Hey, Harper! Where Should We Eat in NS This Summer? Any Ideas?
- Harper badry-tricebock
- Jun 28
- 5 min read
Why, yes. Yes, I do have ideas.
First time in Nova Scotia (or getting out and about)? Travel blogger Sarah from East Coast Mermaid has an excellent guide for first-time travelers to Maritime travel planning. From world-class fine dining establishments that rival any major city to beloved local joints serving up maritime comfort food, Nova Scotia offers extraordinary food experiences at every level. Whether you're planning a luxury food tour or seeking the best value for your money, this province delivers a flavor experience.
Food blogger Jennifer from Taste of Nova Scotia has documented an incredible Atlantic Canada food trail that covers the region's best eats. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything from Michelin-worthy restaurants to street food gems.
Nova Scotia's culinary identity is built on several key advantages that create a unique dining scene. With Ocean-to-table freshness is available year-round, as NS fishermen work throughout the year. Many restaurants buy directly from their local fishermen, having never lost their direct relationships. This also applies to the now-trendy farm-to-table movement, which was never "new" in Cape Breton, but rather has been refreshed in recent years as new generations have taken over their parents' farms, just in time to save them.
The Annapolis Valley produces some of Canada's finest apples, wine grapes, and vegetables, and has been home to local cheese makers, craft brewers, and specialty food producers for a long while now.
Wine enthusiast blogger Mike from Wine Country Atlantic provides excellent coverage of the Annapolis Valley wine scene - perfect for pairing with restaurant visits.
Before diving into specific restaurants, here are the iconic Nova Scotia flavors you absolutely cannot miss:
🦞 Lobster - The Maritime Crown Jewel, in peak season May - December. Try your hand at home and make a superb lobster roll.
🥙 Halifax Donair - The Official Street Food (I think it is very odd...but then I am from the Prairies)
Local food writer Flavour Network has written extensively about the donair's fascinating significance in Halifax.
🫐 Wild Blueberries - Seen EVERYWHERE! Nova Scotia's Provincial Berry, July through September, and wild is best! Flavour you've never had. Befriend a local, and they might share their picking spots with you.
Halifax: Where I Like to Eat
Bar Kismet is a well-regarded small family-owned restaurant and cocktail bar located on Agricola Street in Halifax's North End. It serves inventive cocktails, thoughtfully curated wine, fresh seafood, and handmade pasta, with food, wine, and cocktail menus updated weekly. The menu draws inspiration from Mediterranean and French regional cuisines, focusing on fresh seafood. Bar Kismet has gained significant recognition, being rated 4.6 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and ranked 48 of 565 restaurants in Halifax. It's also been featured on North America's 50 Best Bars list and was recently named one of Canada's best restaurants.
The Highwayman is a Spanish-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar located in downtown Halifax . Since 2016, it has served as both "your air-conditioned summertime reprieve, and your cozy winter snowglobe" for locals and visitors alike. The menu focuses on Spanish-inspired shared plates; tapas and pintxos, emphasizing ingredients from right here in Nova Scotia. They also feature an ambitious cocktail menu, positioning themselves as a contemporary American cocktail bar with an old European soul.
The establishment is named after the Alfred Noyes poem and prides itself on creating a welcoming environment where "visitors become locals, locals become friends". They're open Monday to Saturday until midnight and emphasize giving guests "the best possible night out" regardless of the occasion. On a personal note, they kept me fed mid-pandemic for three weeks following the Pictou shootings when I was seconded in Halifax, and not even the hotel was serving coffee.
Lou Pecou is an intimate pizza restaurant in Halifax with made-to-order thin-crust European-style pizza, chef-inspired sandwiches and desserts, organic wine, and delicious cocktails. It is a pizzeria that focuses on organic ingredients and artisanal preparations. Reviewers consistently praise the high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. The restaurant operates as a casual dining establishment that's suitable for various occasions, including romantic dinners, business meals, and family dining. It's described as child-friendly while also being appropriate for date nights.
Oxalis is a European farm-to-table restaurant located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The restaurant was opened in November 2021 by Sophia Gruber and her husband, Chef Andy Preuss, in a 2-story building that was formerly a residential home.
The restaurant focuses on "an elevated European farm-to-table dining experience, showcasing the incredible products from our home, Nova Scotia," with a menu and food that reflect his roots in Germany and hers from Austria. The couple previously worked at Trout Point Lodge, where Gruber was the general manager and Preuss was the executive chef before deciding to open their restaurant.
The Bicycle Thief is located at 1475 Lower Water Street, at Bishop's Landing in Halifax, right on the Halifax waterfront. It features waterfront dining with an outdoor summer patio just steps from the harbour. They have a relaxed, come-as-you-are feel that blends Old School style with New School attitude, and serves North American food with Italian soul in a fun, casual environment. The restaurant's tagline suggests their "legendary cooking will steal your heart.
And finally, my favourite pub! The Narrows Public House is a traditional Nova Scotian pub located in Halifax's North End. The establishment operates out of a heritage-designated home called the H.R. Silver House, originally built in 1896. The building survived the Halifax explosion and originally operated as a mercantile business and family residence for many years. Known for its traditional comfort food, particularly their bologna sandwich, hot chicken sandwich, and fish sandwich, they also function as an inn, with two self-contained units above the pub.
A visit to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market to mark the weekend?
Wolfville and the Annapolis Valley
The Port Pub
Cape Breton Island Dining
The Lobster Galley
Cape Breton travel expert Lisa from Celtic Heart Adventures has detailed Cabot Trail dining recommendations that perfectly complement scenic route planning.
South Shore Hidden Treasures
LaHave Bakery
Food and travel writer Rebecca from South Shore Stories specializes in uncovering South Shore Nova Scotia's hidden culinary gems.
Craft Breweries WIth Food Stuffs
Bits and Bobs
Halifax International Wine Festival (September)
Devour Food Film Festival (October)
Digby Scallop Days (August)
Seasonal Dining Tips
Spring (March-May)
Ramp season: Wild leeks appear on menus across the province
Early seafood: First lobster catches of the year
Restaurant openings: Many seasonal spots reopen
Summer (June-August)
Peak tourist season: Reservations are essential at popular spots
Farmers market bounty: Best selection and lowest prices
Patio season: Outdoor dining at its finest
Fall (September-November)
Apple harvest: Annapolis Valley restaurants showcase local fruit
Comfortable dining: Perfect weather for exploring
Festival season: Multiple food events throughout the province
Winter (December-February)
Comfort food focus: Hearty maritime cuisine dominates menus
Scallop season: Best time for fresh scallops
Local dining: Fewer tourists means easier reservations
Nova Scotia offers detailed seasonal travel advice for timing your Maritime visit perfectly.
Have you visited any of these Nova Scotia restaurants? Share your experiences in the comments below, or connect with us on social media to share your Nova Scotia food adventures!
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