Where to Find Fresh Lobster

Atlantic lobster from Cape Breton Island is renowned for being the freshest and some of the tastiest lobster in the world. The unique conditions of Cape Breton’s coastal environment impart a distinct, sweet flavour to the lobster meat making it a true culinary delight. No trip to Cape Breton would be complete without indulging in this local delicacy, whether enjoyed at a seaside restaurant or a traditional lobster boil. Experiencing the Island’s lobster is not just a meal, but a quintessential part of immersing oneself in the rich maritime culture of Cape Breton Island.

Where to Find Fresh Caught Lobster

Freshly caught lobster can be found at various ports throughout the Island.  Here local fishermen bring in their daily catches straight from the ocean. Visitors can purchase these lobsters directly from the docks, ensuring the freshest quality and supporting the Island’s vibrant fishing community. You can find freshly caught lobster at fishing wharfs like Little River, North Sydney, Bay St. Lawrence, Dingwall, St. Peters, Mabou, Judique, Port Hood, Inverness and so many more. If you sweet talk a lobster fisher they may even tell you their tricks of the trade for how to eat the lobster!

Seafood Restaurants

For those eager to savour fresh lobster on Cape Breton Island, several restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences:

• Baddeck Lobster Suppers: A family-owned establishment with over a century in the fishing industry, offering locally sourced hard-shelled lobster, fire-planked salmon, snow crab and AAA striploin steak. And don’t forget the “all you can eat” mussels, chowder and biscuits.
• The Freight Shed: Also in Baddeck, this restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh lobster, with a focus on local ingredients and flavours. Be sure to check out their Island-famous Lobster Rolls!
• Bras d’Or Lakes Inn: Situated in St. Peter’s, this award-winning establishment offers a fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, local seafood. Their menu features dishes like lobster rolls and traditional lobster dinners, prepared to perfection.
• Rusty Anchor Restaurant: Situated at the halfway point on the Cabot Trail, this eatery is celebrated for its lobster rolls and fish and chips, complemented by stunning views.
• Lawless Lobster Food Truck: Located in Cape Breton Island’s most northerly community, Meat Cove, enjoy their lobster or ‘crobster’ rolls with views like no other!
• Lobster Galley Restaurant: Located along the Cabot Trail in St. Anns, this restaurant features an incredible view of St. Anns Bay and a menu that changes with the seasons, focusing on fresh, local ingredients, including lobster.

Even More Restaurants!

• Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge: With its distinctive lighthouse entrance in Chéticamp, Le Gabriel offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood such as lobster and crab, alongside traditional Acadian dishes.
• The Lobster Pound and Moore: Located in North Sydney, this restaurant is known for its fresh Atlantic lobsters and savoury seafood dishes.
• Coore’s Lobster Shack (Cabot Cape Breton): Located at The Barn by Cabot Cliffs, Coore’s offers a classic Atlantic Canada lobster boil experience. The menu highlights fresh seafood and smoked meats, providing a rustic dining setting.
• Governor’s Pub & Eatery: Located in Sydney, this pub features a variety of seafood options including whole lobster dinners, set in a welcoming downtown environment.
• Woodroad: A 25-seat restaurant in Margaree Harbour, offering fine dining experiences with a focus on local seafood, including lobster, in an intimate setting

Enjoying lobster on Cape Breton Island is more than just a culinary experience, it’s a celebration of the Island’s vibrant maritime heritage. From the first “Setting Day,” when fishers set their traps in the cold Atlantic waters, to the moment fresh lobster arrives on your plate, every step reflects a deep-rooted respect for tradition and sustainability. Whether you’re cracking into a lobster supper at a family-run eatery, savouring a buttery lobster roll along the Cabot Trail, or attending a lively seafood festival, each bite connects you to the Island’s hardworking fishers and the pristine waters they rely on. Cape Breton Island offers a truly unforgettable taste of the sea, steeped in history and bursting with flavour.