The Wheelhouse Seafood and Pasta

Overlooking the tranquil waters of St. Mary's Bay in the charming Acadian village of Belliveau Cove, The Wheelhouse Seafood and Pasta has established itself as one of the Bay of Fundy region's most beloved dining destinations. With a stellar 4.5 TripAdvisor rating from 366 reviews and a 4.6 Google rating, this oceanfront restaurant at 3334 Highway 1 in Clare, Nova Scotia, serves up generous portions of fresh Atlantic seafood, house-made pasta dishes, and some of the most spectacular sunset views on the Nova Scotia coast. Formerly known as The Roadside Grill & Cabins, The Wheelhouse has been transformed into a true coastal dining and accommodation destination, complete with three newly renovated cabins and a loft apartment for guests who want to extend their stay.

Overview: The Consensus & Key Takeaways

The Wheelhouse Seafood and Pasta has earned its place as the top-rated restaurant in Belliveau Cove, consistently praised for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, generous portions, and unbeatable waterfront setting. The restaurant's tagline — "Where Sea Meets Land & Memories Begin" — perfectly captures the experience: great food served in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with million-dollar sunset views over St. Mary's Bay.

Reviewers overwhelmingly agree that the quality of the seafood is exceptional. The Digby scallops, in particular, receive near-universal praise, described as "pan-seared perfectly" and "large and plentiful." The lobster dishes are another standout, with whole lobsters and lobster dinners being popular choices. The house-made pasta dishes also earn high marks, offering a welcome alternative for those who want something beyond fried seafood. The portions are consistently described as "huge" and "generous," offering excellent value for the quality.

What Diners Loved: Top Praised Aspects

• Outstanding Digby Scallops: Multiple reviewers specifically highlight the Digby scallops as a standout dish. "Do not miss out on the Digby Scallops! Pan seared perfectly, they were large and plentiful," writes one TripAdvisor reviewer.
• Stunning Waterfront Views: The restaurant's location overlooking St. Mary's Bay offers breathtaking sunset views that diners consistently describe as "second to none" and "the perfect backdrop for dinner."
• Generous Portions: Nearly every review mentions the generous serving sizes. "The portions large, the beer cold; what more could you ask for?" notes one satisfied diner.
• Fresh Lobster and Seafood: The hot lobster, haddock dinners, and fresh seafood chowder receive particular praise. The clam chowder is described as "delicious" by multiple reviewers.
• Friendly, Attentive Service: Staff members like Jamie and Margo are mentioned by name in reviews for their excellent service. "Our waitress Margo was fantastic," writes one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Common Critiques: Areas Mentioned for Improvement

• Wait Times During Peak Season: As a popular destination, the restaurant can get busy during summer months and peak dining hours. Some reviewers mention longer-than-expected waits for food during busy periods.
• Limited Vegetarian Options: While the pasta dishes offer some non-seafood choices, vegetarians may find the menu somewhat limited given the restaurant's focus on seafood.
• Cash or Debit Only: Some reviewers have noted payment limitations — check current payment options before visiting.

Review Highlights: Curated Excerpts from Diners

"Jamie was a fantastic server. The clam chowder was delicious. The portions large, the beer cold; what more could you ask for?" — Charles B, TripAdvisor

"Great location, decor, food and service! We had a great dinner here - really delicious. The view is second to none. I'd go back in a flash." — Lynne S, TripAdvisor

"Do not miss out on the Digby Scallops! Pan seared perfectly, they were large and plentiful. Others ordered haddock and lobster dinners and the portions were huge!! All of us were too full for dessert but the options sounded amazing!!" — Bayard Family, TripAdvisor

"I can not say enough good things about this restaurant and the food. Our waitress Margo was fantastic. The food was beyond amazing. The creamy lobster mac and cheese was some of the best I've ever had." — TripAdvisor Review

The Practical Details: Location, Hours & Essentials

Address & Location
3334 Highway 1, Belliveau Cove, NS B0W 1J0
Located on the scenic Route 1 in the Municipality of Clare. Approximately 45 minutes from Digby and 30 minutes from Yarmouth. About 2.5 hours from Halifax via Highway 101 west to Exit 28.

Hours of Operation
Open daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally)
Open year-round

Price Range
$$ - Moderate to upscale. Most mains in the $18-$35 range.

Reservations
Walk-ins welcome. Reservations recommended during peak summer season and for larger groups.

Parking
Ample free parking available on site.

Menu Highlights
Digby scallops, whole lobster, lobster mac & cheese, fresh haddock dinners, seafood chowder, house-made pasta dishes, clam chowder.

On-Site Accommodations
Three newly renovated cabins with kitchenette and queen-size bed, plus a 2-bedroom loft apartment. Rates from $99-$149 per night.

Whether you're making the scenic drive along the Evangeline Trail, arriving from the Digby-Saint John ferry, or simply seeking the best seafood on the Bay of Fundy, The Wheelhouse Seafood and Pasta offers a dining experience that combines exceptional food, warm hospitality, and some of the most beautiful coastal views in Nova Scotia. The Digby scallops alone are worth the trip.