Red Oak

By far the most overrated, disappointing dining experience I had in Newfoundland - bad service and underwhelming food. I wish I had read some of the more critical, no hype reviews before coming here. Let’s start with the food. I ordered the fish stew. Although it was supposed to come with mussels and garlic bread, it came without either, with cold white bread in place of the garlic bread. The server took it back to the kitchen. The replacement stew was alright, but I found the use of frozen imported seafood hello, shrimp! instead of fresh local seafood to be pretty disappointing, not to mention that I also found the portion to be less than it should, especially for $26. But the worst part was the service. For one - and it’s not the restaurant’s fault - you should be prepared to wait at least 20 min to be seated on weekends, because it’s apparently popular for the views more on that below. Worse though was the long wait I had before anyone came to my table to offer me water or to take my order. At any given time you can see up to 5 wait staff behind the bar, some engaged but others not. When finally seen, I asked the tall server if I could have a glass of water without ice, which demonstrably put her out, as judged from her unfriendly and curt responses perhaps the underwhelming meal that I was served was in some way connected to this service?. I then felt uncomfortable to be there. The male server with the shaved head was professional and considerate throughout and offered to serve me a drink on the house because of everything I described above, which I declined because I don’t drink. When the first tall server brought my bill, I therefore expected to see a small correction, but instead I was charged the full amount. I raised this with the male server who said that there should have been a correction and that there had been some mistake. He offered me a token refund, which I sincerely appreciated all things considered. I have no clue why this place is as popular as it is. Many people suggest to come here for the views. Hot tip: you don’t need to dine here to walk to the viewing platform adjacent to the restaurant that has better views than what you can see at your table anyway. In fact I found the dining area to be poorly lit and dark. I don’t enjoy being negative, especially in a place I enjoy as much as I enjoy St. John’s, but I would strongly urge anyone thinking of dining here to consider the many other great establishments in the city before coming here.

Had the fish cakes and some tea, and I gotta say I was really impressed with the garden salad. Very refreshing. The cakes were good too of course. Prompt and friendly service.Food: 5/5

The root cellar salad was probably the best dish I've had my whole visit. Cod cakes were really nice in the salad it came with. Service and view were absolutely lovely.Food: 5/5

A very nice lunch at The Rooms Café. The Warm Root Cellar Salad was excellent and exceeded my expectations. With a fantastic view of St. John's, the Narrows and Signal Hill and a good menu selection, it's worth checking out.

YOU HAVE TO GO. That's what some reviews said so I tried it not really knowing what they were serving. I went for breakfast and I was in Awe. It was DELICIOUS! I had the french toast which is the best I've ever eaten. It was filled with a brown sugar cream cheese, served with a few fresh rasperries, real maple syrup and home-made whip cream. Listen, you have to go. My boyfriend had the salmon sandwich with the chowder on the side and OMG it was perfect. It's not even expensive, the price range is really good! You don't have to visit the museum if you don't want to. You can just eat there. Also, the view from the restaurant is stunning.

Location and view is the real deal, I like the tea time they offer. Its definitely a unique experience, highly recommend if you like to try new things. Regarding food, taste is good at the bottom tray and reduces as you go up. Some of the selection changes with time. I didn’t personally like the sweets they offered top tray. I think there is room for improvement since sweets is an important element of the tea function.

Can only speak to the French toast, I’ve had I a couple times and it always hits the spot, amazing, worth the price, views are some of the best jn city, kid friendly,Food: 4/5

A pleasant surprise tucked into the corner of the 4th floor of The Rooms museum. It's not your run of the mill museum coffee shop... This is a bonafide restaurant offering freshly prepared dishes. There are specials of which the friendly staff will inform you when you get to your seat. The seafood chowder is packed with actual seafood, and the cod cakes are crunchy on the out and filled with cod on the inside. The only downside is that the price point is quite high... Even factoring in the quality of the dishes. Nonetheless it's a good treat to round out a museum day.

Fantastic food and presentation. Great homemade soup followed by salted beef and fresh veggies in a Yorkshire pudding... wow. Very friendly staff.

Food was alright, service was excellent. A nice view if you're sat by the window.Food: 3/5

Directions to Red Oak with public transportation

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