Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Atlantic Canada

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Atlantic Canada? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses 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 book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Canteen on Portland

4.9

4.9 (3276)

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

Heather

Dined 2 days ago

Love that the Crobster is back, delicious meal as always, wonderful staff, enjoyed the fabulous cremé brûlée.

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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 6 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 7 days ago

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

Quintanas De La Plaza

4.9

4.9 (48)

CAN$30 and under

Mexican

St. John's

About the restaurant

Bringing you a delicious blend of Tex Mex food to St. John's, NL since 1980! A new experience for you. A tradition for us! Located in Churchill Square just minutes from downtown and Memorial University. Come sit back and enjoy some of our most popular dishes including the Mexican Flag, Flautas or Fish Tacos. We offer a wide selection of tequilas and the best margaritas and sangrias in St. John's!

Top review

G Keith

Dined 7 days ago

Always enjoyed a Saturday meal at Quintanas…never been disappointed with any of our Meals over the many years eating there…🧐⚓️

EDNA Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (800)

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 1 day 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

Martin

Dined on 7 Dec 2024

Excellent food and service. Will definitely go back

The Ostrich Club

4.8

4.8 (732)

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

ElizabethVIP

Dined on 4 Dec 2024

We always have a wonderful time at Ostrich Club. We love the food, the vibe, and the bartender!

Claudine's Eatery

4.8

4.8 (170)

CAN$30 and under

Canadian

Fredericton

About the restaurant

Claudine's Eatery is, put simply, East Coast comfort food. Family owned and operated by a mother/daughter duo. We pride ourselves on creating real food, not fast food.

Top review

Rick

Dined 6 days ago

This place always delivers! Great service, delicious food and a welcoming warm atmosphere.

Piatto Pizzeria - Midtown St. John's

4.7

4.7 (1347)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

St. John's

About the restaurant

Piatto is the only pizzeria in Atlantic Canada to hold the prestigious VPN certification from Naples, Italy. You know there are just over 500 worldwide!

Top review

Rick

Dined 1 day ago

One of the best waitress service experiences I have had in St John’s. The waitress was very friendly always checking on our needs. A party of 5 had an absolute great time. Highly recommend this restaurant. Make reservations as very busy but this does not affect the food quality or the service. Well done Piatto!

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

Tanya

Dined 7 days ago

Arranged a birthday dinner for my daughter and five friends. Enjoyable night, great food and great service!

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