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We've compiled the best of the best in South Shore and Annapolis Valley - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Housed in a converted stone church complete with stained glass windows, Church Brewing produces tasty beers and has a fabulous menu of upscale pub grub with a farm-to-table focus. There's a huge patio out front that overlooks the hustle and bustle of Main Street, and there's often live music in the evenings and on the weekends.
An elegant and elevated tasting menu showcases the best of what's local and in season. Expect deliciousness such as butter-roasted cod with clams and lion's mane mushroom with dulse stock, or grilled scallops with green apple and creamed celeriac, followed by desserts like goat's milk panna cotta.
This café/coffee shop/restaurant in a beautifully restored old building makes a great spot to grab coffee and a tasty baked treat or stay late on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night for dinner. Their menu celebrates seasonal and local produce and offers everything from brisket tacos and burgers to pork belly and seared salmon.
With a focus on fresh produce and local seafood, the Grand Banker is a great spot for a tasty lunch or dinner overlooking the harbor whether you're in the mood for wings and a craft beer, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, or rack of lamb. There's an impressive selection of Nova Scotian wines, and you can order a five 2-ounce glass sampler for C$22, as well as a cocktail list that embraces locally distilled liquors.
The tagline here is "simple good food" but that's a huge understatement at this award-winning restaurant that serves up superb seafood—the fish-and-chips, crispy haddock, and fish tacos are all standouts—and decadent classics like rack of lamb and chicken parm. They also serve gourmet pizzas and offer decadent desserts.
The menu isn't huge at this funky taproom, but the charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and pizza—all of which showcase local produce—do go perfectly with this craft brewery's tasty beers. You can sit out on the spacious patio or inside, and there's even an axe-throwing studio on-site to make your evening a little more entertaining. You can pick up beers to go at the attached retail store.
This rustic midtown spot—a former store, stable, and Nova Scotia's oldest rural inn, dating to 1764—is full of natural pine and local art, and its staff and clientele treat regulars and newcomers like kin. In the windowed front section, a woodstove keeps things warm on chilly nights, and year-round you can order from a menu that's strong on seafood and comfort food. Lighter fare is also served, along with plenty of craft beers.
Take in a view of the bay from inside this old, British-style alehouse, or enjoy waterside dining on the back deck. The menu includes basic pub fare, such as fish-and-chips and steak and ale pie. Lunenburg scallops are a specialty, as is the Mug & Anchor meat pie, and the kids menu will please even the fussiest young diner. The pub hosts live music on Saturday evening.
This bright and friendly locals' favorite serves up the freshest local, seasonal ingredients in a range of seafood classics ranging from seared scallops and fish and chips to upscale delights like confit duck. The menu changes often, but always hits the mark. Located in Tusket, outside of Yarmouth, this place feels like a true hidden gem. Save room for one of their delicious desserts.
The substantial lunches and dinners served at this merry, low-key pub are a hit with locals who appreciate the good homemade fare, including the always excellent apple crisp. Diners sometimes spill out of the 1884 brick building and onto the patio, which is adjacent to a square where the farmers' market takes place. In a town short on nightlife, it's also a good place for postdinner lounging, with occasional live music and DJ nights.
