Dining in New Brunswick
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada.
Surrounded by water on three sides, criss-crossed by majestic rivers and dotted with quaint towns and bustling urban destinations, it is no wonder that New Brunswick offers a diverse and exciting culinary landscape of seafood treasures, global favourites and unique regional flavours. A decidedly maritime culture—mixed with strong French-Acadian and agricultural influences—have created distinctive gastronomic traditions that are sure to delight the most astute of foodie.
Many restaurants source their ingredients directly from local farms, producers and fishers, making for market-fresh dishes that encourage sustainability while enticing the palate. As a result, an endless menu of tasty treats tempt visitors of this gem in Atlantic Canada, where fresh catches, unique culinary experiences and down-home hospitality await.
GLOBAL FLAVOURS
The main urban destinations of Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton are good bets for those seeking international cuisines, including flavours and inspirations found in Indian, Mexican, Japanese and Mongolian culinary traditions. Aside from these main cities, many smaller towns and villages also boast choices of casual Italian and Chinese restaurants, the latter of which are widely popular in buffet format.
SEAFOOD
Most synonymous with seafood, the province is a virtual cornucopia of fish and seafood cuisine. Whether it’s lobsters, oysters, mackerel, crab, Atlantic salmon, mussels or clams, the Bay of Fundy, Chaleur Bay, the Northumberland Strait and numerous rivers are renowned for their ample bounties of world-class catches. Virtually every destination throughout the province offers seafood on their restaurant tables—in fast-food form, in a refined, upscale dining atmosphere or on a casual waterfront terrace at a cozy lounge or pub.
Notable standout destinations in the province include Shediac, the self-proclaimed “Lobster Capital of the World”, the charming fishing villages of Alma and St. Martins, the lively Acadian village of Caraquet and the charming seaside community of St-Andrews-by-the-Sea.
Those seeking straight-from-the-sea lobster bounties should note that the province observes seasonal fishing periods, which vary according to region. Fresh lobster is available in the northeast section of the province and Fundy in the spring, in the southeast from mid-August to mid-October and again in the Fundy district during late-fall. Regardless of these seasons, local seafood is served year-round across the province and availability adjusts according to market offerings.
REGIONAL CUISINE
In addition to the widespread use of seafood in local dishes, other unique and regionally-inspired culinary traditions are showcased and are distinct to specific regions. Along the Acadian Coastal Drive or in other Francophone-rich communities like Edmundston, one can stumble upon eateries or markets serving up traditional Acadian fare, which includes dishes like poutine rapee (a boiled potato dumpling with pork filling), ploye (Madawaska pancakes) and pet de soeur (a traditional cinnamon roll dessert).
The popular Quebecois export, poutine (a gravy and cheese-curd over fries concoction) is a staple on many menus across the province, as are deep-fried varieties of local catches, which are typically served with hand-cut French fries and coleslaw. Another common flavour is dulse, (a dried, salty seaweed snack harvested on Grand Manan Island), which can be found on shelves at regional stores and is commonly used to infuse sea flavours into chowders and other seafood dishes.
Homemade comfort foods synonymous with the down-home vibe of the province are found in diners and pubs and sports bars, where innovative and regional takes on pub fare, traditional meals and local ingredients are paramount.
FAMILY DINING
Home-style dining, casual mom-and-pop eateries, fast-food chains, pizzerias and kid-friendly pub-style restaurants are abundant throughout the province and cater to the budget-minded traveller looking for comfortable and unfussy family establishments. Whether it's along the water's edge, in the heart of a bustling city centre or in a cozy chain eatery, New Brunswick's casual dining choices are plentiful and will appeal to those looking for informal experiences, Take-out and delivery establishments, catering companies and bakeries also offer convenient alternatives to dining-in, which is sometimes ideal for travellers on-the-go.
Many restaurants source their ingredients directly from local farms, producers and fishers, making for market-fresh dishes that encourage sustainability while enticing the palate. As a result, an endless menu of tasty treats tempt visitors of this gem in Atlantic Canada, where fresh catches, unique culinary experiences and down-home hospitality await.
GLOBAL FLAVOURS
The main urban destinations of Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton are good bets for those seeking international cuisines, including flavours and inspirations found in Indian, Mexican, Japanese and Mongolian culinary traditions. Aside from these main cities, many smaller towns and villages also boast choices of casual Italian and Chinese restaurants, the latter of which are widely popular in buffet format.
SEAFOOD
Most synonymous with seafood, the province is a virtual cornucopia of fish and seafood cuisine. Whether it’s lobsters, oysters, mackerel, crab, Atlantic salmon, mussels or clams, the Bay of Fundy, Chaleur Bay, the Northumberland Strait and numerous rivers are renowned for their ample bounties of world-class catches. Virtually every destination throughout the province offers seafood on their restaurant tables—in fast-food form, in a refined, upscale dining atmosphere or on a casual waterfront terrace at a cozy lounge or pub.
Notable standout destinations in the province include Shediac, the self-proclaimed “Lobster Capital of the World”, the charming fishing villages of Alma and St. Martins, the lively Acadian village of Caraquet and the charming seaside community of St-Andrews-by-the-Sea.
Those seeking straight-from-the-sea lobster bounties should note that the province observes seasonal fishing periods, which vary according to region. Fresh lobster is available in the northeast section of the province and Fundy in the spring, in the southeast from mid-August to mid-October and again in the Fundy district during late-fall. Regardless of these seasons, local seafood is served year-round across the province and availability adjusts according to market offerings.
REGIONAL CUISINE
In addition to the widespread use of seafood in local dishes, other unique and regionally-inspired culinary traditions are showcased and are distinct to specific regions. Along the Acadian Coastal Drive or in other Francophone-rich communities like Edmundston, one can stumble upon eateries or markets serving up traditional Acadian fare, which includes dishes like poutine rapee (a boiled potato dumpling with pork filling), ploye (Madawaska pancakes) and pet de soeur (a traditional cinnamon roll dessert).
The popular Quebecois export, poutine (a gravy and cheese-curd over fries concoction) is a staple on many menus across the province, as are deep-fried varieties of local catches, which are typically served with hand-cut French fries and coleslaw. Another common flavour is dulse, (a dried, salty seaweed snack harvested on Grand Manan Island), which can be found on shelves at regional stores and is commonly used to infuse sea flavours into chowders and other seafood dishes.
Homemade comfort foods synonymous with the down-home vibe of the province are found in diners and pubs and sports bars, where innovative and regional takes on pub fare, traditional meals and local ingredients are paramount.
FAMILY DINING
Home-style dining, casual mom-and-pop eateries, fast-food chains, pizzerias and kid-friendly pub-style restaurants are abundant throughout the province and cater to the budget-minded traveller looking for comfortable and unfussy family establishments. Whether it's along the water's edge, in the heart of a bustling city centre or in a cozy chain eatery, New Brunswick's casual dining choices are plentiful and will appeal to those looking for informal experiences, Take-out and delivery establishments, catering companies and bakeries also offer convenient alternatives to dining-in, which is sometimes ideal for travellers on-the-go.
