The Canteen Bar - The Canteen on Portland, Dartmouth, NS

The Canteen Patio - The Canteen on Portland, Dartmouth, NS

The Canteen Exterior - The Canteen on Portland, Dartmouth, NS

The Canteen on Portland

4.7

2842 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Top Tags:

The Canteen is a full-service neighbourhood restaurant in Downtown Dartmouth, serving up chef-inspired seasonal fare for lunch, brunch and dinner. At the helm in the kitchen is award-winning chef and co-owner Renee Lavallee. Her seasonal menus are influenced by classic French, Italian and traditional Nova Scotian cuisine – with a little bit of Renée’s magic thrown in. Signature items include The Canteen Burger, The Crobster Roll, Seafood Chowder and more.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Seafood, Canadian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(902) 425-9272
Website
http://www.thecanteen.ca/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Renee Lavallee

Location
22 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1G9
Neighborhood
Dartmouth
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,842 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Atlantic Canada
Best Value
Atlantic Canada
Great for brunch
Atlantic Canada
Healthy
Atlantic Canada
Neighborhood gem
Atlantic Canada
Most Booked
Nova Scotia
Best Food
Nova Scotia
Best Service
Nova Scotia
Best Value
Nova Scotia
Great for brunch
Nova Scotia
Healthy
Nova Scotia
Neighborhood gem
Nova Scotia
Most Booked

2,842 Reviews

AC
AlisonC
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is delicious and great value for the money wonderful ambiance it’s my favourite go to spot to entertain friends or celebrate special occasions
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RB
RB12
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
Wonderful staff and environment! We celebrated our 6th anniversary and they were very personable. Also, the risotto with scallops was sooooo good!
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CH
CherylH
Atlantic Canada
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Crobster was delicious. Waiter was attentive and polite. Great atmosphere. Lovely brunch overall.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a fabulous dining experience! The burrata is delicious. We all enjoyed our meals (crobster roll, brisket and gnocchi). Excellent service. Can’t be beat.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience5
Lunch menu was smaller then expected. We were near prep area. Which made it loud. But great food for the choices there were. I'd go again to try full menu!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a very nice experience at this restaurant. It was a pleasant and casual atmosphere. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Service was excellent. The best part was the food itself. I would describe my food as classic with a spin. Simply put it was very tasty. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
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JV
JackV
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience3
Seafood chowder was lovely (Could do with a few shrimp) My Californian son in law fell in love with your Crobster roll. A great dining experience
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and ambiance. I will be going back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
I had the best haddock burger of my life! Our first time here. our experience was great and the food was amazing. It’s definitely on our list to go back too.
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IS
IanS
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Canteen was amazing! Food was amazing, and the service was exceptional!
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MV
MichelleV
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was amazing! We will be back for sure.
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AM
AndreaM
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved it!! Great service and atmosphere. Will definitely be back.
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n
nancy
Exclusive
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The chowder and Brisket was outstanding, we will definitely be back!
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SG
StephanieG
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing as always! So consistent… our server was very attentive and took interest in conversation etc…
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R
Randy
Toronto
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
One of the best in the Halifax/Dartmouth region. Excellent food but limited menu, which is diverse enoight to please almost everyone. Good service and a great mixologist. Ambiance is casual but the service and food more than makes up for this. This restaurant is one of our top 3 Go-To restaurants in the Hfx/Dartmouth area.
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MM
MrMac
Atlantic Canada
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual we were very pleased with our supper experience. The brisket is back on the fall menu and it’s so delicious. Garnishes compliment it perfectly. Pasta always a hit. Staff are friendly on arrival and during the entire outing. Even the staff that aren’t working our area say hello and exchange pleasantries. So welcoming. Thank you all.
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AM
AnitaM
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed the special … tuna melt and so delicious. We had a great table so noise level was good.
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L
Lovefoodwine
Atlantic Canada
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Canteen is the best! Everything you could ask for in one spot. Family owned and operated, excellent food, a beautiful, clean, well thought out space, friendly staff, and speedy, efficient service. What more can I say?
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LP
LeslieP
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
The ambience is bright and cheery but a little too much so for me - I like dimly lit places. That said, the food was delicious, the service was excellent and although the menu is very limited, there is enough to please just about any appetite. Reasonable prices - I would definitely return.
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M
Marcy
Atlantic Canada
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always wonderful! Outstanding staff, pleasant, attentive and caring. Fabulous food. Best seafood chowder ever!
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M
Matt
Atlantic Canada
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic as always. Attentive service and delicious food.
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C
Christina
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A beautiful seasonal menu that is always delicious.
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M
Mair23
Orange County
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
One of our favourite reataurants. Food is always good as is service. Only complaint and more of a comment, is it tends to be noisy so if you're looking for romance and quiet, probably not your best choice
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DC
DeniseC
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, delicious drinks and attentive, friendly service! Always a great choice!!
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DW
DonW
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It's ideal for a special occasion. Lovely ambience. It was my wife and my first time at the restaurant and we loved every moment.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience4
Extremely rude server , not willing to slightly alter a dish . Will not go back
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N
Nana
Atlantic Canada
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
We all enjoyed our meals and the server was lovely. I can see that you are trying to lower the noise level. I wonder would large plants on the ground help. We hope to dine with you again.
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PM
PhilipM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Comfortable, casual atmosphere. The food was lovely I like it when a place has a smaller menu that allows them to focus on quality and not on overwhelming one with options. Staff are excellent
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CM
CairaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was unbelievable, we are still thinking about it the next day!
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SM
SusanM
Atlantic Canada
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Renee is masterful in the kitchen. Her creativity with a focus on local produce keeps us coming back to The Canteen on a regular basis. A great neighbourhood restaurant! Her new menu for the season is outstanding!
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DA
DAVIDN
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Canteen is, in my opinion, the best restaurant in metro Halifax. Chef driven casual dining that is always delicious.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was delicious and we had excellent service. We really enjoyed our date night at the canteen!
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N
Nick
San Francisco
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Good value and portion size. Service was professional and didnt hover. Never leave hungry nor disappointed!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our previous experience at The Canteen on Portland hab been for brunch. We were both pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable our dinner experience was. From attentive service, through lovely ambiance, and right up to delicious entrees, The Canteen was an excellent dinner experience.
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AM
AmandaM
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time in the last month and the food and service was fantastic!
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LH
LindaH
Atlantic Canada
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Food is fabulous, but wish you had a smoke free chowder option. And having a great cup of cappuccino after my meal would be great.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Canteen was fabulous from start(ers) to finish. We were thrilled with every dish. After a full day touring beautiful Dalhousie, we were spoiled yet again: The oysters were perfect, the mushroom toasts abundant, the chowder exceptional, and (Home of) The Cobsters Lobster roles indeed legendary. Managing a peanut-allergic teen is never easy at any restaurant, but was fully satisfied by Canteen’s delicious burger. Full disclosure we are distantly related, but with the emphasis too often on distance. Thank you Doug, Renee, Michael and team on a winning meal. Can’t wait to return. Our humble thanks for this memorable dinner! The Andersons, Toronto.
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S
Sarah
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Braised beef and the crab dip were both amazing, and a very fair price
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic Canada
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
This was the third time at The Canteen. I was very disappointed. The Crobster was ok, however in the menu it clearly states Nova Scotia snow crab & lobster, grainy mustard, truffle aioli, fresh dill, on our toasted long bun, side salad or roasted new potatoes (GFO)” My Crobster had no grainy mustard or truffle aioli and dill in sight. Just lobster meat and crab and a little mayonnaise. There is a gluten free option which I chose, but did not expect to be charged $6 on top of the charge for the Crobster. My wife’s Ceasar was gross tasted like vodka with seafood cocktail sauce and a loaf of celery salt. Not made the traditional vodka, Worcestershire, Tabasco and Ceasar rimmer spice. Finally was too overpriced for the quality of the food we received. On a good note the server was excellent. They say third time is a charm, this was more. Sad that my last two visits was great and was thinking this one would be the same it was not!!!
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KB
KiBe
Atlantic Canada
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great place with fresh ingredients and flavours that delight the tastebuds!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Canteen on Portland offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (902) 425-9272.

The Canteen on Portland is rated 4.7 stars by 2842 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Order delivery or takeout

22 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1G9

Additional information

Neighborhood
Dartmouth
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
CAN$30 and under
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Seafood, Canadian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Renee Lavallee
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thecanteen.ca/
Phone number
(902) 425-9272

The Canteen on Portland

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

The Haddock Burger

Canteen Chowder

Mushroom Risotto

Menu

What 2,842 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does The Canteen on Portland offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Canteen on Portland restaurant rated?

Is The Canteen on Portland currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information