Here goes for those waiting with bated breath to find the criteria for the best lobster rolls in Nova Scotia, Canada. Please note that the prices are just post Covid, and I am sure have increased since then.
First, it’s the lobster itself.
Are tiny pieces mashed up or big hunks of solid lobster meat and claws? Is the meat chewy or melts in your mouth?
How was the lobster put together? It is the right amount of sauce, so it’s not to go soggy but not too dry and falling apart. Is the sauce tasty enough? To make sure, should it have a bit of celery and onion? Then is all this put together with a very thin layer of lettuce?
The roll itself is also critical.
It should be the proper type of hot dog bun. The roll should be buttered on the outside and lightly grilled for crispiness and softness.
Lobster rolls are traditionally served with potato chips, but that is less of a criterion.
Price is always a consideration for me.
The lobster rolls we had, either as takeout or in a restaurant, ranged from around $22-$26 plus tax.
You will undoubtedly find Lobster Rolls in several places when they are in season, but I believe those from Nova Scotia are hard to beat.
And the Winner of the best Nova Scotia, Canada, Lobster Rolls
There’s no question that the outstanding winner, hands-down, is Tom‘s Lobster Shack at Peggy’s Cove. It met all of the criteria and was most reasonably priced.
Honourable mention goes to the Miner Village in Glace Bay. The lobster mix was good and adequate, but it was served with a phenomenal salad or french fries—all for $18.
UPDATE: I didn’t realize that the Miner Village had closed shortly after our visit. The owners retired. I am so glad to report that they have reopened.
Great description, appreciate your thoughts. I’ve always wanted to eat one since I read a great description by Jeffrey Steingarten on the ones at the Pearl Oyster Bar NYC
Thank you for that! Is the sauce base mayonnaise? I remember that in Maine. It not sure if it’s the Canadian version.
Yes it has a mayonnaise base that’s why it’s important not to use too much
So true! Too much and too gooey.