Announcing the 2026 Finalists of the Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards!

The votes have been counted and the judges have judged. Congratulations to the 2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards finalists who have showcased their skill, care and creativity in their nominated fields! 

Thank you to all the restaurants that nominated themselves for the Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards, the public for voting for their favourite restaurants and a big thank you to the volunteer judges who use their experience and expertise to choose the finalists!

The winners of the 2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards will be announced on February 2, 2026, at the 2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards Gala at the Westin in Halifax.

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The 2026 Finalists

 

Social Media Award

Sponsored by Eclipse Media Inc

Dear Friend Bar

Margaret’s

Via Condotti

 

Community Engagement Award

Sponsored by Westland Insurance & Westland MyGroup

Old No. 7 Restaurant & Sports Bar

TACOcentric

Upward Mobility Kitchens & Cafe

 

Local Hero Award

Sponsored by Nova Scotia Loyal

Justamere Cafe | Bistro | Bakery

Mystic

Upward Mobility Kitchens & Cafe

 

Best Beverage Award

Sponsored by NSLC

Dear Friend Bar

Espresso 46

Tribute Restaurant

 

Best Atmosphere Award

Sponsored by Jymline Glassware Ltd

Crème

Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard

The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar

 

Best Outdoor Dining

Sponsored by RANS

Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard

Tuna Blue

Water Polo

 

Hospitality Award

Sponsored by Bishop’s Cellar

Casa Di Stefano

EDNA Restaurant

Oxalis Restaurant

 

Best Limited Service Restaurant

Sponsored by SONA

DeeDee’s Ice Cream

Vandal Doughnuts

Xena’s Bread & Butter Ltd

 

Best Restaurant – Cape Breton

Sponsored by Foodbuy Canada

The Annex

Table Doucet

Panorama

 

Best Restaurant – Mainland NS

Sponsored by Foodbuy Canada

Bessie North House

Le Caveau

Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard

 

Best Restaurant – HRM

Sponsored by Foodbuy Canada

Mystic

Oxalis Restaurant

Tribute Restaurant

 

Best New Restaurant

Sponsored by Sysco Foodservice

Reta’s Restaurant

Tribute Restaurant

Water Polo

 

Best Chef

Sponsored by Afishionado Fishmongers

Chef Chris Pyne(Lightfoot & Wolfville)

Chef Colin Bebbington(Tribute)

Chef Steph Ogilvie(Reta’s Restaurant)

 

Best Bartender

Sponsored by Harvest Beer | Wine | Spirits

Dylan Brentwood(Hux Bar & Bistro)

Elise Sergerie(Freehand Hospitality)

Mark Bradbury( Bertossi Group)

Don’t see your favourite restaurant on the list of finalists? It might be that they did not nominate themselves. The Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards requires that restaurants be nominated by a representative (owner, manager or staff) of the restaurant. Learn more 

 

The Restaurant Association of NS is a not for profit organization. Your participation in the Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards and other RANS events helps us to continue to support a vibrant and thriving restaurant industry across Nova Scotia.