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  5. St. John's

The Merchant Tavern

4.6
4.6
1561 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

11:00 p.m.


Booked 27 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Bistro, Seafood, Contemporary Canadian

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–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, to wedding dinners, private parties.Contact our events manager Sarah Wong for further information swong@themerchanttavern.ca

  • 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 1,561 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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 business meals

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    Innovative

  • 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

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Filters

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely beautiful! Best meal in St. John’s along with Basho. I highly recommend both.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always love our experience at Merchant. This was my first time having steak frites there and it was amazing!
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Edmonton

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great burger for the 2023 St. John’s DT burger battle and good value.
  4. Hawk

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Merchant never disappoints. They put attention into every aspect of cooking and serving food and it shows. We went for the burger battle yesterday and it's probably my top choice so far, basically a gourmet big Mac.
  5. StephPK

    New York Area

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was really good along with a very nice server!
  6. Feeber

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and food! Will be going back again soon...
  7. TimB

    Atlantic Canada

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was a perfect meal. The service was impeccable and the food was on point as always. Really enjoyed the entire experience.
  8. Kika86

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely experience ! The food was delicious and the service was perfect. I really recommend this place !
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Waited 20min to place order - even after telling host we were ready. Food was delicious and worth the wait, but for us menus were not required, we knew exactly what we were going for. Waitress also didn’t introduce herself, didn’t offer refills on pop or water.
  10. BobF

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    The restaurant looks nice, food was okay, service was nothing special, feels like they are trying to offer fine dining but failing. The end result is fine dining prices with family diner food minus the friendly staff of a family diner.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was great. A little friendliness from the servers could go a long way
  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Merchant never disappoints :) …. Great food, attentive service, and great ambience.
  13. HeatherF

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    The ravioli was rock hard, could only eat the filling. The mussels and steak frites were good. Relaxed vibe and good service.
  14. ElizabethJ

    Toronto

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my birthday lunch. Nice to be out and enjoy great food and good service.
  15. PeggyD

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Phenomenal meals. We had the steak frittes and the scallop risotto. Cod soup for appetizers. Both meals and appetizers were excellent. Service was also top notch. Would highly recommend eating here!
  16. Steph

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    I'm usually a big fan of the Merchant Tavern but last night's meal left a lot to be desired. I had the scallop risotto and it was too spicy for me to eat. I asked if there were chili flakes in it as there were little bits of something red in it but I was told the spice was from pepper and that the red flakes must have been some other spice. Whatever the case the dish was spicy which I was not expecting. My husband had the steak frites which was good but it was served with a garlic aioli that was broken. We were both disappointed as this is one of our favorite places to eat.
  17. DanaW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience, beautiful wine pairing with chefs tasting menu. Service was outstanding and the dishes were of stellar quality.
  18. JMMM

    Toronto

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service
  19. TonyCilantro

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    The food was good, the atmosphere is nice, our server was fine, but I was expecting a lot more culinary insight from the sister restaurant of Raymond’s. For example, we ordered a charcuterie board and our server didn’t explain to us what types of meat and cheese were on the board. The same thing happened with dessert where our server was not able to tell us what exactly Carob was (which ended up being an interesting Wikipedia read btw). Perhaps I had my expectations too high, but I was definitely looking forward to more of a culinary experience which was not the case. I just feel like when you spend fine dining money you should receive a fine dining experience and I felt more like I was overcharged for my entrees in a fancy setting. But again, to be fair, the atmosphere is nice (perfect for dates) and we had no complaints about the food whatsoever.
  20. PamW

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best dining experiences I have had in a VERY long time. The food was outstanding and portion sizes perfect. Our waitress was great and provided great suggestions. Will definitely be planning another night out there.
  21. WalskMorisparty

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The bigola pasta dish that I ordered was amazing and I’d recommend if you are a pasta lover.
  22. WalterQ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    LOved the Valentine's Day special, really great meal at a surprisingly low price. Great service too!!!
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic Service was top notch Wine pairing was the cherry on top
  24. TonyR

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. Good food. The marinade on the steak was a little salty.
  25. AndrewN

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Valentines day supper
  26. Curtis

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall2food4service4ambience4
    Service and food was good. The table we sat at was broken and we were not offered a different table. Very disappointing and unacceptable
  27. DiningOut

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was fantastic, everyone was extremely attentive, and our food was a delightful culinary experience.
  28. RebeccaH

    Atlantic Canada

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was good but lunch was a bit overpriced.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great service and atmosphere!
  30. RebeccaH

    Atlantic Canada

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious and service was fast!
  31. JenniferM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was absolutely amazing! It was a storm day but the places was fully staffed and ready to serve. Our server Katie was a gem!
  32. olab

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect and the food was outstanding. Lovely to see that they have gluten free bread there !!
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dear Merchant, please make Scallop Agnolotti a staple on your regular menu. I’ve tried most everything on the regular menu, and while it’s all delicious, the Scallop Agnolotti is next level, and the BEST meal that I’ve ever had at your restaurant (and I’ve been dining there since your doors opened) ❤️ Special thanks to front of the house and Reese - fantastic, as always 👌🏻
  34. MeganP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was very kind, the food was amazing, especially the steak, it was the best steak I’ve ever eaten. We’ll definitely be going back regularly
  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    5 course wine pairing
  37. SamanthaF

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second visit to the merchant tavern & we have been blown away by the service, atmosphere & food both times! Will definitely be back again!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the Merchant! It was the first restaurant I dined at with my family when we moved here in 2021. I always send my Cast and Crew here - only thing I wish is that I could eat here every day :)
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, amazing food snd the atmosphere was great! Will definitely be back..
  40. ChrisD

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing service, drinks, apps, entree and dessert all came out promptly. The food was just next level one of the best meals we’ve had in the entire city. My only gripe would be I wish there was one or two more vegetarian or pescatarian menu options (even the cod dish had chorizo). But we did find lovely pasta dishes so all good.

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 4.6 stars by 1561 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 p.m.


Booked 27 times today
Google Map for The Merchant Tavern

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

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Beck's Cove

  • Neighbourhood

    St. John's

  • Hours of Operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • 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, to wedding dinners, private parties.Contact our events manager Sarah Wong for further information swong@themerchanttavern.ca

  • Private party contact

    Steve Doussis : (709) 722-5050

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