The Dockside Inn & Restaurant

Just stopped in for a bowl of chowder with home made bun ( as noted on the menu), $18. Let’s start with the bun, was an obvious store bought variety. The soup was hearty with a lot of seafood, ( will give it that) but the flavour was a bit bland and overall serving size small. After the server dropped the food off, the next time I saw her was about 5 minutes after I’d finished eating when she asked how it was and gave me the bill saying I needed to pay at the front. I went to the bathroom first, wasn’t that clean, and then went to the area where I was suppose to pay. No one was there so after about two minutes, I walked back around the corner asking if anyone was working there and a server came over to accept payment. It would have been really easy to just walk out the door and not pay ( not my style). The table sitting across from me ordered a meal that came with vegetables and it was really easy to see there were what you’d by in the freezer section of a grocery store. Overall I think there are better dining out options here.

Review: 10/10 Experience at Dockside Dockside is a year-round operating restaurant that truly captures the essence of Nova Scotia. With a full breakfast menu and an impressively large selection for lunch and dinner, there’s never a shortage of options—even for those with a more acquired taste. Their homemade, authentic "Maritime" dinners are a hit with both tourists and locals alike. The pricing is competitive for the South Shore, especially considering the unbeatable view—Dockside sits right on the Lunenburg harbourfront, offering what is arguably the best dining view in town. While wait times can vary depending on the crowd, especially in peak summer, the atmosphere and scenery make it well worth it. Despite the fast-paced environment, the staff are consistently friendly and efficient. I’ve seen them handle everything from packed patios to large bus tours with grace and professionalism. Every visit feels like a unique, enjoyable experience. Dockside perfectly blends local charm with quality service. And really—what better way to kick off your trip to Lunenburg than dining with a front-row seat to the Bluenose II setting sail? Highly recommend—10/10!

I should have read the reviews regarding service before we made this choice. It started out great - our waitress was friendly - we were able to get a spot on the patio (beautiful view). I ordered the Surf & Turf (steak medium rare). Our waitress check on us about a minute or two after our food arrived to see how it was - at that point it was great! I had only barely started cracking the lobster claw. Once I cut into my steak it was completely brown - far from medium rare. I tried a couple of bites in the hopes that I could just deal, but a well-done steak is not for me. I hate complaining about food and can't remember the last time I did (years and years ago), so was patiently waiting for our waitress to re-check on us - I didn't want to be rude by calling someone over so we patiently waited. Our waitress ultimately passed by our table 3 more times (to check on another table - while not even glancing in our direction). Finally I had to call her over as at that point all of our meals were done and she still hadn't rechecked on us (by the way it was NOT busy - a Monday night) - I had eaten my plate (other than the steak). I told her I had ordered the steak medium rare but this one was well done - her response: "OK?". She then quickly cleared our plates and said she'll get the manager to take some $ off (nothing else said). We got the bill with $15 removed off a $50 plate. I decided to talk to the manager before leaving to share my experience - this wasn't about money - this was disappointing - we had one night in Lunenburg and we had high hopes and I was leaving hungry. Upon starting to explain my experience - he decided rather than to listen to argue and tell me he checked the steak himself and it was cooked medium rare " there were "squishy" parts and pink in the middle - I wish I had pictures, but the entire thing was brown - absolutely 0 pink! I even told him to got get it.... I never asked for money off - I just wanted the meal I ordered and didn't want to be leaving hungry. I then proceeded to tell him about my experience with the waitress: her passing us by 3 times to check on another table that arrived well after us all while not even glancing our direction as she walked by. By the time I finally felt forced to have to call her over, our entire meals were done (save the steak) and our experience already severely damaged. Instead of listening and apologizing I was told "I should have said 'excuse me' to the waitress during one of the 3 times she walked by - so basically it's my fault. He also told me they could have cooked another steak - which I proceeded to tell him I was never even given that option. I have never had a MANAGER act so defensively when hearing about the poor experience of a customer and on top of that essential call me a liar, telling me the steak was cooked properly. To top it all off - as I am paying the bill I hear his staff in the background saying ".....some people are just never satisfied". Absolutely disgusting behavior by the staff at this restaurant. There are MANY options within steps of this restaurant - I am sorely disappointed that we chose this one - I hope you chose another. Our one night in Lunenburg was soured by The Dockside Restaurant.

The food excellent The staff wonderful The inn always nice and clean The entire atmosphere perfect

Location great
We only went for lunch.We did not say at the hotel. The lunch we had was the worst lunch.I have ever had.. we ordered a Clubhouse that came with chicken. Well the chicken came from a can the caned chicken was stringy don't think it was even chicken... When we complained, they said, oh. The chicken was stated on the menu. Yeah, nice piece of chicken, not crap from a can omg!".That was their explanations... Worst place ever.

Service: 1

Beware of a huge short-haired woman, very rude!

Nice and cozy place to visit.

Walkability: Just one block by the waterfront.

Service: 4

The seafood chowder was delicious, but the fish was a bit too oily. The staff were friendly, and the view was amazing.

Service: 5

My partner an I stopped here for a bite the food was terrible we ordered the mozza sticks for an appetizer they were cold and then we ordered the fish and chips the cheapest fries you’d ever seen and the fish was ok but nothing great about it don’t waste your money the bill came to 60 dollars I definitely could’ve made a better meal at home for that piece and the cheap store bought quality of the food

We had a super delicious dinner. All was good. Ellie was very nice and friendly server. Definitely we will come again.

Love the atmosphere, the service is second to none and I love the quality of the food .. highly recommend this restaurant

Service: 5

Lovely room,( wheelchair accessible) beautiful view, lots of space.

Service: 5

Grilled Haddock dinners were the best in town. Cocktails, grilled Lobster tail dinner also delicious. Homemade desserts were spectacular; so mant to try. Key Lime pie better than we've had in Key West, Oreo cheesecake a close second. Staff was very friendly

Food and drinks: Grilled fish was delicious

Service: 5

Stopped in for some desserts while visiting Lunenburg. I had the Sex in a Pan and Lemon Layer desserts. Both were very delicious.

Service: 5

So we ate supper here
I wanted to get the chicken breast sandwich. I asked what kind of bread did it come on. Just regular white/ww sandwich bread. For $20 I said no. Use decent bread. So we ordered the 2 PC fish with sweet potato fries. We shared. It was vg. Good size fish with large portion of sp fries. Disappointment but the recovered I ordered a diet pop. ($4) it was terrible/flat. I told our server. She got me another it was vg( some issue with machine & ice. Overall good meal reasonable price great service

Service: 5