Best Restaurants in Western Newfoundland
- Lauralee Ledrew
- Mar 22
- 10 min read
Western Newfoundland encompasses a large part of the island of Newfoundland, spanning just under 700km from L'anse Aux Meadows to Port aux Basque. However, due to it being so sparsely populated, it is a difficult task to find a good meal after a day of exploring.
Mark and I, being avid food lovers who adore exploring every corner of this stunning island, decided to provide a much-needed service for anyone else out there struggling with the question: What should we have for dinner tonight? After enduring a long day outdoors, our goal is to make sure you can easily pick your next meal destination, or better yet have it planned beforehand (especially in the summer).
To make it easier for readers to navigate, I have divided the Restaurants by Town - and included a Table of Contents so you can quickly find what you need.
If you are interested in a truly unique foodie experience then be sure to include these culinary retreats
in your search of best eats in NL
Best Restaurants in Port Aux Basque
If you're in Port Aux Basques, you'll be hard-pressed to find food outside the realm of fried food, and if you're looking for a fancy sit-in restaurant, you're out of luck.
With that said, here are our top restaurants in Port Aux Basque.
Seashore Restaurant
If you feel like taking a short 15-minute drive, the Seashore restaurant is an ideal destination.
The menu features favourites such as Halibut Dinner, Cod Tongue Dinner, and Fisherman Platter and desserts such as Partridgeberry Pudding, Rhubarb Crisp, and my favourite a Bakeapple Parfait. Making this restaurant the top one in the area and is definitely worth the visit.
My last visit there was three years ago, yet I still fondly remember how lovely the food tasted and how beautiful the scenery was. And, considering the view can't change and the reviews on Google suggest the food hasn't either, I would highly recommend giving them a visit.
Harbour Restaurant
The Harbour restaurant is another restaurant in the area with a great view. Conveniently located in Port Aux Basque, it is simple to get to from a majority of hotels and remains open till 9PM so if you are checking-in late, this is the perfect spot for you.
The menu at the Harbour Restaurant is pretty expansive and has all your typical fried pub food, but they also do fish cakes and Cod Au Gratin.
If you're craving something fried and pining for a cold beer, this is the spot you should go.
Best Restaurants in Stephenville Newfoundland
Domino Pizza House
Don't be mistaken by the resemblance - Domino Pizza House is a totally independent, local pizzeria that crafts mouthwatering fully loaded pizzas. If you're visiting and seeking an enjoyable meal, then this should easily take the cake; unless pizza isn't your thing of course!
A lot of our College Monday's was enjoyed with a true Domino Pizza. #IYKYK
Best Restaurants In Corner Brook Newfoundland
Here's our best-of list that contains two of the finest restaurants in town, plus three more worth the trip just outside city limits.
Newfound Sushi - Corner Brook
Newfound Sushi is an amazing restaurant that serves an assortment of delectable dishes. From the Blow me Down Roll featuring salmon, avocado, faux crab, cucumber, tempura bits, topped with spicy sauce & massago. To their House Roll featuring avocado, cucumber, faux crab, tempura bits, topped with either, salmon, tuna, scallop, spicy sauce, massago, green onion. I love to share the good ol` traditional dory of Sushi visiting family.
Also, for those who may not be a fan of sushi, don't worry. They also have delicious Avocado Rolls, Sweet Veggie Philly Rolls and Spicy Broccoli Rolls - plus so much more!
Don't let your visit to Corner Brook pass without paying a visit to this fabulous restaurant. Reserve your table soon as it's extremely popular and always buzzing with patrons!
Park West - Corner Brook
A standout in Corner Brook’s dining scene, Park West showcases the best of Western Newfoundland through locally sourced ingredients and thoughtfully crafted, globally inspired dishes.
With a vibrant atmosphere, creative cocktails, and a menu that ranges from fresh seafood to handmade pastas and shareable plates, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a more elevated and modern culinary experience.
Salt Box Restaurant - Benoit’s Cove
The Saltbox Restaurant is located in Benoit's Cove just 20 minutes outside Corner Brook on your way to Blow Me Down Provincial Park. This means they are a great place to stop after a day of exploring that area.
If you're questioning the worth of a journey to this region, take a look at this post about the best hikes in Blow me Downs and if hiking is not your cup of tea, Bottle Cove has breathtaking scenery.
Anyways back to talking about their food.
From the mouth-watering fish tacos to the delectable lobster rolls (in season only!), Saltbox Restaurant offers some of the most delicious meals out the bay - and their service is fast too!
Madison’s - Steady Brook
Madison at the Marble Inn in Steady Brook is an exceptional restaurant that should not be overlooked. From their delectable Curried Mussels to Baked Brie, and mouthwatering Curried Lamb Shank - this eatery offers a variety of dishes sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Pollen Nation Beestro - Little Rapids
* Nationally and Provincially Award Winning
As you step into the Pollen Nation Beestro, you can feel yourself being welcomed by the buzz of friendly conversation and the aroma of delicious food. The wholesome tone of the restaurant is reflected in its menu, which features an array of fresh, locally sourced options. Nathan and Amanda are committed to exceptional quality and they foster engaging connections between people, their food, and the natural environment.
Photo Credit. Google Images Photo belongs to Pollen Nation Farm
Whether you're in the mood for a hearty beef tenderloin or cod and prawns, the Beestro has got you covered. Don't forget to buy some local honey, harvested from their own hives. Say hello to the Queen Bee for me while you're there.
Best Restaurants Deer Lake Newfoundland
Humber Cafe - Deer Lake
Humber Café, located within the Deer Lake Motel, is a welcoming local spot known for its hearty, home-style meals and relaxed atmosphere. With a focus on comfort food and friendly service, it offers a dependable place for both travelers and locals to enjoy classic breakfasts, daily specials, and satisfying, down-to-earth dishes.
Rumor Mill - Cormack
We highly recommend visiting the Rumor Mill, despite the drive, it's worth every second because of the mouthwatering selection. On tap they serve the Cormack Brewing Company and they believe a good meal should be shared with good friends!
From hearty pub fare to smoked meats and poutines with Cormack Cheese Co's very own cheese curds everything is made with wholesome, locally sourced ingredients. Dig into a juicy pulled pork or beef brisket sandwiches, smoked in house or delight in the awesome pub grub battered wings. And of course, no meal is complete without a cold glass of their signature craft beer.
A must visit, Taste of Cormack, destination.
Not a Restaurant but an absolute must mention... Upper Humber Settlement FarmStay
Upper Humber Settlement isn’t a traditional restaurant - it’s an immersive, land-based food experience rooted in place, story, and season. Here, food is grown, foraged, and prepared with intention, connecting guests directly to the landscape of Newfoundland. Rather than ordering from a menu, visitors are invited to participate in the journey - from garden and forest to fire and table.
The Farm-to-Table Dining Experience is a highlight, where each dish is thoughtfully crafted and shared through storytelling, culture, and connection. It’s not just a meal, but a meaningful gathering that reflects the rhythms of the land and the people who care for it. A visit to UHS offers something deeper—an authentic taste of Newfoundland that stays with you long after you leave.
Besides that, if you are headed towards Gros Morne National Park anyway, I would recommend driving the extra hour and checking out the next section on Best Restaurants in Gros Morne.
Best Restaurants in Gros Morne
The Black Spruce Restaurant at Neddies Harbour Inn - Neddies Harbour
Experience the delicious and inspiring local cuisine of The Black Spruce Restaurant at Neddies Harbour Inn just 10 minutes from Rocky Harbour.
Chef Jason Lynch and his team dedicate themselves to providing their customers with the best of what locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients have to offer. With seven years of expertise at The Black Spruce, he and Co-Chef Joy Newman understand precisely how to tantalize taste buds and live up to expectations for a unique dining experience.
Their commitment to supporting local farms is evident in every dish, made from scratch in their kitchen with fresh, local and organic produce. The menu features a variety of dishes including crispy tofu, gnocchi parisienne, Moroccan lamb shank, scallop risotto, and grilled beef tenderloin.
The Black Spruce Restaurant is open every day from 5 to 9 pm, walk-ins are accepted but reservations are recommended as this an in-demand fine dining experience.
Visit The Black Spruce for an unforgettable dining experience, and taste the real flavors of Newfoundland cuisine.
Old Store Cafe - Norris Point
Nestled in the charming town of Norris Point sits the Old Store Cafe, a quaint spot that exudes cozy warmth and nostalgia. Here, you can indulge in an array of delectable food items that will take you back to simpler times. The menu boasts fresh, homemade cuisine, with hearty soups and panini’s that will fill you up and warm your soul.
But that's not all - the cafe also offers a range of baked goods. Every bite is a reminder of a slower, more wholesome way of life - and after just one visit, the Old Store Cafe is sure to become your go-to spot for a post hike coffee and treat.
Chanterelles Restaurant in the Sugar Inn - Norris Point
The menu at Chanterelles Restaurant in the Sugar Inn is truly a foodie's dream come true. With a focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, each dish is bursting with flavor and creativity. Start your meal off with the perfectly seared scallops, served with a tangy grapefruit salad to awaken your palate.
For the main course, indulge in the succulent roasted rack of lamb with seasonal veggies, or opt for the delicate and flaky grilled salmon with wild rice pilaf. With an extensive wine selection to pair with each dish, the knowledgeable staff at Chanterelles will guide you towards the perfect glass to elevate your dining experience. Truly the only destination for fine dining, Chanterelles Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking impeccable while in the Gros Morne area.
Taste Restaurant at the Gros Morne Inn - Woody Point
Taste, an exquisite restaurant in Woody Point, proudly showcases the local bounty of Newfoundland's land and sea with sustainable ingredients prepared to perfection. Ocean Wise certified seafood? Check. Atlantic Canadian beef and pork? You betcha! But what makes dining at Taste even better is the breathtaking view of the majestic Gros Morne National Park that awaits you during your meal - an experience like no other.
From Honey-garlic Moose Meatballs to Lobster Bisque, Taste is the perfect place for those looking to savor wild foods with a sophisticated flair. Their menu offers something for everyone, including NL line-caught squid, Rabbit Lasagna and Wild Mushroom Risotto - all prepared using local ingredients. Come experience the culinary brilliance of Taste today!
Gros Morne Inn is committed to sustainability by prioritizing locally sourced ingredients and supporting regional food systems. They proudly partner with local growers, including Upper Humber Settlement, to bring fresh, seasonal, and responsibly produced food directly to their guests.
Java Jacks - Rocky Harbour
People should undoubtedly visit Java Jack's Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, for an unforgettable dining experience. Praised by reputable sources like The Lonely Planet, Fodor's, and Where to Eat in Canada, this eatery entices you with its tantalizing menu that includes succulent fresh fish & seafood, exquisite wild game dishes, and an array of delightful vegetarian and vegan options.
Moreover, the restaurant partners with a local farm to procure the freshest vegetables available, and their charming garden serves as the source for vibrant flowers to adorn the space. As you sip on a fine selection of wines and quench your thirst with flavorful craft beers in the cozy, quirky ambience of this heritage house, you'll be hooked by the genuine appeal of Java Jack's.
Discover for yourself why so many satisfied guests have fallen in love with this enchanting establishment that has been delighting patrons since 2000.
The Old Loft - Woody Point
The Old Loft Restaurant offers a culinary experience that should not be missed, as it showcases both traditional and contemporary dishes combining the freshest seafood with premium cuts of meat.
The menu highlights Canadian gastronomy with classics like Surf n’ Turf, Halibut, and Fish n' Chips, alongside local treasures like Toutons and Fish Cakes with Beans. Their Clubhouse and Hot Turkey Sandwiches encapsulate home-style taste, while the Bakeapple Parfait, Coconut Cream Pie, and Partridgeberry Pie cater to your sweet cravings.
With its high-quality ingredients, exceptional culinary skill, and richly flavoured dishes infused with the essence of Canadian heritage, The Old Loft Restaurant promises a unique and memorable gastronomic experience to delight your senses.
Up the Great Northern Peninsula
Leaving Gros Morne the choices for dining are limited to only a few quality restaurants and all of them right at the tip of Northern Peninsula. We recommend packing snacks for your drive and bringing a thermos of quality coffee to help you along.
The Norseman - L’anse Aux Meadows
When you are journeying to L’anse Aux Meadows, don't miss out on The Norseman!
Photo Credits © Dru Kennedy Photography
With an awe-inspiring view and scrumptious meals such as Pan Seared Cod, Half Rack of Lamb and Duck Confit, it is the only restaurant up the coast that offers this type of exquisite experience. In addition to their delicious food selection, they also have a delightful B&B where you can stay in comfort while enjoying exceptional cuisine every day.
Lightkeepers Seafood Restaurant - St. Anthony
Tóthné Sándor Anita
Nestled in the heart of St. Anthony, Lightkeepers Seafood Restaurant is home to scrumptious Battered Fish Burgers, Pan Fried Cod, Moose Sliders and more! Not only does this restaurant boast exquisite dishes with tantalizing flavors but it also offers an astounding view of St. Anthony Bight all while providing excellent service.
Tuckamore Lodge & Outfitters - Main Brook
Though Tuckamore Lodge is not a restaurant, they deserve to be mentioned!
It's no secret that it can be difficult to find great food up the Peninsula. Fortunately, staying at Tuckmoor Lodge in Main Brook is more than worth it.
Not only does this lodge provide cozy cabin accommodations and amazing tours of the coastline; but their incredible cuisine will certainly leave you feeling full and wanting for more!
Start your day off with a revitalizing breakfast, courtesy of Barb! After an exciting adventure, she'll have something scrumptious waiting for you when you get home in the evening.
Conclusion
Exploring Western Newfoundland is a special treat, but discovering delicious food in the sparsely populated area can be overwhelming. That's why we created this guide – so that you can have an unforgettable journey with even better dining experiences! Use our guide to find your favourite meals and make the most of your travels along this magnificent stretch of coastline.
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