The 2025 NS Restaurant Awards Gala, hosted by the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) celebrated outstanding service in the food and beverage industry at the annual awards gala held on January 27, 2025 at the Westin.

“The Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards is one of my all-time favourite nights. We know the food and beverage industry does not lack for challenges. With inflation, labour shortages, and changes to regulations, it is a truly unique entrepreneur who navigates these hardships. At the gala we presented awards to recognize the great successes and achievements in the restaurant sector. We acknowledged the skill, creativity and hard work of those in our province who make this industry everything that it is.” 

Natasha Chestnut, Executive Director of RANS

2025 Restaurant Award Winners:

Local Hero Award – Sponsor, Province of Nova Scotia, Department of Agriculture – Winner – Sushi Bay Japanese Cuisine

Community Engagement Award – Sponsor, Westland Insurance & Westland MyGroup – Winner – Beanie’s Bistro

Best Atmosphere Award – Sponsor, REgroup – Winner – Martin’s Kitchen

Best Outdoor Dining – Sponsor, Foodbuy Canada – Winner – The Bicycle Thief

Best Limited-Service Award – Sponsor, SONA – Winner – Pane e Circo

Social Media Award – Sponsor, Boyneclarke LLP – Winner – The Bicycle Thief

Hospitality Award – Sponsor, Bishop’s Cellar – Winner – Wiley’s By The Wharf

Best Beverages Award – Sponsor, NSLC – Winner – Dear Friend Bar

Best Restaurant Cape Breton – Sponsor, SkipTheDishes – Winner – The Annex

Best Restaurant Mainland NS – Sponsor, SkipTheDishes – Winner – Bessie North House

Best Restaurant Halifax – Sponsor, SkipTheDishes – Winner – Oxalis Restaurant

Best New Restaurant – Sponsor, Sysco Foodservice – Winner – Mystic

Volunteer Award – Sponsor, RANS – Winner – Joe McGuinness

RANS was proud to partner with the NSLC to offer free and safe rides home to our guests on any Halifax Transit service.

Thank you to our contributing sponsors Harvest Beer Wine & Spirits, Nespresso Professional, Jymline Glassware, and Creme.

Thank you to James Shaw Quartet for entertaining us with their jazzy tunes. Thank you to Liam Mather for the photography and capturing some great memories at the gala.