2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards

A Night Celebrating the People Behind Our Plates

The Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards are back in 2026, bringing the province’s food and beverage community together for an evening dedicated to excellence, creativity, and connection. This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the restaurants, cafés, bars, and food trucks that help define Nova Scotia as a destination for great food and warm hospitality.

From standout chefs and bartenders to community-driven kitchens and unforgettable dining rooms, the awards honour the people and places pushing our local food scene forward. The evening doubles as an industry social—expect complimentary bites and drinks, live music, and a room full of peers from across the hospitality world.

Whether you’re there to cheer on nominees, reconnect with colleagues, or simply celebrate a great year in food, this is one of the province’s signature industry nights.

2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards – Finalists

Social Media Award

Dear Friend Bar · Margaret’s · Via Condotti

Community Engagement

Old No. 7 Restaurant & Sports Bar · TACOcentric · Upward Mobility Kitchens & Cafe

Local Hero Award

Justamere Cafe | Bistro | Bakery · Mystic · Upward Mobility Kitchens & Cafe

Best Beverage Program

Dear Friend Bar · Espresso 46 · Tribute Restaurant

Best Atmosphere

Crème · Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard · The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Best Outdoor Dining

Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard · Tuna Blue · Water Polo

Hospitality Award

Casa Di Stefano · EDNA Restaurant · Oxalis Restaurant

Best Limited Service Restaurant

Deedee’s Ice Cream · Vandal Doughnuts · Xena’s Bread & Butter Ltd

Best Restaurant – Cape Breton

The Annex · Table Doucet · Panorama

Best Restaurant – Mainland Nova Scotia

Bessie North House · Le Caveau · Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard

Best Restaurant – HRM

Mystic · Oxalis Restaurant · Tribute Restaurant

Best New Restaurant

Reta’s Restaurant · Tribute Restaurant · Water Polo

Best Chef

Chef Chris Pyne · Chef Colin Bebbington · Chef Steph Ogilvie

Best Bartender

Dylan Brentwood · Elise Sergerie · Mark Bradbury