Restaurants: Savory Seafood and Local Favorites

Savour every bite at Mahone Bay’s finest tables.

Matues Bistro

If you’re seeking creative cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, Mateus Bistro is a must-visit. This bright, homey bistro celebrates fresh local ingredients – from charcoal-smoked meats to Digby scallops – crafting seasonal menus that delight the palate. In summer, their patio evokes a Mediterranean feel, and you might even catch live music during their popular Monday tapas nights. The chef-owner, Matthew Krizan, has built a reputation on quality and it shows – one review raved, “The food is amazing and plentiful... The atmosphere was great, and the staff were friendly... I would totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a great place to eat.” From indulgent lobster rolls on brioche to a tiramisu cheesecake that one guest called “heavenly”, Mateus Bistro offers fine dining flavors with small-town comfort.

Visit Website

Betty's at the Kitch

Lively local energy meets gourmet flair at Betty’s at the Kitch’inn, a wine bar and restaurant that has quickly become an anchor of Mahone Bay’s dining scene. Housed in a stylish boutique inn on Main Street, Betty’s is known for its wood-fired pizzas (with inventive toppings) and tapas-style small plates – all served in an atmosphere that’s as fun as it is inviting. The ambience often includes live music and events (check their events calendar for theme nights), which helped Betty’s win awards for both Best Restaurant (Outside HRM) and Best Atmosphere in Nova Scotia. The wine list is one of the largest in the province, so you can sip a local Tidal Bay or craft beer with your meal. As one visitor put it, “Betty’s was also absolutely top notch.” The service is friendly and upbeat – impeccable service and excellent food are common praise points in reviews. Open late (until 11pm) and full of character, Betty’s at the Kitch’inn embodies Mahone Bay’s “good vibes” hospitality.

Visit Website

Famous Town Pie Shop

One of Mahone Bay’s newest darlings is the Famous Town Pie Shop, a tiny bakery on Orchard Street that has quickly made a big name for itself. Opened in 2023 in a quaint heritage building, this shop specializes in hand pies – individually-sized savory and sweet pies with irresistibly flaky crust. The menu changes with the seasons and the owners’ creativity: one day you might find ginger beef and Moroccan chickpea pies (both highly recommended by locals), and the next day butter chicken or classic apple pies. They also serve fresh drip coffee and espresso, making it an ideal stop for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Despite its small size, Famous Town Pie Shop packs in a lot of flavor – “Fantastic selection of pies with flaky pastry and generous fillings,” notes one reviewer enthusiastically. The pastry is all-butter and made from scratch (you can taste the difference!), and the fillings are hearty. There are a couple of stools inside and often a bench outside for enjoying a warm pie right away. Many visitors grab a few to take home because, as one fan joked, you’ll be “holding the door open and yelling at strangers to eat here” after you try them. If you have room for dessert, check out their custom cakes or take home a package of butter tarts. This little shop perfectly captures Mahone Bay’s talent for turning simple, home-cooked food into something extraordinary.

Visit Website

Eli + Trix

Eli + Trix is a fresh face on the Mahone Bay scene, and it has quickly become “one of the most welcoming, warm places in town”. This trendy hangout (opened in 2024 by the same team behind the Kitch’inn) transforms seamlessly from a morning coffee spot to an evening cocktail bistro.By day, Eli & Trix offers specialty coffee and an “b’Lunch” menu – think avocado toast with a twist, fluffy omelettes, crepes, and gourmet sandwiches – making it a great breakfast and brunch destination.By night (on weekends), it turns up the vibe with elevated East Coast dinner fare and craft cocktails. The interior combines modern style with cozy touches, and there’s often mellow music playing, creating a relaxed social atmosphere.Reviews often mention the friendly service and eclectic menu. One 5-star review highlighted the “amazing variety of breakfast and dinner” options and “comfy atmosphere”. Families feel welcome here, but it’s also a fun spot for a date or meeting friends – especially on Fridays or Saturdays when they occasionally feature live music.From classic fish and chips (a special Eli & Trix recipe) to creative vegetarian bowls and decadent cheesecake for dessert, this place truly has something for everyone. It’s open 8am–3pm daily (and later on weekends), so you can drop in any time for a warm meal and a smile.

Visit Website

Rebecca's Restaurant

A beloved staple at the entrance to town, Rebecca’s Restaurant pairs hearty local fare with a charming seaside setting. Rebecca’s has built its menu around farm-to-table and ocean-to-table principles – nearly every ingredient is sourced locally and seasonally. The result is a menu that changes with the Nova Scotia harvest, always offering something new and delicious, from flavorful curries and vegan falafel burgers to classic seafood chowder. In fact, Rebecca’s extensive gluten-free and vegetarian options get high praise. The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, often drawing a mix of tourists and loyal locals (insider tip: their patio boasts a lovely view of the bay). Service comes with genuine Maritime friendliness, even when the kitchen is bustling. One diner wrote, “By far the best fish tacos I’ve ever had. My friend raved about the chowder and fish cakes – so delicious and fresh! Thank you for a wonderful dining experience!” That kind of glowing feedback is typical – another review simply declared the experience “absolutely delightful – great food, service and atmosphere… you won’t be disappointed.” For comfort food with a creative twist (and always room for dessert), Rebecca’s is a highlight of Mahone Bay’s culinary offerings.

Visit Website

The Hungry Traveler Cafe

This hidden gem just outside of town in Martin’s Brook blends homemade comfort food with a strong community ethos. The Hungry Traveler is a halal café focused on scratch-made soups, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Their Moroccan red lentil soup has developed a loyal following, and their no-tip model reflects fair wage values. "The food tasted amazing… they use local ingredients and in-house freshly baked bread," one reviewer shared.
Between the cozy seating and welcoming service, it’s a perfect stop on your way to or from Mahone Bay.

Visit Website

The Naked Oyster Seafood and Grill

Mahone Bay’s newest seafood hotspot, The Naked Oyster, brings fresh energy to the dining scene. Taking over the former Oh My Cod location, this spot from the team behind Rebecca’s Restaurant is already drawing praise for its oysters, fishcakes, and seasonal dishes. "Delicious… and so many gluten-free options," noted one diner. It’s a casual but refined space with a local focus—ideal for a sunny lunch on the patio or a cozy dinner with friends. From raw bar to risotto, it’s already becoming a Main Street staple.

Visit Website

Recardo's Mahone Bay

At 586 Main Street, Recardo’s Pizza is a family-run takeout pizzeria that’s been serving Mahone Bay for years. The menu features classic New York–style pizza by the slice or whole pie, as well as burgers, wraps, donairs, and fish & chips. Everything is made fresh to order. Many locals swear by the crispy, thin-crust pizzas loaded with melty mozzarella and fresh toppings. The fish & chips also draw a lunchtime crowd – think golden battered cod and hand-cut fries. One diner on TripAdvisor noted that Recardo’s is “a hidden gem” that took over the town’s old pizza shop, and plenty of regulars agree that the flavors and prices can’t be beat for a quick casual meal. There’s counter service inside, or you can call ahead to take your pie back to a picnic bench overlooking the bay.

Visit Website

From gourmet dinners to homemade pie, Mahone Bay’s food establishments each contribute to the town’s well-earned reputation for hospitality and flavor. It’s the kind of small town where the cafes know their regulars, the chefs source from local farms and fishermen, and the pub owner might just pull up a chair to chat. Whether you’re staying overnight or just passing through on a South Shore day trip, take the time to savor the offerings of “The Best Small Town in Canada.”

Plan Your Experience