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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
1759 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 p.m.


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Bistro, Seafood, Contemporary Canadian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–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, private parties.Please email booking@themerchanttavern.ca for inquiries and current pricing.
  • Private party contact
    Steve Doussis : (709) 722-5050
  • Neighbourhood
    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 1,759 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

    Good for business meals

  • Atlantic Canada

    Good for business meals

  • Atlantic Canada

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Atlantic Canada

    Hot spot

  • Atlantic Canada

    Lively

  • Atlantic Canada

    Most Booked

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Food

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Ambience

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Value

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Good for business meals

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Good for business meals

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Gluten-free-friendly

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Healthy

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Hot spot

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Good for special occasions

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Lively

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Most Booked

1,759 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was excellent. We ordered the pork medallion and carbonara. It was both prepared perfectly. Service was fine. Overall very good.

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  2. TaylorB

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely fantastic food and beautiful restaurant, it was a bit loud for our liking but other than that it was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  3. AshleeS

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always our favourite place when we visit the city!

    Is this helpful?

  4. AndrewH

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great value great service. The tasting menu was exceptional. Would recommend for sure

    Is this helpful?

  5. Steve

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food. Amazing staff. Great all around experience.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jeanphyl

    Atlantic Canada

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good place to eat and relax. Defiantly would recommend this place to anyone looking to have great food and good atmosphere

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  7. JCameron75

    Atlantic Canada

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing brunch. Allan was an attentive server. I changed the number of guests twice and was easily accommodated. My dinner mates were late and the servers were reassuring.

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  8. MontgomeryC

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great food. Great service. As always. A couple of other types of seafood in the seafood soup would have been nice. Mussels perhaps.

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  9. LorettaS

    Toronto

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our meals were delicious. Hubby's steak was very tender and the Artic Char was very good.

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  10. RidwanulH

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    When I booked the table I clearly stated that it was my partner’s birthday both in the occasion option and in the comments. But it seemed like the servers weren’t aware of it. We were not asked what we are here for hence we didn’t get a chance to tell it to them again. I was expecting a birthday surprise desert for her but she didn’t get it. Nor did the restaurant do anything to make her feel special. The steak I ordered was suppose to be medium rare but it was a rare steak and not good at all. The cod soup and chicken were good. Didn’t expect such poor service from a restaurant like Merchant

    Is this helpful?

  11. GeorgiaL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was fantastic. I sat at the bar and was able to sit and comfortably watch the liveliness of the room. The features were delicious. Jack was my server, and he was knowledgeable, the perfect amount of attentive and a lovely being. Thank you!

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  12. Sandra

    Atlantic Canada

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Merchant Tavern is always one of my favorites. Always reliably top notch. Food and service that is second to none.

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  13. Jacquelyn

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Our meals were absolutely delicious. The pork and chicken dishes were some of the best we've eaten. Our server was so friendly! Can't remember his name but you're lucky to have him. We'll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  14. VirginiaH

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Food was not exceptional. Was expecting higher level .Expensive for what we received and not much variety. Seriously over rated.

    Is this helpful?

  15. JONP

    Atlantic Canada

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent overall. Great food (wild sea bass, scallops) and wine pairing choices were fantastic. Sommelier is extremely knowledgeable and her pairing recommendations on target.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Delicious chicken sandwich, burger, and fries. We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  17. MarkM

    Manitoba

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great meal and a great Italian wine. Service at the bar was great. Very knowledgeable and good conversation

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  18. HazelG

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We're so glad that brunch is back at the Merchant Tavern! I had the fish cakes, served with tartar sauce, sunny side eggs and an autumn salad with oranges and fennel - all delicious. My husband had the Turkish eggs - he polished his dish off and said it was very good. The cappuccinos are always great and large and the service was excellent. We were too full for dessert but ordered the chocolate zucchini cake to go. For the price, it was a small serving and somewhat underwhelming. We're regulars at the Merchant and this brunch was very satisfying.

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  19. Elizabeth

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Ordered apps and mains, everything came out at one time. The table wasn’t even big enough to hold the food by the time I ate my apps my mains were cold. Left hungry!

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    Salads was mainly iceberg and the fries were soggy.

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  21. EmilyW

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A fantastic culinary experience overall. Would highly recommend to anyone

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  22. amin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Chiefs Wine pairing!! , Excellent Steak n Frites!! Great overall 👍🏾

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  23. CaroleS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service at the Merchant Tavern was excellent. It was my first visit, but certainly not my last!

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  24. LeeP

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Everything was excellent as always. A go to whenever I'm in St. John's.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Nice atmosphere, good wine, great service.. food is upscale tavern. Think we were expecting more of a fine dining experience. Not sure if I would put it in Canada’s TOP ⭐️ …although a must when in NFL.

    Is this helpful?

  26. JoanneH

    Manitoba

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing experience, I did the Chef’s Tasting Menu, it was fabulous; worth the cost. Alex (server) and Jack (sommelier) were outstanding. Chef, take a bow. Thank you for giving me such a memorable experience. Joanne

    Is this helpful?

  27. Anom

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was great but service wasn't as good as it should be for a high end restaurant, our dessert was forgotten about.

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  28. RayR

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Friday night was very busy. But great service and the food was perfect. Little noisey, as everyone was having a good time. I prefer the high top or bar seating. Top five restaurant in the city

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  29. SusanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service, wine recommendations great as well.

    Is this helpful?

  30. StephanieE

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely delicious! Our server didn't check in often which was a bonus for us as we hate when servers are constantly interrupting while we're eating. The only complaint we had was that the water was warm, as someone who enjoys ice cold water we were both disappointed that the water was room temp. Overall though it was a great experience & we will most definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  31. daves

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    Merchant really needs to change up their menu up. Ithas been too long with the same choices

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  32. JeanetteR

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    This was my second visit to Merchant Tavern. I had the same thing both times -- rib stead and frites. Last time (adout 8 years ago) it was the best steak I'd ever had. Last night, it was tasty, but quality of meat was definitely much lower. A little disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  33. EmilyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really great place! The vibe was cute, the food was amazing and the service was super friendly!

    Is this helpful?

  34. RayB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Enjoyed the evening out at the Merchant for my wifes birthday. Food was excellent (Arctic char and Ribeye Steak and shrip tacos). Our server was excellent as well. There seemed to be mixed reviews but our total experience was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  35. MaureenM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic , server was great , very attentive

    Is this helpful?

  36. Jeff

    Toronto

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were great. It is noisy, but it's an active buzz.

    Is this helpful?

  37. GoldenGrrl

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was recommended to this place by a family member who is local to the area. Enjoyed a memorable evening with my partner, and a very good friend of us both who had come in from a cruise. The service provided by Andrew was excellent as well as the rest of the staff who came by to check on us during our visit. Will definitely recommend to others to pay a visit.

    Is this helpful?

  38. melaniec

    Montreal

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Average restaurant. Was expecting a lot more. Open kitchen where fish tartares are prepared over and over throughout the evening in the same bowl. Good service but no wow effect.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Iart

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience2
    Fantastique service by our waitress. Staff seems unfamiliar with natiral wine.

    Is this helpful?

  40. DebbieH

    Atlantic Canada

    35 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    Not sure what all the fascination is with this restaurant but we were so underwhelmed and disappointed. We had curry mussels as an appetizer which had lovely spice and flavour. Then it went downhill from there. Hubby had the duck and it was rubbery, and barely warm. Terrible for duck venue. The side of veggies was nice. For my main I had the Carbonara and was terribly disappointed. The pasta tasted like it came out of a box, bland and lifeless and the guanciale(cured pork) was beyond flavourless. Come on guys, if your going to charge exorbitant prices, ya damn well better make sure it tastes half decent. Our neighbours who dined with us had the rib eye which was decent with a side of frites but the scallop pasta dish was again bland beyond bland. Nonetheless the aura is nice in the restaurant but not worth a revisit.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sanitiser 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 1759 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 p.m.


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Merchant Tavern

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

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Beck's Cove
  • Neighbourhood
    St. John's
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • 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, private parties.Please email booking@themerchanttavern.ca for inquiries and current pricing.
  • Private party contact
    Steve Doussis : (709) 722-5050
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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