A night out at a restaurant is about so much more than just the food put on the plate—it’s the service and atmosphere that can take a culinary experience from good to great.
The best of the best in Nova Scotia’s service industry was honoured Monday, Jan 27 in a gala celebration held at the Westin Nova Scotian hotel. Hosted by RANS, the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia, the annual event hands out awards for outstanding service in the food and beverage industry.
“At the gala we presented awards to recognize the great successes and achievements in the restaurant sector,” says Natasha Chestnut, executive director of RANS. “We acknowledged the skill, creativity and hard work of those in our province who make this industry everything that it is.”
Since 1947, RANS has been the industry-leading non-profit organization dedicated to the restaurant sector’s interests. Through advocacy, marketing, cost savings, resources and events, RANS has been an essential force keeping the industry vibrant and growing.
“The Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards is one of my all-time favourite nights,” says Chestnut. “We know the food and beverage industry does not lack challenges. With inflation, labour shortages, and changes to regulations, it is a truly unique entrepreneur who navigates these hardships.”
And the winners are…
Local Hero Award
Sponsored by Province of Nova Scotia, Department of Agriculture
Winner: Sushi Bay Japanese Cuisine
Community Engagement Award
Sponsored by Westland Insurance & Westland MyGroup
Winner: Beanie’s Bistro
Best Atmosphere Award
Sponsored by REgroup
Winner: Martin’s Kitchen
Best Outdoor Dining
Sponsored by Foodbuy Canada
Winner: The Bicycle Thief
Best Limited-Service Award
Sponsored by SONA
Winner: Pane e Circo
Social Media Award
Sponsored by Boyneclarke LLP
Winner: The Bicycle Thief
Hospitality Award
Sponsored Bishop’s Cellar
Winner: Wiley’s By The Wharf
Best Beverages Award
Sponsored by NSLC
Winner: Dear Friend Bar
Best Restaurant Cape Breton
Sponsored by SkipTheDishes
Winner: The Annex
Best Restaurant Mainland NS
Sponsored by SkipTheDishes
Winner: Bessie North House
Best Restaurant Halifax
Sponsored by SkipTheDishes
Winner: Oxalis Restaurant
Best New Restaurant
Sponsored by Sysco Foodservice
Winner: Mystic
Volunteer Award
Sponsored by RANS
Winner: Joe McGuinness
This article appears in Dec 19, 2024 – Jan 31, 2025.
