A Mahone Bay favourite (now just a few minutes away in Martin's River), Oh My Cod! is known for its clever name, generous portions, and some of the best seafood on the South Shore. With a dog-friendly deck and waterfront views, it’s the ideal spot for fish and chips, scallops, and their beloved seafood chowder.One reviewer wrote, "Best seafood chowder I’ve ever had in my life... not too thick and super flavourful." Guests often praise the friendly staff and casual, coastal vibe—just what you'd hope for in a small-town seafood joint.
Visit Website
Seaside Creamery
Seaside Creamery is a quaint, family-run ice cream shop right by the harbor. It’s famed not only for its homemade ice cream flavors but also for offering one of the best waterfront views in town. In summer you can grab a cone and sit on the patio, gazing at the Three Churches while the kids play in the sand.A 5‑star Google reviewer raved, “Seaside Creamery has the best ice cream I’ve ever had – rich, creamy, and the owners are so friendly!” (The view, they note, is a bonus with every scoop.) The cozy shop serves classics like vanilla and chocolate alongside rotating fruit sorbets, plus fun novelties like pup cones for visiting dogs.It’s the perfect spot to cool off on a warm day or to pick up a sweet treat after wandering the local shops.
Visit Website
MaCone Bay Ice Cream
Just up Main Street, MaCone Bay Ice Cream is a colorful seasonal soft-serve stand that draws long summer crowds. Run by a local family, this walk-up window churns out tangy “flavor bursts” and classic creamy cones.Dog-owners love it for the “pup cups” (little dollops of vanilla for good boys and girls). It’s a simple spot with picnic tables in front, ideal for kids getting a sugary reward after exploring town. (Like its sister creamery across the Bay, it’s only open in the warm months.)Friendly staff keep a rotating menu of fun tropical and fruity flavors, and a regular customer notes that even the “old standbys” here taste extra sweet on a sunny afternoon.
Visit Website
Chris’s Convenience Store
A longtime Mahone Bay institution, Chris’s Convenience isn’t a restaurant but it’s a beloved casual stop nonetheless. This no‑frills corner store (on Main Street) stocks everything from coffee, donuts, and sandwiches to beach snacks and sodas.Many locals grab a morning latte or an afternoon ice cream here on the go. The vibe is charmingly old-school – think friendly people behind the counter who know everyone’s name. One visitor mentioned that a quick stop at Chris’s “felt like stepping into the heart of the community,” and fans often comment on the clean restrooms and helpful service.It’s a handy pit-stop for roadtrippers, dog-walkers, or any traveler who needs a quick caffeine boost or a sweet treat without sitting down for a meal.
Visit Website
Jo-Ann’s Deli Market & Bake Shop
A fixture in Mahone Bay since 1986, Jo-Ann’s Deli Market & Bake Shop is part café, part gourmet grocer, and part bakery – all wrapped in one charming package. This family-run spot started as a simple fruit stand decades ago and has grown into a beloved market where you can find “a little something for every appetite, especially those with a sweet tooth!”.Step inside and you’re greeted by shelves of local jams and pickles, a cooler with artisanal cheese and chowders, and a display case brimming with pies, cookies, and Nova Scotian sweets. Jo-Ann’s serves light breakfast and lunch fare too: hearty sandwiches on their house-baked bread, daily soups, and salads – perfect for a picnic or quick bite.There’s even an ice cream counter for a creamy scoop on hot days. The shop is seasonal (open roughly May to October), and in summer its front patio is a lovely spot to enjoy your treats. Visitors often call Jo-Ann’s a “small town gem” – as one review puts it, “Amazing staff, delicious desserts, and they are always so happy when I bring my dogs in to say hi… Would visit every day if my metabolism worked a little faster, lol.”In short, Jo-Ann’s is the heart of Mahone Bay’s homemade goodness – don’t leave town without a jar of their famous chow-chow relish or a slice of pie for the road.
