Tucked along the shores of Canandaigua Lake in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake is the kind of place locals love and visitors never forget. From the outside, it looks like a quiet, relaxed spot — but step inside and you’ll quickly realize the kitchen is serving up some seriously impressive seafood.
With a 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,400 reviews, this restaurant has earned a loyal following for good reason. Whether you’re planning a date night, a family dinner, or just a casual lunch by the lake, Nolan’s has something on the menu that will blow you away.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops That Stop You in Your Tracks
Word travels fast when something is truly special, and Nolan’s bacon-wrapped scallops are exactly that. Customers have raved about them so enthusiastically that even employees at nearby restaurants recommend them to guests passing through town.
That kind of reputation is hard to earn and even harder to fake.
Each scallop is wrapped snugly in crispy bacon, creating a combination of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors that hits all the right notes. The sear on the outside gives way to a tender, buttery center that seafood lovers absolutely adore.
Reviewers consistently list this appetizer as one of the highlights of their entire meal. If you visit Nolan’s and skip the bacon-wrapped scallops, you might just regret it.
Order them as a starter and set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience right from the very first bite.
Lobster Tails Worth Every Single Penny
There is something undeniably exciting about ordering lobster tails at a restaurant and having them arrive looking absolutely perfect. At Nolan’s, the twin lobster tails have earned glowing praise from guests who describe them as a true treat worth every dollar spent.
One reviewer celebrated an anniversary dinner here and called the lobster tails part of a meal where every single course impressed. That is a high bar to clear, and Nolan’s cleared it with ease.
The portions are generous, the preparation is clean, and the flavor speaks for itself.
Paired with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh asparagus, this dish transforms a simple dinner out into something that feels genuinely celebratory. Whether you are marking a milestone or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, the lobster tails at Nolan’s deliver the kind of quality that keeps people coming back again and again.
Seafood Mixed Broil — A Plate That Does It All
For anyone who cannot decide between the fish, the shrimp, or the scallops — Nolan’s has a brilliant solution. The seafood mixed broil brings everything together on one generous plate, giving you a tour of the kitchen’s best ocean offerings without having to pick just one.
One visitor from out of town ordered this dish and ended up taking half of it back to their Airbnb because the portion was so large. That is the kind of abundance that makes a meal feel truly satisfying and worth the trip.
Served alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes and asparagus, the mixed broil is a well-rounded, hearty option for serious seafood fans. The broiling technique keeps the flavors clean and light while still delivering that satisfying richness you want from fresh seafood.
It is a crowd-pleaser in every sense of the word.
Crab Cakes with Sriracha Ranch Over Asiago Risotto
Creative cooking shows up in unexpected ways, and this dish is proof. Nolan’s crab cakes are served over a luscious bed of asiago risotto with asparagus and a drizzle of sriracha ranch — a combination that sounds bold and delivers even bolder results on the plate.
One enthusiastic reviewer described them as succulent and said the overall dish was so good it could have been her last meal and she would have been completely satisfied. That kind of passion says a lot about what the kitchen is doing right.
The sriracha ranch adds just enough heat to complement the sweetness of the crab without overpowering the delicate flavors. The creamy risotto underneath ties everything together beautifully.
This dish perfectly captures what makes Nolan’s stand out — thoughtful flavor combinations that feel both elevated and approachable at the same time.
Fish and Chips Done the Right Way
Fish and chips might sound like a simple pub staple, but Nolan’s takes this classic dish seriously. Reviewers who ordered it during lunch visits praised it as genuinely delicious, noting that the fish was fresh and the batter had that perfect golden crunch that makes each bite satisfying.
One reviewer did mention a small tip worth passing along — the fish fry sitting on top of the fries can make them a little soggy from the grease. Asking for them plated separately might be a smart move if you like your fries extra crispy.
Even with that minor note, the overall verdict on the fish and chips at Nolan’s is strongly positive. Paired with a cold local beer or a glass of wine from the Finger Lakes region, this lunch option hits the spot every time.
Simple, hearty, and made with care.
Lobster Roll That Keeps Regulars Coming Back
Ask any regular at Nolan’s what they always order and the lobster roll is likely to come up quickly. Described by one loyal customer as even better than the already-impressive version they remembered from a previous visit, this sandwich-style seafood dish has quietly become one of the restaurant’s most beloved menu items.
The roll is generously loaded with tender lobster meat and served alongside crispy fries that reviewers have specifically called out for being perfectly cooked. There is something deeply satisfying about biting into a quality lobster roll at a lakeside restaurant on a sunny afternoon.
Nolan’s manages to balance casual comfort with genuine quality in this dish. It does not feel pretentious or overworked — it just tastes really, really good.
Whether you are stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a longer meal, the lobster roll is a reliable and rewarding choice.
Seafood Chowder That Warms You From the Inside Out
On a cool Finger Lakes evening, few things feel as comforting as a bowl of rich, creamy seafood chowder. Nolan’s version has earned genuine praise from guests who describe it as hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying — the kind of soup that makes you slow down and actually enjoy the moment.
One reviewer specifically mentioned that her husband really enjoyed the seafood chowder during their visit, calling out the overall meal as lovely and tasty from start to finish. When a soup earns a specific shout-out in a review about an entire dinner, you know it made an impression.
Thick, warming, and packed with seafood flavor, this chowder works beautifully as a starter before a bigger meal or as a lighter option on its own. It pairs wonderfully with Nolan’s famously soft and crusty dinner rolls, making the whole experience feel like a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl.
Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Worth the Detour
Sometimes a dish gets talked about before you even walk through the door. That is exactly what happened with Nolan’s chicken and shrimp Alfredo — one reviewer mentioned that an employee at a completely different restaurant in the area recommended it unprompted.
That kind of word-of-mouth is about as genuine as it gets.
Rich, creamy, and loaded with both tender chicken and plump shrimp, this pasta dish bridges the gap between comfort food and elevated dining. The Alfredo sauce is smooth and indulgent without feeling heavy, making it a satisfying choice for anyone who wants something filling and flavorful.
Nolan’s knack for balancing quality ingredients with approachable cooking really shines here. Whether you are a pasta lover, a seafood fan, or both, this dish checks all the boxes.
It is the kind of meal that makes you lean back in your chair and just appreciate how good food can be.
Calamari That Sets the Bar High
Not every restaurant can pull off great calamari, but Nolan’s has made it one of their signature appetizers. Multiple reviewers across different visits have called it out specifically, with one regular noting it is consistently good every single time.
Consistency in appetizers is a mark of a kitchen that really knows what it is doing.
The calamari at Nolan’s hits that sweet spot between light and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Served with a dipping sauce that complements without overpowering, it is the kind of starter that gets the whole table excited about what is coming next.
One reviewer even called it amazing and labeled it a must-try, and that enthusiasm is hard to argue with after reading so many similar comments. If you are looking for the perfect way to kick off your meal at Nolan’s, start here.
You will not be disappointed.
Surf and Turf — The Best of Both Worlds
Few dishes capture the spirit of a special night out quite like surf and turf. At Nolan’s, this classic combination gets the respect it deserves — a well-prepared steak paired with beautifully cooked seafood, creating a plate that satisfies even the most discerning diners at the table.
One reviewer praised the surf and turf specifically, noting the steak was very tender and the scallops were cooked just right. Getting both proteins perfectly done on the same plate is not easy, and the kitchen at Nolan’s clearly has the skill to pull it off consistently.
With a scenic lakeside setting and a relaxed but polished atmosphere, enjoying surf and turf at Nolan’s feels like a proper occasion even on a casual evening. Prices are moderate for the quality you receive, making this one of the best value splurges in the entire Canandaigua area.
Dinner Rolls with Honey Butter — A Humble Hero
Do not underestimate the dinner rolls at Nolan’s. More than one reviewer has gone out of their way to mention them specifically, describing the rolls as crusty and crunchy on the outside with a soft, warm, pillowy center.
Paired with honey butter, they manage to be one of the most talked-about parts of the meal — and they are just the bread course.
That might sound surprising, but great bread sets the tone for everything that follows. When a restaurant takes care of the small details like this, it signals that the kitchen is paying attention to every element of the dining experience.
Whether you are waiting for your appetizer or just settling in at the table, these rolls are a perfect way to begin. They are warm, comforting, and genuinely delicious.
Simple pleasures done exceptionally well are often the most memorable, and these rolls are a shining example of exactly that.
The Patio with Lake Views — Dining with a View
Great food tastes even better with a great view, and Nolan’s delivers on both fronts. Situated right along Canandaigua Lake, the restaurant features an enclosed patio where guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes while savoring their meal.
Reviewers have described the atmosphere as cozy, rustic, and genuinely pleasant.
One guest noted that while there is no open-air outdoor seating, the enclosed patio still captures the feeling of being close to the water. The space is clean, well-maintained, and has a warm, welcoming energy that feels right for everything from a casual lunch to a romantic anniversary dinner.
Nolan’s opened in 2011 and has clearly put thought into creating an environment that matches the beauty of its surroundings. The combination of scenic views, relaxed decor, and attentive service makes this spot feel like a true destination — not just another place to grab a bite.
A Staff That Goes Above and Beyond
Behind every great meal is a team that genuinely cares, and Nolan’s has built a reputation for service that stands out. Reviewers have mentioned servers by name — Kristen, Kelley, Jasmine, Katia, Dawn — praising their attentiveness, warmth, and knowledge of the menu.
That level of personal connection is rare and speaks volumes about the culture of the restaurant.
One particularly touching review described how two staff members, Casandra and Jake, went completely out of their way to help a couple with a newborn baby celebrate their anniversary with a to-go order. They did not have to do it, but they did anyway — because that is the kind of place Nolan’s is.
Great seafood brought to your table by people who actually care about your experience is a combination that is hard to beat. The staff at Nolan’s is a big part of why so many guests leave five-star reviews and return visit after visit.