Review Chinched - St. John's

We walked past this restaurant so many times on our way downtown but never stopped in until it was recommended to us as one of the better restaurants in St. John’s. We are very glad we came! The ambiance upstairs is nice enough, but we eventually moved downstairs and ate at the bar which we enjoyed much better. The staff was very friendly, and the food and cocktails we had were fantastic. We started with a charcuterie board, which is one of their specialties (they also seemed to have a storefront that sold meats). We then had some curried fish cakes which were excellent and spent the rest of the evening sipping cocktails and nibbling on fried pig ears in buffalo sauce (don’t let the name scare you, these are FANTASTIC). Highly recommended and should be a priority for any trip to St. John’s

We got a reservation here on a whim and were pleasantly surprised with the food and cozy atmosphere. The charcuterie board is a must get and they even have a small storefront inside which sells the meats and cheeses individually. I did find the cod too be on the saltier side, though.

Our best meal while visiting St John's for the weekend. The Grilled meat board for sharing was exceptional, as was the goat cheese dip. Definitely one of the better restaurants in the city, especially for pork.

Absolutely perfect experience. John was an exemplary host who could teach a master class in serving. The charcuterie board for two was amazing and the oysters were beyond fresh. Can't say enough good things about Clinched. Pork, pork, pork for the win baby. Oink 🐷

Food has always been good, and I gave it a 5-star rating 4 years ago. However, I am back to change it to a 4-star rating now because I feel really hurt. I have celebrated my birthday three times here in the past, but this year, I am extremely disappointed. We made a reservation a week before my birthday, but when we arrived on time, the waitress informed us that they were 'busy' and seated me at a table facing the washroom. I politely requested a different seat for my birthday, but she refused to accommodate my request, not even pretending to do so. Throughout the meal, the washroom door remained open, which was highly unpleasant. Furthermore, the waitress used an uncomfortable tone while reiterating how busy they were and insisted that we finish the meal within 1.5 hours, even though we had just sat down. After placing our food order, she did not bother to check on us or inquire about the quality of the food. When she changed the water bottle, it was done hastily and with a hint of rudeness. Her fingers even touched the inside of the bottle, yet she said nothing and left it on our table. When we finished our main dishes, only one dessert arrived instead of the two we had ordered. Not wanting my partner to witness me eating the cake alone, we had to wait for someone else to check the table and inform them of our missing order. Despite the disappointing experience, we still tipped 18% for the meal. However, this birthday experience has left me deeply hurt in numerous ways. I used to love Chinched, which is why I celebrated my own and my parents' birthdays here in the past. Unfortunately, I will never go to Chinched again.

Great food, friendly staff, nice ambiance. We had candied walnuts, the boards (combo), grilled charcuterie platter, herb roasted beets, and cheesecake as the final touch. All were excellent. The charcuterie for both the boards and the grilled platter were outstanding. The selections of cheese fit my taste buds very well. Just love the place. There were parking spots but unlikely to handle all the guests. Fortunately we went on a Saturday and street parking spots were not too hard to find. The front entrance has several steps. Wheelchair customers'd better check if there is another entrance.

Our experience at Chinched was absolutely delicious. We shared a small charcuterie and cheese board (had a pancetta, summer sausage, aged cheddar and brie) - the meats were so flavourful, the apricot compote was a great addition, and the spiced nuts were good on their own or with the meat and cheese. We also had the cod dish and the roasted cabbage caesar based on the recommendation from our server Ivan. Not a crumb left. Highly recommend - great service and great food!

The food was great, delicious and fresh. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. We had Potato wrapped Cod, special item Duck,pig eras and Oysters and all were great. Highly recommend.

The dill pork ears are seriously good! Also, I cannot attest others experience but the waiter is super super nice. One of my friends forget the stuff and one of the waiter chased us to ask if we lost our staff. Going well and beyond the service and didn’t accept any appreciation tip at the end. Will come back if I had the chance.

Ouuuu baby was this restaurant good! We got the Lamb chop, cavatelli with mussels and cod dumplings, all of which were fantastic. The dumplings might have been the best $18 I’ve ever spent. The cheesecake for dinner was solid. Ambiance was great and the service was top notch. I’ll be back if I’m ever in the city.

Excellent food, excellent service, excellent atmosphere. I ate the pan fried cod and it was amazing. I’ve had an incredible amount of fish living in Newfoundland and this has been one of the best. Very flaky and just the right amount of salt. I would recommend this restaurant to ANYONE. Such a great variety of different plates, so there are options for everyone. Charcuterie board was also fantastic. The cheese was AMAZING. I believe that the one I enjoyed the most was the five brothers? (Don’t quote me on that! It definitely has the word five in it) Regardless, great cheese, great meat, great food. All around fantastic. Thanks for the great meal and service!

Great restaurant in St John’s, unique menu, fresh local foods. Oyster were super fresh, fun way to eat pig ears and the Cod was delicious. Cheese and meat board was well made. Adequate service, though no very personal, we still felt taken care of. Definitely recommend this place.

Great refined dining in the heart of St. John's. Chinched bistro's staff is friendly and personable, which made the entire experience that much refined. Prices are high when compared to other restaurants in the area, but the food is worth a visit for a special occasion. The mussels and fried seafood are great starter options. Entrées are also well executed, but note that side dishes so not come with the mains anymore. Sides are to be ordered separately, but can be shared. I would recommend a stop here for some really top notch food that's inspired by Newfoundland tradition and ingredients.

Absolutely an amazing restaurant that we stumbled upon during our trip to St. Johns. The food was the best we had during our trip - the Bao and Potato Wrapped Cod earned them 5 stars in its self. Our server was one of the best I've ever had, he was so personable and attentive - he even provided us with a list of other restaurants to checkout while we were in the area. We will be returning to St.Johns specifically to enjoy another meal at Chinched.

Really nice place! The service was great and the food was tasty. It was the best restaurant that I've tried during my trip.

Amazing food and service. Had the curry fish cakes and a cheese plate, which were both incredible. Cocktails were also some of the best I've had! Would recommend for anyone visiting newfoundland looking for great food, atmosphere and service.

Had an excellent time at Chinched. We ordered the crispy pig ears, the mushroom oyster pizza, some oysters, the cheese board, and a few drinks. The food was excellent, the pig ears were the only thing we were not impressed by. The server was very friendly and made good suggestions. Easy to book a reservation online which is great as many other restaurants had long waits. Good plates to share, would recommend!

Our first stop and food in Newfoundland and it did not disappoint. Danny was the best bartender and made us feel welcome and excited for the rest of our trip. Cool atmosphere and even tried pig ears which are a must try🤍

Newish hip location, same great food creations rolling off the line. Went for the Happy Hour deal, which is amazing. House red, Charcuet combo board, pigs ears fries (a fav, buffalo flavouring), charred cauliflower, house made tater tots and some sausage and country pate for home. Everything was prompt, delicious, well explained and well worth the money. As a bonus, the soundtrack had the right vibe and the the deli case to shop in with some of the brightest and best artisan goods the Island has to offer right now. Overall great experience, excellent value and a time well worth repeating. If only there was a deck?! :-)

I didn't want to rate Chinched as less than average because the food is much better than that. However, my experience with the service left a sour taste in my mouth. For an appetizer we had the charcuterie, and for entrees the lobster cavatelli & the sesame duck. For drinks and desserts, the bakeapple whiskey sour, the sundae & the pavlova. Everything was delicious, wonderful quality and presentation. My only qualms with the food were that the cavatelli was quite lemon-y, which was not mentioned on the menu and overpowered the dish, in my opinion. I was told the bakeapple sour was a new cocktail they were trying out, but they should definitely make it a permanent fixture because it is amazing. Our server was attentive, charming & informative. Now for my main issue. As we were paying the cheque, which I would think would be enough of an indication that we were leaving, a woman who I can only assume is one of the owners (we hadn't seen her at all til this point) informed us that there were some very hungry people waiting for our table, hinting that she would appreciate if we could leave asap. What purpose does this serve other than to let us know that we had kept other people waiting? We were paying the cheque, what did she expect us to do, just sit there having a chat? It was unnecessary and kinda makes me hesitate about ever going back.

Hands down, the best restaurant in the city. Shawn isn’t a chef, he’s an artist and the food that comes out of the kitchen is nothing less than art and love. It’s familiar, and elevated and so perfectly balanced. The food is exquisite, the cocktails are inventive and always delicious, and the service is comfortable, friendly and feels like you’re visiting family. My favourite place to visit, I would (and do) pick this restaurant over every other , and we have some pretty spectacular restaurants in this town.

No question our favourite restaurant in St. John’s. Food is always on point, staff are friendly and aim to please. Shaun and Michelle are always there and their hard work and dedication shows. This is hands down the best restaurant in St. John’s!

Excellence in food, service and beverage always served in an unpretentious style and inviting decor. And again, a ringing top ten eatery choice by food critic Karl Wells. Well done and well deserved!

WOW! amazing sandwiches served up lunchtime. Quality ingredients, great portion sizes. Easily best sandwiches on the rock!

Pigs Ears were deeeeelish. Grilled squid, phenomenal! Service was top notch. Not as cozy as old location but still highly recommend. Keep up the great work ya'll!

The food and service are always on point. The combo board never disappoints, and the pasta is delicious! Definitely our favorite local spot. Keep doing what you're doing!

Chinched offers an amazing vibe from the culinary sensations to the awesome vibe and great service. A top restaurant in St. John's. Chinched is spot on in every way a restaurant should be!

First time dropping in for lunch I can’t say enough good about Chinched fantastic service & food second to none. I highly recommended you try one of their sandwiches you won’t be disappointed.

One of my favourite restaurants in town. Unique menu, excellent deli and never disappoints.

Great food as always...those pig ear fries are beyond...and who knew cauliflower could be that good!! I was in Halifax for 3 months and never came by a resto as consistently good as you folks :) And great new location!

Always a phenomenal experience- the staff are beyond kind and knowledgeable- the quality of the unique food/alcohol is killer; purely authentic, not just 'trendy'.

Never disappointed when we visit Chinched! Amazing food, amazing service, and even an epic sing along playlist last night! Great Happy Hour options �

Just finished by far the most amazing meal I've ever eat. Went out for 'snacks' at happy hour. If I died tonight I'd be dying happy. Shaun, thanks to you and your crew!!

Myself and a friend went in for the charcuterie plate and wine. Was absolutely fabulous with all house made meats and beautiful cheeses. Our server and the owner were both great , and I will deffinatly be back again. :)