St. John's Culinary Delights

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a foodie's paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city's diverse cultural influences. The city's former colonisation by the French and British and its large Irish immigrant community mean that Acadian, British, and Irish cuisines feature prominently on local menus. You'll find classic dishes like shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips, as well as Acadian specialities such as poutine râpée and fiddlehead soup.

But Saint John also boasts a thriving international food scene, with cuisines from around the world represented in its many restaurants and pubs. You can find everything from authentic Indian curries at Thandi to Egyptian-inspired dishes at Taste of Egypt. The city is also known for its fresh seafood, with popular spots like Billy's Seafood Company and Saint John Ale House serving up delicious dishes like lobster mac and cheese and scallops wrapped in bacon.

For those with a sweet tooth, Urban Deli is a must-visit, with its mouthwatering selection of desserts, including a highly recommended Lemon Sour Cream Pie. And no culinary tour of Saint John would be complete without sampling some of the city's famous craft beers and ciders, with breweries like Bigtide Brewing Company and Picaroons General Store offering unique local brews.

Whether you're craving classic comfort food or something more exotic, Saint John, New Brunswick, has something to tantalise every taste bud.

Seafood delights, including scallops, lobster rolls and mussels

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its seafood delights, and you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to scallops, lobster rolls, and mussels. Here are some places to try:

Billy's Seafood Company

This upscale-casual seafood restaurant in Saint John City Market offers an intimate and unique dining experience. Their menu includes a range of signature dishes, including the Lobster Dinner, Cajun Seafood Stew, and Almond Vinaigrette Scallops. The Cajun Seafood Stew is particularly exceptional, with a medley of lobster, Digby scallops, shrimp, haddock, mussels, and chorizo sausage in a tomato saffron broth. Billy's also offers outdoor seating and caters to various dietary preferences, making it a versatile and inclusive dining option.

Steamers Lobster Co.

This highly-rated seafood restaurant in Saint John provides an exceptional dining experience with a warm and inviting ambiance. Their menu features a tempting array of appetizers, including Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Steamers, and Bacon-Wrapped Scallops. For a unique twist on a classic, try their Lobster Roll, or indulge in their Fisherman's Platter for a variety of seafood flavours.

Saint John Ale House

Located in the heart of Saint John, this restaurant is known for its delicious scallops wrapped in crispy bacon with maple syrup. Their lobster rolls are also reputed to be not just delicious but also generously sized.

Whitetail Fisheries Lobster Shop

A 15-minute drive from Saint John, this is the place to go for all things lobster, including live lobsters, cooked lobsters, and, of course, lobster rolls. They also offer other seafood delights like clams, periwinkles, scallops, and smoked salmon.

Grannan Group

Grannan Group, nestled along the historic waterfront of Market Square, offers a range of seafood delights, including their Pesto Cream Mussels. Their commitment to inclusivity is reflected in their gluten-free menu options.

International dishes, including curries, burgers and stir-fries

Saint John, New Brunswick, offers a wide range of international dishes, including curries, burgers, and stir-fries, that will tantalise your taste buds and take you on a culinary journey around the world.

Let's start with curries, a popular choice in Saint John. The city is home to several ethnic restaurants serving delicious curries. One notable mention is Thandi Restaurant, specialising in classic Indian cuisine. Their most popular dish, Butter Chicken, is a must-try. It's a mild and creamy curry with boneless chicken and cashew nuts. Thandi also offers other international dishes like Pad Thai and steaks, showcasing their versatility.

Moving on to burgers, you'll find a variety of options that will satisfy any craving. Slocum & Ferris, one of Canada's oldest businesses, offers homemade burgers that are reputed to be among the best in Saint John. Port City Royal, with its casual and atmospheric setting, serves Donair, a Canadian dish rarely found outside the Maritimes. It consists of beef and a sweet Donair sauce, a unique twist on traditional gyros.

For stir-fry lovers, Saint John has a diverse range of options. From classic chicken and vegetable stir-fries to more unique combinations like Pork & Ramen Stir-Fry and Veggie-Cashew Stir-Fry, there's something for everyone. The city's Asian restaurants offer a variety of stir-fry dishes with different proteins and vegetables, ensuring you can find your favourite or explore new flavours.

Whether you're craving a spicy curry, a juicy burger, or a sizzling stir-fry, Saint John has you covered. The city's culinary scene is a testament to its cultural diversity, offering a delightful mix of international flavours that will leave you wanting more.

Traditional British and Irish cuisine, like fish and chips

In St John, you can find this classic dish at highly-regarded pubs like Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub, Britt's Pub & Eatery, and Gahan House Port City. These pubs also offer other British and Irish staples such as shepherd's pie and bangers and mash.

For an authentic experience, here's a quick guide on what to expect and how to enjoy your fish and chips:

The Fish

• The fish is typically a thick, white variety, such as cod, haddock, or pollock.
• It is filleted, ensuring no bones are found, and lightly seasoned before frying.
• The fish is dipped in a batter of flour, water, and sometimes beer, resulting in a light and crispy coating.
• It is then fried until the batter is golden and crisp.

The Chips

• British "chips" are similar to French fries but tend to be thicker.
• They are made from floury potato varieties like King Edward, Maris Piper, or Russet.
• The potatoes are cut into slices, rinsed, and blanched before frying, ensuring uniform colour and texture.
• Double frying is often employed for an extra crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Serving and Condiments

• Fish and chips are traditionally served in paper wrappings or, more recently, recyclable cardboard boxes.
• In Britain and Ireland, salt and vinegar are commonly sprinkled over the dish, with malt vinegar being a popular choice.
• Mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy, and a range of pickles are also served as side dishes or condiments.

So, when in St John, be sure to indulge in this classic dish, best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight from the fryer!

Innovative takes on pub food, such as Cask Brunch Poutine

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its diverse culinary scene, including innovative takes on pub food. One such example is the Cask Brunch Poutine, served at the Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub. This dish puts a creative twist on the traditional Canadian dish of poutine, which typically consists of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

The Cask Brunch Poutine features rosemary parmesan fries as the base, topped with maple pork belly bites, cheese curds, savoury gravy, a sunny-side-up egg, and Hollandaise sauce. It is a popular choice among customers who enjoy the combination of crispy fries, melted cheese, and flavourful toppings.

The Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub takes pride in its Irish heritage and aims to showcase it through its food, drinks, and atmosphere. The pub offers a wide selection of local beers, and their "Flights and Bites" special is also a favourite among patrons. This special allows diners to choose four local beers from Atlantic Canada and pair them with three types of pub food "bites".

In addition to Cask & Kettle, there are other pubs in Saint John that serve creative takes on traditional dishes. Britt's Pub & Eatery and Gahan House Port City are two examples of establishments that offer British and Irish staples with a twist. These pubs modernise dishes such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips.

Saint John also boasts a variety of ethnic cuisines, reflecting its diverse population. For those craving Asian or Middle Eastern flavours, there are several well-reviewed restaurants, including Splash Thai Cuisine, Thandi (Indian), and Taste of Egypt. These restaurants showcase the city's culinary diversity and offer unique dining experiences.

Local beers and ciders, with multiple breweries to explore

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a great place to visit for beer and cider enthusiasts, with multiple breweries to explore. Here is some essential information on the local beers and ciders you should try and the breweries you should visit.

Picaroons General Store

When it comes to beer in Saint John, the name on everyone's lips is Picaroons. With a brewery, taproom, and retail store, it's a must-visit destination. They brew traditional British-style ales, and you can also find their beers in many local restaurants.

Moosehead Breweries

Moosehead Breweries is a historic brewery dating back to 1867. They offer an insightful tour where you can learn about the art and science of brewing and the resilient history of the Oland family brewing business. You'll get to taste some of their award-winning beers along the way.

Big Tide Brewing Company

Big Tide Brewing Company is another popular brewery in Saint John. They have a range of craft beers, including their Seaworthy IPA and The Dickens New England IPA.

Red Rover Craft Cider

If you're looking for something besides beer, Red Rover Craft Cider is the place to go. They offer a variety of delicious ciders, such as the Fire Cider, made with fresh ginger and a touch of cayenne pepper, which can be served hot or cold. You can find their ciders at the Queen's Square Farmers' Market, held every Sunday during the summer.

Uncorked Tours

For a more comprehensive experience, consider booking a tour with Uncorked Tours. They offer walking tours that showcase the best local beers, wines, ciders, and spirits in Saint John. Their tasting room, located in the historic Saint John City Market, is also worth a visit, with rotating taps and tasting events.

Local Restaurants

In addition to breweries, there are several restaurants in Saint John that showcase local beers and ciders. The Saint John Ale House, for example, offers a curated selection of local beers alongside their menu of inventive dishes and classics. Thandi Restaurant, Port City Royal, and Grannan's are also great spots to enjoy a drink and some delicious food.

Frequently asked questions