The Merchant Tavern

An excellent place to eat in downtown St. John's. The food and ambiance was wonderful and would definitely come here again on our next visit.

We've enjoyed Merchant prior to this experience and I must say it was incredible. However, Like most places post COVID, we've noticed an immense drop In service and training for front of the house, especially for established and well regarded places like Merchant. Unfortunately this was the case this time around. We sadly had to send back a dish, due to its overwhelming amount of salt content. (I am sure this isn't the norm as this has never been the case for any dish we've ever had) Once finally addressed, this was promptly addressed my BOH. The server seemed lost at almost every request or interaction with our table. We are experienced diners and have been all over the world to enjoy the hospitality of quality and fine restaurants. I wouldn't skip Merchant if you are in St Johns, but it has become clear to us that the reason it's slipped from the nations top spots is no longer in doubt.

The new menu at Merchant is amazing! I had the cod dish and it was absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be back!

The Merchant Tavern almost lost me for a bit about a year ago. However, I have eaten there twice since June and it was FABULOUS both times. The service was outstanding, flavours deliciously balanced, and ambience welcoming. ( Glad they adjusted/lowered the lighting. ) I loved seeing the staff check every wine glass for spots before using as well. ( It's things like that which make a restaurant extra special. ) I will recommend enthusiastically.

While in Gros Morne a lady suggested your restaurant with high quality food and services we reserved a table and were not disappointed and have since suggested your restaurant to others while we are in Newfoundland The food and services were excellent

It was too fast, not a usual observation for a restaurant. We were in and out in 45 minutes. One of us had an Old Fashioned whisky drink that cost $28 (add tax and tip onto that). That was quite a surprise, a warning beforehand would have been a nice courtesy. The food was excellent, waiter was efficient.

Absolutely amazing food and beautiful - Those however facing kitchen would have preferred not to have kitchen on stage before dinner ... i on the other hand had a wonderful view of the goings on at the bar ...

We were visiting from "away" and we enjoyed every moment we had at the restaurant. They were generous enough to reserve us seats at the bar, which typically they do not do. Service,food, and atmosphere was a beautiful bouquet of a dining experience. Thank you to both the front and back of house teams!!!

The Merchant Tavern does not disappoint! From the moment we arrived, we felt at home. Andrew, our server, was fun and efficient, with just a hint of Newfoundland sass (which we loved). Amazing cocktails, spectacular food, with fresh and local ingredients in a great environment. Can't wait till our next visit from.Alberta!

I come for work and always come here for a night. Took my wife who came for vacation and she loved it. Great food and ambiance

The energy was very good and our waitress was spot on. Our waitress was vey knowledgeable and attentive. Both appetizers were delicious (swordfish an mussels). Friend's entre was also delicious and wish I had chosen the cod dish rather than the Southern Fried Cornish hen. I would never normally eat regular southern fried chicken, although this one had captured a wonderful flavour, but it's the deep fried crust texture I did not care for and I was hoping for a spin on the fried chicken. It was accompanied with only coleslaw (which was very nice), yet, I expected another vegetable, like mash or frites. A roasted Cornish hen would have went over perfect. Overall experience was very good again. I would give it a 4.4 out of 5.

This was by far the best restaurant we have ever eaten at. The waitress was amazing and super helpful with allergy options, the service was perfectly timed between appetizers and the main meal, and the options were great.

Good food but overpriced

We ordered the five course chefs tasting menu. The food was excellent and a good portion size for a tasting menu. Highly recommend this restaurant.

I ate at the bar this evening and everything was spectacular, food, service and ambience...I had the scallop crudo and crab which I highly recommend.