Nanny's Root Seller — Review by Luke Martin
Elliston, Canada — Newfoundland traditional
The reviewer visited Nanny's Root Seller, a charming restaurant located in an old church in Elliston, Newfoundland, and ordered the cod tongue dinner. They praised the unique atmosphere, authentic Newfoundland dishes, and the delicious preparation of traditional ingredients like cod tongues and root vegetables stored in the historic root cellar.
What was great: Cool atmosphere in an old church, friendly staff, authentic Newfoundland cuisine, flavorful cod tongues with tartar sauce, sweet root vegetables, thick gravy, wild baked apple jam with 150-year-old recipe
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The main course was the cod tongue dinner, a traditional Newfoundland specialty featuring cod tongues cut from beneath the chin of the fish. These tender, fatty cuts were fried until crispy and served with classic root vegetables including potatoes, carrots, and parsnip. The cod tongues were exceptionally buttery and rich, described as the most fatty cut of fish available. They arrived with tartar sauce for dipping and were accompanied by a thick, rich gravy that enhanced the meal. The reviewer also noted the presence of scrunchins, which are small fried pieces of pork lard sprinkled over the cod tongue, adding a salty, crispy element to the dish. The root vegetables, kept in the restaurant's root cellar throughout the year, had a notably sweet flavor from proper storage.
The Experience
Nanny's Root Seller operates in a converted old church, creating a uniquely charming and authentic dining atmosphere. The staff were described as friendly, genuine Newfoundland locals who created a warm welcome. The restaurant is famous for serving traditional jigs dinner on Sundays only, with availability extremely limited as they often sell out by 3 p.m. The setting itself is a major highlight, offering diners the experience of eating classic Newfoundland cuisine in a historically significant building.
Value and Pricing
No specific pricing information was mentioned in the transcript, though the establishment appeared to offer good value for authentic traditional Newfoundland fare prepared with quality ingredients.
Notable Moments
So cool to sit in this old church.
The reviewer was particularly impressed by the restaurant's location and the ability to experience traditional cooking in such an historic setting. They also purchased wild baked apple jam with a 150-year-old recipe as a souvenir, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to preserving Newfoundland culinary traditions.
The Verdict
Nanny's Root Seller is highly recommended for anyone visiting Elliston or Newfoundland who wants to experience authentic local cuisine in a memorable setting. The restaurant is best suited for travelers interested in traditional Newfoundland food, cultural experiences, and those lucky enough to visit on a Sunday for the famous jigs dinner. The combination of delicious, properly prepared traditional dishes and the charming church atmosphere makes this a must-visit destination in the root cellar capital of the world.