The Best Restaurant in Canada Is...

For the third straight year, Vacay.ca has published the top 50 restaurants in Canada Dining Guide, and the fresh seafood and local goods from Newfoundland have landed ‘Raymonds’ in St. John’s the number one spot.

Photo Credit: Raymonds

Friends Jeremy Charles and Jeremy Bonia opened Raymonds in a historic building overlooking the breathtaking harbour in St. John’s and since opening the doors, their food fantasy of world-class cuisine in their provincial capital has become a reality. Their restaurant has been named the best in Canada by a list of judges comprised of many of the country’s finest Chefs.

The two Jeremys began the multi-month renovation process five years ago, turning an old building into the majestic, close-to-home fine dining experience that Raymonds- named after both of their fathers- provides for diners. The restaurant has become a landmark not only for the town, but for the economic success that the province has observed over the past five years.

Photo Credit: Raymonds

With the unemployment rate in Newfoundland dropping steadily since the two men began construction, a fine dining restaurant is just what the doctor ordered for taxpayers to reward themselves for a job well done. What better way to celebrate in Newfoundland, than with a perfectly pan-seared fresh cod filet, with corn puree, cabbage and braised pork, straight from the heart of Executive Chef Jeremy Charles.

If a country’s historic landmark is to be turned into a unique dining experience in a city as beautiful as St. John’s, it might as well be the best Canada has to offer.

Photo Credit: Raymonds

There were 54 voters who determined the rankings, and to be fair, none of the judges were allowed to vote for restaurants which they own or are employed by. None of the Okanagan restaurants made the list, but there were several from Vancouver that were voted as some of the best. A full list of restaurants and judges can be found on the vacay.ca website.