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Bentwood bar stools and the general feeling of a European café that got off the ferry in Dartmouth and decided to stay. Dear Friend is a cocktail and oyster bar that helped put this side of the harbour on the map, and the drinks have a culinary lean that earns the comparison: dashi, spruce, sea buckthorn. Beers and ciders run local; wines run funky. Ranked among Canada's 100 Best Bars in 2026.
Seven honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- Canada's 100 Best #15 · Best Bars
- Curated Magazine #13 · 50 Best Places to Eat
- Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards Best Beverages Award
- Spirited Awards 2024 · Regional Top 10 Honoree · Best International Bar Team – Canada
- Spirited Awards 2024 · Regional Top 10 Honoree · Best International Cocktail Bar – Canada
- Spirited Awards 2026 · Regional Top 10 Honoree · Best International Cocktail Bar – Canada
- Difford's Guide Difford's Guide
One number, weighted & current 86
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
- Just a Dashi Canada's 100 Best, 2026
- Cosmopolitan Canada's 100 Best, 2026
Nearby in the record closest first
- Larry's Sandwiches & Sides Eat · 66
- The Canteen Eat · 66
- Oxalis Restaurant Eat · 77
- Doraku Eat · 67
- Battery Park Beerbar & Eatery Eat · 66
- Two If By Sea Cafe Eat · 62
- Goodluck Cafe & Pantry Eat · 62
- Side Hustle Snack Bar Eat · 66
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