I’ve eaten a lot of lobster rolls over the last two summers. It all started with an article I wrote for The Coast’s Hot Summer Guide of 2014. I sampled 20 lobster rolls around Halifax before submitting my article: How we Roll: Halifax’s Best Lobster Rolls.
Since then, a few things have changed around the city. I’ve eaten even more lobster rolls. I’ve changed my mind about a few things. And I think I’m ready to revisit the topic of best lobster rolls in Halifax.
I will only be dealing with lobster rolls – not sandwiches, clubhouses, burgers, or any other variation. However, I did try to include several styles of lobster roll. A couple of my biases are: 1) toasted buns, 2) Miracle Whip does not belong on lobster.
Fun fact: McDonalds does not serve the worst lobster roll in the city!
In no particular order, here are my picks for best lobster rolls in Halifax:
Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pour House
“Avery’s Lobster Roll”
$15 (w/ side)
Taste the grill marks!
Avery’s Lobster Roll might just be my favourite lobster roll in the city. It’s a nice hefty portion of chopped lobster in a tarragon sour cream sauce piled into a grilled sourdough roll. Delicious.
I also like this one because it’s easy to eat and it’s a good value. The $15 includes a proper side – you can get a nice big salad with this.
Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pour HouseMarriott Harbourfront
1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax
The Esquire Restaurant
$16.99 (w/ side)
The Esquire half-toasts a sideways bun so that it is toasty yet soft and steamy at the same time. A wonderful effect, and perfect for cradling a decent portion of lobster meat. The lobster comes in big chunks, lightly dressed with mayo. Romaine lettuce adds some crunch.
The Esquire Restaurant772 Bedford Hwy, Halifax
Dave’s Lobster
“Some Fancy”
$15 (w/ chips & a pickle)
Dave’s Lobster, hailing from PEI, is new to the Halifax waterfront this year. They sell lobster rolls, lobster tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches. All items can be made with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
The lobster rolls use a split-top bun with very flat sides which are buttered, grilled and tap-tap-toasty!
While a mayo-based lobster roll is available (“The Local”), my pick is the “Some Fancy” roll which omits the mayo in favour of warm butter, lemon & garlic. This is a hot lobster roll served Connecticut-style.
Dave’s Lobster
Queens Landing, Halifax Waterfront
Evans Fresh Seafoods
$12.99 / $14.99 (w/ salad or fries)
Lobster rolls on Nova Scotia’s Acadian shore generally favour a warm creamy sauce rather than cold mayo. The d’Entremont family hail from Pubnico, so naturally they do things the down home way. This little gem is one of the best places to eat seafood in Halifax, whether it’s the fish ‘n’ chips or lobster poutine. The fries are also some of the best in the city.
The lobster roll is hot, rich and creamy. The view is fantastic.
Evans Fresh Seafoods
Alderney Landing
2 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth
Goldwater Lobster Shack
$12 full / $7 half
(w/ chips or salad & a pickle)
A toasted roll from Julien’s Bakery is modestly filled with Goldwater lobster meat, which is very lightly dressed in a home-made mayo.
This is not the most generous portion of lobster, but it’s also relatively inexpensive. A version with bacon is also available!
The best thing about this lobster roll is enjoying it with a glass of Blomidon wine right at the Seaport Market.
Goldwater Lobster ShackHalifax Seaport Farmer’s Market
1209 Marginal Rd, Halifax
McKelvie’s Restaurant & Grill
“Famous Nova Scotian Lobster Roll”
$19.99 (w/ side)
McKelvie’s uses a delicious lemon zest mayo and fresh dill. It is one of the tastiest lobster salad-style rolls I’ve tried. It’s a bit pricey but it includes a mixed green salad or fries. For a few dollars more, you can upgrade to a delicious chowder or lobster poutine!
Cailin O’Neil of Travel Yourself chose this lobster roll as her favourite on her own mini lobster quest. (She was also enamoured with the lobster poutine!)
McKelvie’s Restaurant & Grill
1680 Lower Water St, Halifax
The Canteen
“Crobster Roll”
$15
The Crobster Roll was originally part of the menu at The Shack, a waterfront oyster bar started up by Renee Lavallee. The Shack is no more, but Chef Lavallee has famously created The Canteen – downtown Dartmouth’s gourmet sandwich shop where the Crobster Roll lives on!
This is a huge portion of crab and lobster meat, dressed with truffle aioli, mustard seed and dill. This is a big roll with some big flavours! You will leave satisfied.
The Canteen also offers “The Big Fish”, which is the same thing only with cold water shrimp instead of crab.
These rolls rotate on and off the menu and are usually available on Fridays. Check the menu to see what’s available that day.
The Canteen
66 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth
Stay tuned and I will do a full Facebook report of all the lobster rolls I’ve eaten with all the dirty details!
