I turned the corner from Prescott Street onto Water Street in the chill of a January night in St. John’s, it’s a lovely night for a brisk walk in the city of Legends. The air is sharp and alive with the salty tang of the North Atlantic ocean. Historic Water Street stretches out before me like a welcome mat, steeped in history and humming with energy. As the host of Adventures Unknown, an adventure travel television series, I often find myself on a quest for good dining. Not just for flavorful succulent food, but for stories, for moments, for places where the lines between a meal and an experience merge. My destination tonight is nestled in the heart of Water Street, in the oldest city in North America: the Adelaide Oyster House.
I had heard whispers about Adelaide: the energy, the buzz, the way it pulls you in and refuses to let go. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an electrified microcosm of flavor, culture, and energy. The kind of place that doesn’t just serve food—it creates a mood, an experience, a memory. The space itself is intimate, and the decor mirrors the vibe: eclectic, warm, and inviting. Neon signs glow softly against rustic wood, and string lights cast a golden hue over tables packed with diners who seem like they’ve been here forever, and may never leave. It’s fun. It’s hip. It’s the kind of atmosphere that begs you to shed your pretenses, order another round, and let the night take over. I take my seat and let the ambiance of the room wash over me: I was basking in Adelaide’s glow.
Donny Love at the Adelaide Oyster House, 334 Water St. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
No visit to Adelaide is complete without diving into their famous oysters, and I couldn’t wait to see what all the buzz was about. Their oyster beds boast the largest selection of oysters on the island, featuring varieties from Newfoundland, the Atlantic Provinces, and beyond. What stood out to me most was the attention to freshness and quality—this was Newfoundland’s bounty at its finest.
The anticipation: Oysters!
Gin and Cucumber Cocktail
When a restaurant has “Oyster House” in its name, you expect the oysters to deliver. At Adelaide, they don’t just deliver—they seduce. I started with the Shucker’s Dozen. The platter arrived like a gift, glistening under the lights. Each oyster, nestled in its shell, looked like it had been plucked from the sea moments ago. They were arranged on a bed of crushed ice, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges, a sharp mignonette, and a fiery house-made hot sauce that was unapologetically bold. The first oyster was a revelation. It tasted of the ocean—clean, briny, with a subtle sweetness that lingered just long enough to make me crave another. Paired with a crisp local beer, each bite felt like a celebration of Newfoundland.
Shuckers Dozen
The magic of Adelaide doesn’t stop at oysters. The menu is a passport to a world of flavors, each dish telling its own story. These aren’t just appetizers; they’re experiences, crafted with care and bursting with creativity. Adelaide’s menu invites you to explore, to share, to connect.
The Korean Fried Chicken is truly spectacular. Each piece was crispy, sticky, and coated in a glaze that walked the perfect line between sweet and spicy. It delivered the kind of flavor that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. The accompanying drizzle of aioli and side of house-made kimchi brought acidity and heat, cutting through the richness with finesse, elevating the dish even further.
Korean Fried Chicken
Tempura Shrimp
Then there was the Spicy Tuna Sticky Rice. Picture this: perfectly seared yellowfin tuna perched atop crispy rice squares, garnished with avocado, jalapeño, and fried nori. The sweet soy drizzle tied it all together in a symphony of textures and flavors—luxurious, playful, and utterly addictive. Another hit!
Spicy Tuna Sticky Rice
And then there’s the Mexican Street Corn Ribs! Imagine the beloved flavors of elote—smokey chili, creamy baja sauce, crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of tortilla crumbs—reimagined as juicy ribs. Messy? Absolutely. Worth it? Without question. Every bite felt like a party in itself, making this dish impossible to put down. Delicious!
Pork Dumplings
Tacos might not be the first thing you associate with Newfoundland, but Adelaide’s tacos could make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about tacos. Each taco is a standalone masterpiece, served individually to encourage exploration.
The Crispy Fish Taco was a nod to the island roots. Beer-battered cod was fried to golden perfection, then paired with smokey adobo sauce, creamy chipotle mayo, and a fresh slaw that added a satisfying crunch.
Crispy Fish Taco
No meal at Adelaide would be complete without a few of their incredible sides, so If you’re not in the mood to share (and trust me, I get it), Adelaide’s handhelds are here to save the day. These delightful handhelds are a study in comfort food done right.
The Gochu-Gang Chicken Sandwich was the ultimate comfort food. Think Korean-glazed chicken topped with crunchy slaw, tangy Kewpie mayo, and a quick-pickle that added just the right amount of bite. It was spicy, savory, and downright addictive.
On the side, I couldn’t resist the Truffle Frites, crispy house-cut fries tossed with truffle oil and served with a flavorful aioli. Meanwhile, the Garlic Chili Noodles offered a fiery, umami-packed punch, their shiitake mushrooms and scallions adding depth and complexity – another unexpected star!
The food might be the star at Adelaide, but the drinks are definitely a close second. The cocktail menu is as bold and inventive as the dishes, with options that range from classic to experimental. I started with a refreshing gin and cucumber concoction and ended the night with a smoky mezcal cocktail that paired beautifully with the richer dishes. Between the creative cocktails, the communal vibe, and the small but passionate staff, dining at Adelaide felt less like a meal and more like a Newfoundland Kitchen Party that I didn’t know I was invited to.
I just love Adelaide!
This isn’t a quiet, candlelit dinner spot—it’s a party. The music is upbeat, the staff is friendly, and the energy is contagious. Before I knew it, I was chatting with the tables next to me, swapping favorite dishes and drink recommendations. From the first briny slurp of their incredible oysters to the last sip of a perfectly crafted cocktail, every moment at Adelaide feels like a celebration. This place wraps you up in the kind of joyful chaos that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into something extraordinary. If food is love, Adelaide is the biggest bear hug you’ll ever get.
As I lingered over my last cocktail, someone at the next table invited me to a party on Gower Street. And how could I say no? Before I knew it, I was swept up into the heart of St. John’s nightlife. The music was pumping, the laughter was flowing, and I found myself surrounded by strangers who felt like old friends. Dancing, singing, and celebrating into the wee hours, I was reminded of what makes this city so special: it’s people and their boundless zest for life. Adelaide Oyster House had delivered me more than just a meal; it was the start of an adventure, a connection, a story I’d carry with me long after the night was over.
So, here’s my final thought: If you find yourself in St. John’s, head to the Adelaide Oyster House. Order the oysters. Try the tacos. Sip the cocktails. Let the night sweep you off your feet. And if you’re lucky, you might just end up on Gower Street, partying the night away in true St. John’s style.
Until our next meal together,
Donny Love
Adventures Unknown – The best stories are the ones you live yourself.
Donny Love is the star of the Adventures Unknown Television Series, host of The Donny Love Radio Show on OZFM, and a Newfoundlander who’s rarely standing still. He’s out exploring the world one adventure at a time — and writing about it honestly, so you know what’s worth doing and what’s not.
Note.
Adelaide changes up their menu to keep your taste buds poppin’, so some of these items may have been replaced by new tasty dishes that await your arrival.
