Top Scoff: Bonavista Social Club

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So, we’ve come to the end of August, and the days to enjoy the delights that summer brings are waning. But before it all gives way to pumpkin spice, there’s one thing you must do: visit the Bonavista Social Club.

I mentioned them when I wrote about Bonavista, but this restaurant deserves so much more than a couple of lines in someone else’s story. Heck, their sparkling rhubarb lemonade alone deserves all the awards, and maybe its own constellation. Maybe.

Finding The Bonavista Social Club

The restaurant is located on a tiny road in Upper Amherst Cove, just a few minutes from Bonavista. As soon as you get there, you’re greeted with lines of their home-grown produce, and sometimes their adorable little goats.

Everything you eat here is as fresh as it could possibly be. They grow and make as much of their own ingredients as physically possible, and it shows in everything they make.

The location is beautiful, albeit a bit small, so make reservations! Liam and I got there at our allotted time, and the place was packed. We were seated soon after arriving.

Once you’re settled at your table, one of the (super great) wait staff brings out bread baked freshly in their beautiful bread oven (the only one like it on the island!) paired with their house-churned butter, topped with sea salt and cracked pepper.

You should also buy one of their several fresh baked loaves of bread. They have a variety, but I’m a pretty big fan of their sourdough.

Then, order the sparkling rhubarb lemonade. You might think there are other options, but no. Get the lemonade, and think about how right I was as you sip it with a smile on your face.

The Menu

When it comes time to order your meal, don’t be overwhelmed. I promise the decision is as hard for the rest of us as it is for you. I will say that you can never go wrong with their pizza. Made to order and cooked in their fancy oven (a rare happening here in NL), their pizza is immaculate.

If you’re looking for something a little heartier, their moose burger – topped with spinach, bacon, and partridgeberry ketchup – is consistently rated the most delicious thing in the universe ever. (I may be paraphrasing.)

Okay, I know you’re feeling pretty full. But trust me, you’re gonna wanna get dessert. When we were there last, Liam and I had partridgeberry bread pudding with homemade vanilla ice cream and topped with caramel made with honey from their own bees. From their own bees, guys! It does NOT get any more “from scratch” than that.

The Bonavista Social Club is a gem with an amazing view. People plan entire trips around eating here, and it’s no surprise that they’re one of the top restaurants in Newfoundland.

And if you’re lucky, while you’re there you might even make a new friend!

So make sure you get yourself to the Bonavista Social Club before they close up for another delicious season!