I'm no stranger to a Newfoundland fish cake, a delicacy of salted cod held together with mashed potatoes and onion, fried to a golden brown. Growing up on the south coast in Bay D’Espoir, I regularly saw this dish on the dinner table.

And so after hearing my friend Katie rave about the fish cakes at The Ship Pub, I just had to try them. Could they even compare to the fish dishes of my youth?

Silly me, I hadn't even realized The Ship Pub served food. The pub is a popular music venue with a dedicated group of regulars and a laid-back, mellowed atmosphere. I've spent many a night here with a cold beer enjoying some local bands.

But in the daytime, the place transforms into a similarly chilled out restaurant where people flock for great traditional meals, especially pan-fried cod and fish and chips.

Real Newfoundland Cuisine

I located the fish cakes on the menu immediately. They're made with salt cod combined with turkey dressing—pure savoury from the local Mount Scio Farm, real butter, onions, and potatoes. For $10, the fish cakes are served with your choice of salad or fries.

The whole thing screams Newfoundland cuisine: salty, fried and slightly heart-attack-inducing, but with a delicious emphasis on seafood. I believe it's the turkey stuffing that makes all the difference.

That's right—the traditional bread/potato mixture isn't just for your Thanksgiving bird. Here in Newfoundland, we can't resist adding it to everything, including poutine. Having beloved stuffing mixed into the tried-and-true cod mixture just feels right.

The cakes arrived in a pair, coupled with salad. I was impressed by their sheer size, like giant pancakes rather than the small dollops most restaurants serve. Just one bite was all it took, I high-fived Katie and praised her for her excellent recommendation.

The fish was fresh, and the cake was perfectly cooked. According to Katie, who’s a dedicated regular, people frequent the pub specifically for this meal.

Inside the Pub

The pub itself is a lovely, uncrowded place to come with a friend or two. Its decor and interior are modest, and the tables don't have tablecloths, but that's exactly how the locals like it: simple, with a focus on good food. The door opens at noon daily, with breakfasts served on the weekends.

The service was also quick and friendly, despite the waiter having to man both the tables and the bar.

Since the place is a pub, I highly suggest ordering a pint of beer with your meal. Try Molson’s India, only brewed in Newfoundland, or a beer from local Quidi Vidi Brewing Company.

I hear The Ship makes a killer breakfast burrito. I'll try that one next.