St. John's Fish Exchange

Fresh Fish, Live Lobster & Creative cocktails.

Our Story

When the pillars of this building were being laid, they bored through earth and rock before they hit the very wharves that set the stage for a global fish exchange. Wooden wharves dating from before the Great Fire that decimated the city in 1892, wood so waterlogged and tough that the drills bounced off it.

From this stage Edwin Duder built a fleet of 100 ships fishing the local waters and carrying salt fish to the West Indies, Brazil, Great Britain and continental Europe. In all, Duder shipped 4,500 tons from 1840 to 1889. After a slow decline, the Newfoundland Bank Crash of 1894 (Black Monday) resulted in the final collapse of the Duder empire. Not long after, the premises were purchased by an enterprising family out of Brigus when Sir John Crosbie founded Crosbie and Co.

Once again, a fishing empire was built on these premises, as Crosbie bought fish from around the island and sold it across the world. In 1937, a bespectacled young socialist named Joey Smallwood was invited by John’s son Ches to set up an office on the premises to begin writing the Book of Newfoundland. Little did they know that in just a few years (1946 -1949) Ches Crosbie would take on Joey in his campaign for Confederation with Canada.

Here at the St. Johns Fish Exchange, we recognize the importance of looking back while moving forward, and we dedicate this restaurant to the hard-working, enterprising men and women of this great province, especially those who risked their life daily on the open seas to provide for their families.

Promos

  • Happy HourEvery Weekday in our Bar, 4:30 to 6:30: $5 beer and high balls & $9 signature cocktails

Events & Private Dining

If you're hosting a private event, make it a truly unforgettable experience at the spectacular St. John's Fish Exchange.

  • Our private dining arrangements can be configured for any size group, from small to large, and any occasion, whether business or pleasure.
    • From 12-14 in our private dining room;
    • Up to 40 in our Twine Loft Mezzanine area;
    • We can seat 147 in our entire restaurant;
    • Or up to 200 for a cocktail-style reception.
  • Private dining rooms is available for luncheons, afternoon or evening events seven days a week
  • We offer a range of pre-set menu and drink options to accommodate varying budgets and tastes. Or you can work with our Hosts to create your own unique pairing.
  • SJFX’s hosts are experts at customizing each event to fit your individual needs.
Contact SJFX

Contact

351 Water Street, St. John's, NL