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Looking for the best food in Nova Scotia? From succulent lobster rolls to world famous scallops, these are 10 dishes you have to eat in Nova Scotia!
Now Nova Scotia might not be at the top of your foodie bucket list, but I’m about to tell you why this stunning corner of Canada has some incredible dishes you just have to try while you’re here.
I’ve said this a number of times on this blog, but Canada is one of my favourite countries in the world. I’ve been hiking in the wilderness of Vancouver Island, canoeing on the Yukon River, trekking across glaciers in the Rocky Mountains, and I’ve explored the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. It’s a country I know really well, and it’s a country dear to my heart.
However, one place I’d never been to before was Nova Scotia in eastern Canada. And I was pumped to finally discover all it had to offer.
This hidden gem offers stunning coastal scenery, rich maritime history, and some of the best seafood around. The province is famous for its fresh lobster, Digby scallops, and mouthwatering seafood chowders. Fun fact for you – Digby is even known as the scallop capital of the world.
Foodie experiences range from enjoying a traditional lobster boil on the beach to fine-dining in Halifax, where trendy restaurants serve up locally sourced dishes with Atlantic flair. I really enjoyed exploring Halifax, it’s a really cool city with so much going for it.
And it’s not just about the food here. You can’t miss the Annapolis Valley where they’re producing some of the best wines in Canada (I know because I tried a fair few while out here!) I’ve also thrown in a couple of sweet treats for you too.
This blog post is all about the 10 dishes you have to eat in Nova Scotia. If you’re planning a trip here, then make sure you bookmark this post!
Contents:
What to eat in Nova Scotia, Canada
1. Fresh lobster
If you like lobster, then you will love it in Nova Scotia. This creature of the deep is found on pretty much every single menu here. The best thing is it’s relatively cheap too. Cheaper than most places around the world.
Now if you’re looking for a real local experience, head to the lobster pound at Halls Harbour. This is essentially the place to go for lobster. It deserves a Michelin-star because people drive from far and wide to eat at this harbour-side restaurant.
We ordered lobster at the counter downstairs, then stood outside watching the lobsters being prepped. Mike, the lobster chef, obviously saw the look of confusion on our faces and gave us a little run-through on how to eat a lobster. I didn’t realise you could eat the tomalley and everything else up in the head!
We then headed upstairs to tackle our own lobsters. It was meaty, sweet, and cooked to perfection. Obviously the melted butter made everything taste even better.
What I loved about eating at Halls Harbour was that it was as much about the experience as it was about the food. I’d really recommend having a little walk around the harbour afterwards too.
Oh, and a lobster meal will only set you back CA$30, so £16. Bargain.
2. Lobster rolls
Next up is the lobster roll. Now the lobster roll is synonymous with this part of Canada and the US. You might be saying “wait a minute, we’ve just had lobster – why the lobster roll?” Well, the lobster roll is for people who want lobster but don’t want the faff of cracking the claws and scooping out the meat.
With the roll, all the best bits of the lobster are mixed with mayo, a squeeze of lemon, a bit of salad for texture and crunch, and packed into a sandwich roll or brioche bun.
We went on a food tour with Lunenburg Walking Tours, and they told us lobster rolls were often for fisherman who’d want to take a sandwich with them on the boat. I wish my packed lunches were as good as this! You can’t come to Nova Scotia without having one or two lobster rolls though.
3. Scallops
If you’re wondering what is Nova Scotia famous for, scallops are right up there at the top of the list. I bet you didn’t know that Digby is the scallop capital of the world? I didn’t either until I drove through the town with a big sign saying: “Digby: Welcome to the scallop capital of the world!”
Back home, when you order scallops, usually it costs £14 as a starter and you get three scallops. In Nova Scotia, it costs about £10 and you get a feast of scallops. Just look at them! The best way to enjoy them are seared to perfection with a knob of butter.
One of the best places we had scallops was at The Wheelhouse in Digby. This restaurant is a little way out of town, but the views overlooking the water are so serene. I thought the scallops were delicious here so it’s definitely worth adding to your Nova Scotia itinerary.
4. Seafood chowder
Nova Scotia’s chowder is more than just food – it’s a tradition. Many family recipes have been passed down through generations, each with its unique twist. Some add a hint of smoked fish, while others incorporate local wines or craft beer into the broth. Whether you’re at a coastal café or a fine dining restaurant, a bowl of this comforting chowder brings you closer to the heart of Nova Scotia and its deep connection to the sea.
Let me paint a picture for you. When I had chowder in Yarmouth, I was at a restaurant overlooking the water where I could see the fishing boats come in. Even though it was towards the end of summer, it was jacket weather. Then, out comes a piping-hot bowl of hearty chowder filled to the brim with haddock and mussels. It’s foodie experiences like this which you just can’t replicate at home and is exactly why I travel.
5. Solomon Gundy
This is the first proper wild card with what to eat in Nova Scotia. When we did our food tour of Lunenburg, we were introduced to Solomon Gundy – pickled herring, typically served with crackers or bread. Again, this was an old maritime dish where they would pickle fish to preserve it on the boats.
I’m not going to lie, I loved it. I actually had pickled herring all the time when I was growing up (it was one of my dad’s guilty pleasures). The salty, briny taste of the herring is perfectly balanced by the tang of vinegar and spices, so it’s right up my street.
This is why I loved our food tour of Lunenburg. It introduced us to so many different dishes in Nova Scotia. Our guide, Eric, brought every dish to life with the tradition and history. Basically, if you’re looking to really get into the food of Nova Scotia, I really recommend this food tour!
6. Oysters
I am a sucker for oysters anywhere in the world. Forget a half-dozen, gimmie two dozen anytime. When you’ve got the wild Atlantic Ocean all around, you know the oysters are going to be good here.
My favourite oysters were actually from Halifax Brewery Market. Nestled in the back was a little oyster stall where I had a little tasting platter of four different oysters – two from Nova Scotia, two from Prince Edwards Islands. Salty, decadent, delicious.
I would say the Halifax Brewery Market is a must for anyone looking to get a taste of Halifax. Over two levels, there are food stalls from all around the world. We also had some dumplings, caramelised onion bread rolls, the oysters, and we had some sushi too. A little journey around the world in one market. What’s not to love about that!
7. Wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley
One of my favourite experiences travelling around Nova Scotia was wine tasting in the Annapolis Valley. Nestled between scenic hills and the Bay of Fundy, this region has quickly earned a reputation for its exceptional cool-climate wines. The area is particularly famous for its crisp whites and sparkling wines, especially the award-winning Tidal Bay blend, which captures the essence of the local terroir.
I have to admit I’ve been really impressed with the wine in Nova Scotia. All the vineyards have stunning views of the Annapolis Valley, the food has been super tasty, and it’s very cheap too! Many wineries also offer farm-to-table dining experiences, pairing local wines with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Top 3 vineyards to go to are:
1. Grand Pre wines – this place has one of the best restaurants around at Le Caveau Restaurant. Our meal here was one of the best we had
2. Benjamin Bridge – I really loved the views at this one
3. Luckett Vineyards – fantastic spot for lunch overlooking the vines
8. Rappie pie
Another heartwarming dish is rappie pie. This Nova Scotian dish goes back centuries and it is a taste of the province’s history. Made with grated potatoes and often filled with chicken, pork, or clams, rappie pie is slow-cooked to create a hearty, golden-brown dish that’s both crispy and tender. The texture is unique – almost chewy on top, with a soft, savoury filling beneath.
What makes rappie pie special is its deep connection to Nova Scotia’s Acadian heritage. Many small towns and local restaurants take pride in their own variations of this rustic meal. For visitors, trying rappie pie is a way to immerse yourself in local culture, sampling a dish that reflects the culinary traditions of Nova Scotia’s Acadian community.
9. Blueberry grunt
There hasn’t been any sweet treats on my list of the best dishes in Nova Scotia. Well, enter the room: blueberry grunt. Not the most appealing name by any stretch of the imagination, but blueberry grunt is a lot tastier than it sounds.
This traditional dessert, made from wild blueberries simmered to perfection and topped with soft, steamed dumplings, is a celebration of the province’s rich blueberry harvest. The name “grunt” comes from the sound the blueberries make as they bubble away on the stove – you can hear them grunt as they pop.
It’s basically Canada’s answer to a blueberry crumble. I’d recommend having it with vanilla ice cream. Or if you want it even sweeter, you can try mist flavoured ice cream. This is a local flavour you can find in Nova Scotia that’s supposed to taste like the sea mist. In reality, it’s super super sweet, but it’s nice nonetheless!
10. Fish and chips
I wasn’t too sure whether to add fish and chips in here because you can get fish and chips everywhere all around the world. And everyone claims they do it best. Well, I have to admit the fish and chips in Nova Scotia is damn good.
With the province’s access to some of the freshest Atlantic fish, particularly haddock, the fish here is unbeatable. What makes fish and chips in Nova Scotia truly special is the setting. Many seaside towns and harbourside shacks offer this iconic dish with views of the ocean, adding to the experience.
I’d always recommend a good local beer to complete the experience. Or maybe two. This is without a doubt one of the most popular foods in Nova Scotia.
This post was in association with Nova Scotia showcasing some of the best things to do in the area. As always, all views are entirely my own and without bias.
Are you planning a trip to Nova Scotia? If so, what are some of the things you’re looking forward to doing? Let me know if you have any questions at all and I’ll help plan your trip!
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