Before this summer, I had never had a lobster roll.
I admit it.
I live in a landlocked province though, so it’s not exactly easy to get fresh seafood.
Cue my summer travels, which included just over a week exploring the beautiful maritime islands of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
These provinces are absolutely famous for its lobster and fresh seafood, so I made it my mission to find the best lobster rolls I could, in my somewhat limited time.
I didn’t realize this before I started on this task…but price alert!
Seafood is never going to be the cheapest item on the menu. That’s before you start adding in copious amounts of lobster, one of the more expensive of the seafood items. This meant that my research got more expensive fast.
The least expensive roll came in at 16$, and the most expensive was 22$. Nearly all of them were priced at ‘ market price’, which means it can fluctuate through the season, or even day-to-day.
I rated the lobster rolls in three categories. How much lobster was in the roll, the general taste and freshness, and finally, presentation.
In worst-to-best order, they are…
Lobster Roll Number 5:
My first lobster roll was at the Bay of Fundy at the Hopewell Rock Formations. Coincidentally it was the most expensive, and sadly, it was the worst lobster roll I tried.
I probably should have known better, in a touristy place, but research had to be done!
The view was nice and the rocks amazing, but skip the cafe if you can, and definitely skip the lobster roll here.
If you must eat here, and you feel the desire to eat lobster, go for the lobster burger. It was just a little more expensive, and much better by far.
Lobster Amount: 3/5 – there were two small claws but a reasonable amount of shredded meat.
General taste: 1/5 – the lobster tasted relatively fresh but was dressed heavily, the bun was stale, and the fries were limp.
Presentation: 2/5 – meh. It was served in a cafeteria setting and looked and tasted the part.
Lobster Roll at the Bay of Fundy
Lobster Roll #4
The Salt Shaker Deli in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is reputed to have the best lobster roll in town. While infinitely better than number 5, the town, and the restaurant itself, are both much, much more awesome than the lobster roll itself.
The bun was warmed and the lobster itself was generous, but it was just missing that very specific something that a truly great lobster roll has.
Lobster Amount: 4/5 – generous and with a good taste
General Taste: 3/5 – a decent-tasting roll. The bun was warm and fresh, and the lobster reasonably delicious. And a pickle. I love pickles….with anything.
Presentation: 2/5 – meh. Like you can tell, it’s basic. The great part about this place was the location and view itself.
Dine outdoors if you can. But take or leave the lobster roll.
Lobster Roll #3
Salty’s Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia takes third place.
This roll was unique, in that it was the only one I found served on a croissant.
Lobster: 3/5 – generous and delicious. This lobster was dressed differently, with a lighter taste than previous restaurants. This ended up being a good thing because heavy, buttery croissant + heavy, buttery lobster = too much of everything.
General taste: 3/5 – generally a good lobster roll. The taste was light, which made the buttery taste of the croissant an excellent pairing, and not too heavy.
Presentation: 4/5 – well presented and prepared.
Lobster Roll #2
(Is anyone else getting excited!? These are getting increasingly difficult to choose between…)
There’s a lobster stand at Peggys cove, between Halifax and Lunenburg. It caters to the touristy crowd, offering kids the chance to ‘pick and cook their own lobster’. While a neat idea, give that pricey option a pass and go for their lobster roll instead.
Cooked in front of you from fresh lobster that is caught within hours or less of being served to you, it’s easy to see why this is so delicious.
Lobster Amount: 4/5 – super generous. The lobster was falling out of the roll because there was So. Much. Deliciousness.
General Taste: 5/5 – amazing. The fresh, hot bun, the delicious lobster, and the crunch of the side of chips made this one heck of a delicious lobster roll. Only thing missing? Another one.
Presentation: 4/5 – nothing fancy, but the presentation, and the sea smells in the air combine to make it oh-so-lovely.
Drumroll please…the Number One Lobster Roll…
Back East Sea Food in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
The food truck makes it’s way across Canada and this one in particular is a family-run affair.
It was also my second lobster roll ever, so everything I ever have again will be (sadly) judged in comparison to this utter perfection.
Coincidentally, it was also the cheapest lobster roll on this list.
Lobster Amount: 5/5 – while the roll itself was on the small side; there was plenty of delicious lobster in and out of it.
General Taste: 5/5 – this roll was hot – think almost ‘grilled cheese’ level of toasted bread. The lobster was amazingly delicious.
Presentation: 5/5 – this is casual, but delicious – Nova Scotian lobster at its finest. It’s maybe not meant to be enjoyed inside a lovely pristine restaurant, but outside with the sea beside you, and the warm sand beneath (or beside…) you.
Have you ever eaten lobster rolls in the maritimes? Do you have a favourite place?
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