Mallard Cottage, nestled on Barrows Road in St. John's, Newfoundland, is a culinary gem that transports you to the rustic heart of Canadian cuisine. Housed in a historic building, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between cozy and sophisticated, making it a welcoming spot for diners. Patrons rave about the warm and attentive service, with several reviews emphasizing the knowledgeable staff who are eager to recommend dishes. The menu boasts a dynamic selection of locally sourced ingredients, with highlights such as the Cod Tongues and Duck Breast, alongside vegetarian-friendly options like the parsnip puree. Diners often find the daily-changing offerings to be a delightful surprise, with seasonal specialties that reflect the region's bounty. The ambiance is complemented by a curated drink list, featuring strong and flavorful cocktails. Reviews consistently mention the standout dishes, like the refreshing lobster salad and the delectable Brussels sprouts, emphasizing a commitment to quality that resonates with both casual diners and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a local or a traveler, Mallard Cottage promises a memorable dining experience filled with exceptional food, charming service, and an inviting atmosphere—certainly worthy of a visit while in St. John's.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fireplace
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Photos
Reviews For Mallard Cottage
John F
May 23,2025
One of the best dining experiences I’ve had in St. John’s! The service was warm and friendly, willing to give recommendations and attentive. The food was excellent and their drinks were strong and delicious. The restaurant atmosphere was beautiful, cozy and welcoming. Definitely will come back soon!
Andy Z
May 21,2025
This is constantly rated as one of the best restaurants in Newfoundland so I had to come try it out. Situated in a historic building inhabited by the Mallard family for over a century, the decor is very rustic and cozy. The service was very professional. We came in mid-May (during tourist off-season) and the place was packed, so I would recommend making reservations in advance. The dishes change daily based on what's in stock; I personally really liked their bread and their refreshing lobster salad. They also have a special menu that's prone to selling out quickly so I would recommend ordering from that menu first, before you order from the main menu. The flavours were decent and the price (and portions) feel in-between fine and casual dining.
Andrew Kozak
May 8,2025
So great! SARA, our server tended to our every need. Make a reservation in advance.. Busy time is 6:30 to 7 Great locally sourced fare, fresh fish ( COD THE DAY WE WERE THERE) oysters, with my team enjoying a warm beet salad and the chicken...with shared accompaniments of potatoes and Brussel sprouts Yum yum! Atmosphere, service, food... you need to go here!
Chantelle Parker
May 3,2025
We had a TRULY incredible experience at Mallard Cottage! I am vegan, and the chef was so accommodating - he made me an incredible appetizer with a parsnip puree that I will surely dream of. The waitress so was kind, the service was wonderful, and the ginger mocktail was delicious! My friend who is not vegan said the fish of the day dish was the best thing she has ever eaten. We will definitely be back.
Krista Samborsky
Apr 30,2025
We had a great time and enjoyed our meal. Definitely not a place you should go and rush through. We had the Brussel sprout salad and it was amazing! My cod was very fresh and the drinks were delicious. Service was great! By the end of the night we had two servers and the chef at our table talking and giving us recommendations where to go on our trip. I think it is worth a stop while visiting St. John’s.
Matvey Shvartszayd
Apr 10,2025
We had incredible food experience here! Mallard Cottage is the only worthy place to get seafood in town and not regret about the money spent. Their secret ingredient is freshness. We ordered all seafood positions: oysters, mussels, cod tongues, salmon and halibut. I wish all the best to the crew of this amazing restaurant. They put back hope that people in canada have a taste for good fresh food cooked simply right and proper.
Julia Raftery
Mar 6,2025
Absolutely stunning experience, start to finish. Brilliant atmosphere and location, but pales in comparison to the service and food, which were both out of this world. Our server was relatively new to the team, though you’d never know it! She was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly- made us feel like family all the way through. The food was delightful, and we even got to see a picture from earlier that day of the tuna that ended up as the catch of the day on my dad’s plate! Super accommodating of my sister’s vegan diet, despite being at the tail end of service for the day. All in all, would highly recommend and cannot WAIT to go back
Kaitlyn Martin
Feb 23,2025
Absolutely fantastic. 11/10. My favorite restaurant hands down. They take such incredible care to cultivate each and every element of the menu. Everything is perfection. Service is excellent. Atmosphere is everything. The bread will change your life.
Reviews For Mallard Cottage