These are the winners of the 2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards

The restaurant Mystic is pictured. (Source: Emma Convey/CTV News Atlantic)

The Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards honoured the best in the province’s service industry Tuesday.

Held at the Westin, the 2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards Gala was hosted by the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) to celebrate outstanding service in the food and beverage industry.

“If ever there was an industry that deserved some celebration, it’s the food and beverage industry. There have been significant challenges and bumps in the road...and yet, the people who work in our restaurants, bars & cafes, meet those challenges head on,” said Natasha Chestnut, executive director of RANS in a news release.

“These awards are a way for us to recognize the outstanding successes and achievements in the restaurant sector. I am honoured to support this industry and extend my sincerest congratulations to the finalists and winners of the 2026 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards.”

The winners are:

Social Media Award - Dear Friend Bar

Community Engagement Award – Upward Mobility Kitchen & Cafe

Local Hero Award – Mystic

Best Atmosphere Award – Crème

Best Outdoor Dining Award – Water Polo

Best Limited-Service Award – DeeDee’s Ice Cream

Hospitality Award – Casa Di Stefano

Best Beverages Award – Tribute Restaurant

Best Bartender Award – Elise Sergerie

Best Chef Award – Chef Chris Pyne

Best Restaurant Cape Breton – Table Doucet

Best Restaurant Mainland NS – Bessie North House

Best Restaurant HRM – Mystic

Best New Restaurant Award – Reta’s Restaurant

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page