🌍Country: Nova Scotia, Canada      
🔥Must-try dish: The Lobster Roll 
👍The high: Having the chance to eat so much lobster that by the end of the trip, we had to break from it. 
👎The low: Getting home and not having the same access to lobster. 

Nova Scotia is famous for its lobster, both across Canada and around the world. Prices for this decadent delicacy can skyrocket outside of the Maritimes, and while lobster is harvested in waters across the globe, nothing quite compares to the sweet flavour and tender texture of Atlantic Canadian lobster.

Needless to say, no trip to Nova Scotia is complete without eating your weight in lobster, whether it’s stuffed into a bun, tossed through pasta, or simply enjoyed on its own.

You can add butter or other condiments if you like, but let’s be honest, lobster in its purest form lets those rich, natural flavours shine.

On a recent trip to Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore, we embarked on a humble lobster roll tasting and lived to tell the tale.

First things first, let’s clear up the different styles of lobster rolls so you know exactly what you’re ordering. A traditional Nova Scotian lobster roll is served cold, with the meat lightly dressed in mayonnaise and lemon. The Connecticut-style version is served warm, with the lobster poached in butter. Pick your poison.

📍Water Polo Restaurant – 1341 Lower Water St Unit 126, Halifax, NS B3J 3Z2:  

If you’re looking to pair your lobster roll with waterfront views in a trendy beach club setting, grab a seat on the patio at Water Polo. They only serve the classic cold version, but on a hot summer day overlooking the harbour, it’s hard to complain. The roll is generously packed with lobster meat and comes with a fresh green salad, making it the perfect lunch before wandering around downtown Halifax and the waterfront.

The service is friendly enough, but it doesn’t quite measure up to many of the city’s other restaurants, especially those operated by the same restaurant group. The food is worth trying, but the service probably won’t be what you remember.

📍Stillwell – 1672 Barrington St, Halifax, NS B3J 2A2: 

Known as one of Halifax’s favourite craft beer bars, Stillwell has grown to three locations since opening over a decade ago, but the original on Barrington Street is still our favourite. The menu is simple, focusing on elevated pub fare, and best of all, you get to choose your lobster roll style. Go traditional with mayonnaise, tarragon, and lemon, or opt for the Connecticut version with warm butter, both come with kettle chips on the side.

As far as I’m concerned, Connecticut is the clear winner, so naturally that’s what I ordered. The buttery lobster was piled high into a perfectly toasted potato bun that somehow soaked up all the juices without falling apart. Every bite was rich, messy, and completely worth it.

Stillwell takes our top spot for lobster rolls in Halifax. Not only can you choose your preferred style, but it’s also noticeably more affordable and generous in meat than many of the waterfront restaurants. Add friendly service and excellent local beer, and you’ve got a winner.

But our favourite lobster roll experience didn’t happen in Halifax at all.

It happened in the South Shore.

Step one: make friends with a lobster fisherman. Step two: pull fresh lobsters straight from the traps. Step three: cook them within minutes of coming out of the water.

Our local friends prepared mountain after mountain of fresh lobster, gently tossed in warm butter, lemon, and fresh herbs before piling it into soft brioche buns. There was enough for seconds if anyone could manage it.

Spoiler alert: nobody could.

After several lobster rolls and plenty of debate, our group reached a unanimous conclusion. Warm lobster with butter, lemon, and herbs, Connecticut style, won us over every single time.

That said, lobster rolls are a personal thing, and half the fun is deciding where your own loyalties lie. So the next time you find yourself exploring Nova Scotia, use this as your starting point and taste your way to your own favourite.

Farewell to Nova Scotia. 

Eat with you soon!