The landscape of New Brunswick is intrinsically tied to its culinary culture. The Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of St. Lawrence encircle the province, which is well-known for its cold-water salmon, oysters, scallops, and lobster. Fiddleheads, blueberries, maple syrup, and a variety of hearty produce that varies with the seasons are produced by the province’s farms and forests. Acadian, Native, and marine influences have shaped New Brunswick’s restaurants, which respect its culinary heritage’s simplicity and complexity.
In New Brunswick, dining is an experience of place as much as it is of cuisine. The pleasure of dining out is enhanced by waterfront dining, magnificent dining rooms, historic restaurants, and quaint bistros. The following five eateries are outstanding for their food, atmosphere, and dedication to using local foods, whether they are located in vibrant metropolises or charming seaside towns.
Best Restaurants in New Brunswick
1. Port City Royal
2. Windjammer
3. Billy’s Seafood Company
4. The Tide & Boar Gastropub
5. Restaurant 540
5 Best Restaurants in New Brunswick
1. Port City Royal
Situated within the Trinity Royal Heritage Conservation Area in the heart of historic Saint John, Port City Royal has developed a reputation as one of the province’s most innovative and memorable dining experiences. Praised for its cozy, intimate ambiance that includes exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and craft cocktails, this chef-driven restaurant serves seasonal menus that celebrate the province’s best local and regional ingredients. Patrons have consistently raved about the lobster ravioli, bacon-wrapped scallops, and creative seafood dishes that combine traditional Maritime flavors with innovative cooking methods.
The cocktail menu is also highly praised, with original house specialties that enhance the dining experience. With its excellent service and beautifully presented dishes, Port City Royal is truly a destination restaurant – ideal for romantic occasions, special events, or a sophisticated evening out after discovering the waterfront or historic district of Saint John. It is highly recommended to book a table, especially on weekends, as the restaurant’s limited seating capacity is quickly filled. Whether for the tasting menu or signature cocktails, Port City Royal is a shining example of the growing reputation of New Brunswick’s culinary scene.
Location: 45 Grannan Street, Saint John, NB
Typical Price Range: CAD $30–$60+ per person
2. Windjammer
In the center of Moncton, Windjammer, a longtime favorite in New Brunswick, provides a really fine dining experience. This award-winning restaurant, which is housed within the Delta Beauséjour hotel, has received the CAA Four Diamond Award for many years, a testament to its superior cuisine and sophisticated service. Highlighted delicacies on the menu include Atlantic salmon, Shediac scallops, and premium beef like Australian Wagyu or Canadian Prime strip loin, all of which are obtained locally from the area’s farms and seas. Seasonal appetizers, delectable desserts, and expertly prepared salads complement the signature dishes. Windjammer’s dining ambiance is exactly what great dining ought to be: sophisticated and hospitable, ideal for business entertaining, special occasion dining, or just enjoying a memorable evening.
Every dining experience is a unique affair, complete with tableside service and wine pairings that enhance your meal. For the best fine dining in the province, foodies visiting New Brunswick might include Windjammer on their list of must-try eateries.
Location: 750 Main Street, Moncton, NB
Typical Price Range: CAD $50+ per person
3. Billy’s Seafood Company
Billy’s Seafood Company is a famous Uptown Saint John restaurant that pays homage to the maritime delicacies of New Brunswick with a casual yet classy flair. As the name suggests, the focus is on seafood, including fish, scallops, mussels, and Atlantic lobster, prepared both traditionally and contemporarily. The menu is a fantastic option for a diverse set of eaters, though, as it offers steak and grill favorites in addition to seafood. It is also an excellent place to have lunch after sightseeing or have dinner with views of the harbor because of its proximity to the historic City Market and harbor area. The province’s dedication to sustainable and fresh seafood is reflected in the excellent ingredients and welcoming service that regulars laud. Billy’s offers the best of Maritime food in an approachable manner, whether it is lobster risotto in the winter or scallops in the summer.
Location: 49–51 Charlotte Street, Saint John, NB
Typical Price Range: CAD $25–$45 per person
4. The Tide & Boar Gastropub
The Tide & Boar Gastropub in Moncton is a fantastic option for comfort cuisine with a twist if you are looking for a more laid-back yet quite enjoyable dining experience. Locals value its lively atmosphere and welcoming personnel, which complement its varied cuisine that includes anything from inventive sandwiches and burgers to seafood chowder and other pub favorites. While the fresh seafood selections honor the region’s marine heritage, the gastropub’s signature dish, the enormous pulled pork “Pig Mac” sandwich, has become the stuff of legend among visitors. The Tide & Boar Gastropub is a well-liked hangout for people looking for great food without the high cost of fine dining, thanks to its seasonal dishes and wide selection of craft brews.
Location: Downtown Moncton, NB
Typical Price Range: CAD $20–$40 per person
5. Restaurant 540
In Fredericton, Restaurant 540 is regarded as one of the greatest dining establishments. It blends traditional maritime elements with contemporary cooking techniques. With an open kitchen where patrons can observe the culinary techniques used to prepare each dish, the restaurant boasts a contemporary yet welcoming atmosphere.
With an emphasis on regional seafood and farm-fresh ingredients, the menu is seasonal. Attention to care can be seen in dishes like seared scallops with handmade risotto, Atlantic salmon with herb beurre blanc, and perfectly cooked steaks. It is a terrific option for both special events and premium casual eating because the plating is exquisite without being overly stuffy.
In keeping with its menu, the restaurant offers inventive cocktails and an excellent wine list. Both residents and visitors love it for its excellent service and high standards.
Location: 540 Queen Street, Fredericton, NB, Canada
Average Price: CAD $35–$60 per entrée
Conclusion
New Brunswick cuisine is as fresh, varied, and unique as the province itself. From casual, high-end dining to fine dining in Fredericton and Saint John, and from Moncton’s microbrewery cuisine to St. Andrews’s seaside dining, there is something for every taste.
What ties these restaurants together is their focus on using only the best ingredients and providing amiable service. Whether they wish to enjoy home-cooked pasta, Atlantic lobster, or microbrewed beer, visitors will find that their stay in New Brunswick is as memorable as the scenery.
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