Fill your bucket at these top spots for seafood chowder

Forget the red stuff. Or that bowl of white liquid you’re pretty sure is just flour and sad frozen fish. And that ‘clams only’ nonsense? No thanks. Around these parts we take our chowder seriously. We’re talking steaming bowls of fresh seafood drowning in savoury broth, soft pieces of potato and anything else the chef feels inspired to toss in the pot. A freshly baked roll to dunk in the bowl? You bet.

We know we’re spoiled being right on the coast and all, so we want to spread the seaside love. Try the chowder at any of these spots and you won’t leave disappointed (or hungry!) It’s part of what makes New Brunswick so quintessentially East Coast. So, go ahead, hop on the chowder train and see where it takes you...

The Caves Restaurant and Seaside Restaurant & Takeout, Village of St. Martins

Take sides in a chowder war. Both spots in this Bay of Fundy village claim to have the world’s best. And they’re probably both right. We’ll let you pick the winner...

Tipsy Tails Bar & Grill, Village of Alma

Reviews everywhere say their chowder is amazing, fabulous, out of this world and even “the best in the Maritimes”. The spectacular view from the patio, right next to the fishermen’s wharf and picturesque harbour, offers a feast for the eyes, too. A great stop before or after your outdoor adventures at nearby Fundy National Park.

Quai Aboiteau Wharf Restaurant & Bar, Village of Cap-Pelé

It kinda goes without saying that the place known for being one of the East’s best beach towns would also have supreme chowder, but we’re saying it anyway! Head here for live music, crazy sunsets, and unbelievable seafood.

Le Moque-Tortue, Shediac

Feeling peckish or playful? You can be both at this cute bistro on Main Street. It features a huge supply of tabletop games and delicious fare. And, in the Lobster Capital of the World, its delectable seafood chowder does the town’s reputation proud.

Cast & Crew Gastropub, Bathurst

With a fresh seasonal menu, a great selection of drinks and a movie theatre next door, the Cast & Crew is the perfect place for a night out. Their chowder even gets the seal of approval from local fishermen, too!

Wolastoq Wharf, Fredericton

Owned and run by the St. Mary’s First Nation, this restaurant’s hearty traditional Maritime-style seafood chowder features seafood caught fresh from the ocean by Indigenous members of the community. As an added bonus, ask for a slice of warm, fresh bannock and some molasses to start off this feast. Yum!

La Terrasse à Steve, Miscou Island

Okay, so the lobster au gratin at this seafood shack on the Acadian Isles isn’t technically chowder, but their signature dish is soooo darn good we couldn’t keep it off the list. And this place is basically the seafood mecca of the Acadian Peninsula. Our reco? Order one of everything, sit back and soak in that coastal vibe.

Did we inspire you to cook up some chowder tonight? Give these tried-and-true New Brunswick recipes a try:

Seafood Chowder
Salmon Zucchini Chowder

Bon appétit!