Best New Shop (2022): The Great British Shop
I never thought I’d be cheering for a shop in Bayer’s Lake. This store was an instant hit with imported British food and made in house pies and pastries.
201 Chain Lake Dr.
Website
Update Dec 15 2022
Best New Eats (2022): The Narrows Public House
The moment I walked in The Narrows I felt at home and loved it, the menu has elevated versions of bar faves and more. A collection of local draught and other libations
2720 Gottingen St
Instagram
Update Dec 13 2022
Place to Get a Print: Inkwell
Making the homes of HRM brighter for over a decade now. The boutique over 200 artists and has a great selection of local themed prints, cards and merchandise. They also have their own Letterpress for creating custom pieces.
1453 South Park
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Cinnamon Roll: Tart & Soul
A fantastic cafe by King’s College. These folks make an array of baked goods, prepared meals and quick lunches. Their product can also be found in other shops. However teh cinnamon roll is the signature piece.
6389 Coburg Rd.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Pizza Pie Fancy: Salvatore's
I have been going to Sal’s since 1995 when I was walking by and the smell had to be investigated. You can order a plain pizza and you won’t be disappointed, however, the Stephano is a treat as well. Or get a Hero or save room for cheesecake, all good!
5541 Young St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Bagel:
Montreal Bagel Style
The debate can go on but I prefer Montreal Style over New York Style. These Montreal ones are the real deal. The owner worked at St-Viateur for over a decade (if you like the other style Izzy’s in Bedford also quite good)
135 Wyse Rd.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Asian Grocery: Union Foodmart
New to the scene but was instantly a hit with me well organized, lots of vegetables, and dim sum, and big selection of tofu like things. As well as an excellent selection of grocery items.
195 Wyse Rd. or Bayer’s Lake
Instagram
Update Dec 13 2022
Burger: The Smashie at Side Hustle
Perfect in its simple execution, all the details are taken care of and it just makes a very satisfying burger. 2x Patty, 2x Cheese, Burger Sauce, Pickles.
21 Portland St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Place To Have High End Meal:
Bar Kismet
I mean they don’t need my accolades, they get plenty of others on their own. The menu leans to elevated modern seafood. Don’t miss the Tuna Tartare
2733 Agricola St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Place to Buy Something Local: The Trainyard
A move this year for The Trainyard to a new more visible space, but the same selection of locally made and themed items from artisans.
They also make sure there are lots of options to show your Dartmouth Pride.
137 Portland St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Butcher/Deli: 2 Boys
I have been shopping here in a way for decades with its roots as Chris Brothers. They have a great deli which makes sandwiches to order (I’m a Mixed Meat on rye with gouda) , Brothers style pepperoni and lots of butcher favourites including salt meat.
984 Cole Harbour Rd.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Niche Shop: Patch
While sewing and quilting aren’t my thing, I do buy gifts from here for loved ones. The shop has created a community and the customer service and product knowledge is top-notch. I love this shop so much that even took a class and made my own tote bag.
2571 Robie St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Snack Shop: Munchies
Just a little over a year old Munchies is my go to if I want exotic snacks, great selection of Reese, carbonated beverages, chips, Oreo variants and so much more.
There are surprise boxes if you want to take a walk on the wild side.
1840 Vernon. St. or 873 Bedford Hwy
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Pharmacy
While it may fly a national banner, everything about this shop is local and about building community. The customer service is top-notch and little things like the fact there were numerous genders listed on the form when I moved over my prescriptions.
also Best New Business (2021)
2525 Agricola St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Sub: Kaiser’s
They have been open for over four decades if that doesn’t tell you something you just need to taste one and you will be in cold cut sub heaven. Nothing fancy about Kaiser’s and you can only get it to go but I sometimes go out of my way to get one.
799 Sackville Dr.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Bar I Seem to End Up the Most : Battery Park
They have a great menu of food, the burgers are great, the fries are great and it’s a great place to spend time with friends. Always a great beer menu too, in the winter especially I like tap 12 because its usual a dark beer on a nitro tap.
62 Ochterloney St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Local Beer That is Always in Production: North Brewing: Malternate Reality
This hoppy and fruity New England IPA doest for me I always enjoy it and its my default option when available.
62 Ochterloney St , 899 Portland St. &
501 Timberlea Village Pkwy.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Nachos: El Chino
El Chino the late night sister of Robie Street Food is a delight Tequila, draught and Mexican or Chinese snacks. yes please! These nachos though easily stand out as amazing.
Honourable Mention Nachos: Level Bar in the Prince George.
2398 Robie St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Sushi:
Doraku (or wherever Shuji is behind the counter)
Simple, fresh, friendly. Really that’s all you need.
The sushi is always refreshing and the fish especially shines as the star. The service is ridiculously inviting and comforting. Never disappoints. Honourable Mention: I do really like the Venus Roll at Tako.
44 Ochterloney St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Bakery : Birdies Bread Co.
They have their own mill so you know they taking baking seriously, it’s not uncommon to have a little lineup and bread is sourdough perfection. Don’t pass up on the treats either the Flakies in particular are happiness. They also have a few gourmet treats in the fridge to pair with your bread.
380 Pleasant St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Doughnut: Beignets at LF Bakery
Gottingen may be the home to the over-the-top Instagram doughnut shops, but the real winner is these jelly-filled delights. Fluffy and simple. Also, LF has an excellent selection of bread and other baked treats. Honourable mention to Total Donut Solutions available at Java Blend, Cortado and more and now their own truck in Spryfield CFFEWLZ
2063 Gottingen St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Pizza Pie Regular: Pizza Time
Ok people may fight me on this but to me this is a very comforting pizza, I like to get a large work (it comes with 3 cans of pop). The service is excellent and you can see everything going on and they have hustle!
791 Pleasant St.
Facebook
Update Dec 13 2022
Pizza Slice: On The Wedge
Who says a food court in a mall has to be boring On The Wedge is a great place to have a slice of their signature Moon Pie or a collection of unique weekly specials and of course in the season the turkey dinner as a pizza Holiday Pie.
1595 Bedford Hwy.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Overall Pizza Shop: Yeah Yeah's
These folks would be my second choice in all 4 of the other pizza categories. Regular (pep) Fancy (white) Slice and Garlic fingers and depending on my mood could be first
66 Ochterloney or 1663 Barrington
Website
Update Jan 1 2023
Downtown After Drinking Snack : Rocky’s Original Filipino BBQ
Why it’s called Pizza Corner and not Rocky and Willy’s Magical Late Night Paradise is beyond me.
Marinated pork on stick grilled to perfection, it’s that easy to please me. Right next to Willy’s which has very good poutine. Why not put them both together.
5237 Blowers St.
Instagram
Update Dec 13 2022
Reason to Leave HRM to Eat: The Noodle Guy
A day trip to Wolfville for me just doesn’t feel complete until I go across the dykes to Port Williams and have the ravioli at The Noodle Guy, often different always delightful.
964 Highway 358
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Fish & Chips: Evan's Seafood
Hidden away in Alderney Landing, Evan’s has been pumping out delicious food for years. The fish is more breaded than battered and gluten-free. You can even buy fresh fish to go. Looking for batter ? Try Fredie’s in Bayers Lake.
2 Ochterloney St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Dive Bar: Staggers
This place is comfort to me the owner is so sweet and the food made from scratch. It is a dive bar at it’s finest (No VLT’s though) They have always been so welcoming to me and I love it.
26 Portland St.
Facebook
Update Dec 13 2022
Beer Bar: Stillwell Freehouse
The Agricola version of Stillwell maybe you prefer Barrington St. or The Beer Garden, but I adore this one most. IT is so cozy feeling and feels like an English Pub and a great menu of craft beer and food to correspond.
2534 Agricola St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Cocktail Bar: Lot Six
They have lots of great cocktails ready to order or you can ask what taste you are looking for and they can make it. There are a few seating areas, all feel like a place to have a good drink.(Also went on first date with my now wife here)
1685 Argyle St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Place I Wish I Went To More Often but Their Hours and Location Don't Work With My Schedule, But If You Are Downtown During The Day You Should Definitely Be Visiting:
Verano
I’m rarely Downtown during weekday business hours otherwise I would be filling myself up on tacos, arepas and empanadas every day. I do make special trips though.
1871 Hollis St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Best Place to Get a Kick-Ass Lunch That is Affordable For What Is:
Maria's Pantry
Everything here is tasty. Pasta, sauces, sweets, focaccia, all made from scratch. At lunch you grab a hot bite. Plus lots of items to go and prep at home.
17 Prince St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Dumplings: El Chino
El Chino the late night sister of Robie Street Food is a delight Tequila, draught and Mexican or Chinese snacks. yes please! The dumplings are pleasing bundles of pork and chive that keep me going back for more.
2398 Robie St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Latin Grocery: Cafe Aroma Latino
Ok sure this is a primarily a restaurant but the little area of Latin grocery is worth a visit and great if you are cooking a southern meal.
5780 North St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Korean: Young Pocha
It started in the bottom of the Commons Inn this Korean delight has now expanded to a second location on Spring Garden (with BBQ and Tavern) Get the fried chicken!
2400 Agricola St. & 5650 Spring Garden Rd.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Chinese : 9 + Nine
Hiding in the middle of Clayton Park in a mini-mall, this is my craving. The bao, the ginger squid and the black pepper chicken are often on my mind.
480 Parkland Dr.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Italian (dinner): Mappatura
Comfortable saying they have the best calamari in the city, and all the mains are cooked to perfection. The space is modern and the service is amazing. You leave there with the content of a great meal.
5883 Spring Garden
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Garlic Fingers: Pizza Tonight
I can’t quite explain it, but these guys are the perfect balance of cheese garlic and grease.
218 Pleasant St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
New Restaurant (2021): Kofuku
I have only been once, but it made a positive first impression on me, the Thai food especially was impressive and not as sweet as other options around town. The Sushi was pretty good as well.
2752 Robie St.
Website
Update Dec 13 2022
Wonderful list! I didn’t know that the Woodside Tavern was still open, so good to know.
Great job, so correct on all accounts . Most I have been to and now I’m going to get out to others you mentioned! Thank you 😊
Thank you for reminding us of these local gems. There are so many great spots in the city to explore!
For fish and chips try Rudy & Olives in Bedford. Light batter, hand cut fries and friendly service.
Thaks so much for this. I was not aware of many of them and this will be my new years resolution …to try them out!!
What would we do without you! Thanks so much for the recommendations
Wings?
I like Eli’s
but I am the wrong person to ask
as I am skin, flats, sauce on side kinda guy
but https://www.halifaxwingman.com/