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Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Nova Scotia

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OpenTable
Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Nova Scotia? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of The Canteen on Portland restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3332)
CAN$30 and under
Farm-to-table
Dartmouth
About the restaurant
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.




Top review
Michael
Dined 3 days ago
After going to The Canteen multiple times, I’ve never had a bad meal. Food is always top-notch - fill of flavour. It’s a great casual atmosphere where everyone from all walks of life enjoy. It’s a Dartmouth mainstay.
A photo of The Ostrich Club restaurant
4.9
4.9 (741)
CAN$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Halifax
About the restaurant
The Ostrich Club is all about quality over quantity. Simple food with big flavours. Natural wines. Thoughtful cocktails. Warm and inviting service.

Please have a look at our menus though please note that the regular menus may not be entirely current as there may be a delay from open table in re-posting the most up-to-date ones. See our website for current menus.

We hope to welcome you soon!
#livefastdieyum

Top review
LisaVIP
Dined on Feb 6, 2025
A wonderful evening of innovative cocktails, delicious sharing plates and fabulous wine selections from Alana’s outstanding cellar .
A photo of Dear Friend restaurant
4.9
4.9 (380)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dartmouth
About the restaurant
Dear Friend is Downtown Dartmouth's cocktail & wine bar. Join us in our cozy, European style cocktail bar or on our vibrant patio for great food, amazing cocktails, attentive service and awesome music. Located in the heart of Downtown Dartmouth on Portland Street, we are steps away from the Dartmouth Waterfront and Alderney Ferry Terminal. Our small plate food menu showcases Chef Bradley George's take on fresh Nova Scotian seafood and cured meats, as well as small plates with Asian and Spanish influences. Our bar team features some of the best the country has to offer; always creating new flavours and perfecting classics. Join us for our Oyster Happy Hour, everyday from 4pm-5pm, or book a table with friends to imbibe. We have lots of space for walk-ins as well!
Top review
Tasha
Dined 1 day ago
As usual a wonderful experience. Food and drinks were excellent!
A photo of Lou pécou pizzeria restaurant
4.9
4.9 (187)
CAN$30 and under
Pizzeria
Halifax
About the restaurant
In Provence, a region in southeastern France, “Lou Pécou” is the term for the peduncle, or stalk, that holds a cluster of fruit. Our grandparents taught us that when in the kitchen, you must start with the freshest and finest of ingredients. They had a unique way of feeling and picking lou pécou, to know if the fruit and vegetable is local, ripe, and fresh. We look forward to passing you these traditions and learnings through our pizzas.

At Lou Pécou, you will find exclusive finely curated dishes with a Provençal touch, a wide range of organic and biodynamic wines, signature cocktails, house-made desserts, and much more!

Top review
Tyler
Dined 2 days ago
What a fabulous pizzeria. The food was hand crafted and so well done. The small sport is a vibrant and eclectic mix of patrons. There is a rigours business of "skip the dishes/take out" which at times overwhelmed the little spots entry. Our server was friendly and got the job done... but nothing to write home about... there is an opportunity to improve the experience there. (that being said it was Valentiens day and things were busy). Overall, highly recommended.
A photo of EDNA Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (826)
CAN$30 and under
Bistro
Halifax
About the restaurant
An upmarket neighbourhood bistro serving locally focused dishes. We are a bustling one-room restaurant with a comfy bar. Seasonal menus include P.E.I. Blue Dot rib eye steaks, local seafood, and seasonal veg.

Open for lunch service Tuesday-Friday 1130-230
Open for Supper service Tuesday-Sunday 5-10pm
Open for Brunch service Sunday 10-2 pm

We keep bar seating open for walk-ins each night so feel free to pop in.

Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome but not guaranteed.

***Please note when picking a reservation time that our licence requires minors (even sweet tiny little babies) to be out of the restaurant by 10pm, sorry for the inconvenience.

Top review
SandyVIP
Dined 6 days ago
A delicious delight to enjoy the Dine Around dinner at Edna! Excellent service, pacing of the meal & price. Bravo to Edna for sourcing local & for your chef’s creativity. Thanks so much Paton! We enjoyed it all.
A photo of La Piazza Ristorante restaurant
4.8
4.8 (79)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Italian
Halifax
About the restaurant
La Piazza Ristorante opened in June 2015 and is a family-owned Italian restaurant. As you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere immediately embraces you, making you feel like part of the family. La Piazza takes immense pride in serving Italian cuisine made with love. La Piazza is proud to have won platinum winner for best Italian restaurant in 2020, and 2022 in the Community Votes!

At La Piazza, pasta lovers are in for a treat with a wide variety of pasta dishes. For those craving the perfect slice of pizza, the wood-fire oven delivers a crispy, thin crust topped with the freshest ingredients. Whether you opt for a classic Margherita or a gourmet prosciutto and arugula combination, the pizza at La Piazza is nothing short of delicious! We also have a fantastic wine selection and cocktails to pair with any meal!

Top review
Gala
Dined 2 days ago
Great food, welcoming atmosphere, good portions sizes.
A photo of Eliot & Vine restaurant
4.8
4.8 (840)
CAN$30 and under
European
Halifax
About the restaurant
Eliot & Vine offers an array of dining experiences. Have a seat in the main room along the bright windows, or at our beautiful marble top bar. Our semi-private ‘Frolic Room’, boasting exquisite work by renowned artist Jean Bradbury, is perfect for group dinners or a quiet date night. Or, watch the chefs work their magic while you sit at the kitchen counter. Eliot & Vine was designed by Breakhouse. European favourites get a unique twist inspired by the seasons and ever-changing market offerings. Our extensive wine list features classics you love, and unique gems waiting to be discovered - from around the world or local vineyards. We have hand-crafted cocktails and a selection of European bottled beer, while the draught taps showcase our love of home. We are happy to accommodate special requests, such as a gluten-free or vegetarian meal. Don’t hesitate to ask anyone on our team, and be sure to let us know if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.
Top review
Nalini
Dined 3 days ago
This is my favourite restaurant in Halifax and it did not disappoint! Consistently delicious. Even though the place was packed for Valentine's Day the service was 100% attentive, fun, not rushed, and the usual high quality that we always receive at E&V. This is a place where they remember you, remember what you like to eat and where you like to sit, it's really incredible. We had the "new" burger (the onion jam is no longer!) and we enjoyed every bite. The NA drink menu grows every time we visit, which is very much appreciated.
A photo of Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (885)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Seafood
Lunenburg
About the restaurant
✼ If you would prefer to dine on our waterfront patio, please add a visit tag in seating preferences when reserving and we will do our best to accommodate you (weather permitting).

Let the Beach Pea’s team of talented chefs prepare a delicious meal for you. With diverse specialties, ranging from French cuisine to traditional Italian pasta, the combined experience of this kitchen produces delicious, elegant dishes with a focus on fresh Nova Scotia seafood.

We accept reservations for dinner service, but if our dining room and patio are full, you are welcome to have a refreshing drink at the breezy bar while you wait to be seated.

Please note that we hold reservations for a maximum of 15 minutes
We are happy to accommodate parties of 1-8 guests in our intimate space.

Top review
Mylene
Dined on Dec 29, 2024
The quality of the dishes is amazing. We hosted dinner with friends who have never been and they were all raving about the food from Appy’s to dessert. The presentation of the food that they had not tried before - tuna tartare, grilled octopus was enjoyed by our whole table of 7. The staff are friendly and provide great service.
A photo of Agricola Street Brasserie restaurant
4.6
4.6 (856)
CAN$30 and under
French
Halifax
About the restaurant
The Brasserie has become synonymous with the North End of Halifax, the region’s most vibrant food destination, serving locally sourced product in an iconic neighborhood.

French inspired food in a stylish and vibrant atmosphere, the Brasserie (est. 2013) focuses on sustainable seafood & ambitious sophisticated cooking where all breads, jams, sauces and desserts are made in house.

Sit on the butcher block bar and enjoy a glass of wine after work, a bar snack, or a full menu during dinner hours. The exposed brick lounge offers a cozy nook for quiet conversation. Further inside the Brasserie is an open kitchen where one can sit at the counter and enjoy the inner workings of the Brasserie culinary operation. Our lively upstairs patio seats 50 and is open during the sunny summer months for cocktails & cuisine.

We welcome you for Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30- 2:30 with a snack menu between 2:30-4pm and we are open 7 days a week, 4pm to close.


Top review
Julia
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful dinner, the Valentines Special was fantastic. Would absolutely recommend!
A photo of Betty's at The Kitch restaurant
4.5
4.5 (666)
CAN$30 and under
Wine Bar
Lunenburg
About the restaurant
Wine Bar & Wood-Fired Pizza...


i’m a betty. you’re a betty. everyone’s a betty.
betties love wine. betties love wood-fired pizza and small plates.
​betties REALLY love wine.

Top review
Adam
Dined 3 days ago
Betty's is a place we will come back to over and over again. The restauramt was simply wonderful with stone fired pizza being the main attraction. The decor is cozy, we can't wait for the patio to open in the spring as it looks beautiful.
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