St. John's restaurant in 18th-century Irish fishing cottage serving Newfoundland ingredients with contemporary technique. Cozy atmosphere and seasonal menu.
Mallard Cottage in the Quidi Vidi Village district of St. John's, Newfoundland occupies one of the oldest surviving residential structures in the province, an 18th-century Irish fishing cottage with low ceilings, stone walls, and the kind of authenticity that cannot be constructed. Chef Todd Perrin has used this extraordinary setting to build one of Newfoundland's most celebrated dining experiences, a kitchen that draws deeply on the province's unique culinary identity — cod tongues, seal flipper pie, moose tenderloin, bakeapples, and locally foraged greens — while applying contemporary technique that makes the ingredients shine without obscuring their origins. The Sunday brunch at Mallard Cottage has become one of the most beloved weekly rituals in St. John's, featuring traditional Newfoundland breakfast items alongside the kitchen's more inventive creations. The setting on Quidi Vidi Lake, with the historic fishing village as backdrop, amplifies the sense of place that runs through every dish. Reservations are recommended for dinner; the Sunday brunch draws significant crowds and books quickly.
Signature dishes
- Cod Tongues — $18
- Moose Tenderloin — $34
Good to know
- Hours
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sunday
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
8 Barrows Rd, St. John's, NL A1A 5V9
47.5724, -52.6802 View on map
Highlights
- Set in one of Newfoundland's oldest surviving Irish fishing cottages — an 18th-century heritage building
- Chef Todd Perrin's Newfoundland-rooted menu: cod tongues, moose tenderloin, bakeapples, and foraged greens
- Sunday brunch is one of St. John's most beloved weekly dining rituals
- Quidi Vidi Village location alongside the lake provides an extraordinary sense of place
- Contemporary technique applied to Newfoundland's traditional culinary identity
Tips for visiting
- Sunday brunch reservations are essential — book at least a week in advance for the most popular time slot
- The cod tongues are the most distinctively Newfoundland dish on the menu and worth ordering as an introduction
- The heritage cottage setting means low ceilings and a warm, intimate atmosphere — embrace the cosiness
- Quidi Vidi Village itself is worth 30 minutes of exploration before or after the meal
- Dinner service runs Wednesday to Sunday — confirm days of operation when booking
Accessibility
Mallard Cottage is an 18th-century heritage building with the associated characteristics of low ceilings, uneven floors, and narrow doorways. Full wheelchair accessibility is not achievable in the historic structure. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant in advance to discuss options.
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Frequently asked questions
How old is the building that houses Mallard Cottage?
The cottage is one of the oldest surviving residential structures in Newfoundland, dating to the 18th century. It is a protected heritage property in the historic Quidi Vidi fishing village.
What type of food does Mallard Cottage serve?
Newfoundland cuisine with contemporary technique — cod tongues, moose tenderloin, seal flipper pie, bakeapples, and foraged ingredients from the province's wild landscape.
What is Quidi Vidi Village?
Quidi Vidi is one of St. John's oldest fishing villages, located a short drive from downtown on the edge of Quidi Vidi Lake. It retains historic fishing stages and is one of the most characterful corners of the city.
Is Sunday brunch available at Mallard Cottage?
Yes, and it is extremely popular. The Sunday brunch is considered one of the best in St. John's. Reservations are strongly recommended and should be made well in advance.
How far is Mallard Cottage from downtown St. John's?
The restaurant is approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown St. John's in the Quidi Vidi Village area. Taxis and rideshare services are the most practical transport option.