Mallard Cottage is such a quaint and charming spot with a rotating daily menu that focuses on quality over quantity. I went with the pork chops while my wife had the fish (tilapia, I believe) — both were absolutely delicious!
Some people might be thrown off by the smaller menu (like the table next to us), but don’t let that discourage you — there’s always a burger option if nothing else appeals that day.
They’ve also got some great local beer options, thanks to being right near Quidi Vidi Brewery, and the service here was warm and friendly.
If you’re looking for a cozy dining experience with fresh, rotating dishes, Mallard Cottage is well worth a stop!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
soheila OR
Delicious food and nice place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
Vivian Zhang
We had reservations for 3 for 7:30 and were told upon arrival that our table was still occupied. We waited 30 minutes and then watched the host add an extra chair to an already empty 2 person table. They sat us, and then informed us that 2 of the 3 main course options were not available. Clearly this was something they did not want to communicate upon arrival. We wasted 45 minutes here and left. The ambiance of the restaurant is very nice, but the awful service made us feel like it wasn’t worth it to spend 30$ for pasta here. Why accept reservations if you don’t have food available? And why bother with reservations if you won’t have tables available when patrons arrive?
Michael Risby
We booked for 7:30 and had to wait 30 minutes to be seated. Once we were sat the server informed us that several dishes were unavailable. The menu is already limited (only 3 main dishes) so that left us with little choice. We decided to leave and go elsewhere
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Robert Pittman
We brought family guests visiting from out of province. They had requested a visit to Mallard Cottage based on the excellent reputation they had heard about. There were 12 of us in the group.
When first seated by the waitress I noticed the cheap paper napkins on the table and that we were seated facing an open washroom door.
A number of different dinner dishes were ordered by the group, thus I was able to see them.
I ordered a one half Cornish hen and a side of potatoes. Together the cost of these two was about $42. The potatoes were just ordinary, and the hen was very small and had little taste. I noticed the cod which was ordered by the person sitting next to me and was a very thin piece with a watery sauce over it. His comment to me was disappointment.
The waitress was a okay, but clearly lacked the training one would have expected.
The ‘new’ Mallard Cottage is not the old one - no comparison! However they continue to charge and pretend they are.
There are several much better restaurants in St. John’s today which for the same price provide a quality service and well prepared food.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this feedback. I hope it can help this restaurant to return to its previous excellent food and service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bryan Porterfield
We didn’t have a great experience at the Mallard Cottage and as I had been hearing about it for years, that made it disappointing. It was only that day I learned the restaurant had changed hands. Our server was great and on top of handling our table. This was the only positive. The food runner forget what she was serving twice and the rest of the staff were running around the restaurant like they were stressed. As for the food, there was no seafood on the menu when we arrived at 7:30. All catch of the day and mussels (in a fishing village) were gone leaving two beef and 1 chicken dish, this was upsetting. Between the starters, remaining mains and sides, there was much duplication. Squash and zucchini was a starter and also a side. There was a beef bolognese and a short rib. We struggled to put a dinner together that was dynamic. The old cottage room was beautiful, but the candles weren’t lit and no fire was going, so it definitely wasn’t living up to its potential. We made the best of it, but won’t be going back. Without having any proof, I’m guessing it was understaffed, kitchen was unprepared, and the menu was basic probably all resulting from poor general management, investors. This place could be a real whimsical gem but it felt like it will be a burger joint within the next year.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Erin Kelly
We were very much looking forward to this meal having heard and read positive reviews. We probably should have done a little more research as it did not stand up to our expectations. We ordered the oysters to start. They were lovely, but let’s be honest, they only needed to be opened and plated. Not much to mess up. Next, the mussels were served with a tasteless broth and no butter for the mediocre sourdough. Beef stew was a simple soup with very little beef. Truffle potato gnocchi was very gummy and a very small serving for an appetizer. Bolognese was ok, but not really what I was thinking I would order but other things on the menu were not too appealing. Finally, the cheesecake was drier than a conference call about tax law. I wish I had nicer things to say but bottom line is we paid way too much for crappy food served to us while sitting in a quaint cottage.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Mario
Disappointing Evening
We were really looking forward to the meal, but were disappointed. The restaurant is very lovingly and invitingly decorated. The open kitchen and the bar area fit well into the concept. When we visited, the restaurant was practically empty and the restaurant staff talked more to each other than to the guests. There was also no catch of the day and no mussels available. The presentation of the dishes was minimalist and we had to add more salt to all of the dishes because salt apparently isn't used in the kitchen. The batter on the cod tongues was soft and there was no truffle to taste or see in the truffle gnocchi. We ordered three short ribs. All three portions were different sizes. When I asked, I was told that that's just the way it is.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Roxanne chagnon
The place is super beautiful. Both the neighborhood and the interior. However, I was told about a fine place worthy of the 100 best restaurants in Canada. Even apparently a dessert table at brunch was fabulous. On site quite different: only 1 waitress (nice all the same) at brunch time. No dessert table. I ordered the pancakes. Almost no topping... I asked for maple syrup because it was too dry... and I received a cheap syrup that imitates maple syrup. Are we in Canada? And of course no dessert table ;) Brief. I don't recommend.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Rob Jessup-Ramsay
Cottage, with Quiti Vidi style, and wonderfully prepared dishes. The staff, as expected, were warm and welcoming. A beautiful experience. Locally sourced food, with vegetarian options, but limited menu.
We had an amazing brunch at Mallard Cottage, and the staff went above and beyond to help my friends surprise me for my birthday! The atmosphere was cozy, and the team was incredibly friendly—it was a pleasure chatting with them throughout our meal. They made the experience so special, and the food was absolutely delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mathieu Pinette (HazMATT)
Super cute restaurant, we had been looking forward to this meal our whole trip. The food and service was just ok. Unfortunately we would rate this in the overpriced category, but for a number of seemingly strange reasons.
I had fettuccini with shrimp and scallops for $34, the sauce was rich and flavourful, the pasta was likely from a catelli box, and there were 2 average size shrimp, and 2 perfectly seared scallops. We had been at the Fish Exchange a few nights before for a similar dish for similar price with far more seafood in the servings. My wife had the terrine and it was also alright. We had the cod tongues and shared the roasted potatoes, along with the suggested wine pairings for the dishes. Which were good. It was just strange, the sides you could choose from didn’t really match any of the mains on the menu, like why have a side of potatoes with pasta?? But it was either that or carrots or asparagus and for $10 we figured at least potatoes would be filling in case the servings were small. We’d much prefer the main just have a more well thought-out flavour profile and not recommend people to also order a side.
For the price and given the atmosphere we were expecting a more cohesive experience, it sounds petty but the table was unforgivably wobbly, like crazy uneven despite trying to hold it down ourselves. With our drinks and dinner plates and the side plates, plus two extra side-plates for some reason, the table was just hilariously crowded. The plating was uninspired, the cod tongues were just rolling around on a plate with a scoop of sauce, the dinnerware didn’t match the aesthetic, most notably these big chunky white coffee mugs you’d expect to see at a Smitty’s or Denny’s instead of something to match the cottage feel. Normally I wouldn’t care but for whatever reason we noticed this. Some fresh bread or a bun would’ve been nice, our water glasses never got refilled.
For the money, unfortunately I’d skip this place and go back to the Fish Exchange instead. Cute place, food tastes good, but it just isn’t the overall experience you’d expect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Cake
Mohammad Yazar
Despite calling them weeks ahead and getting reassurance that they can do vegan options, I was grossly disappointed with the quality and taste of food served. Definitely not what I expected when I talked to the restaurant on the phone. They definitely did not put enough effort and served some rice and veggies. I did not eat the food after tasting butter in my 'vegan food'. If you are vegan please eat elsewhere or don't go in with high expectations.
Vegetarian options: Not Vegan friendly despite their promise over the phone.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Demetrius Apostolopoulos
Nice place for a date night or a nice dinner with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Merasheen Oysters
Subash Subramanian
Wonderful staff and cozy place, with great decor and art. However, the food was honestly not impressive and I did not fully appreciate the value. The soup was watery and the cod unfortunately was not very flavorful, even with salt and pepper added. The beetroot also seemed bland. I judge a food place based on whether I would recommend it to a good friend and I sadly cannot say this. Please take my opinion with a grain of salt as I am not a food connoisseur. Great service with the staff being friendly, helpful and were nice enough to find a seat at the bar for one on short reservation notice.
Mallard Cottage is such a quaint and charming spot with a rotating daily menu that focuses on quality over quantity. I went with the pork chops while my wife had the fish (tilapia, I believe) — both were absolutely delicious!
Some people might be thrown off by the smaller menu (like the table next to us), but don’t let that discourage you — there’s always a burger option if nothing else appeals that day.
They’ve also got some great local beer options, thanks to being right near Quidi Vidi Brewery, and the service here was warm and friendly.
If you’re looking for a cozy dining experience with fresh, rotating dishes, Mallard Cottage is well worth a stop!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Delicious food and nice place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggs Benedict
We had reservations for 3 for 7:30 and were told upon arrival that our table was still occupied. We waited 30 minutes and then watched the host add an extra chair to an already empty 2 person table. They sat us, and then informed us that 2 of the 3 main course options were not available. Clearly this was something they did not want to communicate upon arrival. We wasted 45 minutes here and left. The ambiance of the restaurant is very nice, but the awful service made us feel like it wasn’t worth it to spend 30$ for pasta here. Why accept reservations if you don’t have food available? And why bother with reservations if you won’t have tables available when patrons arrive?
We booked for 7:30 and had to wait 30 minutes to be seated. Once we were sat the server informed us that several dishes were unavailable. The menu is already limited (only 3 main dishes) so that left us with little choice. We decided to leave and go elsewhere
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
We brought family guests visiting from out of province. They had requested a visit to Mallard Cottage based on the excellent reputation they had heard about. There were 12 of us in the group.
When first seated by the waitress I noticed the cheap paper napkins on the table and that we were seated facing an open washroom door.
A number of different dinner dishes were ordered by the group, thus I was able to see them.
I ordered a one half Cornish hen and a side of potatoes. Together the cost of these two was about $42. The potatoes were just ordinary, and the hen was very small and had little taste. I noticed the cod which was ordered by the person sitting next to me and was a very thin piece with a watery sauce over it. His comment to me was disappointment.
The waitress was a okay, but clearly lacked the training one would have expected.
The ‘new’ Mallard Cottage is not the old one - no comparison! However they continue to charge and pretend they are.
There are several much better restaurants in St. John’s today which for the same price provide a quality service and well prepared food.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this feedback. I hope it can help this restaurant to return to its previous excellent food and service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
We didn’t have a great experience at the Mallard Cottage and as I had been hearing about it for years, that made it disappointing. It was only that day I learned the restaurant had changed hands. Our server was great and on top of handling our table. This was the only positive. The food runner forget what she was serving twice and the rest of the staff were running around the restaurant like they were stressed. As for the food, there was no seafood on the menu when we arrived at 7:30. All catch of the day and mussels (in a fishing village) were gone leaving two beef and 1 chicken dish, this was upsetting. Between the starters, remaining mains and sides, there was much duplication. Squash and zucchini was a starter and also a side. There was a beef bolognese and a short rib. We struggled to put a dinner together that was dynamic. The old cottage room was beautiful, but the candles weren’t lit and no fire was going, so it definitely wasn’t living up to its potential. We made the best of it, but won’t be going back. Without having any proof, I’m guessing it was understaffed, kitchen was unprepared, and the menu was basic probably all resulting from poor general management, investors. This place could be a real whimsical gem but it felt like it will be a burger joint within the next year.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
We were very much looking forward to this meal having heard and read positive reviews. We probably should have done a little more research as it did not stand up to our expectations. We ordered the oysters to start. They were lovely, but let’s be honest, they only needed to be opened and plated. Not much to mess up. Next, the mussels were served with a tasteless broth and no butter for the mediocre sourdough. Beef stew was a simple soup with very little beef. Truffle potato gnocchi was very gummy and a very small serving for an appetizer. Bolognese was ok, but not really what I was thinking I would order but other things on the menu were not too appealing. Finally, the cheesecake was drier than a conference call about tax law. I wish I had nicer things to say but bottom line is we paid way too much for crappy food served to us while sitting in a quaint cottage.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Disappointing Evening
We were really looking forward to the meal, but were disappointed. The restaurant is very lovingly and invitingly decorated. The open kitchen and the bar area fit well into the concept. When we visited, the restaurant was practically empty and the restaurant staff talked more to each other than to the guests. There was also no catch of the day and no mussels available. The presentation of the dishes was minimalist and we had to add more salt to all of the dishes because salt apparently isn't used in the kitchen. The batter on the cod tongues was soft and there was no truffle to taste or see in the truffle gnocchi. We ordered three short ribs. All three portions were different sizes. When I asked, I was told that that's just the way it is.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
The place is super beautiful. Both the neighborhood and the interior. However, I was told about a fine place worthy of the 100 best restaurants in Canada. Even apparently a dessert table at brunch was fabulous.
On site quite different: only 1 waitress (nice all the same) at brunch time. No dessert table. I ordered the pancakes. Almost no topping... I asked for maple syrup because it was too dry... and I received a cheap syrup that imitates maple syrup. Are we in Canada?
And of course no dessert table ;)
Brief. I don't recommend.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Cottage, with Quiti Vidi style, and wonderfully prepared dishes. The staff, as expected, were warm and welcoming. A beautiful experience. Locally sourced food, with vegetarian options, but limited menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Warm Beet Salad, Carrots
Restaurantji Recommends
We had an amazing brunch at Mallard Cottage, and the staff went above and beyond to help my friends surprise me for my birthday! The atmosphere was cozy, and the team was incredibly friendly—it was a pleasure chatting with them throughout our meal. They made the experience so special, and the food was absolutely delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super cute restaurant, we had been looking forward to this meal our whole trip. The food and service was just ok. Unfortunately we would rate this in the overpriced category, but for a number of seemingly strange reasons.
I had fettuccini with shrimp and scallops for $34, the sauce was rich and flavourful, the pasta was likely from a catelli box, and there were 2 average size shrimp, and 2 perfectly seared scallops. We had been at the Fish Exchange a few nights before for a similar dish for similar price with far more seafood in the servings. My wife had the terrine and it was also alright. We had the cod tongues and shared the roasted potatoes, along with the suggested wine pairings for the dishes. Which were good. It was just strange, the sides you could choose from didn’t really match any of the mains on the menu, like why have a side of potatoes with pasta?? But it was either that or carrots or asparagus and for $10 we figured at least potatoes would be filling in case the servings were small. We’d much prefer the main just have a more well thought-out flavour profile and not recommend people to also order a side.
For the price and given the atmosphere we were expecting a more cohesive experience, it sounds petty but the table was unforgivably wobbly, like crazy uneven despite trying to hold it down ourselves. With our drinks and dinner plates and the side plates, plus two extra side-plates for some reason, the table was just hilariously crowded.
The plating was uninspired, the cod tongues were just rolling around on a plate with a scoop of sauce, the dinnerware didn’t match the aesthetic, most notably these big chunky white coffee mugs you’d expect to see at a Smitty’s or Denny’s instead of something to match the cottage feel. Normally I wouldn’t care but for whatever reason we noticed this. Some fresh bread or a bun would’ve been nice, our water glasses never got refilled.
For the money, unfortunately I’d skip this place and go back to the Fish Exchange instead. Cute place, food tastes good, but it just isn’t the overall experience you’d expect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Cake
Despite calling them weeks ahead and getting reassurance that they can do vegan options, I was grossly disappointed with the quality and taste of food served. Definitely not what I expected when I talked to the restaurant on the phone. They definitely did not put enough effort and served some rice and veggies. I did not eat the food after tasting butter in my 'vegan food'. If you are vegan please eat elsewhere or don't go in with high expectations.
Vegetarian options: Not Vegan friendly despite their promise over the phone.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nice place for a date night or a nice dinner with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Merasheen Oysters
Wonderful staff and cozy place, with great decor and art. However, the food was honestly not impressive and I did not fully appreciate the value. The soup was watery and the cod unfortunately was not very flavorful, even with salt and pepper added. The beetroot also seemed bland. I judge a food place based on whether I would recommend it to a good friend and I sadly cannot say this. Please take my opinion with a grain of salt as I am not a food connoisseur. Great service with the staff being friendly, helpful and were nice enough to find a seat at the bar for one on short reservation notice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
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