotel as we were so full - but so satisfied too. A must if you are in St. John’s

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4.7

4.7 (1328)

CAN$51 and over

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

Cory

Dined 6 days ago

The food was outstanding. Matt was also a great server. Love the ability to try so many amazing dishes. A must do when in St. John.

Montana's BBQ & Bar - Stavanger, NL

4.7

4.7 (62)

CAN$30 and under

Barbecue

Portugal Cove

About the restaurant

Montana's BBQ & BAR is a Canadian comfort food BBQ restaurant and sports bar. Enjoy in-house smoked pork ribs, beef brisket, grilled steaks and juicy burgers which are paired perfectly with catching the game. Montana's St. Johns celebrates fun-to-eat, finger-licking smoked and barbecued comfort food that breaks the 'proper' rules. Located near Pippy Park & Mary Brown's Centre in the Northeast end of St. Johns. Experience the fun, casual and unpretentious vibe, where you can laugh heartily, enjoy classic BBQ cooking, cheer on the game and enjoy your friends and family. We can't wait to serve you at our restaurant.

Top review

Craig

Dined on 18 Oct 2026

Great food and service. Prices were good as well

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Experience

Montana’s Daily Deals

No. 4 Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (114)

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

Tanya

Dined 4 days ago

It was one of the nicest experience I’ve ever had dining out. Everything was perfect! The Mac and cheese was impeccable! Well done No. 4

Exile

4.5

4.5 (1132)

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

Leanne

Dined 5 days ago

Pan seared tenderloin, A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! The service was incredible!

Barrio Legado

4.5

4.5 (44)

CAN$51 and over

Latin American

St. John's

About the restaurant

Step into a culinary celebration where the vibrant, soulful flavors of Latin America meet an upscale, energetic atmosphere - an emotional journey that elevates cherished homeland recipes with premium artisanal ingredients, transforming every beautifully plated dish into a heartfelt tribute to heritage, passion, and home.

Top review

Nadia

Dined 5 days ago

My husband and I went for date night last night. And wanted to try Barrio and the experience was amazing. Abby was our server and she was great. My husband is from Labrador City and I'm from Nicaragua and it hit home. The food was absolutely delicious! And will definitely be coming back!

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Experience

32oz Ribeye

Experience

Private Dining Shared Experience

Experience

Shared Dining Experience for 4

Zimmy's - JAG Hotel

4.4

4.4 (138)

CAN$30 and under

Bistro

St. John's

About the restaurant

Welcome to Zimmy’s, the first stop as you step into JAG. Located on the main floor, this stylish lounge is named after a legend whose lyrics forever changed music, embodying a spirit that’s timeless, bold, and effortlessly cool.

Zimmy’s offers a full menu of expertly crafted dishes and signature cocktails, but the real magic happens when the stage comes alive.

Showcasing regular live performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featuring some of the city’s most talented artists.

It’s the place to be and be seen- where music, atmosphere, and conversation create a feel that’s impossible to resist.

Top review

Brian

Dined 4 days ago

Great meal before the Big Sugar show. We had the burger and the meatloaf and both were great. They also make a very good Old Fashioned. Love the music selection, meant to be heard, not a quiet place.

Jack Astor's - St. John's

4.2

4.2 (426)

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

DavidGold

Dined on 27 Aug 2026

Great meal, great service, good beer will return

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