The Canteen on Portland

Name: The Canteen on Portland
Address: 22 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS, Canada, B2Y 1G9
Telephone: (902) 425-9272
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2506 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Top tags:

The Canteen is a full-service neighbourhood restaurant in Downtown Dartmouth, serving up chef-inspired seasonal fare for lunch, brunch and dinner. At the helm in the kitchen is award-winning chef and co-owner Renee Lavallee. Her seasonal menus are influenced by classic French, Italian and traditional Nova Scotian cuisine – with a little bit of Renée’s magic thrown in. Signature items include The Canteen Burger, The Crobster Roll, Seafood Chowder and more.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 50 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(902) 425-9272

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Seafood, Canadian
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(902) 425-9272
Website
http://www.thecanteen.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Renee Lavallee

Location
22 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1G9
Neighbourhood
Dartmouth
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Fish Cakes & Eggs$18.00
haddock & potato fish cakes, 2 fried eggs, green tomato chow, roasted new potatoes and a green salad
The Portland Street Classic$18.25
2 fried eggs, roasted new potatoes, Birdie's sourdough toast and house jam with Oulton's double smoked bacon, mustard pickles
French Toast of The Week$17.50
pullman loaf French toast, featured seasonal topping, served with Oulton's bacon & maple syrup
Brunch Hash$18.00
pan-fried honey ham, fried egg, new potatoes, roasted peppers, onions, Vickle's pickles, salsa verde, fresh herbs
The Grain Bowl$16.00
brown rice, quinoa, fried tofu, radish, roasted delicata squash, pickled red cabbage, frizzled onions, currants, cashewvinaigrette, cilantro
The Canteen Eggs Benny$18.00
2 fried eggs, house hollandaise, on our buttermilk biscuit, a choice of the following: sliced honey ham, spinach & tomato, Nova Scotia lobster (+$6) & choice of roasted new potatoes or a green salad

Drinks

Bottomless Coffee$3.25
Orange Juice$3.25
Prosecco$10.50
Mimosa$10.00
Canteen Caesar$11.00

White Wine

Tidal Bay, Benjaming Bridge, Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, 2021$10.50
Pinot Grigio, Zensa, Puglia, Italy, 2021$10.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Satellite, Marlborough, Nz, 2021$10.50
Flora, Lightfoot & Wolfville, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, 2021$11.00
Le Ballon Rose, Languedoc Roussilon, France, 2021$10.00
Chardonnay, Tawse Winery, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, 2019$10.75

Sparkling Wine

Prosecco, Masotina, Veneto, Italy$10.50
Crémant, Blomidon Estate Winery, Canning, Nova Scotia$12.50

Red Wine

Malbec, Tilia, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021$9.75
Tempranillo, Embocadero, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2019$10.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Liberty School, Paso Robles, California, USA, 2020$11.50
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Barone di Valforte, Abruzzo, Italy, 2020$11.00
Pinot Noir, Aquinas, California, USA, 2018$12.50

Local Taps

Killick Session Lager, Spindrift Brewing Co.$8.00
Deception Bay IPA Tatamagouche Brewing Co.$9.00
Bohemian Pilsner, Propeller Brewing Co.$8.50
Cole Harbour Red, North Brewing Co.$9.00
Crisp Apple Cider, Lake City Cider$9.25

Bottles & Cans

schooner

Oland Brewery Co.$7.00
Tall Ship Amber, Garrison Brewing Co.$7.50
Cereal Killer Stout, Big Spruce Brewing Co.$8.50
Upstreet Libra (0.4%)$6.00
Piquette Zero, Benjamin Bridge$6.00
Mongozo, Gluten Free Pilsner$8.50

Sodas

Sodas$2.75
Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Limonatta, Aranciata
Sparkling Water, San Pallegrino
- S$3.00
- L$6.00
Ginger Beer, Propeller Brewing Co.$3.75
Pop Culture Kombucha$4.75
Assorted Flavours
Goodmore Kombucha$4.50
Assorted Flavours

Non-Alcoholic

Sodas$2.50
Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Limonatta, Aranciata
Sparkling Water, San Benedetto
- S$3.00
- L$6.00
Libra, Upstreet$6.00
Piquette Zero, Benjamin Bridge$6.00
Goodmore Kombucha$4.25
Assorted Flavours

What 2,506 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Atlantic Canada
Great for brunch
Atlantic Canada
Neighbourhood gem
Atlantic Canada
Most Booked
Nova Scotia
Best Service
Nova Scotia
Best Value
Nova Scotia
Great for brunch
Nova Scotia
Healthy
Nova Scotia
Neighbourhood gem
Nova Scotia
Most Booked

NM
NicoleM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
Food was good and reasonably priced for what you're getting - both in terms of quality and serving size. The server was really nice too. I found it to be a tad loud so it was difficult to have a proper conversation though.
Is this helpful?
RL
RhondaL
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent option for your night out. Food, service and vibe offer the perfect dinner experience. I recommend booking ahead as The Canteen is always a busy spot...and for good reason.
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NP
NancyP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best chowder I've ever had and my server was amazing. I went back the next day!
Is this helpful?
MM
MaggieMay94
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice restaurant with beautiful interior and delicious food! The service was top notch and our server was really friendly and helpful. I had two amazing dishes including the Mushroom Toast & Steak Frites. Both were incredible! This restaurant is amazing for using local ingredients and is a must when coming to the Dartmouth area.
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KA
KarenA
Atlantic Canada
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
So delicious! The sandwich of the week- BLT was amazing and soup of the day- caramelized onion was so yummy, I could have eaten a vat 😅 Our server also was so attentive and friendly - sorry I don’t remember his name 😊
Is this helpful?
HE
HappyEaters
Toronto
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceeded all of our expectations and then some. Creative and beyond delicious. The ambiance was fantastic too. We will be back!
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HR
HannahR
Toronto
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had the most incredible gluten free lobster roll. Everything was pitch perfect. We started with mussels and fries which were SO fresh and SO delicious. Our server was incredibly efficient and kind - he even took a photo of my friend and I after our dinner. This is now going to be my favourite special occassion spot in Halifax. So fortunate to have had a wonderful dinner here, thank you!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. Friendly attentive service and flavourful food. Second time ordering the hash, lived up to expectations. Visitor from Vancouver.
Is this helpful?
JB
JonathanB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
What a wonderful brunch menu. The best eggs benedict I have ever tasted! I will be back to have this great experience again. Cheers!
Is this helpful?
CL
CoreyL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never a disappointment…love love love that this business is one of our locals.
Is this helpful?
d
dianneb
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience and our out of town guests absolutely loved it.
Is this helpful?
DM
DarleneM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The menu is very limited but the 3 dishes we had at our table were very tasty. The cocktails were good too
Is this helpful?
TP
TannerP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service and a good price for the high quality of food!
Is this helpful?
RM
RickM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The asparagus salad may have been the best salad I’ve a ever had. I’m 62. It’s that good.
Is this helpful?
AM
AnitaM
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious .. had the halibut and it was cooked to perfection.
Is this helpful?
SS
StefanStout
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Crobster roll. Crab + Lobster = Crobster
Is this helpful?
B
Batman
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love the Canteen! My fave restaurant for sure. My mom was in town visiting an we always go!!! Thanks so much to everyone who keeps that place going! We love the food - always impeccable.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and experience. It’s my second time here and just as good. Have friendly and great service. Oysters were amazing. Love the hot mustard sauce. Wine was delicious. Beef tartar was yummy. Love the full size crustini. We both had the crobster roll with fries which was yummy.
Is this helpful?
A
Ashley
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious! Friendly staff, great service and a beautiful restaurant….we’ll be back!
Is this helpful?
KB
KerstiB
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always a great evening!! Food was amazing!! The server was excellent!!!
Is this helpful?
MH
MaryseH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
I was sitted at the bar which was great! I was able to chat with the bartender, great service! Drinks were excellent! For food I had the oysters(the homemade habanero sauce was excellent with the oysters) and I had the chower and it was good overall...I would've had it more thick a little bit and maybe more like sea salt flavor in it too but it was good.
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L
Libsmith
Exclusive
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
I've been to The Canteen on numerous occasions and have always enjoyed the food and service. This time around I ordered the Fish Cakes. I think it would be a good idea that they mention that the fish in this item is smoked. I was surprised at the first bite. Not a "smoked" anything fan so I wasn't happy with this at all. I ate some of one of the fish cakes and left the remainder on my plate. The potatoes were fine and the salad didn't seem like it was dressed at all. The pickled onions kind of carried the salad. The service was good and it was busy so it was fairly loud. Like so many restaurants, they need to have some type of sound buffering on the walls or ceilings. It's hard to carry on a conversation at times.
Is this helpful?
B
Bubbles
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent!! Took my sister as she had never been. In her words; outstanding service, food presentation and flavour.
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k
kristin
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best time with the canteen gang, Alex was an absolute treat and everyone took incredible care of us during our visit. 10/10 recommend! Great food, great atmosphere, great service!
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RJ
RobbJ
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
My friend and I always eat here together at least twice a year. It has great food and wonderful service. They have left up the partitions/Covid dividers and it actually makes it much better as you aren’t too close to the next table.
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MM
MrMac
Atlantic Canada
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoy the staff at The Canteen. They provide a warm greeting and excellent service. Food is high quality , local ingredients, and consistant.
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B
Boyds
Atlantic Canada
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another awesome dining experience at the Canteen….food, service & ambience was excellent!
Is this helpful?
MM
MagenM
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love going here for lunch dates. Great vibe and even better food!
Is this helpful?
JH
JerryH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our first dinner at canteen was very positive. The waiting staff were great especially our waitress. Great interpersonal skills and knowledgeable about the food. The food was delicious and well presented. Kudos to the chefs. We plan to go back again.
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BC
BetsyC
Atlantic Canada
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
The food and service were great. The restaurant is very nicely decorated. Some people probably don't mind, but I found it quite loud at lunch time.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always have a fantastic experience when we dine at The Canteen but, this time, the staff truly outdid themselves - they were so amazing and accommodating! Our meals were delicious - the tried and true burger (total comfort food) and the rigatoni pasta were so so good. We love the vibe of The Canteen and the warm reception we always get when we arrive. A true Dartmouth gem that you must experience!!
Is this helpful?
E
Eileen
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Went for brunch and had the Lobster Benedict. Not impressed because there was a small amount of lobster shredded and in hollandaise sauce. Was my first visit to this restaurant and definately did not impress me. Asking too much for what they called a lobster Benny.
Is this helpful?
EL
EileenL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food here is amazing, we had reservations so we were seated quickly. The staff is wonderful! I will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always a great experience at Canteen, this visit was no exception. The seasonal French toast and the eggs Benny were perfectly prepared and the service was great.
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NA
NANCYP
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Canteen is my favourite restaurant. The service, food and ambiance are perfect. They have a creative menu, use local produce and food stuffs, and it is great value for the money.
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DB
DougB
Toronto
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What great spot! The flavours, service, and quality! Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
FD
FrannyD
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Delicious, local, and unpretentious. Always happy to eat here.
Is this helpful?
PC
PC1927
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience4
Great location. Fantastic service. Alex was simply amazing! Surprised to see only one vegetarian appetizer (beet & citrus salad), and one vegetarian main (mushroom risotto). Oysters were sublime!
Is this helpful?
BF
BlyeF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The vibe is great! The food delicious. The service impeccable: efficient, charming, informed, professional. Have been many times and I'll be back again!
Is this helpful?
BG
BruceG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our first time there and will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Canteen on Portland offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (902) 425-9272.

The Canteen on Portland is rated 4.8 stars by 2506 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 50 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(902) 425-9272

22 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1G9

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Dartmouth
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Seafood, Canadian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Renee Lavallee
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thecanteen.ca/
Phone number
(902) 425-9272

The Canteen on Portland

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Beef Tartare

Creamed Lobster

Brunch

Fish Cakes & Eggs$18.00

The Portland Street Classic$18.25

French Toast of The Week$17.50

Brunch Hash$18.00

The Grain Bowl$16.00

The Canteen Eggs Benny$18.00

Drinks

Bottomless Coffee$3.25

Orange Juice$3.25

Prosecco$10.50

Mimosa$10.00

Canteen Caesar$11.00

White Wine

Tidal Bay, Benjaming Bridge, Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, 2021$10.50

Pinot Grigio, Zensa, Puglia, Italy, 2021$10.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Satellite, Marlborough, Nz, 2021$10.50

Flora, Lightfoot & Wolfville, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, 2021$11.00

Le Ballon Rose, Languedoc Roussilon, France, 2021$10.00

Chardonnay, Tawse Winery, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, 2019$10.75

Sparkling Wine

Prosecco, Masotina, Veneto, Italy$10.50

Crémant, Blomidon Estate Winery, Canning, Nova Scotia$12.50

Red Wine

Malbec, Tilia, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021$9.75

Tempranillo, Embocadero, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2019$10.00

Cabernet Sauvignon, Liberty School, Paso Robles, California, USA, 2020$11.50

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Barone di Valforte, Abruzzo, Italy, 2020$11.00

Pinot Noir, Aquinas, California, USA, 2018$12.50

Local Taps

Killick Session Lager, Spindrift Brewing Co.$8.00

Deception Bay IPA Tatamagouche Brewing Co.$9.00

Bohemian Pilsner, Propeller Brewing Co.$8.50

Cole Harbour Red, North Brewing Co.$9.00

Crisp Apple Cider, Lake City Cider$9.25

Bottles & Cans

Oland Brewery Co.$7.00

Tall Ship Amber, Garrison Brewing Co.$7.50

Cereal Killer Stout, Big Spruce Brewing Co.$8.50

Upstreet Libra (0.4%)$6.00

Piquette Zero, Benjamin Bridge$6.00

Mongozo, Gluten Free Pilsner$8.50

Sodas

Sodas$2.75

Sparkling Water, San Pallegrino

Ginger Beer, Propeller Brewing Co.$3.75

Pop Culture Kombucha$4.75

Goodmore Kombucha$4.50

Non-Alcoholic

Sodas$2.50

Sparkling Water, San Benedetto

Libra, Upstreet$6.00

Piquette Zero, Benjamin Bridge$6.00

Goodmore Kombucha$4.25

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Canteen on Portland offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Canteen on Portland restaurant rated?

Is The Canteen on Portland currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information