Here it is, the best restaurant in Lunenburg and vying for the best in the province. Chef Martin Ruiz Salvador and his eatery have won many awards and competitions, and made multiple top Canadian restaurant lists (in fact, too many to list here!). In farm-to-table fashion, mains include scallop and lobster from local harvesters; pork from a small, nearby farm; and PEI beef. Locally-caught tuna is seared rare and served with confit of local eggplant and a rarity, black garlic. Prices are on the high side for small town Nova Scotia, but dining here is a memorable experience.

Interestingly, the same team has gone casual with two excellent, affordable eateries. The Fish Shack at 108 Montague St. (www.southshorefishshack.com;  902/634-3232) serves nothing but fish—deep fried haddock with home fries, lobster poutine, lobster rolls, deep fried clams, and a Maritime delicacy, deep fried cod tongues. Two Propeller Brewery beers are on tap—bitter and pale ale. The Salt Shaker Deli at 124 Montague St. (www.saltshakerdeli.com; 902/640-3434) offers up dishes packed with flavor for reasonable prices—smoked seafood chowder, pad thai, thin crust pizzas. The selection of craft beers here is better than at the other two establishments, most from Nova Scotia, along with over a dozen solid wines.