Grates Cove Studios - BURNT POINT BDV

You have to know this is a restaurant. I thought it was an art gallery. One owner is from Newfoundland and the other is from Louisiana. They met in Korea teachi... read more You have to know this is a restaurant. I thought it was an art gallery. One owner is from Newfoundland and the other is from Louisiana. They met in Korea teaching English. Their menu includes items from each heritage. The food was excellent and presented well. I had a seafood Cajun dish and seared scallops. Everything was prepared fresh. Great atmosphere. I read the Newfie Dictionary while waiting for the food. Fun experience.

We stopped in this very unique spot for lunch. The menu was verbally explained to us which was top notch service. The food was one of a kind and very delicious.... read more We stopped in this very unique spot for lunch. The menu was verbally explained to us which was top notch service. The food was one of a kind and very delicious. It is a remote location, so the meal was pricier. It was definitely worth the trip.

We decided to take the long way around from St. John's to Bonavista. I don't know that we would have been brave enough to go all the way to Grates Cove if we ha... read more We decided to take the long way around from St. John's to Bonavista. I don't know that we would have been brave enough to go all the way to Grates Cove if we had not seen multiple ads and book mentions for the Grates Cove Studio and Restaurant. On a drive like that, a guarantee of food options is critical. Rural Newfie is tough. The drive up there was so amazing, especially when you get off the main road and onto the spur that goes to the cove. After we looked around a bit and felt the wind kick in, we were glad to know the Studios were there to be a harbor. Being early in the season, we were the only visitors there and got to have a lovely chat with the owners. My partner has actually been to her hometown--also very small--and we enjoyed hearing how she got from a hot small town to a "cooler" and smaller town. All this was the prelude to the FABULOUS gumbo we both had. Who knew cod could go in gumbo. The secret to good gumbo or course is the file and seasonings, and this was as authentic as it gets. We both drained our bowls of gumbo, wolfed down the bread, and finished one bowl of yummy dixie slaw that we shared. After some final chats with the chefs, we were on our way--but we are still talking about that gumbo weeks later!

We initially overlooked Open Studio when searching for restaurants to try during our travels, but we are thankful we gave it a second look. This restaurant in G... read more We initially overlooked Open Studio when searching for restaurants to try during our travels, but we are thankful we gave it a second look. This restaurant in Grates Cove impressed us in every way. The blend of the owners' Louisiana and Newfoundland backgrounds resulted in tasty and unique dishes. The menu may be short, but each item is innovative. We savored the Seafood Étouffée, a generous bowl filled with shrimp, cod, and scallops in a flavorful broth over rice, topped with snow crab. The Dirty Rice, a combination of ground pork and rice with breaded and fried cod, was also a hit. Dining with a stunning bay view and chatting with the owners about the area added to the special experience. Open Studio is a culinary gem that is definitely worth a visit, especially since they also offer vacation homes in Grates Cove.

The food at this restaurant was fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised by the gourmet dishes and delicious meal. The property also has 2 cottages available for r... read more The food at this restaurant was fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised by the gourmet dishes and delicious meal. The property also has 2 cottages available for rent, which I would love to stay in.