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

1892 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Top tags:

COVID-19 UPDATE: The Canteen will be reopening for in-person dining on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. >> 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 27, 2022

7:00 p.m.

Booked 25 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

Hangover Breakfast Sandwich$17.00
Vessel Meats' back bacon, melted Havarti, fried egg, roasted tomatoes, mayo, on our toasted pullman bread, served with a choice of roasted new potatoes or a green salad
The Portland Street Classic$18.00
2 fried eggs, roasted new potatoes, Birdie's sourdough toast and house jam with Oulton's double smoked bacon
Brunch Bibimbap$17.50
Seared rare Steak, fried egg, house kimchi, spinach, carrots, quick pickled cucumber, basmati rice, Gojuchang sauce, sesame seeds, cilantro
French Toast of the Week$16.50
featured topping, served with Oulton's bacon and maple syrup
Tomato & Coconut Shakshuka$16.00
2 eggs poached in a tomato & coconut sauce, chickpeas, spinach, herbed tahini sauce, herb salad pomegranate & served with naan
The Canteen Eggs Benny$17.00
2 fried eggs, house hollandaise, on our buttermilk biscuit, a choice of the following: back bacon, or NS Lobster (+$5) & choice of roasted new potatoes or a green salad

Drinks

Bottomless Coffee$3.25
Orange Juice$3.25
Prosecco$9.25
Mimosa$10.00
Canteen Caesar$10.00

White Wine

Tidal Bay, Grand Pre Estate Winery, Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, 2020
- G$9.50
- B$47.00
Pinot Grigio, Zenato, Veneto, Italy, 2020
- G$9.25
- B$45.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Satellite, Marlborough, NZ, 2019
- G$9.50
- B$46.00
Flora, Lightfoot & Wolfville, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, 2020
- G$10.00
- B$49.00
Chardonnay, Tawse Winery, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, 2018
- G$9.75
- B$49.00

Sparkling Wine

Prosecco, Terregaie, Veneto, Italy
- G$10.00
- B$48.00
Cremant, Blomidon, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
- G$11.50
- B$55.00

Red Wine

Malbec, Alambrado, Mendoza, Argentina, 2019
- G$9.00
- B$44.00
Tempranillo, Embocadero, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2018
- G$9.50
- B$47.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Noble Vines 337, California, USA, 2016
- G$9.50
- B$47.00
Chianti, Fontella, Tuscany, Italy, 2018
- G$9.00
- B$46.00
Shiraz, Barossa Ink, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2019
- G$10.00
- B$48.00
Pinot Noir, Aquinas, California, USA, 2017
- G$11.00
- B$55.00

Bottles & Cans

Schooner

Oland Brewery Co.$6.50
Tall Ship Amber, Garrison Brewing Co.$7.00
Jamboree (Sour) 2 Crows Brewing Co.$8.50
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$2.50
Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Limonatta, Aranciata
Sparkling Water
San Pallegrino
- S$3.00
- L$6.00
Ginger Beer, Propeller Brewing Co.$3.00
Pop Culture Kombucha$4.25
Assorted Flavours
Goodmore Kombucha$4.25
Assorted Flavours

Non-Alcoholic

Sodas$2.50
Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Limonatta, Aranciata
Sparkling Water
San Benedetto
- S$3.00
- L$6.00
Non-Alocoholic Beer$5.00
Pop Culture Kombucha$4.25
Assorted Flavours
Goodmore Kombucha$4.25
Assorted Flavours

What 1,892 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
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Atlantic Canada
Brunch
Atlantic Canada
Healthy
Atlantic Canada
Neighbourhood Gem
Atlantic Canada
Most Booked
Nova Scotia
Best Overall
Nova Scotia
Best Food
Nova Scotia
Best Service
Nova Scotia
Best Value
Nova Scotia
Brunch
Nova Scotia
Healthy
Nova Scotia
Lunch
Nova Scotia
Neighbourhood Gem
Nova Scotia
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

LM
LMM04
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time for brunch. Great meal and service as usual.
A
Anissa
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
We were there to celebrate a friend’s birthday - I mentioned it when I made the reservation and again when we arrived. The server never mentioned it at our table which would have been nice. She also seems not overly friendly and on two separate occasions answered quite abruptly which made our experience a little uncomfortable. We’ve been there several times and this was the first time we felt this way. So unfortunate.
SW
StayWarm
Toronto
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ate a lot of chowder during our 2 week trip, this was in the top two. The quality and flavours of dishes were good and fairly priced. Salmon & Crabster roll was delicious. Great place to have dinner.
s
spirituwell
Atlantic Canada
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another fabulous night at The Canteen. Our server Michael was so efficient, engaging and knowledgeable about the menu. Michael suggested a new wine for me to try and convinced my husband that he would love the spring peas, which he did. So great to be sitting on the cozy patio even though it was drizzly out. I want to go back again tonight!
K
Katie
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The snow crab dip was delicious! I also had the mussels and they were nice and big. Service was quick and friendly.
BP
BethP
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Very good food, great atmosphere and excellent service.
JM
JeanineM
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food4service4ambience3
Great food. Pleasant server Very busy Friday afternoon, reserve early!
MA
MADELEINEM
Atlantic Canada
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food5service3ambience1
We were 2 very senior ladies. It was too crowed and too close for us We did take away. Servers were run off their feet BUT very friendly.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always the best experience at the Canteen. The gem of Downtown Dartmouth
KA
KyleA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food for reasonable price. Crobster roll was a must
P
Patti
Atlantic Canada
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
The chowder was amazingly delicious, always a favorite. The haddock burger was very good, but small. The partitions are a great addition to the Canteen. It gives so much more privacy and helps a great deal with the acoustics. We always enjoy our time there, thank you!
GR
GregR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Incredible food and amazing service. A bit of a loud atmosphere when busy but barely detracts from the experience. Highly recommend.
AG
AiyanaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love the Canteen!!!! It was such a lovely experience and always is. Their new summer menu is on point. I'm not surprised but I am pleased! The new scallops are absolutely worth it. And the creme Brule is spectacular still. The tuna tartar was an amazing start to the meal! Highly recommend. Enjoy!
HH
HollyH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of my favourite spots for lunch with my friends. The Canteen never disappoints!
DH
DanielleH
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic lunch with friends! Love the buzz in the restaurant! Downtown Dartmouth is becoming a great place to socialize!
MM
MatthewM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Crobster roll and kale salad was excellent. Enjoyed the place a lot.
G
Gwynnie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We went for a birthday lunch and it was perfect. We all had different things and everything was good. We had a bottle of white wine - the Sauvignon Blanc and can recommend that too. The Creme Brule dessert is also excellent. All four of us felt we would like to go back. The only real drawback was the noise level which was a bit high for us - it was hard to hear each other when we arrived at 12:30 p.m. By the time we left at 2:00 it was much more workable.
SU
SeaUSoon
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
You will not be disappointed. The Canteen serves up excellent fare...consistently.
DN
DavidN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place. My favourite restaurant in HRM.
HP
HeatherP
Atlantic Canada
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, wonderful atmosphere and service. The Crobster is back.. get it while you can! Crème Brûlée is 🔥
JS
JamesS
Atlantic Canada
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Food was superb and the service was outstanding and not obtrusive. The noise level was almost too much though. We could barely talk to one another it was so loud. Albeit it was Saturday night and the place was full I still think the services of an acoustic engineer and some advice on sound deadening might be in order.
W
Westend
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Had the steak....well they only served 3 small pieces. That was a bit surprising. the scallops were amazing
EM
ErinM
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for brunch and although the wait was a little long (the place was very busy) it was well worth it. Cute spot, will definitely be back!
CE
CarrieE
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Canteen had been on my bucket list for awhile - took the whole fam and everyone LOVED their food!! We shared the amazing carrot cake for dessert and the waiter was kind enough to tell us about the Chef’s YouTube channel - going to attempt it myself for my oldest birthday! Hands down the best meal we’ve had as a family - can’t wait to come back!!
SS
SueS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great service and the food was wonderful . We have high expectations for seafood and the salmon was done to perfection. Crispy skin on outside and melt in your mouth in the inside. My only suggestion would be to invest in more comfortable chairs in the non booth/cushioned areas. The present ones are hard on the back, or provide cushions. We will return for the food and atmosphere.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience3
Graduation
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cozy booth that allowed for chatting and privacy. Great service and delicious food!
J
Jayw
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to meet friends or go with the family for a great dining experience! Highly recommend
n
normanb
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good meal good staff, priced reasonably well
TJ
TJ33
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a truly unique and exceptional meal at the Canteen. While we are from Ontario, a business colleague from this area recommended it or we’d have never picked it out on our own. Very friendly team and a very creative kitchen. The spicing and presentation of each course was really unique and delicious. We each had appetizer salad, main course and just had to try a dessert after the other courses were so exceptional. We loved every bite. Congratulations on such a creative and talented crew. We should have taken pictures but that’s just not our thing.
ND
NoraD24
Atlantic Canada
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was phenomenal and the service was outstanding
OT
OpenTable Diner
Vancouver
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and staff was great!
BL
BruceL
Atlantic Canada
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
I've eaten at the Canteen quite a few times and the food and service is always excellent. In particular, the vegetables are always served in interesting and tasty ways. The salmon I had was delicious and the tuna tataki was just awesome.
SU
SeaUSoon
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was outstanding. Every item our group selected was delicious to the taste and the eyes. Changes to the layout and ceiling sound tiles have made for a wonderful conversational experience.
H
Halifax37
Atlantic Canada
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The fish burger was a bit “fishy” and the Kael I think just needed to me massaged a bit more. The fries and veggie burger were delicious
I
Isabel
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We tried the Canteen for the first time the other day and it was great! Staff was friendly, all the food tasted really good! Will definitely go back when we're in town again. I had the seared scallops (delicious) and my partner had the Crobster roll (he loved it and said the fries are amazing too)
SM
ShelbyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A delightfully unpretentious restaurant that is fairly affordable for the quality and creative meals they present. 5/5!
L
Lisa
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Canteen has been on my list of must try restaurants. I can say without a doubt I cannot wait to come back. The atmosphere was casual and easy going, exceptional service and the food was epic! The Crobster Roll - worth every single bite of deliciousness! If you haven't been yet, it is a must!!!
GP
GenevieveP
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal and amazing service - made a birthday dinner a special one. Thank you to the staff!
m
mikey1165
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Don't visit the Halifax/Dartmouth area without stopping in here to eat. The "Crobster" roll was fabulous and the soup of the day (mushroom with rice) was amazing as well. As the TV show says ... You Gotta Eat Here!

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 1892 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 27, 2022

7:00 p.m.

Booked 25 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

Canteen Burger

The Crobster Roll

Canteen Chowder

Brunch

Hangover Breakfast Sandwich$17.00

The Portland Street Classic$18.00

Brunch Bibimbap$17.50

French Toast of the Week$16.50

Tomato & Coconut Shakshuka$16.00

The Canteen Eggs Benny$17.00

Drinks

Bottomless Coffee$3.25

Orange Juice$3.25

Prosecco$9.25

Mimosa$10.00

Canteen Caesar$10.00

White Wine

Tidal Bay, Grand Pre Estate Winery, Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, 2020

Pinot Grigio, Zenato, Veneto, Italy, 2020

Sauvignon Blanc, Satellite, Marlborough, NZ, 2019

Flora, Lightfoot & Wolfville, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, 2020

Chardonnay, Tawse Winery, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, 2018

Sparkling Wine

Prosecco, Terregaie, Veneto, Italy

Cremant, Blomidon, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Red Wine

Malbec, Alambrado, Mendoza, Argentina, 2019

Tempranillo, Embocadero, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon, Noble Vines 337, California, USA, 2016

Chianti, Fontella, Tuscany, Italy, 2018

Shiraz, Barossa Ink, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2019

Pinot Noir, Aquinas, California, USA, 2017

Bottles & Cans

Oland Brewery Co.$6.50

Tall Ship Amber, Garrison Brewing Co.$7.00

Jamboree (Sour) 2 Crows Brewing Co.$8.50

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$2.50

Sparkling Water

Ginger Beer, Propeller Brewing Co.$3.00

Pop Culture Kombucha$4.25

Goodmore Kombucha$4.25

Non-Alcoholic

Sodas$2.50

Sparkling Water

Non-Alocoholic Beer$5.00

Pop Culture Kombucha$4.25

Goodmore Kombucha$4.25

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

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