21 Best Restaurants in South Shore and Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Housed in a converted stone church complete with stained glass windows, Church Brewing produces tasty beers and has a fabulous menu of upscale pub grub with a farm-to-table focus. There's a huge patio out front that overlooks the hustle and bustle of Main Street, and there's often live music in the evenings and on the weekends. 

In a gorgeous location by the water, this restaurant is much more than just a deli, with a long menu that includes an award-winning chowder, gourmet sandwiches, hand-rolled, thin-crust pizzas, inventive burgers with an international slant, and plenty of vegetarian choices. In the evening, chef Martin Ruiz Salvador adds a short dinner menu to the options, with dishes like scallop linguine and fisherman's stew. You'll find Nova Scotian and international wines on the drinks list, plus craft beers and cocktails.

You don't have to dine on the waterfront in Digby to enjoy great seafood and good views, and this friendly pub offers both. Just uphill from the main street, its two-story deck has great sea views, and the menu mostly features local seafood that couldn't be any fresher. There are other choices, too, including vegetarian and vegan options, and any dish can be downsized for children. All are made from locally sourced ingredients, cooked to perfection by the talented chef, and there's local beer, locally roasted coffee, and occasional local live music.

The lobster rolls served at this takeout-only spot are divine, filled with fat chunks of lobster and served with a pickle and potato chips on the side. Order a classic (with celery and mayo), cajun (spicier version of the classic), or naked (pure lobster) and sit by the water to enjoy. Tom's also serves a few other seafood dishes (smoked salmon bagels, seafood pasta, fishcakes) and all are delicious. 

The menu isn't huge at this funky taproom, but the charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and pizza—all of which showcase local produce—do go perfectly with this craft brewery's tasty beers. You can sit out on the spacious patio or inside, and there's even an axe-throwing studio on-site to make your evening a little more entertaining. You can pick up beers to go at the attached retail store.

This delightfully old-fashioned bakery supplies traditional Maritimes brown bread to all the restaurants in the area and is the best spot to grab sticky pecan buns, ginger snaps, date squares, and other retro baked goods. 

This rustic midtown spot—a former store, stable, and Nova Scotia's oldest rural inn, dating to 1764—is full of natural pine and local art, and its staff and clientele treat regulars and newcomers like kin. In the windowed front section, a woodstove keeps things warm on chilly nights, and year-round you can order from a menu that's strong on seafood and comfort food. Lighter fare is also served, along with plenty of craft beers.

This funky spot that started out as a food truck offers an eclectic and tasty menu that runs from jerk chicken bowls to butter chicken poutine to fish-and-chips. The dining room doubles as a gallery space, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. There's a good selection of local craft beers, ciders, and wines. They are known for catering to any food sensitivities. 

Initially known for having the best ice cream around, this fun spot expanded into serving excellent sushi and has become an appealing option for lunch or dinner as well as dessert. 

Devotees swear by the hot lobster sandwich at this retro diner—indeed, Haligonians have been known to make the three-hour trek just to dine on the creamed crustacean concoction that was supposedly invented here. Laminated tables, vinyl banquettes, and bright lights greet you, and it all looks much as it did circa 1960. Other reliable options include fresh seafood, no-nonsense standbys like turkey burgers and club sandwiches, and traditional desserts.

Take in a view of the bay from inside this old, British-style alehouse, or enjoy waterside dining on the back deck. The menu includes basic pub fare, such as fish-and-chips and steak and ale pie. Lunenburg scallops are a specialty, as is the Mug & Anchor meat pie, and the kids menu will please even the fussiest young diner. The pub hosts live music on Saturday evening.

This adorable café serves excellent coffee and a range of baked treats that you can enjoy in their antique-furniture-filled parlor or leafy backyard patio. 

Lunenburg is riddled with seafood restaurants, but this one stands out for its location inside a former fish-processing plant at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, overlooking Lunenburg Harbour and with wharf-side dining in summer. Seafood is the specialty, of course, but you can also opt for chicken, steak, or vegetarian pasta. The Ice House Bar has 16 beers on tap and summer rum tasting events.

This locals' favorite is known for superb espresso drinks and baked goods, as well as a great selection of soups, sandwiches, and hot lunch entrées. There are a number of musical instruments in the café that guests are encouraged to pick up and play.

As its name implies, this hopping waterfront spot serves the expected fish dishes along with pub grub like steak with seafood and fries and Acadian rappie pie, all of which can be washed down with ales handcrafted on-site. Seating is inside a converted warehouse supported by 18th-century beams or, in fine weather, at picnic tables on the wraparound deck. Since Rudder's doubles as a microbrewery, you can also buy beer to go. Live entertainment on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening is a good reason to linger, and if you're sailing in, they have their own floating-dock marina.

This authentic German bakery and café is much loved for its delicious strudels, cookies, and other European-style baked goods. It’s also a great spot for lunch or early dinner of bratwurst, schnitzel, and other German specialties (or just a pretzel or sandwich if you're looking for something lighter). Seating is inside or on a large patio overlooking the fort. 

The aroma of freshly made waffle cones makes it hard to walk on by this little store selling delicious homemade ice cream and fudge. 

This bright and friendly spot is a Chester community hub, and is a great spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or just coffee and a treat. Everything served is fresh, locally sourced where possible, and absolutely delicious. The attached pantry sells specialty food items, locally-made jams and chutneys, and a selection of take-and-heat meals to go.

The substantial lunches and dinners served at this merry, low-key pub are a hit with locals who appreciate the good homemade fare, including the always excellent apple crisp. Diners sometimes spill out of the 1884 brick building and onto the patio, which is adjacent to a square where the farmers' market takes place. In a town short on nightlife, it's also a good place for postdinner lounging, with occasional live music and DJ nights.