Review Saltwater Restaurant - St. John's

Title: A Seafood Delight with a Bumpy Start I recently dined at a seafood restaurant that left me with a mix of emotions, but ultimately won me over with its delectable offerings. Upon arrival, I couldn't help but notice the slow service that initially dampened our spirits. However, the server quickly diffused the situation with a sincere apology, explaining the shortage of staff. This thoughtful gesture set the tone for a dining experience that would leave a lasting impression. As a connoisseur of Caesar drinks, I was pleasantly surprised to find the best rendition I've ever encountered. The blend of flavors was nothing short of extraordinary, making it an instant favorite. Despite the initial hiccup, the affordable price of the drink further added to the restaurant's appeal. The culinary journey continued on a high note with the seafood chowder—a rich, creamy concoction bursting with the flavors of the ocean. Every spoonful was a testament to the chef's skill, and the impeccable balance of ingredients made it a standout dish. The lobster rolls that followed were equally impressive, showcasing succulent pieces of lobster ensconced in perfectly toasted buns. Regrettably, I must extend my apologies for not providing photos of the dishes I enjoyed. The undeniable hunger brought on by the tantalizing aromas made it impossible to resist diving into the delectable creations before capturing them on camera. Despite the initial service setback and my hasty dive into the delightful dishes, the restaurant's commitment to delivering exceptional seafood experiences was undeniable. The top-notch quality of every dish, combined with reasonable prices, makes this establishment a hidden gem worth discovering. With the server's genuine apology and the unforgettable flavors that followed, I left the restaurant with a sense of satisfaction and a newfound appreciation for the culinary mastery on display.

I was hesitant after reading some of the reviews but went for it. And I cannot be more thrilled that I did! Our server, Russell, was the ABSOLUTE best. Fun and attentive and just top notch all around. We had the chowder and burger and oysters and lobster roll. After living in Boston and Florida for fifteen years, I can say that this was HANDS DOWN the best lobster roll I have ever had, and I am what some would call a food snob. I would recommend to ANYONE.

The restaurant is roomy and is conveniently located in downtown. I had the lobster rolls and enjoyed them but they were too buttery. Fish and chips were good but not the best. I visited out of season (Oct 2023) so that could be why.

While the food was delicious, the restaurant was too dark to enjoy a nice afternoon meal and I found the food to be too expensive for what we received. We tried the lobster rolls, the fish and chips and the grilled salmon - the salmon was the best of the three. Because of this I can only give 4 stars for the experience.

The best seafood restaurant in Water street ,We had Seafood Pasta, Shrimp Risotto, 2 sets of Lobster Rolls. Everything delicious 🤤 Must try Lobster 🦞Rolls 10/10 . Love it ♥️HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 🫶🏽Special Mention- Micheal ♥️

Their seafood pasta was so yummy! Saucy, major garlic, and the shrimp, scallops and mussels cooked to perfection. I'd recommend stopping by for lunch or dinner

The food here was excellent! We ate here last night and sat on the patio which had a lovely vibe. The food itself was very good - my wife had seafood risotto. I make risotto at home and have had it many times including in Italy - I thought this risotto was really excellent by comparison. I had chili and parmesan cream fetuccini with a half lobster and it was also amazing. The texture of the pasta was great, the sauce very flavorful and of course the NL lobster was delicious. My parents had the crusted cod - can't go wrong with NL cod. Overall, the food here was really top notch and I really enjoyed my drink. The only downside right now is that with a VERY busy post-lockdown come home year every location in town is completely slammed. The restaurant was packed and so service was a bit on the slower side - luckily the evening was beautiful so it wasn't much trouble.

We happened to find this restaurant by chance. And we wanted to try it because of the lobster roles (we've had them in PEI and it was great) and it did not disappoint. Two lobster roles with a side was $40 with tax so it is a nicer diner/ fine don't. Totally worth it. The street was converted into a pedestrian walkway so it was a little quieter, had soft outdoor lights,etc. Our waiter was an international student from Russia and was very knowledgeable, polite and personable. Worth a visit !

Ate here the other night, the food was phenomenal. They do staple foods but in a high end way. I had the Chicken Amaretto, the chicken was tender, the sauce was delicious, overall a fantastic meal. The server was also very friendly, helpful and nice! Will be back again! Update: went back again with larger group, the food was amazing. Scallops were absolutely perfect, good drinks, tacos were fantastic, pasta was amazing and the tiramisu was probably one of the best desserts I have ever had. Service was amazing, bartender was very accommodating to requests. New top favorite restaurants in St. John's!

We had the lobster rolls. Were good. Buns were delicious and heated properly. Basalmic glaze was added to the plate for aesthetics but it made the lobster rolls hard to eat - kept getting vinegar on our hands!

Angelina was our server (group of 9) and was superb!! The food was fantastic. It was a touch loud for our older guests - but otherwise this is the place to go for fine dining with a group in St.John’s, NL

Had a great meal at Saltwater! The food was delicious, and the restaurant has a cozy atmosphere. One of our favorites and we'll definitely be back.

Okayyyy, this restaurant is 👌. Great atmosphere. Our server recommended the bruschetta and it was absolutely to die for. I've never had such delicious bruschetta before! I had the seafood chowder, and while it was quite tasty my only criticism is that it didn't have a variety of seafood in it (no mussels or shrimp, just white fish which I'm assuming was cod), so it should be called cod chowder instead. The food is on the more expensive end, but I would definitely recommend.

Food was delicious and the service was awesome! We actually had a reservation at a different restaurant that tried to sit us at a terrible table so we decided to give this place a try - no regrets! It was a fantastic meal for our date night!!!

This cozy place offers a casual atmosphere and friendly service, but really shines in the food. From the somewhat limited menu, you wouldn't guess that their food is much different from other restaurants in the area, but what they offer, they do extremely well, and it was easily some of the best food I've had in St. John's.

Overall a lovely meal with great cocktails. Got too late a Reso for the lobster (could have asked them to put one aside though — so on me)— staff was friendly and recommended other options. The steak was delicious and cooked well. Fish and Chips were “the best of the trip so far” per my dining companion

An excellent restaurant. My girlfriend and I were there recently to celebrate her birthday. I started with the cod chowder. It was very good. She had the beet. She loved it. I don't like beets but it looked good. I had the duck for my main course and she had chicken. I highly recommend both dishes. I also recommend the dessert. We had the trio (bread pudding, chocolate torte and partridgeberry cake). This was an all around great dining experience. We will be back.

Was our first time while visiting relatives. I had the Seafood Risotto and have been talking (raving) about it ever since! My husband had the lamb and was impressed by the offer of a half or full portion. Already counting down the days until my next risotto!

Excellent service. I am not a fish lover however the chicken was divine. My friends did have fish and raved how great it was. We will return.

Had such an amazing experience! This was our first time there. The food and service was great! We had the baked brie & scallops for an appy and they were delicious. I had the salmon and my mom and sister had the special which was cod and half lobster. The atmosphere was quaint but modern and personal. We all left satisfied and cannot wait to go back again!

It's my favourite restaurant in St. John's! I think it's the most under appreciated and underestimated restaurant in the city. Anybody I bring there loves it as much as I do!

The food AND the service is excellent! And it's a reasonable price-point for such quality

Had such a great experience there! Absolutely loved the tacos. Their tapas menu is quite affordable. Definitely recommend!

Fantastic meal and service!!! Get the pork belly....so good�

What a surprise visit. Saw the sign outside for yellowfin special and ended up with a seafood paella that was excellent. Added to freah bread and their signature butter (you need to taste this...so unexpected) what a great dining experience. 5 stars

As good as I've eaten here in St. John's. Nothing but rave reviews from me and my wife! We will be back

Came for my Birthday supper last night and enjoyed everything! From the food to the service... it was a lovely night! Everyone left happy!! Great job Salt Water team! Thank you!!

Excellent food! Loved the lamb chops and bbq duck! ���

Delicious meal and great service, as usual. I encourage anyone looking for a fine dining experience to try Saltwater out!

A culinary experience!! Helpful and knowledgable staff with exceptional grub to boot. The seafood risotto was clean, simple and delicious. Presentation was what you would expect from any upscale restaurant. Perfect ambiance. A must not miss.

Absolutely incredible!! Cute little place, really nice on the inside. Went for dinner and was amazed with the food. Seriously some of the best seafood I've ever had! Would definitely come all the way back just for the grilled salmon, chocolate torte and partridge berry cake!!!

Wonderful experience. First class food and service. Highly recommend. As nice a meal as I've eaten at locations across North America. Would hesitate to return again.

Thumbs Way Up!. My husband and I are on our 2nd honeymoon and have visited many-several restaurants throughout several provinces along the way which brought us here to St. John's. Of course the best came last! <br/><br/>We were greeted promptly; our server took our drink orders immediately; and the specials were listed off for consideration at the start and detailed. <br/><br/>We ordered an appetizer to start, and each an entree. We were treated not only to a carmalized onion butter for fresh bread, but also a light tapa of Thai Lobster with vegetables. Elequent and flavourful. <br/><br/>Next, the appetizer of Seared Scallops with a roasted red pepper and eggplant relish, balsamic reduction and herb infused oil. <br/>So tender! The relish was an amazing condiment and the thickness and sweet/salt of the reduction was perfect. <br/><br/>Now we are treated to an intermezzo of strawberry sorbet with fresh mint to clense our palate. <br/><br/>And, the main course. <br/><br/>For me, one of the many features of the day...Halibut, with the Morrocan twist. Chickpeas, beans, red and yellow peppers and zucchini with lightly stewed strawberries and of course that kick of cumin, cinnamon and all things that make Morrocan meals amazing. <br/><br/>My husband, the Grilled Salmon with bourban, rosemary and maple bbq glaze with smoked fish and root vegetable hash. Absolutely devine! <br/><br/>To cap the night, decaf coffee with honey and cream (giving it a honey roasted bean flavour) and a double flourless chocolate torte with berry reduction and strawberry accent. <br/>Clearly housemade, rich, velvetly and mouthwatering.<br/><br/>Don't let outside appearances fool you. The two garage doors which open to the dining rooms both up and down are creative and fun. <br/><br/>The service we received was incredible. Clearly team driven and on par with all high end successful businesses including restaurants. <br/><br/>We come from Cowtown and clearly fell in love with this Rock for many different and wonderful reasons and if we are able to come back again, we will indeed visit the Saltwater. Our friends and family will know where to go when they visit also.<br/>Maybe we will all beg Saltwater to open in Calgary. <br/><br/>Compliments to the Chef and Staff. <br/><br/>Cheers!! <br/>Barbie D. Weppler

My wife and I plus another couple went to Saltwater while on vacation in St. John's. We were greeted promptly and seated on the second floor. We all shared a bowl of jalapeño and pineapple mussels which were quite spicy but very tasty. For main dishes two of us had the grilled halibut with fire roasted quinoa salad, one had the pan seared halibut with lobster, and the other person had two appetizers - scallops and calamari with aioli sauce. Both of the halibut dishes were spectacular and highly recommended. We would certainly recommend Saltwater for the cozy atmosphere, great service, and wonderful seafood.

Awesome. My husband and I last minute decided to go out for dinner and chose Saltwater. What a pleasant surprise, the scallops were fantastic, the cod tongues were cooked to perfection. The salmon entrée was delicious and my seafood risossito was perfect. I'm not a fan of mussels and the server gladly offered to add a few more scallops to the entrée. The service was great, no complaints ! Give it a try you won't be disappointed, in the fresh food, the lovely atmosphere and the great service.

Fresh plump melt in your mouth scallops. The seafood risotto had delicious fresh scallops, lobster, shrimp and mussels. The creme brulé's top caramel crunch was perfectly sweet with the smooth custard.

3 times Great. At first here in April with my wife - both of us commented on the freshness of the seafood and fish. Wine a bit pricey for the quality, but overall an excellent meal<br/>Returned in August twice, one for a business lunch, another time for dinner by myself. Friendly service, superb food, calm atmosphere - IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER.

Serving servers can be very tricky, and despite the long wait time on the food, the meal was delicious, fresh, and we all left with very full bellies. I can’t wait to see what opens in St. John’s next, and I am so excited to Explore.Eat.Repeat all the great places that are opening in our awesome city! Cheers!