Black Spoon Bistro — Restaurant in North Sydney

Update - recently returned from my fourth visit here and I stand by my earlier review. Excellent food and service. Still on the top of my list and would absolutely make the drive anytime.

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Wow. Not sure I know how to accurately describe our experience here. We were staying in Baddeck for a few days and wanted to go out for a nice dinner. Couldn't quite find what we wanted to eat locally, so we went on an adventure. The reviews and 4.8 star rating drew us in, but the staff, food, and ambiance made us stay. From the moment we walked in, everything was clean and open concept. Staff was exceptionally friendly, really knowledgeable about the food, and checked in often. When we mentioned to the owner that we had never had mussels before, he was so thoughtful in describing them and encouraging us to try them. We shared an appetizer to start - maple curry spring rolls. I would literally drive back there from the HRM to get them again. Sweet, slightly spicy, aromatic and not at all greasy. Really crispy and fresh - so delicious! For dinner, we had the cajun seafood pasta and we were both blown away at the volume of shrimp, scallops, lobster and mussels in there. Also - mussels are delicious. If you haven't tried them, you should. I had their scallop carbonara and it was literally perfect. A very balanced flavour with caramelized onions, and topped with EIGHT bacon wrapped scallops. Guys - do yourself a favour and go here to eat. I can imagine everything else is equally delicious - I kept looking at everyone else's food as it was coming out. Too full for dessert this time, but I have a feeling we...

Was told this establishment was a great little spot. Decided to have dinner with some friends who had driven from Ontario and were passing through town. Told them I had a party of seven. When seating was ready they advised that we had two tables but they were side-by-side. Upon being seated we soon discovered that side-by-side actually meant back-to-back. We asked if we could turn the tables 90 degrees so we could interact during dinner, but no....the extras 5 inches encroaching the aisle was deemed a safety hazard. We ended up sitting at two separate tables and after advising the waitress that we were together, our meals were still served at different times....our table was finished but the rest of our party had yet to receive their entrées. Apparently these folks do not grasp the link between eating and socializing with friends.

The air conditioner was also blasting at our table and we politely asked if this could be turned down or re-directed away from our table. After receiving assurance it would be done, no attempt was made.

The food here was actually very delicious, and was definitely the best part of the experience. However, the food alone will not be enough to...

My sisters-in-law and I had lunch at The Black Spoon on May 27/25. It was incredible! The 3 of us each had a trio meal. 2 of us had the chicken wrap, garden salad and roasted vegetable soup. One of us upgraded the garden salad to a spinach salad. The quality of the food was top shelf. There were real chicken chunks in the grilled wrap. The salad was made of fresh greens and veggies with a maple dressing. The flavors of the roasted veggie soup were so comforting...the combination of the trio was absolutely scrumptious! For dessert we had the bumbleberry bread pudding, dulche de leche cheesecake and salted caramel cake. I cannot pick a favorite of the desserts. They were each delicious in their own way. I will note however that the cheesecake was much lighter than most which was awesome as it didn't overwhelm my very satisfied tummy like heavier cheesecakes will do. The portion size was excellent for the meal as well as dessert. The coffee was very tasty as well. And...if there had been a pattern on my plate, I may have licked it off! Our server was very personable and engaging. 10 out of 10. Will recommend and...