When you’re craving exceptional dining in Fredericton, you’ll find five standout restaurants that showcase New Brunswick’s finest flavors. 540 Kitchen and Bar offers an inviting blend of fine dining and pub fare, while The Palate Restaurant serves European cuisine with Maritime flair. STMR.36 BBQ & Social delivers upscale barbecue in a two-story setting, and Maxwell’s Steak and Seafood presents classic steakhouse fare with local seafood. Historic Isaac’s Way, housed in an 1855 courthouse, rounds out the selection with locally-sourced dishes and community spirit. Each venue tells its own unique culinary story waiting to be discovered.
Dining at 540 Kitchen
Located in the heart of Fredericton, 540 Kitchen and Bar combines fine dining sophistication with comfort food approachability. This casual neighborhood restaurant serves a diverse menu that blends traditional fare with modern culinary innovation, all while maintaining a strong commitment to local sourcing. Their 10-tap draught system showcases smaller craft breweries and regional favorites, perfectly complementing their creative gastropub cuisine. Guests can experience both casual dining and special events in their inviting atmosphere.
What sets 540 Kitchen and Bar apart is their unique “sacrilicious” approach to traditional pub fare, earning them recognition as one of Fredericton’s top dining destinations. Their dedication to sourcing local ingredients is guided by a thoughtful balance of nature, economics, and local taste preferences, while their patio offers guests an additional dining option during pleasant weather. The restaurant maintains an active presence on social media platforms, keeping guests updated on daily specials and upcoming events.
Address: 540 Queen Street, Fredericton, NB E3B1B9
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11:30 AM-10:00 PM, Thursday-Friday 11:30 AM-11:00 PM, Saturday 4:30 PM-11:00 PM, Sunday 4:30 PM-9:30 PM
Phone: (506) 449-5400
2. The Palate Experience
The Palate Restaurant and Cafe stands proudly in Fredericton’s historic Garrison district, offering a delightful fusion of European cuisine and local Maritime flavors. Since opening its doors in 2001, this establishment has built its reputation on sourcing ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and foragers to create an array of memorable dishes. From their hearty seafood chowder to elegant roasted lamb, each dish showcases both culinary expertise and regional pride. The restaurant also features an impressive selection of locally produced craft beers and ciders to complement their diverse menu offerings. Guests consistently praise the restaurant’s well-portioned entrees that deliver both quality and value.
What sets The Palate apart is its unique approach to combining fine dining with a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness culinary artistry in action, while local artwork adorning the walls creates a cultural dining experience that celebrates both food and art. Under the ownership of Bella Hospitality, which took over from original owner Ken Roberts, The Palate has maintained its commitment to quality while expanding its services to include takeout and delivery options, making their exceptional cuisine accessible to all. Their seasonal menu changes ensure guests always experience the freshest ingredients available throughout the year.
Phone: (506) 450-7911
3. STMR.36 BBQ Excellence
Located in the heart of Fredericton, STMR.36 BBQ & Social delivers an upscale yet casual dining experience featuring soulful BBQ flavors and local ingredients. The restaurant’s friendly service staff consistently provide memorable experiences by recognizing returning customers and remembering preferences. This two-story establishment combines the charm of a gastro pub with sophisticated BBQ cuisine, offering everything from craft cocktails to their signature STMR.36 Pale Ale. The restaurant’s menu showcases perfectly smoked meats and fresh ingredients, all served in a classy yet welcoming atmosphere that includes a patio for outdoor dining. The culinary team takes pride in their scratch-made dishes, ensuring every item reflects their dedication to quality and authenticity.
The restaurant has gained particular recognition for its exceptional nachos, which have earned an impressive “A” rating from Nacho Blog. These generous portions feature various premium toppings like pulled pork, brisket, and pit mix, accompanied by perfectly mixed cheeses and crunchy tortilla chips. At $23 with additional toppings available, these nachos exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to quality and value, contributing to their strong 4.2 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru.
Address: 225 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB E3B 2H8
Hours: 11:30am-10pm daily
Phone: (506) 451-7950
4. Maxwell’s Steak and Seafood
Maxwell’s Steak and Seafood, nestled in the historic Crowne Plaza Fredericton—Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, stands as a premier dining destination offering classic steakhouse fare with a distinctive Maritime influence. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Matt Mackenzie, the restaurant showcases handpicked Canadian steaks, sustainable seafood, and locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage. A smart casual dress code ensures the dining experience maintains its refined character. The restaurant’s dedicated team remains committed to exceeding expectations through exceptional service and culinary excellence.
The restaurant’s elegant and nostalgic atmosphere is complemented by its commitment to warm Maritime hospitality and engaging service. Diners can explore an extensive wine selection, sip on hand-crafted traditional cocktails, or enjoy local craft beers while experiencing one of Fredericton’s top 10 dining establishments. The combination of exceptional cuisine and sophisticated ambiance has earned Maxwell’s its reputation as a cornerstone of Fredericton’s fine dining scene.
Address: 659 Queen Street, Fredericton, NB (Crowne Plaza Fredericton—Lord Beaverbrook Hotel)
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
5. Historic Isaac’s Way
Historic Isaac’s Way occupies a storied location in Fredericton’s former York County Courthouse, a building that has stood since 1855 on Queen Street. The building previously served as a market until 1882 when the space was converted for county offices. The restaurant specializes in locally-sourced cuisine, crafting everything from scratch – from their signature salad dressings to hearty soups and sauces. Their menu showcases the best of New Brunswick, featuring local craft beers, regional meats, Atlantic seafood, and seasonal vegetables from nearby farms. The restaurant is widely recognized as a dining hotspot in the city. Signature dishes include their fish cakes with lemon dill sauce and the savory Picaroons Braised Beef Melt.
The restaurant demonstrates a strong commitment to community service through two notable initiatives. They run a weekly charity meal program at the Wilmot United Church Drop-In Centre, providing meals to 30-40 individuals in need. Additionally, the restaurant hosts silent art auctions to raise funds for underprivileged children, enabling them to participate in art, dance, theatre, and music lessons. This community-focused approach has been maintained even through major changes, including their relocation in 2013 following a fire at their original Carleton Street location, and their 2018 shift to new ownership under former staff members.
Address: 649 Queen Street, Fredericton, NB
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner
Phone: (506) 474-7222
