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What Food To Try in Fredericton and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Fredericton for 2024.

National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Fredericton cafes and restaurants
$18.9 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.32
$60.4 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $37.73
$9.1 
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.06

What to Try in Fredericton

Must-try Dishes
Fried Egg Sandwich - Fried Eegg Sandwich (savory breakfast treat) - A hearty sandwich filled with perfectly fried eggs, local bacon, and melted cheese, all tucked in fresh bread. Breakfast joints fill up quickly on weekends; grab one early to enjoy while exploring downtown.

Beef on a Bun - Beouf sur un Pain (street food classic) - Tender pulled beef smothered in rich gravy, served on a soft bun that soaks up all the flavors. Frequently enjoyed at casual gatherings or food festivals, it’s a go-to for anyone looking for a quick, filling bite.

Acadian Pie - Pâté Acadien (heritage dish) - A savory pie filled with ground meat, typically beef or pork, and seasoned with herbs and spices, surrounded by flaky pastry. Often served during special occasions, it represents a piece of Acadian culture and is best enjoyed warm with a side of homemade pickles.

Seafood Chowder - Chowder de Fruits de Mer (comfort dish) - A creamy, rich soup packed with fresh seafood, potatoes, and vegetables, served hot and comforting. Local favorites usually enjoy this on cooler days, especially at riverside restaurants after a walk along the water.

Salmon Poutine - Poutine au Saumon (unexpected combo) - Traditional poutine topped with flaky pieces of grilled salmon and drizzled with a flavorful herb sauce, creating a unique twist on the classic. You’ll find locals enjoying this flavorful dish at food markets and it’s a tasty surprise for anyone doubting poutine’s versatility.

Maple glazed carrots - Carottes Glacées au Sirop d'Érable (seasonal side) - Sweet carrots caramelized in local maple syrup, offering a wonderful balance of savory and sweet. Usually served during autumn harvest season, this dish adds a touch of local sweetness to any meal, especially at Thanksgiving gatherings.

Desserts & Drinks
Hot Chocolate - Chocolat Chaud (rich cocoa drink) - Decadent blend of rich cocoa and steamed milk, topped with fresh whipped cream. Locals love to sip on this indulgent treat during the crisp winter months, often enjoyed in cozy cafés while chatting with friends.

Maple Butter Tart - Tarte au Beurre d'Érable (sweet pastry tart) - A delightful pastry shell filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and pure maple syrup. Typically served at local fairs and harvest festivals, it's a nostalgic reminder of home for many and a must-have for those with a sweet tooth.

Beer - Bières Artisanales (craft beer) - Varieties brewed with hops, malts, and often local ingredients, reflecting the region's flavors. Enjoyed widely in craft breweries scattered throughout the city, it's a common sight to see locals gathering for "pint night" to sample different styles with friends.

Iced Cider - Cidre Gelé (chilled apple cider) - A refreshing drink made from fermented apples, often served over ice. Particularly popular in the summer heat, this crisp beverage pairs well with grilled meats during backyard barbecues.

Sorbet - Sorbet Artisanal (frozen fruit dessert) - A light and fruity dessert made from fresh, local fruits blended with sugar and ice. Often enjoyed during the hot summer months or at local markets, it’s a go-to for those looking to cool off after a day of exploring Fredericton.

Food and Groceries in Fredericton

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $2.69
Bananas $1.45
Oranges $3.64
Potatoes $1.38
Apples $5.27
Beverages
Water 1.5L $1.7
0.5L Local Beer $2.99
Imported Beer $4.7
Wine Rating >4.0 $11.32
Milk 1L $2.03

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $11.43
Chicken $10.94
Cigarettes $12.07
Rice $3.77
Local Cheese $11.33

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

There’s something captivating about the bustle of lunch hour in Fredericton’s downtown area, especially if you’re near the market square. Locals are flocking to food trucks and cafés, eagerly indulging in quick bites like delicious poutine or fresh seafood sandwiches. The common lunchtime rush, which usually peaks between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, perfectly exemplifies local dining habits — quick, hearty meals to fuel the day.

In terms of pricing, it’s quite reasonable. You can expect to pay anywhere from 10 to 20 CAD for a solid lunch. For instance, a satisfying bowl of homemade soup and a sandwich at a café can land around 15 CAD, while at a food truck, a portion of poutine might set you back just about 10 CAD. In contrast, heading to more upscale eateries will certainly push that price up to the 25-40 CAD range for a more elaborate meal.

Fredericton also showcases distinct areas that cater to diverse dining preferences. The Historic Garrison District, with cobblestone streets, features varied dining spots that come alive during warm months, while the Northside offers many casual options, including some great pizza joints. You'll find many eateries open for lunch until around 2:30 PM. However, if you're after a quieter experience, arrive before noon or opt for a later lunch around 1:30 PM.

Payment customs here are straightforward. Most places accept cash, debit, and credit. However, it's wise to carry some cash for market vendors, as not all of them take cards. Tipping follows the usual Canadian norm of 15-20% for sit-down meals.

One delightful quirk of dining in Fredericton is the tradition of sharing large plates or appetizers across the table — it promotes a communal feel, especially in evening dining where locals opt for tapas-style meals or shareable platters. A common tourist mistake is assuming every place is like a big city with full-service kitchens operating late. Some places may only serve food until around 9 PM, so planning is key if you want to avoid hunger pangs post-dinner.

Lastly, reservations can be a lifesaver, particularly on weekends when popular spots fill up fast. If you’re eyeing restaurant week events or similar occasions, book well in advance to secure your spot! As the food scene continues evolving, younger locals are gravitating toward sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting a growing awareness around environmental impacts and farm-to-table trends.