Saint John's Best Restaurants

Saint John, New Brunswick, is a foodie's paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city's diverse cultural influences. The city boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes offering everything from local seafood and Canadian comfort food to international cuisines.

For those craving a taste of the sea, Billy's Seafood Company is a must-visit. This sophisticated restaurant combines a fish market with an elegant dining experience, serving up fresh oysters, lobster, and other seafood delights alongside non-seafood options and divine desserts. Another popular seafood spot is Grannan's Seafood Restaurant, known for its lobster rolls, fish and chips, and lobster boil.

If you're in the mood for pub fare, the Saint John Ale House is the place to be. This award-winning gastropub, led by Chef Jesse Vergen, showcases the best of New Brunswick's land and sea with inventive dishes and a focus on local ingredients. The Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub is another favourite, celebrating the city's Irish heritage with classic dishes like fish and chips and shepherd's pie, alongside unique offerings like rosemary parmesan fries.

For international flavours, Saint John delivers a world of options. Splash Thai Cuisine serves up signature Thai dishes with bold, fresh ingredients, while Lemongrass Thai Fare caters to all spice levels. Thandi offers a fusion of East-meets-West flavours with Indian curries, steaks, and seafood. Taste of Egypt brings Egyptian and Canadian flavours together, with dishes like Chicken Shawarma Poutine.

Whether you're craving seafood, pub fare, or international cuisine, Saint John, New Brunswick, has something to tantalize every taste bud.

Pubs and breweries

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of pubs and breweries that offer a range of cuisines and experiences. Here are some notable pubs and breweries to check out:

Saint John Ale House

The Saint John Ale House is a popular gastropub located in the heart of downtown Saint John. With its awards and appearances on the "You Gotta Eat Here" TV show, it has established itself as one of the best places to eat in the city. The pub offers a great patio overlooking the downtown waterfront. Their menu features "progressive pub food," showcasing local ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and food producers in the area. They also have an extensive beer list, including 35 varieties on tap and 56 bottled options.

Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub

Cask & Kettle celebrates its Irish heritage and the city's strong Irish influence. This pub offers a wide selection of local beers and a special called "Flights and Bites," where you can choose four beers from Atlantic Canada and three pub food items. Their menu includes items like the Cask Brunch Poutine, featuring rosemary parmesan fries, maple pork belly bites, cheese curds, savoury gravy, a sunny-side-up egg, and Hollandaise sauce.

Britt's Pub & Eatery

Britt's Pub & Eatery is an English-style pub located in the historic uptown area of Saint John. They offer a fun and relaxed vibe, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced food and drinks. Britt's sources ingredients locally and crafts beers from New Brunswick. Their menu includes items like Maritime Chowder, featuring haddock, shrimp, salmon, prosciutto-wrapped scallops, and a cream broth served with a maple-glazed dulse-infused tea biscuit.

Gahan House Port City

Gahan House Port City is a brewpub that offers a variety of beers and a range of dishes, including classics like calamari, lobster, and mussels.

Big Tide Brewing Co.

Big Tide Brewing Co. is another popular brewery in downtown Saint John, known for its food and beer selection.

In addition to these notable pubs and breweries, Saint John also hosts events like the Saint John AleFest and the Saint John Annual Beerfest, providing even more opportunities to explore the city's craft brewery scene.

Seafood restaurants

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants offering local seafood, Canadian comfort food, and international dishes. Here are some of the top seafood restaurants to check out:

Billy's Seafood Company

An upscale-casual seafood restaurant located in the historic Saint John City Market, Billy's Seafood Company offers a unique dining experience with its intimate and distinct atmosphere. The restaurant features a cosy dining room, a small bar, and a seasonal patio. The menu includes signature dishes such as Lobster Dinner, Cajun Seafood Stew, Mediterranean Salmon, and Almond Vinaigrette Scallops. Billy's Seafood Company caters to diverse dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Steamers Lobster Co.

Steamers Lobster Co. is renowned for its warm and inviting ambiance and exceptional seafood selections. The restaurant offers a tempting array of appetizers, including Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Steamers, Mussels, and Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Their culinary journey expands with selections like Oven Crunch Buffalo Shrimp, Lobster Poutine, and the iconic Fisherman's Platter. Steamers Lobster Co. is open for lunch and dinner, providing a convenient dining experience.

Grannan's Seafood Restaurant

Grannan's Seafood Restaurant is an established eatery nestled along the historic waterfront of Market Square. They offer a variety of seafood dishes, including House Atlantic Chowder, Maritime Haddock Fish Cakes, and Chilled Seafood Tower. The restaurant is committed to providing superior-quality seafood at affordable prices. Grannan's Seafood Restaurant also features a full bar, patio seating, and a gluten-free menu option, ensuring an inclusive dining experience.

Saint John Ale House

The Saint John Ale House is a leader in progressive pub fare, supporting the local food movement in uptown Saint John since 2004. They offer a variety of dishes, including seafood options like crab and spinach dip, bacon-wrapped scallops, and seafood chowder. The ale house focuses on fine local beers and a progressive wine list, showcasing Canada's innovative winemakers.

Reversing Falls Restaurant

Reversing Falls Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its namesake waterfall nearby. The restaurant serves a seafood platter for two or three people, providing a generous portion for groups.

These seafood restaurants in Saint John, New Brunswick, showcase the city's culinary prowess, offering fresh seafood dishes and a range of dining experiences to suit different tastes and preferences.

International cuisine

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants offering international dishes. Here are some top spots to enjoy international cuisine in Saint John:

Thandi Restaurant is a family-owned business located on Canterbury Street. It is known for its unique fusion of flavours from East to West. Thandi's extensive menu offers a range of options, including steaks, seafood, chicken, and authentic Indian curries. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and large portions make it a popular choice.

Splash Thai Cuisine is another great option for international cuisine in Saint John. Located on Rothesay Avenue, Splash Thai offers signature Thai dishes prepared by the executive kitchen of Phonsri Nilkamhaeng. The contemporary design of the restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for a night of authentic Thai cuisine with a bold infusion of fresh ingredients. Visitors have described the food as fresh, tasty, and healthy.

Lemongrass Thai Fare is a stylish restaurant that caters to all taste preferences. The menu features Thai stir-fries, noodle dishes, and curries, as well as mild and fiery Indian dishes. The restaurant offers both indoor and patio dining, and the chefs are dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients.

Taste of Egypt is an Egyptian-inspired restaurant that receives rave reviews from diners. It offers a healthy dining option and is located in the Saint John City Market.

Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub is a popular choice for those seeking Irish cuisine. Located on Prince William Street, Cask & Kettle celebrates its Irish heritage with great food, fresh drinks, and a fun atmosphere. They offer a wide selection of local beers, and their "Flights and Bites" special is a customer favourite, allowing diners to choose four local beers and three pub food bites.

In addition to these restaurants, Saint John also has a diverse range of eateries offering various international cuisines, including Asian, Mediterranean, Greek, and Middle Eastern options. Whether you're craving shepherd's pie, poutine râpée, or a delicious curry, you're sure to find something to satisfy your international food cravings in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Fine dining

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants offering local seafood, Canadian comfort food, and international dishes. Here are some fine dining options in the city:

Italian by Night

This restaurant combines imported Italian ingredients with local, seasonal produce. It uses old-world techniques in a modern kitchen, creating a unique dining experience. The contemporary industrial turn-of-the-century space sets the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, intimate evening. The Chef's Table experience is a highlight, where the executive chef creates a custom menu and shares stories of her experiences in Italy.

East Coast Bistro

East Coast Bistro offers a mix of traditional French bistro cuisine with local Maritime influences. It serves up fresh seafood from the Bay of Fundy, farm-raised meat, and produce from small family farms up the St. John River. The restaurant is known for its seasonal ingredients and simple, sustenance-focused dishes at low-key prices.

Billy's Seafood Company

Billy's Seafood Company has been a staple in Saint John for 30 years, offering a unique dining experience with its fish market inside the restaurant. They provide the freshest seafood and a friendly atmosphere, with a variety of items on the menu beyond just seafood.

Saint John Ale House

The Saint John Ale House has led uptown Saint John in progressive pub fare since 2004, with a focus on local food and beverages. The restaurant celebrates the flavours of New Brunswick, from land and sea, with a curated selection of local beers and a progressive wine list. The menu features inventive dishes and timeless classics, such as steaks cooked to perfection, showcasing the best of NB's bounty.

Britt's Pub & Eatery

Britt's Pub & Eatery is an English-style restaurant in the heart of historic uptown Saint John. It offers a unique, welcoming atmosphere with a focus on character and charm. The menu features incredibly fresh, locally sourced food and drinks made in-house whenever possible. The Maritime Chowder, with haddock, shrimp, salmon, and maple-glazed dulse-infused tea biscuit, is a must-try.

These fine dining establishments showcase the diverse culinary scene of Saint John, New Brunswick, offering a range of cuisines and experiences to satisfy all tastes.

Vegetarian and vegan options

Saint John has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

Vegolution (or St. John Vegolution) is a popular vegetarian spot that recreates comfort food from across the globe. The menu includes Mac and Peas, Sweet Potato Fries, and Vegan Panna Cotta, as well as Italian favourites like Bruschetta and Mushroom Risotto. Their award-winning Poutine is a must-try.

Splash Thai Cuisine is another excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans, offering bold and fresh Thai dishes. Visitors have described the food here as fresh, tasty, and healthy. The yellow curry and lemongrass soup are among the favoured offerings.

East Coast Bistro is a welcoming bistro with a variety of dishes, including lamb, seafood, and inventive desserts such as sticky toffee pudding. They work with impeccable Maritime ingredients, and their menu always features seasonal options.

For a casual pub atmosphere, Britt's Pub & Eatery offers crafted beers and farm-to-table freshness. Their menu includes classics like fish and chips, BBQ chicken nachos, and pulled pork burgers.

Finally, Taste of Egypt Inc. is a unique restaurant merging Egyptian and Canadian flavours. It is known for its Chicken Shawarma Poutine and spicy Arayes, served in a clean and inviting setting.

Frequently asked questions