What an institution! If you want an experience, walk into Bagel Cafe. It's cozy with booths and…read morelots of colorful mosaics, lamps, and more. Popping in for lunch, I got the Townie Touton, a fried circular bread with a fried egg, bacon, and baked beans. It also comes with a side of molasses, which was a good touch. It was unique and tasty!

There weren't many restaurants downtown open for breakfast that morning, so we walked further to…read moreBagel Cafe. The young hostess who seated us was the only pleasant employee we encountered. Unfortunately as soon as she sat us and went to get us coffee a server arrived to frustratedly inform us that there was an issue in the kitchen, and we needed to either order that second or leave. Completely understandable there can be issues, but it wasn't our fault we were seated so being curt wasn't necessary, she could've been kind and made her point too. I didn't even have an opportunity to open a menu, but luckily my husband found an egg plate lightening fast so I said I'd take the same. The only difference we'd requested was our eggs cooked two different ways, which was wrong when the food came...but of course no use bringing that to their attention under the circumstances and she wasn't interested anyway. From then on we saw only the hostess again (as she came to check on our coffees). Other than that, we heard the staff somewhere joking loudly or occasionally turning customers away at the door due to the kitchen issue, and a female server (?) start berating the hostess right across from our table. Even though our order wasn't right the food was decent and portions huge. The interior setup is unique, most tables incredibly private. Maybe if we'd come on a different morning we could've enjoyed a meal here, this just clearly wasn't the morning to stop in.

Shame on me for not taking pictures. Food and service was equally top notch. We were in a group of…read moresix and everyone loves their meal and attention given by staff. Food was top notch. It's a must visit in St. John's.

Wasn't really all that impressed. I wasn't treated at the…read moredoor. I then just went to the bar. Bartenders were really good and friendly. The food was just like any other pub; but there are some good choices too. The vinegar pie is NO longer on the menu. I was super disappointed. I tried a blueberry tres leches cake. It wasn't terrible but wasn't the best. They seem to try and create a pub environment and a casual setting in same restaurant. I personally feel like it's loud and not great for a small personal experience. I would return to try other offerings on the menu.

Great food choices and customer service. Connected to sandman hotel so very convenient if you are…read morestaying there.

We came here because it was next to our hotel. We'd arrived after a long flight and didn't feel…read morelike driving. I ordered the short rib beef dip sandwich. Can't highly recommend it. The beef was sparse and a bit dry, which was curious since the bread was quite greasy. I upgraded my side to a "power greens" salad which I did actually enjoy. The greens were fresh and topped with a pleasant poppyseed dressing. Topping it were thick slices of strawberries and postage-stamp size asiago shavings. My wife ordered chicken tenders and fries which were pretty average. As they are at most places. A locally-brewed session IPA whose name I can't recall (Quidi Vidi was the brewery) was on tap and we thought that was quite tasty. Service was quick and personable.

High quality ingredients, friendly and efficient staff and a nice ambiance make for a great…read morebreakfast spot. I had breakfast as Blue on Water this past weekend and really enjoyed the food. The fish cakes were pretty good (I was hoping for crab cakes), the eggs, potatoes and toast were all excellently prepared. The ingredients tasted high quality and were delicious. Overall, a great breakfast!

Stopped in here several times as we were staying upstairs. Drinks were great staff was friendly and…read morethe food was tasty. Had breakfast here one day too and that was a smart move, waitress was very nice. Room was very cool, we stayed here on our 4th and 5th night in St John's and I'm still trying to figure out where I lost my favorite flannel from Pelican Brewing, we were in Canada for about two weeks and the places with housekeeping were definitely hiding my clothes... definitely an awesome place to stay and experience St John's.

Came here with some friends for some drinks. Had a great time did not have any food. Place is very…read morecasual and the service was great. Good stop.

We were recommended this place by locals a few times so we decided to try it out and are very glad…read morewe did! Staff is very friendly and also gave good food recommendations. We both got the Candied Apple cocktail and it was the best cocktail of our trip. For an appetizer we got the Brie; it was pricey but so delicious and looked pretty. Woulda like just a couple more crostinis but either way, we still enjoyed it very much. For our mains I ordered the Cajun Chicken Fettuccini and my fiancée got the Blackened Salmon and we both absolutely loved our meals, everything was cooked and presented to perfection. Highly recommend stopping by!

Great food, fast service, clean cafe and reasonably priced. Lots of traditional St. John's…read morebreakfast items on the menu. I had a touton and small beans. My partner had an egg white omelet and we shared an appetizer size fish and brewis because we wanted to try it. The omelet was delicious, but the fish and brewis blew us away! The Classic Cafe was next to the Sheraton Hotel. We went there on our last morning because we wanted to sample an authentic St. John's breakfast. It did not disappoint. We wish we had gone there every morning.

This restaurant is perfect for breakfast and lunch. I had fish and brewis for the first time there…read moreand I will have that again next time. The ambience is diner style and the staff are very friendly. The cost is really good for downtown. Try it

If you're a foodie and have money to splurge, book a table at Mallard Cottage. Inside a 19th…read morecentury building in Quidi Vidi, Mallard Cottage defines modern cuisine in a historic space. My friend Taylor and I walked in on a Wednesday evening in July around 8 p.m. and got a small table near the bar. Here's our experience. 1) Food: The cod tongue was the best dish of our trip according to my friend. The two sauces it comes with were unique and brought out the taste. The mushroom pasta was tasty as well. The noodles were a tiny but dry, but overall good. 2) Drinks: We ordered their two sours and enjoyed both- a raspberry and a blueberry one. 3) Service: Our server was quick and personable. He had a good energy about him. 4) Space: It's in an old building with beautiful decorations, lights, and atmosphere. The restrooms come with toothpicks, floss, and mouthwash. 5) Area: The little bay in Quidi Vidi is beautiful with a number of shops around it. If you want a nightcap, walk to Quidi Vidi Brewery for their sour ales and iceberg beer. There are a few small lots to park nearby, but they fill up fast.

Really delayed review as my visit was back in July. Our first meal after we landed in St. John's…read more We came straight to Mallard Cottage from the airport to celebrate a special anniversary dinner. I'm glad we had the dinner menu because I had no idea the brunch menu didn't have any seafood (from looking at the prior review). We had the rack of lamb, cod tongue, mussels, and carrots. I never had cod tongue before this, so I had no idea what to expect. It's hard to describe the taste, but it's more like a fish nugget in a way, that resembles a hybrid fish and a somewhat scallop-like texture. I really enjoyed it. They even gave a cheesecake on the house since it was a special occasion for us. I love the charming little restaurant and décor, and we were seated overlooking a window. We didn't make any reservations; we just landed and went straight to the restaurant on a weekday night closer to 8pm. Though it's just as easy to book a reservation on Yelp. The service was also friendly and attentive. I would definitely recommend this spot for dinner.

The service was fantastic. The cook was careful with my special diet and even came over to talk to…read moreus.

Just walked off the street, Water St that is! I read a lot of reviews and I have to say, impressed…read morefrom the beginning. Had a lovely Newfoundland local vodka, crisp and delicious. Ordered the seared Halibut on a penne bed with chilies flakes . Very , very good! (Not a menu item)