Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in New Brunswick and is known for its vibrant food scene. The city is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisines, including local seafood, Canadian comfort food, and international dishes. Saint John is also home to many food festivals and events, such as the Saint John City Market and the Saint John AleFest. In addition, the city has a thriving craft brewery and distillery scene, with several local breweries and distilleries offering tours and tastings. Overall, Saint John is a great place for food lovers to explore and enjoy the local culinary scene.
Saint John Ale House
Website | Menu | Style: American, Bar | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 1 Market Sq, Saint John, NB
What to get at Saint John Ale House: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
The Saint John Ale House has been the leader of progressive pub fare and supporting the local food movement in uptown Saint John since 2004. They focus on fine local beers and a progressive wine list featuring Canada’s most innovative wine makers. They are committed to a great dining experience, using the best quality ingredients available from the bays, fields and forests of NB.
Britt’s Pub & Uptown Eatery
Website | Menu | Style: American, Bar | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 42 Princess St, Saint John, NB
What to get at Britt’s Pub: Maritime Chowder – Haddock, shrimp, salmon, prosciutto wrapped scallops, cream broth, maple glazed dulse infused tea biscuit
If you want character & charm, incredibly unique fresh food, & friendly super service…treat yourself to Britt’s Uptown. Britt’s is an English-style restaurant brand opened in the heart of historic uptown Saint John, New Brunswick in 2010. Britt’s began with a shared vision for a welcoming place where friends can meet & enjoy quality, locally sourced food and drink made fresh and in house whenever possible. They offer their customers a fun, relaxed vibe and fresh, local food. They’re all about enjoying good food, drinks and great times with friends. They source local ingredients whenever possible and craft beers from New Brunswick. They are a from-scratch kitchen, with all of our food and fixings prepared onsite.
Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub
Website | Menu | Style: Irish, Bar | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 112 Prince William St, Saint John, NB
What to get at Cask & Kettle: Cask Brunch Poutine – Rosemary parmesan fries, maple pork belly bites, cheese curds, savoury gravy, sunny-side up egg, Hollandaise sauce
The Cask and Kettle is proud of their Irish Heritage and wants to show it off. Being part of “Canada’s Most Irish City” they hold their roots dear and celebrate their history. In the tradition of the local pubs of Ireland they celebrate with great food, fresh drinks, and big fun in Uptown Saint John. Customers love the friendly staff and their wide selection of local beer. Their “Flights and Bites” special is also really popular. You can choose 4 local beers from Atlantic Canada and order 3 bites of pub food.
Billy’s Seafood Company
Website | Menu | Style: Seafood, Canadian | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 49 Charlotte St, Saint John, NB
What to get at Billy’s Seafood Company: Lobster “Mac” & Cheese – Lobster, bacon & triple cheddar, cavatappi pasta & parmesan panko crust – served with flatbread
For the last 30 years Billy has been proud to offer the freshest seafood, a friendly atmosphere & a unique dining experience. They offer a unique experience, with their Fish Market right inside the restaurant which lets them to provide the highest quality of seafood to diners. But you don’t have to be a seafood lover to enjoy a meal at Billy’s. They have more than just seafood and have a variety of items that they’re confident will please everybody’s taste buds.
Thandi
Website | Menu | Style: Asian, Indian | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 33 Canterbury St, Saint John, NB
What to get at Thandi: Butter Chicken – Boneless chicken simmered in a creamy mild, sweet curry sauce.
Thandi’s is a family owned business known for its fusion of flavour from East to West. It quickly gained popularity in the city for its extensive menu of steaks, seafood, chicken and authentic Indian curries. When you arrive, you’ll know you are in an Indian-inspired restaurant from the striking photographs by Mark Hemmings, transposed to the walls. Customers love the large portions and the cozy atmosphere. If you’re not a fan of spice, not to worry, they can customize any curry to your preferred level of heat.
Lily’s
Website | Menu | Style: Seafood, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 55 Lake Dr S The Lily Lake Pavilion, Saint John, NB
What to get at Lily’s: Digby Scallop Medley – 3 bacon-wrapped, 3 breaded, 3 seared Digby scallops with fresh seasonal sautéed vegetables.
Lily’s Lakeside Casual Dining is operated by a registered charity with 100% of profits going back into the community. Their menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients and tried and true customer favourites. From housemade sauces and dressings and “from scratch” menu items and desserts, guests have recognized Lily’s as the best restaurant with a view! They serve up casual fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Soak up the sun on their lakeside deck in the summer months or nestle in beside the cozy fireplace in the winter.
Italian by Night
Website | Menu | Style: Italian, European, Vegetarian Friendly | Cost: $$$$
Where: 97 Germain Street, Saint John, NB
What to get at Italian by Night: Raviolo del Giorno – House-made stuffed pasta that changes daily.
You’ll love the warm atmosphere and open kitchen concept as much as you love the Italian food. Italian by Night combines imported Italian ingredients with local seasonal ingredients. They use old world techniques in a modern kitchen. The contemporary industrial turn-of-the-century space is the perfect backdrop for dropping by for a glass of wine and pizza at the bar, sharing platters with friends or colleagues at one of our signature family-style tables or a relaxed, intimate evening of dining. The Chef’s Table experience is also one of a kind in Saint John. Their executive chef will create and prepare a custom menu just for you. During dinner, she share stories of her experiences in Italy and the inspiration for your experience. The custom built Chef’s table sits directly in front of the exposed kitchen allowing you to watch the live kitchen action.
Splash Thai Cuisine
Website | Menu | Style: Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 19 Rothesay Ave, Saint John, NB
What to get at Splash Thai Cuisine: Panang Curry – Gaeng Panang. A classic red curry with coconut cream, ka r lime leaves and your choice of chicken or beef. Hot and spicy.
The contemporary design of Splash Thai Cuisine is the perfect backdrop to a night of signature Thai cuisine, prepared by the executive kitchen of Phonsri Nilkamhaeng. Experience authentic Thai dishes with a bold infusion of fresh ingredients. Each dish is skillfully prepared with a balance of essential authentic Thai ingredients. With an evolving list of acclaimed wines you have the freedom to pair the perfect wine with your favorite dishes. Splash is an excellent choice in Saint John for vegetarians as well. Visitors have described the food here as fresh, tasty, and healthy.
East Coast Bistro
Website | Menu | Style: Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 60 Prince William St, Saint John, NB
What to get at East Coast Bistro: Fennel & Sumac Seared Duck Breast – Braised Red Cabbage, Roast Root Vegetables, Apple Cider-Mustard Jus
Think traditional French bistro mixed with local Maritime sensibilities. East Coast Bistro serves simple sustenance at low-key prices. Working with impeccable Maritime ingredients, seasonal is always the order of the day here. Fresh seafood from the Bay of Fundy, beautiful farm-raised meat, crates of heirloom vegetables grown in small family farms up the St. John River, and wild foraged ramps and mushrooms are just some of the building blocks to your next delicious meal.
Lemongrass
Website | Menu | Style: Bar, Asian, Thai | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 1 Market Sq, Saint John, NB
What to get at Lemongrass: Curried Nachos – Fried wontons, red curry, cheese, red onion, green onion and red pepper garnish
Lemongrass is a modern Thai restaurant with locally sourced traditional cuisine & an adjacent pub (Peppers). They, along with the pub, have the only glassed in and heated patio in Saint John so you can enjoy it all year long. They have a large selection on local beer on tap and can help you pick just the right one to go with your meal. Customers love the curries, great service, and waterfront location.
Vegolution
Website | Menu | Style: Healthy, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 26 Germain St, Saint John, NB
What to get at Vegolution: Revolution Cheese Burger – House made patty (brown rice, mushroom) house sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, cheddar on a brioche bun.
Every foodie city needs a vegetarian restaurant and Saint John is no different. Enter Vegolution. It’s a fun mixture of culinary and comfort food done vegetarian style. They keep the decor neutral coloured and simple so that the colours of the food shines. If you’re new to the scene and just experimenting with meatless meals, this is a great place to go. Give their brown rice and mushroom burger a try with a side of poutine. Customers just love the atmosphere and rave about the friendly staff.
Marci’s Salads
Website | Menu | Style: Healthy, Canadian | Cost: $$-$$$
Where: 38 Grannan St, Saint John, NB
What to get at Marci’s Salads: Sweet Root salad – Chipotle balsamic dressing– Romaine lettuce, mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, maple bourbon pecans, feta cheese, crispy onions, granny smith apple
If you’ve ever been to Mandy’s in Montreal and enjoyed it, you’re going to love Marci’s Salads in Saint John. There is so much attention to detail paid to everything from branding, interior decor, to the details of each salad. Their salads are full of tasty, homemade ingredients prepared from scratch every day, from the dressings to the gourmet nuts. The owners are are passionate about nutritious and flavorful eating, quality ingredients, the environment, and making a positive impact in their community, and it shows. Even if you don’t think you’re a salad person, you can find one here that will satisfy.
Book Your Trip to New Brunswick
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Expedia. It’s one of my favourite search engines because it allows you to search for and compare flights from multiple airlines.
Book Your Accommodations
You can book your hotel with Booking.com as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hotel. If you want to stay in a vacation rental or cottage in New Brunswick, use VRBO to find the perfect place for the whole family.
Book Your Car Rental
New Brunswick has many small towns and it’s best to have a vehicle at your disposal. Be sure to book your car rental with Discover Cars early because they often sell out in summer.
Book Your Travel Insurance
While New Brunswick is generally a safe province, you never know when something could happen. Be prepared with travel insurance from SafetyWing.
