Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Nova Scotia

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood 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 favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Canteen on Portland

4.9

4.9 (3277)

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

Ronald

Dined 2 days ago

Beyond a doubt the best restaurant in Dartmouth. Food and service are always great and staff make you feel like you should not dine anywhere else. Ron

Discover more

4.9

4.9 (367)

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

AndrewVIP

Dined 7 days ago

No better place in Dartmouth. Great food and great service and interesting drinks.

Lou pécou pizzeria

4.9

4.9 (177)

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

Gerrie

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

This is a lovely little restaurant. The pizzas are unique and exceptional. We continue to be impressed by everything it does.

EDNA Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (801)

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

JLVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Consistently excellent food and service, the current winter menu is phenomenal.

La Piazza Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (74)

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

Tracy

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Food is delicious and consistent. The lighting is cosy and it’s so nice to see the Woodfire pizza oven flames.

Eliot & Vine

4.8

4.8 (827)

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

BrianVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great spot to meet up and have an enjoyable evening! Great staff and tasty menu. If you have not tried E&V, put it on your list for 2025!!

The Ostrich Club

4.8

4.8 (733)

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

BillVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Our favourite dinner destination. Great wine, wonderful food and caring, focused service.

Agricola Street Brasserie

4.6

4.6 (835)

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

RayVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Always a pleasure to dine there A trusted favourite

Discover more

Popular dish

STEAK FRITES

Popular dish

STUFFED PORK TENDERLOIN

Popular dish

CALAMARI

Seaside Shanty

4.5

4.5 (30)

CAN$30 and under

Seafood

Mahone Bay

About the restaurant

The Seaside Shanty has been a pillar in the community of Chester Basin for over forty years, providing guests with friendly and attentive service and the best that the coastal waters have to offer. Not only is it a completely scratch kitchen, The Seaside Shanty is committed to using local suppliers/farmers as much as possible and is touted for having the best chowder and lobster roll on the south shore!!

Come enjoy the food and stay for the breathtaking view!

Top review

Debbie

Dined on Nov 9, 2024

Wonderful server! Great food ! Serving size good for me but perhaps c or old be a little bigger for my male partner! Sorry to hear we were there on last weekend of the season due to slow business these past few weeks! Looking forward to their reopening in the New Year!

Betty's at The Kitch

4.2

4.2 (657)

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

Heather

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

We had a wonderful meal. The service was quick and friendly. The server was attentive and read the mood of our party perfectly. We had a great time. The Monday east coast curry special was very tasty and added a nice variety to the wood fired pizzas offered on the menu

Explore Diners' Choice best of Nova Scotia

Explore more Diners' Choice lists