Dining in Nova Scotia

[marshaw]

We are flying to Nova Scotia for 2 weeks in June, staying in Halifax, Annapolis Royal, Lunnenberg and CapeBreton. Looking for dining suggestions in or near these places as we'll be travelling by car. Also need a restaurant for a nice dinner in Halifax to take our Goddaughter. We like places that serve good local ingredients and love to eat mostly everything.

[prima]

I agree with all the others recommending Chives. I loved Chives, especially their innovative and tasty version of Chowder. http://www.chives.ca/menu

I also like Fid in Halifax. http://fidresto.ca/ Edit: I'm sad to read that Fid is serving its last meal May 31, 2013. I'm glad I had a chance to try it when I was visiting. If anyone reading this hasn't had a chance to try Fid, you've still got time! http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/779067-high-end-halifax-eatery-fid-shutting-down

For a casual meal in Lunenberg, I recommend the Grand Banker. Great chowder. http://www.grandbanker.com/

In Cape Breton, we enjoyed our meal at the Glenora Distillery's restaurant near Mabou. http://www.glenoradistillery.com/dining.htm

Recommend trying Butterscotch Pie, if you get a chance.

Here are some of the highlights from my trip to Halifax, Lunenberg and Cape Breton,as well as a few other places in NS & PEI, last summer: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/802308#7548157

I found this thread about the Cabot Trail very helpful: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/796950

Enjoy your trip!

[marshaw]

Thank you prima for your wonderful suggestions. We will be taking our Goddaughter to Chives. She has been there before and said the food was fantastic. We have 6 nights in Halifax, so plan to try other recommended restaurants.
The link to Cape Breton is very helpful. Will be staying 4 days with friends near Port Hood and wanted to take them to a nice place for lunch, so have lots to choose from. We are really looking forward to our trip.

[chef55]

Chives, Chives, Chives! Support Chef Craig and his awesome, non-stuffy restaurant! The food is amazingggg, you will not be disappointed, guaranteed!

[marshaw]

Thanks. The menu looks very good. Has anyone tried Stories in the Haliburton?

[HalifaxRetales]

Yes good food and fantastic service
the Rice Paper Scallops are a must

[magic chef]

The Rum Runner Inn in Lunenburg shouldn't be missed! Farm to fork philosophy~fabulous local food! : )

Fredies Fantastic Fish House in Halifax has the best fish & chips and chowder in Nova Scotia : )

[chef55]

Yes! You must go to Freddie's Fantastic Fish in Bayers Lake, BEST fish & chips in Halifax, hands down !!!

[Dempsey]

Well, I guess you'll have to scratch Trattoria Nonna from the list. Report in Halifax paper says that their chef and front of house person are leaving and that the owners will not reopen. I think there's more to the story, but. . . Sad.

[HalifaxRetales]

by the time June rolls around we will have Two Doors Down which is an offshoot of Chives but at a lower price point and moe casual

[marshaw]

Thanks HalifaxRetales. We can't eat heavy meals all the time, so looks perfect for lunch or a lighter dinner.

[SkyeFitz]

You've got to try Chives in Halifax! It uses mostly local ingredients and is absolutely delicious every time!

[marshaw]

I think I will start my diet now.

[CanadaGirl]

This post has some good suggestions for Halifax: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/871306

We really enjoy Le Caveau, which is near Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley. It isn't exactly where you've specified, but may be en route. http://grandprewines.ns.ca/restaurant/

I have heard good things (but haven't actually eaten) at a couple of places in Lunenburg:
Trattoria Della Nonna. http://www.trattoriadellanonna.ca/

Fleur de Sel: http://fleurdesel.net/

[marshaw]

Thanks CanadaGirl. All the suggestions sound wonderful. We are in Halifax 4 days, so hopefully will get to try many of the suggestions, especially the places for oysters.

[Dempsey]

I can speak to both Lunenberg recommendations -- Trattoria is calm, attractive, cheerful, NOT southern Italian; Fleur de Sel superb cooking, a bit twee.

[marshaw]

Both menus look wonderful. I'm getting hungry already.

[eastcoastal]

Fleur de Sel's more casual sibling, The Salt Shaker Deli, is fantastic.
http://saltshakerdeli.com/

I've also enjoyed meals at Magnolia's, also in Lunenburg.

I ate at Leo's Cafe, in Annapolis Royal, a long time ago, but remember it as quite pleasant (very casual soup and sandwich place, with healthy and satisfying offerings)
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_...

[jerkstore]

I can echo the Fleur de Sel recommendation. We ate there when we visited the East coast last summer, best meal of our trip.