For lunch, don’t overlook Saint John’s city market (see above)—grab a light meal and some fresh juice, then eat it at one of the onsite tables, in the alley atrium or right on King’s Square.
As for dinner, frankly, Saint John has undergone such a sudden and extensive culinary revolution, it’s impossible to highlight all the deserving eateries here. Below are a few absolute standouts, especially for showing off local, fresh ingredients, but any number of runners up are well worth a try. Port City Royal (www.portcityroyal.com; tel. 506/631-3714) serves food so fresh and local, the menu changes daily; the minimalist setting matches the tiny but outstanding menu items, like the lobster mint roll I devoured on my last visit. At Rockwood Park, Lily’s Café (www.lilylake.ca/lilyscafe.html; tel. 506/693-5033) is a treat when you’re on a relaxing lakeside outing, with the sun on the patio in summer and the cozy fireplace in cooler weather. The menu gives a nod to North America’s first geo park with items like "Cambrian Crustacean Chowder" and "Chocolate Maple Lava Cake."
Saint John now has a number of ethnic restaurants worth checking out like Lemongrass for Thai at 1 Market Sq. (www.lemongrasssaintjohn.com; tel. 506/657-8424), Thandi Restaurant for East Indian fare at 33 Canterbury St. (singhdining.com/thandi; tel. 506/648-2377), and Kim’s Korean Food at 47 Charlotte St. (tel. 506/642-1040).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
