Every so often, you find yourself in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s—maybe for a reunion with old friends who’ve moved here, or perhaps you’re just passing through on a coastal adventure. When that happens, you’ll want a spot that can handle your crew without breaking the bank. These 14 restaurants are perfect for gathering everyone, ensuring the focus stays on the company and the stunning Newfoundland views.
Terre Restaurant
$$$$ | (709) 383-2136 | WEBSITE
When we want a special meal with a stunning view, we go to Terre. This place is just one modern dining room on the harbor front filled with tables that come topped with harbor views, and you can enjoy as much local flavor as you want. Start with the chef’s choice option for the table, then get some lamb carpaccio, carrot cake ice cream, and a townie hashbrown or two. Once you finish brunch, the underground parking is waiting for you right downstairs.
CakeyHand
$ | (709) 781-6341 | WEBSITE
If you ever need to plan a special occasion with a bunch of people who appreciate amazing desserts, go to CakeyHand in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. The space is about the size of a cozy European patisserie, with warm lighting, a few small tables, and some beautiful cake displays. It’s counter-service, and there will probably be a line when you go, but just take that as a sign that you’re buying from a quality bakery.
Once you get to the front of that line, order a Black Forest cake, several individual charcuterie cups, a red velvet cake, and (this last is important) one dessert spread for every two people in your group.
The Newfoundland Embassy
$ | (709) 237-9200 | WEBSITE
The Newfoundland Embassy is one of our top-five spots in St. John’s – and you could easily plan a last-minute big group outing here. There are cozy spaces side by side (we prefer the quiet area upstairs to play pool), and you can call ahead for hosting events. Once you get here, focus on the entertainment, like the live music, bingo, trivia, and comedy shows. The popular custard cone is also outstanding, and they might have our favorite gluten-free beer in the city.
It’s hard to pick favorites, which is why it’s good that you’re going with friends or family.
Kelseys Original Roadhouse
$$ | (709) 722-8099 | WEBSITE
Kelseys is a cozy place, which makes sense, because they serve some of the best casual fare in the area, and people like that sort of thing. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel the warm and inviting atmosphere, and it’s important that one of their wraps winds up on your table.
The very normal-sounding Caesar chicken wrap with kettle chips is also surprisingly delicious, and if you get some of their fresh drinks and take advantage of the weekday specials, the people at your dinner will develop a newfound appreciation for you.
MajesTea
$ | (709) 237-1234 | WEBSITE
Of the many boba tea spots around town, the one we visit most is probably the one downtown. But the MajesTea location near Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is roughly half the size, and it’s a much more intimate space that looks kind of like a cozy tea nook with a few small tables and beautiful décor.
If you want to grab a quick drink on the go, you can absolutely do that – just be sure to get at least one signature milk tea for every person, since the rich, mellow flavor with smooth milk foam is what makes this place special.
Zauq Kitchen
$ | (709) 722-9287 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re craving authentic Desi flavors after a long week, or maybe you need a welcoming spot to introduce friends to Pakistani cuisine. Head to Zauq Kitchen. It’s a Pakistani and Indian restaurant in St. John’s with warm lighting, comfortable seating, and that familiar aroma of carefully prepared spices. The chicken karahi and Roghani naan come highly recommended, and the rice is considered some of the best you’ll find.
Plus, with generous portions and friendly service, you’ll probably leave planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
Tilt House Bakery
$ | (709) 895-2590 | WEBSITE
Tilt House Bakery is just down the road from Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, and it’s one of my favorite places to stop for fresh baked goods. There’s a cozy interior with plenty of room for families who don’t yet have enough cookies in their bags, as well as good parking and a welcoming atmosphere. And if you happen to come here during renovations, don’t panic. You’ll find plenty of variety inside the bakery space, and from the counter you can see all the fantastic breads and sweets.
Chinched
$$ | (709) 746-4704 | WEBSITE
You want to eat charcuterie. That wasn’t a guess or a weirdly phrased question – it was a fact. And when you’re looking for a true NFLD experience, you should be eating your charcuterie at Chinched. This is one of our favorite spots near Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, and it’s a casual space with warm, inviting décor that’s perfect for good conversations.
You can get your charcuterie roughly 20 different ways here – including boards with local meats, pickles, and artisanal cheeses – and there’s also stuff like mussels and pig ear fries. The sous-vide pork with warm potato salad is a must-try, and the light and tasty Cod Tongues are exactly what you want when you’re craving something uniquely Newfoundland. The friendly staff goes above and beyond, making you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.
Whether you’re here for the craft cocktails or the chef-made dishes highlighting local ingredients, Chinched delivers a memorable dining experience that keeps us coming back.
The Grounds Cafe
$$ | (709) 895-2800 | WEBSITE
The Grounds Cafe is small, charming, and smells like fresh coffee and baked goods. It’s a cozy breakfast spot in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s – and, while you’ll find plenty of other cafes nearby (and a few of them might be more accessible), this one’s our favorite. They don’t typically take reservations, but you can usually find a table for two or three, in which case you’ll want to try the amazing black bean burger with perfectly seasoned fries, starting at around $15 per plate.
You’ll get things like delicious quiche, breakfast bagel, the Ground omelette, and your choice of sweet treats like cheesecake or strawberry flaky. And if you wander out back to the greenhouse, you might spot some friendly goats wandering around.
St. John’s Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar
$$$ | (709) 739-7539 | WEBSITE
St. John’s Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar feels very much like a classic New England seafood house you’d find right on the harbor. It’s a cozy, welcoming space tucked away near Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, and it’s filled with nautical touches, soft lighting, and maritime decor that has a 50/50 chance of making you feel like you’re at sea.
The menu consists of pretty standard Newfoundland seafood stuff like fish & chips, scallops, and lobster mac n cheese, and it also has some good starters like calamari and cod tongue & scrunchions (in case you’d rather just sip non-alcoholic cocktails and pick at a few things). The exceptional seafood bisque and dessert menu are also available if you want to end your evening on a sweet note.
By The Beach
$ | (709) 895-8800 | WEBSITE
The specialty at By The Beach is, unsurprisingly, fish and chips. The entire menu seems built around it, and you can enjoy it with everything from classic tartar sauce to the “Newfie way” with gravy and dressing on the fries. But we usually just order ours the traditional way. And if someone in your group doesn’t feel like seafood, there’s plenty of other stuff like burgers and salads. The Portugal Cove-St.
Philip’s space also has outdoor seating, and there’s a perfect view of Bell Island in case anyone from your group wants to watch the sunset.
Peaceful Loft
$ | (709) 701-8421 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for vegan food in St. John’s, and you’d rather not settle for bland salads or overpriced health food, we suggest Peaceful Loft. This place has a unique atmosphere, it isn’t tough to get into even during busy times, and it also makes some of the best vegetarian Asian cuisine in town. Plus the dishes here are creative and affordable, and this place does a lot of takeout, so they know how to handle any occasion.
The Battery Cafe
$ | (709) 722-9167 | WEBSITE
The Battery Cafe looks like a cozy living room or small neighborhood nook, only instead of plush sofas or any of the cast members from a Hallmark movie, you’ll find some of the best homemade food in St. John’s. Most things cost less than $15, and this is a great place to grab a quick bite before or after a hike while you sip a warm mocha or London Fog tea. Plus, this place is right near the Signal Hill trails, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find after a walk.
The Old Dublin Bakery
$ | (709) 579-0125 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving something sweet or savory, there are a lot of potentially overwhelming choices. First, you have to decide between pastries or breads, then you have to see if you want something classic or adventurous. Then you have to worry about picking just one thing. But The Old Dublin Bakery offers a carnival of choices, and you can do cinnamon buns, peanut butter cookies, or both. Factoring in both quality and heritage, this is our favorite bakery near Portugal Cove-St.
Philip’s, and they have some of the most sinful, beautiful pastries we’ve ever tasted.