Sou’Wester Gift & Restaurant Company Ltd.

Overlooking Peggy's Point Lighthouse is a 180-seat restaurant with the best seafood offerings to satiate your cravings and hunger after a day-long exploration. As its name indicates, the Sou’Wester Gift & Restaurant Company Ltd is not just a restaurant, it doubles as a two-level gift shop as well with some of the best, if not the best, Maritime-themed giftware that you can find in Nova Scotia. 

 

This amazing restaurant-cum-gift store began in 1967 as a small five-table tearoom near a house at its current address. Over the course of 50 years, this establishment has seen its metamorphosis from a humble tearoom to a successful diner and gift shop offering traditional Maritime and seafood dishes & souvenirs. Originally run by the founder Jack Campbell, now this place is helmed by his family.

 

What to Know

Established as a humble tearoom at the side of a house at its present location, 50 years later The Sou’Wester, after standing the test of time, has transformed into a huge 180-seat restaurant offering traditional maritime comfort meals. A perfect story of small beginnings! Plus, its gift shop stores one of the Maritime's largest selections of giftware in the province. What better way to perfect your trip to Peggy's Cove? 

 

Roam around the white rocks along the South Shore, indulge in sea-gazing while listening to your favorite Post-Rock or Atmospheric tunes, and then head over to The Sou'Wester for a replenishing dinner with gorgeous coastal views. Afterward, pick up memorabilia and souvenirs from your trip at the gift store.

 

The best thing about The Sou'Wester is that it has both Nova Scotia classics & comfort foods, as well as innovative meals that will excite your tastebuds. The NS classics menu offers Fresh Steamed Lobster, Nova Scotia Haddock Dinner, Local Mussels, Seafood Chowder, and of course, Fish & Chips. For comfort meals, you can try their homemade pie, Seafood Chowder, Classic Gingerbread, Grass-Fed Burgers & Fries, and Clubhouse. If you're adventurous and want something new to sample, order their Halibut Tacos, Lobster Nachos, Lobster Clubhouse, or Lobster Mac & Cheese.

 

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly and also offers Gluten-free options. If you visit Peggy's Cove early in the morning, you must have your breakfast at this restaurant before exploring the Peggy's Cove lighthouse and its surrounding attractions. The Fisherman's Breakfast is a popular choice, with delicious homemade baked beans & salt fish hash, typically served with the best green tomato chow you'll ever have and a fresh roll—all for just $15.99. 

If you want more protein in your breakfast, opt for The Captain's Breakfast made with three eggs in your preferred style, with homemade fish cakes, juicy bacon, and sausage links. There's more—hash browns and toast—all in $19.99. If you have a sweet tooth, you should try their French Connection made with two delicate & mouthwatering slices of French toast with bacon, fish cakes, or sausage links. This delicious breakfast costs just $14.99 and comes with hash browns and maple syrup. They also offer Traditional Breakfast and The Breakfast Sandwich. 

 

Their menu of beverages is huge. For breakfast, they offer Coffee bottomless, Hot Tea, Specialty Tea, Lemonade, Hot Chocolate, Fresh Fruit Juice, Milk (white or chocolate), and Iced Tea. They have a separate Drink Menu to accompany your other meals ranging from non-alcoholic beverages to wines, beers, ciders, cocktails, and frozen cocktails. Some popular choices are Nova Scotia Rose Wine by the Glass, Nova Scotia Craft Beers by the Bottle, Sangria, Sou'Wester’s Signature Solomon Gundy Caesar, Peggy’s Pina Colada, and Frozen Peach Bellini.

 

After dinner, don't forget to buy something from the gist store as souvenirs from your trip. There are themed T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, and hats—all reflecting Halifax's heritage and culture. You can also get framed prints, notecards, ornaments, and other interesting products. If you want to shop for Maritime-themed memorabilia, they display gorgeous seashells & seashore items. From blue-dyed starfish night light and fisherman lobster ornament to Nova Scotia puff mugs to themed figurines and writing tablets—the gift store has an eclectic medley of things that you can take home!

 

How to Get There

From downtown Halifax, Peggy's Cove is about a 50-minute drive. The route is quite scenic and very simple— take Highway 333 or Highway 103 to get to Peggy’s Cove. You can find lots of small businesses, cafes, galleries, and more along the way. At the end of the main road in Peggy’s Cove, you will find Sou’wester Gift and Restaurant shop. If you’re arriving by air, take Highway 102 to Exit 3 from Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Then turn left on Highway 213 and keep driving to the end; from there, follow the same instructions as above. 

 

Use a rented car or book a taxi, because the option of public transit is not available. Casino Taxi is a great company that offers flexibility while visiting the place. It takes you to Peggy’s Cove, where you can explore for an hour, and then takes you back at a flat rate. 

 

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit the Sou’Wester largely depends on your interests and schedule. For those who enjoy less crowds, it is best to visit the restaurant during the day and on weekdays. But if you’re visiting during weekends, it is best to start your day early if you’re not into crowded places. Peggy’s Cove is very famous for sunset and sunrise views. If you want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind sunset, plan your visit before sunset and then have a delicious dinner at the restaurant. 

 

The best months to visit this place are May to September. During this period, you can take advantage of pleasant temperatures and longer daylight hours, which are perfect for exploring the local sights and enjoying the outdoor seating at the restaurant. 

 

But if you’re keen on experiencing the cozy ambiance of Nova Scotia’s winter charm, visiting between November and March offers a different appeal. The Sou'Wester’s warm and inviting interior becomes a haven from the cold, and the winter months provide a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists.

 

Features and Highlights 

- Founded in 1967 by Jack Campbell and expanded over the decades to a 180-seat restaurant.

- Traditional maritime and seafood dishes featuring classic cuisine.

- Features local and fresh ingredients and includes dishes like fish and chips, fresh-cooked lobsters, and seafood chowder.

- Special dessert items including homemade gingerbread and apple crisp.

- Overlooks the famous lighthouse with picturesque views of the water.

- Cozy atmosphere with rustic decor featuring warm lighting. 

- Comfortable and inviting seating with a friendly staff.

- Outdoor seating available with picturesque views.

- An excellent gift shop with the largest selections of giftware in the Maritimes.

- Thoughtful arrangements with well-organized displays in the restaurant.

- The gift shop reflects the region’s cultural heritage and provides a unique shopping experience.

- Established as a community staple with a long-standing reputation for quality and authenticity.