The Shack Oyster Bar
The Shack is the antithesis of a greasy fish ‘n’ chips joint—all of its seafood is freshly shucked or steamed. The Crobster Roll is bursting with a creamy lobster and snow crab salad, heightened with fresh dill and mustard seed. This waterfront snack is perfect on a sunny day.
Queen’s Wharf, 1751 Lower Water Street, $12
McKelvie’s
McKelvie’s is the only $20 price tag to make the list—justifiably so, as it comes with a notable seafood chowder and is delicious. The lobster is dressed in a lemony dill mayonnaise and sprinkled with fresh parsley in a split and toasted bun. Fantastic flavours!
1680 Lower Water Street, $19.99
Maritime Lobster Shack
This artisan lobster roll is a Seaport Market treat, with chips and a pickle or your choice of stellar salads. Chunks of lobster tail and claws are lightly dressed in a house mayo, and served in a toasted homemade bun that is so good it almost steals the show.
Seaport Farmers’ Market, 1209 Marginal Road, $12 (half-roll $6)
Acadian Fish and Chips
The trip to Hammonds Plains is worth it for the most rich and flavourful lobster to ever meet a bun (no doubt the fish ‘n’ chips is also worth a trip). The small menu ensures inventory is always fresh. Lettuce and tomato are merely background characters—the lobster is the star.
1990 Hammonds Plains Road, $12.99
Harbourstone Sea Grill and Pourhouse
Harbourstone’s “Avery’s Lobster Roll” does not skimp on the lobster. This is a hefty portion, lightly coated in tarragon sour cream and served in a sour dough roll complete with grill marks. Grill marks! The price tag includes your choice of side—fries, soup, or salad.
1919 Upper Water Street (in the Marriott Harbourfront), $15
Esquire Restaurant
The folks at the Esquire have mastered the traditional lobster roll. The bun is toasted on one side, with a crunchy layer of romaine lettuce supporting the perfect ratio of mayo, lobster and celery. If you don’t care for a side you can subtract a dollar from the price.
772 Bedford Highway, $15.99
This article appears in Jun 19-25, 2014.
I would like to know what the other 14 places were!