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The Merchant Tavern, St. John's, NL

The Merchant Tavern

4.7 (1999)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Bistro
291 Water Street, St. John's, NL A1C 5C2

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 28 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
  • Hot spot
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.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Bistro, Seafood, Contemporary Canadian
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (709) 722-5050
  • Website
    http://www.themerchanttavern.ca/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Nick Walters
  • Private party facilities
    Weddings, large scale corporate functions, private parties.Please email booking@themerchanttavern.ca for inquiries and current pricing.
  • Location
    291 Water Street, St. John's, NL A1C 5C2
  • Neighbourhood
    St. John's
  • Cross Street
    Beck's Cove
  • Parking details
    Public Parking lot on Harbour Drive
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,999 people are saying

The Merchant Tavern reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlantic Canada

    Hot spot

  • Atlantic Canada

    Most Booked

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Overall

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Food

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Service

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Ambience

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Best Value

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Good for business meals

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Good for groups

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Great for creative cocktails

  • 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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Merchant Tavern in St. John's is renowned for its "great vibe" and "superb service," making it a top choice for diners. Guests rave about the "delicious food," particularly the cod and scallop dishes. With "friendly staff" and an "amazing atmosphere," it's a "highly recommended" spot for an exceptional dining experience.
1,999 Reviews

  1. Anthony

    Toronto / Ontario1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I had an exceptional meal at The Merchant Tavern. A great looking restaurant with excellent food and a fantastic vibe !! A minor issue was dealt with swiftly and professionally by the floor manager. We will definitely be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tracy

    Greater Boston14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent meal at The Merchant! Great space and cool vibe. The cod dish and the duck dish were both outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Fabrice

    Toronto / Ontario2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, nice place, wonderful evening! The cod was the best I had on the island.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sandy

    Atlantic Canada1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always great vibe ….. great menu; beautiful bar… super service as always.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lynn

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the Chef’s Tasting menu - WOW. Loved it. Would definitely have it again and highly recommend. Great service and lovely atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Sandy

    Toronto / Ontario3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and good. Music was a little loud I would come back to this restaurant

    Is this helpful?

  7. Sebastien VIP

    South Carolina8 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We were at a table in the middle of traffic when a number of 4tops were available. The waitress or staff never filled our wine glasses once even after serving food and noticing glasses were empty & the ringing of the bell approach when dishes are ready works for a dinner but really not ideal nor appreciated when expecting a restaurant experience. This was much better last time I was here a few years ago ….. unfortunately not a great service or ambiance experience but the cod was delicious (beef tartare had too many items within that you can no longer taste the beef - good but back to basics might be better)

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  8. Michele VIP

    New York City52 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place, with handcrafted cocktails. It’s got a nice vibe, very friendly and welcoming. A noise level is a nice buzz, but not too loud. The food and service were both amazing! I highly recommend getting the rhubarb crème brûlée. Very unusual and delicious dessert. We had dinner one evening while we were in town and went back twice for cocktails and dessert. Highly recommend giving it a try.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Steeve

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great meals, great ambiance, great service, great place. A great restaurant. I strongly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Michelle

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always delicious food, great service and a great night out!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Merchant Tavern is rated 4.7 stars by 1999 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Atlantic Canada
  4. Newfoundland and Labrador
  5. St. John's

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 28 times today
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
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 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
    Nick Walters
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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