Basho Restaurant & Lounge
A sophisticated St. John's spot for Japanese fusion, renowned for its exceptional steaks and creative sushi creations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Basho Restaurant & Lounge
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sophisticated St. John's spot for Japanese fusion, renowned for its exceptional steaks and creative sushi creations.
"The food is amazing, blending Japanese and Western flavors into a wow experience!"
Make Reservations
Consider booking in advance, as walk-in availability can be unpredictable.
Celebrate Special Occasions
Staff are happy to provide great recommendations for birthdays or other celebrations.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Fusion
Price
$$$
Phone
+1 709-576-4600
Address
283 Duckworth St, St. John's, NL A1C 1H3, Canada
Website
bashorestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Best Steak in Town
Indulge in the exceptional Dry Aged Striploin with Prosciutto cream, hailed as one of the best steaks in St. John's.
Japanese Fusion Delights
Experience a unique blend of Japanese and Western flavors, from expertly crafted sushi to innovative main courses.
Vibrant Ambiance
Enjoy a sophisticated dining atmosphere, perfect for special occasions and a night out with friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Consider booking in advance, as walk-in availability can be unpredictable.
Celebrate Special Occasions
Staff are happy to provide great recommendations for birthdays or other celebrations.
Focus on the Food
While service can vary, the exceptional quality of the food is consistently praised.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Consider booking in advance, as walk-in availability can be unpredictable.
Celebrate Special Occasions
Staff are happy to provide great recommendations for birthdays or other celebrations.
Focus on the Food
While service can vary, the exceptional quality of the food is consistently praised.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Basho Restaurant & Lounge is praised for its exceptional Japanese fusion cuisine, particularly its steaks and sushi rolls, offering a sophisticated dining experience. However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in service professionalism and occasional issues with menu presentation and value for money. Despite these drawbacks, the high quality of the food often makes it a memorable culinary destination.
"The food was really good but it's on the expensive side. The overall experience is wonderful. We loved the drinks and fusion in between Japanese and western is just wow. Definitely will visit again"
Sadmani Huq
"Not sure why the reviews are so high here because our dinner was absolutely terrible. For starters, what kind of fine dining restaurant uses a QR code for their menu? We were served watery martinis with ice cubes floating in them and a random shot glass of weak miso soup and burnt sweet potatoes to start. Next, we shared a plate of sushi which was decent - but not worth the price. For our main, we ordered the filet mignon and what we were served was a beautiful filet mignon with a disgusting wad of cream sauce!! There was no sake in it, it tasted sweet and putrid. It completely ruined the meat. To top it off, we had about about pound each of broccolini on our plates for some reason - no one could possibly eat that much and it was such a waste. And then we had random rice balls and a cold sweet potato croquette on that plate.
Honestly, I would not recommend this place. There are plenty of better restaurants that you can go drop $250 on and this isn't one of them."
Jessica Penton
"Great recommendations by the staff, food was amazing! I feel the interior could get a lifting to match the quality of the food! But overall still a great experience!"
Chris Dumas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be difficult to secure a reservation, and walk-in availability can be unpredictable. Planning ahead is recommended.
The Dry Aged Striploin with Prosciutto cream is a standout, as are the fresh sushi rolls and other Japanese fusion dishes.
Yes, the restaurant is recommended for special occasions and birthdays, with staff offering excellent recommendations.
Basho offers a sophisticated and vibrant dining atmosphere, making it a great spot for a night out.
Yes, Basho is listed as one of the best gluten-free Asian restaurants in St. John's.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
GABBY PEYTON: From noodles to steak, a critic’s pick of the 10 best restaurant dishes in St. John’s in 2022
I reviewed Basho Restaurant & Lounge in May after its triumphant reopening and was relieved to find almost nothing had changed — the steak is still one of the best in the city. For more than eight months, I mourned the potential loss of this great sushi institution and was more than happy to devour a pile of nigiri before my Dry Aged Striploin with Prosciutto cream arrived at the table, with its necessary half salad, half truffle fries accompaniments. There are several steak options at Basho, like this striploin with prosciutto cream.
GABBY PEYTON: From noodles to steak, a critic’s pick of the 10 best restaurant dishes in St. John’s in 2022
Where I Eat: The Best Restaurants in St. John’s, Newfoundland 
Chef Tak Ishiwata opened Basho after learning some tricks from NYC’s Nobu and has been serving up some of the best maki rolls and sushi in St. John’s — in addition to the best steak frites— for more than a decade. What I always order: The Prosciutto and Melon Sushi Roll with parmesan, balsamic and basil infusion (sounds odd I know, but trust me)
The 5 Best Gluten-Free Asian Restaurants in St. John's
Had seafood & vegetable tempura, seasonal nigiri & sushi assortment, Spanish wine and blueberry mojito at Basho. Everything was quite nice, particularly nigiri and the blueberry mojito. Their sushi rolls were good but I have had better at another restaurant in the Avalon area.
Food as art and entertainment makes St. John's, N.L., a dining destination
The Duke of Duckworth in St. John's, best known for its fish and chips and its recurring role on the hit CBC-TV show Republic of Doyle, was ranked 10th on this year's Vacay.ca list of Canada's top 50 restaurants.
Discovering Canada's Best Local Sweet Treats and Desserts
In Toronto, Basho offers a unique experience with Japanese baked goods that will leave you asking for more. The intimate family-run café is warm and inviting, with an Instagram-worthy ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit