Really delayed review as my visit was back in July. Our first meal after we landed in St. John's. 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. read more

See all

We had a great dinner at Mallard Cottage! The staff was warm and welcoming, and they were happy to answer questions and provide recommendations. We were seated in the original cottage room, which was quiet and comfortable. We ordered the cod tongues because we'd never tried them before. We were told they were quintessential Newfoundland, so we figured we'd give it a shot. They were lightly fried and crispy, which was nice. I thought they had a similar texture to a fried oyster. Paired with the delicious lemon thyme aioli, we enjoyed them! We also shared the duck breast and a few sides: the asparagus and the carrots. We enjoyed it all, particularly the duck breast. The foragers puree of the day was a blend of mushrooms, which very nicely complemented the duck and the parsnip puree. This dish was a lovely balance of textures and flavors. We also had some nice chocolate mousse for dessert, which was paired with blueberries. It was enjoyable, but the definite highlight of the meal was the duck! read more

See all

I made reservations for a Friday lunch for my seafood loving family thinking that the menu items online would be likely offered, even though it wasn't specified to be a lunch or dinner menu- nope. What we got was a lackluster brunch menu that was nowhere to be found online. As we were leaving we could hear other guests call out "you only have brunch?!" I was like hey, that was me an hour ago. Hahahah To make things worse they didn't even have all of the brunch menu items available. So we had to settle for the bangers and hash and pancakes- and they were very underwhelming. Why is the weekday brunch not advertised anywhere on Google or Yelp? I felt like I had to let people know on here. It was a pretty disappointing experience given that this place came highly recommended by many sources. Made it feel like most of the restaurant scene in St. John is mostly for trapping tourists. Service was very attentive. But I really only care about food... so I cannot hide my disappointment. read more

The Mallard Cottage is charming and is registered as a National Historical Site in Canada. The food is elevated and focus on the province's vast array of wild games, seafood and produces. My friend and I asked our server what he liked and he said the bread and butter. We laughed and ordered that - twice! It was very good bread. The mussel with the crispy shallots were tasty. Used the bread to scoop up the vermouth sauce. The halibut steak with braised leek was soft and moist. For dessert, we had the sticky toffee pudding which I didn't think was the best. The portion was small and not sticky enough for me. Service is top-notch. The best high quality restaurant in St. John's. Advance reservation is a must. Limited parking in the area. We took a taxi to Signal Hill for site seeing then took the Ladies Lookout Trail (30 mins walk) to Quidi Vidi. After dinner, we took a taxi back to our hotel. read more

See all

I had an absolutely delightful experience at Mallard Cottage! From the moment I walked in, the cozy and charming ambiance made me feel right at home. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring a great dining experience. read more

I was searching for a great restaurant in St-John's. Hours later, after visiting SignalHill and hiking to Quidi Vidi we were walking and a charming heritage house caught our eye. We walked in and asked if there was any room and although they were full, we were lucky enough able to sit at the bar. Excellent experience service and food wise. The menu does change daily but we had the halibut crudo, swordfish, mushrooms and Mille feuille. Everything was very tasty and no regrets. My drink was also delicious - Earl grey rose ice tea. So refreshing! Service was also impeccable. We'll deserved 5 star! Would definitely recommend eating here and I would come back if I am in St-John's. read more

See all

What an outstanding experience. The enthusiasm and love of food was evident with everyone we connected to. They aimed to please, whether it was a unique cocktail request or questions about the various dishes. The halibut was thick and beyond delicious. The parsnip puree...Oh my. I wanted a triple serving. Salmon and pork were enjoyed by my friends and there was a lot of moaning. Finished with the lemon custard tart. I wish I lived in Newfoundland as I would be a regular patron. Don't miss out!!! read more

Mallard Cottage - Canadian (New) Near Me - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

See all

Fantastic ambiance, friendly service, great food. Quite pricey as was expected, but wine was reasonably priced. My only quibble is that for the price, the food was not filling enough. read more

See all

Hands down the best restaurant in St. John's. Best fish n chips I've ever had. Exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. A must for all St. John's visitors. read more

See all

Service was poor! I waited on the waiter! Don't go. Too much hype and not enough service. Food was mediocre (at best) read more

I finally made it to Mallard Cottage! We went for lunch in picturesque Quidi Vidi. We had the soup of the day and sandwich , and also scallops followed by dessert Chef and his team were on their A game and we enjoyed a splendid lunch. Also nice to walk around Quidi Vidi. read more

See all

Wonderful experience! After doing some research before heading to St. John's NL for work, I came across a quaint restaurant called Mallard Cottage. The homey vibe and food featured in the Facebook page photos had me sold and it quickly moved to the top of my list to try. On a stroke of luck, the best night after a day of conferencing had me booking a reservation for a Tuesday night that also happened to be on of their special "pit parties". We were greeted and treated with warm attention from start to finish. The staff was completely lovely and our waiter was extraordinary. They offered a wine pairing with the menu, but i decided to go with a cocktail. The lime daiquiri - while different from the frozen concoctions I'm used to in the South - was cold, tart with lime and not too sweet. Delicious! The pit party is a 4 course menu and from the amuse bouche to the salad to the array of meats all with a hint of wood and smoke - it was amazing. The light caramel dessert was the perfect ending. Wherever you're traveling to in NL, I strongly suggest making a visit to Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi. read more

See all

Outstanding food. Service was great. Location is beautiful for an after dinner walk. Highly recommend

Did not enjoy the food. Very disappointed. My expectations were obviously too high. Perhaps I was unlucky and was there on an off night. read more

We went to Mallard Cottage Monday night for the pit party. It was raining so we ate inside. Fantastic but the temperature of the restaurant was very cold. There was cold air coming from the ceiling and out of the floor. The food was fantastic but cold due to the ice cold restaurant. I would still highly recommend it but wish it was warmer all the way around. read more

See all

Excellent food and service with a new owner in a historic setting! The restaurant recently re-opened. We are glad that we dined there.

The food was amazing. Maybe the best cod I've ever eaten. The salad was fresh and very tasty.

Terrible communication. We came to Quidi Vidi from New York for our honeymoon. Called multiple times but the phone was out of order and the mailbox was full. Sent emails, even showed up in person and it was closed. No response anywhere. Not sure if they exist. Beautiful area and they have trash just thrown around their property and it looks like a 13 year old maintains it. I hope they make it right. read more

Oof, if you're looking for the old Mallard, don't go. While it is the same building, the place has lost its charm. The food used to be so beautifully crafted, but now it is just overpriced and lacks luster. The small menu also didn't leave much to be desired. Now, the service was great! So, I won't take that away from them, but that's about it. It's a real shame because Mallard was a spot we'd be proud to take anybody, especially CFA's. Now, I really don't think I'll ever recommend it. read more

That pork chop was topshelf delicious. The chef and staff were so inviting and visited all the tables to check in frequently as our meal progressed. Will definitely return to this location every time we visit St John's read more

Top meals of my lifetime! Everything in season and fresh, excellent presentation, outstanding service! read more

Mallard Cottage - Canadian (New) Near Me - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

We went on June 15th, 2024. We were seated (we went at 5:30 pm), looked at our menus, saw that they had four entrees on the menu. At the time of ordering, we were told that they ran out of fish. In Newfoundland. Really. Couldn't get any fish anywhere in Newfoundland. New management is obviously poorly organized to run out of fish. No connections with other places to get fish. We went to little community for fish and chips who told us they drove two hours to St Johns to get fish, but this restaurant was incapable. If the menu was larger it would have been ok, but they had two meat entrees (steak, pork) and a vegetarian (a ratatouille) which came with no accompaniments, such as bread. Cannot recommend this place. Not like the first time we went there, but not the same place except in name (new owner). read more

Cozy place. Meal was absolutely delicious! One of those places that you need to visit at least once . read more

See all

Do not duck the Mallard. I ate there a few days ago and I'm still quacking like quazy over the experience. Mallard Cottage is the poster child for quaint and charming. It is housed in a house built in the early 1800's instead of something built 6 months ago and distressed by distressed teenagers off their Adderall to look like it was built in the 1800's. There is a beautiful view of a huge wood pile for the smoker to give it that woodsy look and there is another vista of the bay where fresh fish arrives every day to keep your hunger at bay. The decor is warm and warmer. There is even a bottle cork board where you can tack up your hand written review, Yelp,1820's style. A soothing jazz loop lets you cool your jets while your Ice Shrimp's on ice. The Staff: It was never so pleasant to be asked to wait up to an hour for a chance at a spot at the 7 seat bar set aside for walk-ins. Maybe it helped that I responded with puppy eyes and sad shoulders which helped snag me a carved wooden John Deere Tractor seat over looking the open kitchen which was as busy as a termite hill in a flash flood. I handed the reins to my server, Brother Brandon, who curated my meal, paired the cocktails and wine to match and threw in some local history along with what else to eat in town and where and why. The entire staff treated me like I was an investor and buckin' for partner. Who goes there? Anyone who's smart and lucky. The Bar: Brother Brandon was in mix for best Mixologist around and was definitely not mixed up about what to mix with what. The Bourbon Joe with Maker's, Maple Syrup, bolt upright Coffee and Black Walnut Bitters was a soft and mellow fellow that went down like liquid velvet. The Fugi Fashioned with Suntory Toki Whiskey, Apple Syrup and more Black Walnut Bitters could have powered an exotic Italian whip or empowered a Me Too-ette. The Food: No need to fly South when Mallard is dishing up what they do. Whoa, an Amuse Bouche stopped in front of me. The best Sesame dusted Potato Chips ever...topped with a Baby Ice Shrimp. Blink and it was gone including the strangers sitting next to me. (Moral: keep your eye on the Shrimp and don't blink.) House baked Bread with hand churned Butter? No need to utter anutter muttered woid besides yum! Kolache...Czech please? This was a savory donuty concept and not something your Bosnian Tinder hook-up yells on meeting you. Consider this a Pepporoni Calzone doing the wild thang with a Bao and havin' a love child... voilache, you get a Kolache. The Salt Cod Tartare was truly perfect. A Ceviche to showcase the fish was served with a pile of those evil Potato Chips. And I am a total Chip Ho. You too? Makes you a chippie. For me these Chips were a religious experience. I could have eaten hundreds of them in my room by myself. Does that make me a Chip Monk? The half of a whole Savoy Cabbage was raised to be braised. It was charred to butter softness and then dusted with a snow flurry of Parmesan Cheese. This was an award winning supporting role for the Special Halibut Collar which was breaded and flash fried. The Halibut Collar is as rare a dish as a cogent Donald policy. (That's Donald Duck, not Trump, although it's essentially the same.) The Collar was as big as a Budweiser Clydesdale harness yoke. There was enough succulent meat to feed and immobilize the 7th Cavalry. The huge wreath of fresh fish was topped with Fried Shallots and snipped Chives and served with house made creamy Aioli. No Hellman's Mayo in the Vitamix here. This dish (only two available as they part out the Halibuts for filets) was a mutant Fish and Chips platter. It was big enough to star in a Japanese SyFy flick. Note: Monday night, the special is a Lobster Boil while the critters are close by and in season. But every night there will be something wildly good and unique. Dessert alert. Just in time for me as I was getting filled up on those damn Potato Chips. The one dessert option on offer certainly ginned up the party. Mini squares and scoops of Fudge, Madeleinettes, a quenelle of Buttermilk Sorbet floating in Raspberry Coulis, an Olive Oil Cake cube and a Profiterole to hold between thumb and forefinger. The Pastry at The French Laundry could learn a thing or two in this kitchen. Finally, an Amuse Bye Bye. A mini-Bread Pudding square with Pastry Cream star tip piped on top like a professional shampoo. My advise: Waddle into the Mallard like the Stud Duck (Duckette) you are. You'll duck walk out too full to fly and Daffy happy. read more

See all

Naw. Not for awhile now. Certainly not on a Friday night. This place is under new ownership, but even before then it was circling the drain. Over-seasoned and understocked. 4 of the 8 or 9 mains were 'sold out' (whatever that means) by the time we sat at 8pm. Waited forever for food to show. Wait staff only approached our table as the bearers of bad news - delays, runouts, apologies. This place was something once, but that was a long time ago. Spent a couple hundred for food a big box could have screwed up less. read more

Excellent service at the bar, incredible food and drink made for an unforgettable dining experience. Recommend making a reservation as only the bar serves walk-ins. read more

See all

Mallard Cottage is a culinary treat that feels authentic to the bone. The food we had was absolutely delicious, from start to finish. We started with bread, had baked oysters, and had several sides and mains. Every piece was outstanding. My sister had the ganache cake for dessert, while I had something else... I can't remember what I had, all I can tell you is I wish I had the ganache because it was the best dessert I had ever tasted. Apparently, the dessert chef is from a Michelin starred Manhattan restaurant. Don't quote me on that,but it was absolutely incredible. The bottom line is if you are a foodie (I hate that term) or just have an appreciation for fine culinary, or want to celebrate an occasion or top off your trip to St John's, you absolutely need to come to Mallard Cottage for a memorable and delicious experience. Definitely book ahead! read more

Mallard Cottage - Canadian (New) Near Me - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

See all

Great old building, good food and beer nearby; they bring coffee to your room in the morning.

Epic service, epic meal, epic location! Did I happen to say the whole experience was epic? Well it was. And the staff were equally Epic. They've got it figured out. read more

Wonderful experience! Great food, great service, charming place. We were able to easily get a reservation on a Thursday night. Took an Uber to get there, so no worry about parking. Everything was perfect. With some trepidation, we ordered the cod tongue appetizer, after our server assured us it tasted like scallops and everyone brave enough to try it, liked it. We found them to be delicious. Two of us shared the duck breast with parsnip purée and the duck confit potatoes and turnip with leeks. Both were superb. I really loved the parsnip and turnips and am going to look up some recipes to make at home, as these are not vegetables I have prepared. The duck was very lean and tasty. Great suggestion by our server. We did not find the prices to be high, as the main course and appetizer are designed to be shared by two. We would definitely return when we are next visiting St. John's. Highly recommend you try this charming place. read more

Very unassuming and quaint historical cottage from the outside and I almost missed it! Thought I was about to walk into a private residence. Walked three kilometres in the rain to try it out (I'm from Vancouver so as per usual) Super friendly service and got to sit at the bar. Very comfortable interior and decor. I got the meat and eggs with hash on the side. Would absolutely recommend and the portion size is very satisfying! Bringing friends back later! read more

Mallard Cottage - Ready to tuck in! - Canadian (New) Near Me - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Exceptional meal in a unique setting. Truly enjoyed the evening and the service. Highly recommend for any special occasion and will go back next time we're in St. John's area. read more

This place used to be our favourite in the city for brunch. Under the new ownership the food is no where near the same. Their menu is deceiving, implying you'll get something other than what you receive--for instance their "thick cut bacon" was so thin you could see through it, and the chantilly cream was no more than whipped cream. Also, the numbering of items you will receive is deceiving ("3" French toast is not three slices, it's three half-piece of toast). Also, the French toast was nothing special--just bread dipped in egg sprinkled with some cinnamon after. Their gourmet French toasts used to be the highlight of my trips to Mallard. Eggs were undercooked (raw egg white) and all the waitress said was "let me go check on that". No apology, didn't take the raw eggs to consult the cooks, nothing. Nothing was said of this after the issue was brought up. Needless to say, it's gone from the top of our list to we'd only eat there if the other option was starving. read more

Mallard Cottage - The "thick cut bacon". - Canadian (New) Near Me - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

The food was unexpectedly bad considering past reviews. I had a slightly undercooked cod with a swish of what seemed to be mustard with crushed pickles in it. My wife had pork tenderloin (she was hoping for crab or lobster) on a bed of mushy brown eggplant. It was uninspired and disappointing. read more

Very delicious foods prepared with care and excellent presentation - highly recommend

Great food. Attentive service. Highly recommend the Cottage. Really enjoyed the food and local beers

The food, service and overall experience was amazing. We went for lunch and tried a few different dishes. Our waiter was great and he had solid recommendations. read more

See all

My family and I had an outstanding and charming dinner here. We tried all but one of the drinks on the cocktail menu(including the mocktail) and were extremely satisfied with how balanced the Finisher was and how refreshing the gin sour was. The spicy margarita was also a standout! The dinner and dessert portions were just right and we were especially in awe of how the land and sea dish was also an art piece. When you order it you'll find out! Spectacular, warm, and friendly front of house staff. This is one you won't want to miss out on! read more

Expecting lunch and a tourist trap with our 1:00PM reservations, we found neither. The place is charming and rustic and the food excellent. However, there is no lunch here, just brunch, which I tend to avoid like the plague. So we each had eggs Benedict with potatoes and bloody Mary's and called it lunch. The service was very good and the prices surprisingly fair. Since it's a four day drive followed by a 15 hour ferry ride to to get here, we probably won't be back. read more

Good, service, food, and atmosphere. This is my favorite restaurant in St. John's so far. Sitting in the bar area was cool as you can see right into the kitchen and watch your food being prepared. Quidi Vidi is a very neat little area as well. read more

See all