Portage

Portage, nestled in historic downtown St. John’s, Canada, offers a casual and convivial vibe with its bright open kitchen, large street-facing windows, Kelly green tiles, and simple wooden tables. Chefs Ross Larkin and Celeste Mah deliver elevated Newfoundland Canadiana cuisine infused with global flavors, particularly from Asian heritage, in a welcoming space free of pretension.

The menu features family-style dishes designed for sharing among 2-4 people, such as steamed halibut scented with spruce tips, ginger, and scallions in a soy-Shaoxing wine sauce, or pork dumplings with sweet soy and chili crisp. Local vegetables shine through clever enhancements like rutabaga with curry, preserved lemons, and dukkah. Desserts reflect the chefs’ roots, including mango pudding with cardamom milk and wild bakeapples. An eclectic wine list from around the world pairs with local beers and ciders. Highlights include walk-in bar and Chef’s Table seating, plus in-person gift card purchases, making Portage a soulful culinary gem.