Located just across the harbor from Halifax, Dartmouth has had a resurgence in recent years, and a number of cool new spots are opening up all over downtown. The following restaurants are the best of the best and worth the ferry ride.
The Canteen on Portland
Restaurant, Contemporary, $$$
You’ll definitely want to plan ahead and make a reservation for The Canteen, where lineups run out the door as locals clamor for their delicious seasonally inspired menu. Brunch is especially popular, and you’ll find unbeatable menu items such as the Hangover Breakfast Sandwich and Brioche French Toast.
The Canteen on Portland | Courtesy of The Canteen on Portland
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Tue - Thu:
11:00 am - 2:30 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri:
11:00 am - 2:30 pm
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sun:
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
John’s Lunch
Restaurant, Seafood, $$$
Heralded for having the best fish and chips in Canada, John’s Lunch has been a must-visit for seafood lovers since it opened its doors in 1969. In addition to their famed fish and chip platter, they also have a menu full of popular items such as Digby scallops, clams, calamari, and burgers.
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Mon - Wed:
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thu - Sat:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sun:
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Battery Park Beerbar & Eatery
Gastropub, Pub Grub, $$$
When you’re craving a burger, craft beer, and hipster vibe, Battery Park is the place to be. Dig into popular menu items such as Pork Tacos and The Jughead Burger, and choose a beer from their ever-changing locally influenced menu.
Battery Park Beerbar & Eatery | Courtesy of Battery Park Beerbar & Eatery
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Mon - Thu:
11:30 am - 12:00 am
Fri - Sat:
11:30 am - 2:00 am
Sun:
11:30 am - 12:00 am
Portland Street Crêperie
Cafe, French, $$$
Portland Street Crêperie serves up a delicious menu of sweet and savory crêpes, with classics such as Lemon Sugar and Ham and Swiss and more adventurous flavors like Oreo Cheesecake and The Donair. The cute décor combined with tasty crêpes earns this place a spot on the “best of Dartmouth” list.
Portland Street Crêperie | Courtesy of Portland Street Crêperie
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Mon - Thu:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Sat:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sun:
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Vines Pasta Grill
Restaurant, Italian, $$$
If you’re a lover of Italian food, Vines is the place for you! Their extensive menu of appetizers, pasta, and pizzas will satisfy your carb cravings, and keep an eye out for their four-course Tasters nights.
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Mic Mac Bar & Grill
Pub, Pub Grub, $$$
Voted the best Dartmouth restaurant for the past four years by The Coast’s Best of Halifax Reader’s Choice Awards, Mic Mac Bar & Grill has become somewhat of an institution, and locals go out of their way to visit this hot spot. Come here for a fully stocked pub menu.
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Mon - Thu:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri:
10:00 am - 9:30 pm
Sat:
8:00 am - 9:30 pm
Sun:
8:00 am - 9:00 pm
The Wooden Monkey
Restaurant, Healthy, $$$
Come to The Wooden Monkey for views of the Halifax skyline and a fresh menu that emphasizes healthy, sustainable meals. Vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers will all find something to enjoy here. You can also visit the original location in Downtown Halifax.
The Wooden Monkey | Courtesy of The Wooden Monkey
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Mon - Thu:
11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Fri - Sat:
11:30 am - 10:00 pm