10 Favourite Nova Scotia Lobster Rolls

In Nova Scotia, you can find a lobster roll in almost every corner of the province – but not all lobster rolls are created equally. Our resident lobster aficionado, @LadyLovesLobster, shares some of her favourites!

I am literally and physically a lady who loves lobster! I grew up surrounded by lobster traps and lobster boats and it has always been one of my favourite foods. So naturally, I’m often asked where to find the best lobster roll in Nova Scotia?

As simple as they are to make, the best lobster roll always comes down to two things: butter and mayonnaise. Classically, lobster rolls are really sandwiches that mount chunks of fresh lobster meat onto a buttered and griddled split-top hotdog bun. But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Although all lobster rolls are awesome, not all lobster rolls are created equal.

The key is to seek out and use the best, most tender meat possible and most will argue that meat comes from the lobster knuckle. And while the meat is the most important part of a lobster roll, the bun is priority #2. The classic choice is a split-top hot dog bun. But no matter what you choose, a soft, squishy and slightly sweet roll is ideal. I like a toasted bun exterior brushed with a bit of garlic butter. Keeping the inside soft and the outside golden and crusty makes for some nice textural contrast against the tender lobster.

Then to dress or not to dress? Another hotly debated element of the perfect lobster roll, the dressing is usually mayonnaise but melted butter is also a perfectly acceptable choice. In my opinion, there is no answer to which is better, but one thing’s for sure: don’t let the butter or mayo overpower the meat.

Only you can decide which version of a lobster roll you like best, so I strongly encourage letting your taste buds roam. Eat a tonne of lobster rolls… there are no calories involved when it’s done so in the name of research! And believe me, I have conducted a lot of lobster roll research!

Below are some of my favourites in no particular order. Keep in mind, I’m a purist when it comes to my lobster roll: loads of meat seasoned with just the right amount of mayo, salt and pepper nestled into a soft and lightly toasted bun. That’s it! But some have taken the classic lobster roll and stepped up the flavour combos… so you be the judge and see if you feel they are worthy of a five-claw rating!

Happy Lobster Rolling!

Dave’s Lobster Shack, Halifax: They offer a traditional ‘local’ cold roll and a warmed ‘fancy’ roll … or even better, “The Half & Half Roll”. Half the roll was traditional cold lobster with celery and mayo (called the local); the other half was warm lobster with garlic and lemon (called the fancy).

What’s the Scoop, Eastern Passage: Small, bite-sized pieces of lobster dressed in mayo on a soft hot dog bun. And as a bonus, pick up a lobster sucker for a stroll along the boardwalk afterwards.

Tom’s Lobster Shack, Peggy’s Cove: The classic roll has heaps of lobster lightly tossed with mayo with just the right amount of celery, shallots, green onions and lettuce to provide a lovely flavour. All served in a toasted bun with a side of kettle chips.

Osprey’s Nest Public House, Petite Riviere: The 2022 Lobster Crawl Festival Lobster Roll Winner! Large lobster pieces served on a fresh made roll from Boulangerie La Vendéenne and well seasoned with a house-made lemon aioli sauce.

Capt. Kat’s Lobster Shack, Barrington: Two-time winner of the Lobster Crawl Festival Lobster Roll Off! Sweet local lobster tossed in mayo and served on a bun from Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe across the street, with a few pieces of spinach as toppers.

BMC Seafoods Ltd., Meteghan: It was perfect for this lobster roll purist – lots of chunks of fresh lobster meat lightly dressed on a toasted hot dog bun. No green or crunchy bits to be seen!

Carla’s Take Out & Seafood Market, Digby: Fresh lobster tossed in mayo and properly seasoned with salt on a toasted hot dog bun. It was tasty!

Longfellow Restaurant, Grand Pré: This one cracked my Top 10 list! Loads and loads of fresh lobster meat tossed in an herb dressing and served on a sweet, butter-toasted bun and topped with a bit of fresh dill. Truth be told, I hesitated a bit at the sticker price but there is 7oz of chunky lobster meat on this bun – that’s pretty much a whole commercial grade lobster!

Nook & Cranny Brew Pub, Truro: Chunks of lobster tossed lightly in roasted garlic aioli served on a warm, buttery brioche bun with sprigs of dill on top.

Aubrey’s North Shore Lobster Rolls, Tatamagouche: Healthy amount of lobster lightly dressed and seasoned and tossed with a bit of celery on a warm buttered bun. Keep in mind you can only get this roll on Saturday’s at the Farmers Market in Tatamagouche.

Main Street Restaurant & Bakery, Ingonish: Good sized pieces of lobster, tossed with mayo and well seasoned, served on a lightly toasted, garlicy bun accompanied by fries. Perfect for taking to enjoy at the beach!

About the Author:  From lobster rolls to creamed lobster and all things in between, @LadyLovesLobster dives into her favourite crustacean and showcases the ways Nova Scotia stakes its claim as the Lobster Capital of Canada.