Wild Caraway Restaurant and Café

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#1 of 5 Restaurants in Advocate HarbourSeafood, Canadian, $$ - $$$

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Wild Caraway Restaurant and Café

Review

At a glance

Closed now

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Website

+1 902-392-2889Improve this listing

About

We are a seasonal business, open from early May until the end of October. We work with ingredients that are in season and that highlight the best of our beautiful area! We start to take bookings for the 2020 season starting March 2020 and email is the best method to reach us! Looking forward to hearing from you!! Best, Sarah, Andrew, and Wild Caraway team

Features

CUISINES

Seafood, Canadian, Soups

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Takeout

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

3721 Highway 209, Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia B0M 1A0 Canada

Parking Available

Is this restaurant family-friendly?

Yes

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Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 5:00 PM

Sunday

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Monday

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Friday

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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4.8

(551)

Excellent

492

Good

Average

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Terrible

Ellsworthy

Foxborough25 contributions

Wild Caraway - Hopefully More Than Once-in-a-Lifetime!

Jul 2024 • family

We chose to stay at Wild Caraway when making dinner reservations because it made sense, given the idyllic location and atmosphere created by the changing tides on the Bay of Fundy. Andrew and Sarah have created something special here. The enthusiasm about food, hyper local and foraged ingredients is evident in every dish and in the attitudes of the people making and serving it. Andrew is on the leading edge of international cuisine and is meticulous about how he approaches each dish. We haven't had so many flavors in one five-course dinner pretty much ever. The atmosphere Sarah creates in the restaurant is charming and focused on the enjoyment of the experience from start to finish. We stayed in the rooms above the restaurant, which were lovely, and know that there are beautiful new cabins next to the restaurant that are colorful and cozy. Yes, that is a rocket pop in the photo, made from fresh strawberries, wintergreen, and chamomile. I mean, seriously.

Written July 17, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joan C

90 contributions

Best high end food at reasonable prices in North America!

Oct 2024 • couples

We just had to visit our favourite restaurant before their season ended. We drove along the fault line between the Cobequid mountains and the Bay of Fundy through an autumn wonderland for one hour west of Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. As always, we were warmly welcomed by Sarah, Andrew, and staff. We had our favourite table watching the sunset as the 40 foot tide receded over the tidal flats. Autumn flowers were on the table, and a bottle of fresh, cold water was ready. The appetizer plate was spectacular, with many interesting sames. Sarah's fresh rolls are flavoured with local dulse and fresh butter. I had lobster tortillini, with lobster sauce, parsley, marigold, and calendula oil. This was followed but perfectly cooked duch breast with beet chutney, blueberry sauce (brilliant flavour), and a garden greens spring roll. The palate cleanser was Elderberry ice. My husband is still raving about his perfect scallop main dish! He also loved the squash soup with a very fancy bagel. His dessert was an extravaganza ice cream sundae with popcorn and salt caramel sauce, while I enjoyed an apple and sunchoke crisp. As always, a small treat for each came with the bill. All staff are attentive to all tables. They seem to love serving, but they do not hover. Sarah is a great pastry chef, and her blueberry meringues and shortcakes melt in your mouth. We will be in line for when Wild Caraway opens in 2025. Reserve your overnight accommodations early!

Written October 20, 2024

Excursion09684251154

York35 contributions

Lovely dinner

Jun 2024 • couples

A stand-out dinner on our 3 week visit to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. A set 5 course menu which my spouse and I thought was great value for what was offered. Beautiful flavours, some foraged items, subtle seasoning and a delight from start to finish. Just a couple of points: if wait-staff staff don't know what wine would suit the meal it might be better if they say they will refer to the owners for suggestions, rather than baldly state they have no idea, as they don't drink. Ditto if unsure about what a menu item is (we were told that Sunchoke is a sort of pumpkin, when it's actually Jerusalem Artichoke). Also, it would be better to separate out accommodation costs from the Restaurant bill so that diners are tipping for their meal, rather than dinner and accommodation combined. But, overall a great dining experience.

Written June 7, 2024

Curiosity623387

8 contributions

A hidden gem

May 2024 • couples

What an amazing dining experience! The atmosphere is extremely friendly and relaxed and you feel welcome immediately. Every course was presented beautifully, used seasonally available ingredients. From the appetizer to dessert we found every dish to be unique and delicious. We had the good fortune to spend the night in their bed and breakfast, so got to enjoy an excellent breakfast as well. Definitely worth the drive to Advocate Harbour!

Written May 10, 2024

Joan C

90 contributions

Wild Caraway - Still the Best in Nova Scotia!

Oct 2023 • couples

Best chef and best food in Nova Scotia in this " foodie's opinion. I came here about 12 years ago and wrote a glowing review. Now, I can only say it has gotten even better. Chef Andrew, chef Sarah, and the staff know their regulars, and we were greeted with a warm welcome. A bottle of chilled water was brought with menus as we were taken to our table. Tables are always decorated with wild flowers and herbs in a hand thrown vase as Sarah is also a potter. As soon as our order was taken from a limited but thoughtful set menu, an appetizer plate arrived. What treats for the palet to get us ready for the meal! The halibut and mackerel mousse were fabulous, as was the beet treat with beet chips and a seed covered crisp to dip. All made here! My main dish was potato and fennel soup. I offered to work a week in the dish pit, just to learn to make it. It was the best soup ever! My entree was lamb with tiny root veggies in a flaky puff pastry. We shared a very good 1/2 litre of french wine. The other main dish was halibut, and it was cooked perfectly. Dessert was a trilogy plus of chocolate desserts, and I finished with espresso. Allow 2 hours for your meal here and Saveur every bite. You will be well waited on and never rushed. Please, Andrew and Sarah, keep bringing us the joy of wonderful local food in a beautiful country setting.

Written October 12, 2023

David F

1 contribution

If this place were in a big city you’d struggle for a reservation

Sep 2024 • couples

This place is shockingly good and could easily hold its own in any major city or “cosmopolitan” destination. I live in a big US city (Philadelphia) and am fairly spoiled for choices of restaurants offering interesting food superbly executed, and Wild Caraway would be among my favorites if it were there. The focus on fresh local seafood, the dazzling visual presentation, and the scope of technique and influences, all in a casual, earnest yet unpretentious atmosphere combined to make this a meal I won’t soon forget. A must if you’re visiting that part of Nova Scotia.

Written September 7, 2024

Mark H

2 contributions

Romantic weekend

Jun 2023 • couples

My wife and I stayed here in one of their B&B suites, for a romantic weekend alone. We had dinner Friday, breakfast Saturday, dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday. The food presentation, flavour, and service was incredible. For breakfast we were simply given the options, "sweet or savoury", and the rest was a surprise until it showed up. Breakfast was different both mornings, and my wife and I could not recommend this establishment enough. The owner / operators are extremely friendly, and charismatic. The staff is very attentive, and the lodging quite comfortable. We sat overlooking the harbour and played lots of cards, read books, and relaxed, all while knowing our next meal would be a surprise only in what it was, but not in the enjoyment we were sure to get out of it. 10/10 must visit business.

Written July 4, 2023

Myles B

1 contribution

Adding insult to injury. Never again

Jul 2021 • friends

On the 11th of July, 2021 after making a reservation, secured by a credit card, a first experience for me, we were told that there was a set menu with two options, both 5 course meals available. We were not informed of the takeout menu. The only other thing we were asked is if there were any food allergies and if we were to cancel, to give as much notice as possible. When we arrived at our reservation, while waiting to be seated, we discovered the take out menu and were ushered in to our table. Upon reading the menu options they were not what I and our guests were expecting, it was what I would compare to other very high end restaurants I have experienced in the past. Based on the fact that our company and ourselves desired really only fish and chips style options, I asked our server ( neither of the owners) if we might be able to order from the take out menu and be seated outside. I was promptly and in my opinion defensively told that if I wished to do that I would have to pay 50 dollars + tax per reservation to do that. To top off that striking comment I was told plainly that this was explained to me over the phone. It was not explained over the phone and frankly made me look like a fool in front of our friends. We ate our dinner as we were told and I paid the bill. Upon selecting the most modest yet repectful tip amount based on the encounter I had just experienced, it equated to a 47.18 cent tip. Bringing my bill to over 312 dollars for 4 people. I was blown away by the bill itself only to leave the establishment feeling as if I had now been kicked twice in the gut in a 2 hr span. I will never return to this establishment and I would caution anyone deciding to dine at the Caraway in the future.

Written July 14, 2021

Ray L

Mill Village9 contributions

It is 12 out of 10 in culinary experience

Oct 2024 • family

We discovered the Wild Caraway over 12 years ago and ever since, we usually plan at least one trip a year to Advocate Harbour....we love the area but having been so many times now our main reason for going is the thought of another fabulous meal at the Wild Caraway. For years we would enjoy a couple lunches and at least one supper each trip. However since COVID, like many restaurants, the Wild Caraway has had to adjust their hours of operation and menus. Having said that, we can honestly say that the meal we were served on Oct. 25 was the best ever and probably the best fine dining experience we have had anywhere. From the "amuse bouche" to the after dessert sprucebud shortbread cookie, each course was unique, superbly presented and absolutely mouth watering. My wife and I usually choose different offerings so that we can each sample everything but this time we both selected the lobster tortellini as an appetizer and the white chocolate & cranberry sundae with popcorn ice cream and caramel for dessert. For our main course, Cathie selected the duck breast confit with garden green spring roll, beet chutney and blueberry while I had the seared scallops with squash and white miso puree, fennel, mint & red onion. The whole meal was an explosion of flavours like we have never known. The service was impeccable and the entire staff were so pleasant and professional. It is so refreshing to experience Customer Service at its best. Our only regret is that the Wild Caraway is not located here on the South Shore. Sarah and Andrew, kudos to you both and we can't wait to go back again next year. Ray & Cathie

Written October 29, 2024

Oranje2012

Fredericton198 contributions

Amazing Food…. AGAIN!

Sep 2023 • couples

Absolutely amazing… AGAIN. Andrew & Sarah, with the new management of Elora (their beautiful new daughter) did it again! We checked in, and the rooms are always so perfect, clean, comfortable bed, seating area looking out the window to watch the tide come in and go out and each room with private bathroom. Enjoy a beautiful walk along the dyke to Driftwood Beach, you will need this to work up your appetite. Then the dinner!!! Everything was sooo good… AGAIN! The starter board with the smoked mackerel mousse, red beet hummus, home made sweet potato and regular potato chips. The appetizers, the main course, the palate cleanser and the dessert, home run… make that a grand slam! I can not do the food justice by trying to describe it, I will attach a photo of the menu, with some food pics, but you will have to try it out for your self. I think in the last 4 years, we have been over 12 times, and it is 3 hours from our home. And if you are lucky enough to get a room, stay the night, and enjoy an amazing gourmet breakfast with the best coffee… well, now you are living right. New cabins coming soon too.

Written September 3, 2023

Anne D

Guelph55 contributions

food was amazing

May 2022 • none

We had the pleasure of staying at Wild Caraway for two nights - from breakfast to dinner the food was amazing. Everything was fresh, tasty and presented in an attractive way. With her lovely laugh, Sarah made you feel welcome and they were able to work around my allergies and cook something different for me. Can't say enough about this funky fun restaurant. Our room was lovely too.

Written May 27, 2022

corinna m

1 contribution

Must NOT MISS!! Chance of a lifetime!

Jul 2023 • family

This is one of the best restaurants and culinary experiences we have ever had! Every dish was gorgeous and looked like art and more importantly it tasted amazing. I am in awe of the chef’s artistry and the multitudes of flavors and ingredients he uses. I know it sounds cliche, but it was a full out party of flavors in my mouth… layers and layers of goodness. If you are near OR NOT near, everyone should make their way to this restaurant! A really fun, culinary experience! Thank you thank you! ❤️🤸🏼‍♀️

Written July 14, 2023

Jack C

London35 contributions

Superb (and accessible!) Seafood

Aug 2021 • none

What a great place to celebrate our first vacation out of Ontario. We arrived about 10 minutes late for our reservation due to some fog but our table was waiting. There is parking, a slight ramp and a lovely accessible washroom. All good news after a drive to this restaurant. We began our lunch with lobster bisque which my wife (from Nova Scotia) described as excellent . It was served with warm rolls infused with dulce. (ok I had two) I had the Seafood Puttanesca Pasta which was savory and in a tomato base sauce which I prefer. My wife had the lobster roll (lots of lobster) and salad which was full of tasty things from their garden. We shared a lemon tart for dessert - fantastic! Had a taste of the Maple creme brulee and it very good as well. A wonderful meal and a place we will definitely return to on our next visit.

Written August 16, 2021

Robin L

Truro84 contributions

Fabulous Experience - We will be back

Nov 2020 • none

Travelling from Truro with another couple for a late fall getaway - we booked the Inn rooms upstairs, and had supper and breakfast. The food prepared was exceptional - they took great care of us, especially me, with my dairy allergy. Our supper was outstanding but none of us will ever get over that breakfast. To die for. Even though we were only there for a single night, we felt like old friends - the owners were kind, welcoming, and made us feel right at home. Highly recommend.

Written August 24, 2021

Nicholas C

Nova Scotia40 contributions

One of the best restaurants in Nova Scotia

Aug 2020 • none

Nothing fancy or pretentious about this restaurant but the food served is world class. From the complimentary amuse through the three course set menu and intermezzo we could not fault the quality or presentation of any dishes. Our party included an award winning Chef and the Manager of a four diamond Hotel both of who were supremely impressed. The service is fast and friendly - quite appropriate for this remote part of the Province. If you are hungry and within 50kms of the Wild Caraway it is well wotrth the drive. Reservations are a must and they only operate a few days a week.

Written September 1, 2020