It seems the quality has gone down considerably over the past year I always loved their ready made soups and food,always delicious,but now,not so much Prices higher,selection down,and overall blah What happened??? read more

Ive been going to Daves for many many years, over 20 for sure. The last year or so Ive noticed a drop in the quality of the produce. Rotten centers in the sweet potatoes being a regular occurrence. Items I would normally buy there I had to shop elsewhere for as they werent fit to take home. They have expanded the ready made section and I often grabbed something for the drive home to snack on. I didnt care for everything I tried but would not return something simply because it wasnt to my liking. Last week I purchased some hot pepperoni for the drive home. Ive been eating pepperoni since I was a kid. I like hot. I do not like mild or honey garlic. I was disappointed as it turned out to be mild. I checked the label but it was marked hot. So this week when I went in I grabbed my items as well as a package of pepperoni around the same price. I brought my receipt and the pepperoni purchased earlier. I have never returned anything to Daves in my life and actually just wanted an exchange. After paying for my other items and waiting for a manager I was denied an exchange and told it wasnt their fault just because I did not find it hot enough. I have had to return things to Giant Tiger, Costco, Sobeys and superstore. I have always been treated well and never given a hassle. This is not the customer service I expected. I was embarrassed and made to feel like I didnt know what I was talking about and I was wasting busy peoples time. They have lost a customer in me and 3 family members as well. read more

The quality of the produce at Dave's , lately, is matching the local low quality produce. The turnip the last 6 times buying there has a rotting centre. Not sure why their quality has fallen to such low levels in the last year, but the "premium " quality produce is worse to no better than anywhere else around here. It's probably the producer of the produce is selling them lower grade or improperly stored products. Carrots are the same and cabbage is worse again. They were the best now they are just the same as everywhere else. They do offer other items in the store making the trip worthwhile. So still go as it's a great store just not for their produce anymore. Hopefully they will correct this again read more

See all

I've been going to Dave's since I was a toddler. Good, fresh produce at a competitive price. The staff are always lovely and so quick. It's a small place but you can get in and out of there fast, even if it's busy. I drive from Halifax to get my groceries there, it's great read more

The other day I was back in at Dave's, and as always, was quite marvelled by the terrific prices. On this particular trip, I bought a large head of romaine lettuce, some alfalfa sprouts, a small crown of brocolli, a red pepper, a bunch bananas, a large bag of apples and a cucumber all for under $10. For payment, Dave's now accepts both credit and debit, but for debit payments, a mininal purchase of $10 is required. read more

Dave's is a great location on the main drag of Main street in Dartmouth. I actually had no idea that this place existed until I was making supper one day and ran out of some veggies. Honestly I find the average grocery store prices to be steep sometimes. SO the BF told me about this little market and off I go. BOY I was pleasantly surprised with all the fresh produce in this place. The fruit was amazing both lose or bagged. I like going to buy apples here a 10 poud bag for $5 bucks you can not beat that. The veggies were fresh and were just putting out some new string beans yum.. As well they also have a frozen section packed with home made pies which I bought the Apple and came home and threw it in the oven and presto I baked that from scratch I told them. Oh the hash browns tatters are delicious and ALOT cheaper then the grocery store as well tripple the amount. Ice cream and tasty treats as also staring at you while you wait in this sometimes very long line up but it is worth it. This location is almost like a one stop shop the only thing missing is it would be great to see a meat section put in but hey they have beef jerky. Go check out Dave's as they selection is always plentiful, fresh and tasty. Enjoy! read more

Dave's Fruit & Vegetable Market - a car parked in front of the store - Farmers Market Near Me - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

We love Daves! We've lived in Cole Harbour for 3 years and for the first 18 months we kept driving past. Finally, one day I headed in and we've been going back ever since! The prices on produce are spectacular - on par or better than Gateway and Chops (depending on the week). The quality of produce is excellent and I've never been disappointed by anything we've purchased there. They have a small deli section, as well as a freezer and dairy section. They also do some take-away meals like whole roast chickens (cheaper than Sobeys or Super Store!), salads, and the most delicious baked goods. The giant cookies (gingersnap is my fav!) are mouth-watering! Every year, Dave's has a Christmas tree lot around back. They guys are local and they have fabulous prices. We've gotten a tree there for the last two years. We will be going back and recommend it to everyone! The only downside to Dave's is the parking. The parking lot can be CRAZY at times, so it's important to be patient and watch for people swinging in and out off of busy Main street. read more

I've been to Dave's a couple of times even though it's out of my way because of the great prices on fruits and vegetables, not to mention delicious desserts! I've also seen good prices on some of the deli meat and like that they do some "homecooked" takeaway food to heat for dinner. I definitely plan to go back to try one of the discounted frozen pies sometime when I'm coming straight home. The parking lot can be a little intense, so I recommend parking up past the Ben's Bakery outlet that's just next door if you won't have too much to carry. Just keep your eyes peeled for cars. The inside can seem a bit cramped if there are a lot of people, but it has a very straight-forward layout and some local products that I don't often see in bigger groceries. The only item I've purchased that I haven't enjoyed was the broccoli salad, but that's due to personal preference; their giant homemade cookies more than made up for it! The giant bags of apples were perfect as well for making apple butter in December last year. If you're in the Dartmouth/Cole Harbour area or have some reason to be around Main St., I think Dave's is definitely worth the visit for all of your produce needs and some baked goods! read more

Dave's offers fresh fruit and veg, yet the customer service has long expired. I'm not trying to defer you from going because you will get good foods at a decent price yet in all occasions I've visited, the customer service from staff is equivalent of a downtown DMV. My latest experience at Dave's has me casually browsing through the broccoli and a manager comes up to me and grabs my basket and moves it off the case claiming I was squishing HER cauliflower. I made sure I wasn't as I like to consider myself "considerate" but whatever I brushed it off and carried on. When I get to the check out counter the cashier says hello, starts scanning my things and then starts talking to the customer behind me as if I don't matter anymore. Then when she's done she gives me a smirk and tells me to bring my basket back to the front. I know what you're thinking, "Not a big deal." but to me it is a very big deal. They have paid employees to do this kind of thing. Not only that, but the manner in which she says it to me was almost to say, "Yeah, you do what I say." Didn't give me the impression that they appreciated my business. I get this impression from all the soulless staff, as if they all have a chip on their shoulder and they don't have to take crap from anyone. Who's giving them crap?! I was just paying for my stuff. I like the food, and I like the price, it's just a shame that the poor customer service has to sour what should be a sweet experience. My advice, go to Gateway. It's down the road and the prices are just as fare, if not better. read more

Great prices on fruits and vegetables. I can't vouch for the prepared freezer foods and sweets, but the produce prices can't be beaten in HRM. The only downside to me is having to drive, but living in Dartmouth usually means you have to drive somewhere for groceries, so it might as well be here. You have to take a left turn off the highway either coming or going which can be a pain on busy days. read more

As much as I love going to the farmer's market on the weekend, it's usually not convenient for me. I live in Cole Harbour and don't drive, and I love sleeping in on Saturdays more than anything in the world. I can now rely on Dave's to hook me up with fresh Valley produce. Their prices are better than the grocery store's, and their quality is unmatched. I don't feel guilty walking out with $40 worth of groceries because I know it's all healthy noms. But hey, if you really need something salty and sea-salted roasted cauliflower florets just won't cut it, you can pick up a bag of chips from the front display. It's also a great spot to run in and grab some pre-made meals that aren't entirely made of sodium and fillers. If I'm feeling lazy and can't be bothered to cook dinner, I know that I can just pick up a sheppard's pie or chicken pot pie with my fresh fruit and eggs, and throw it in the oven when I get home. It's convenient, cheap, and way more satisfying than a greasy meal from a certain red-headed siren. Plus, if it's your turn to pick up dessert for the family dinner, you know you can bring home a delicious homemade pie or cheesecake from Dave's. Luckily, I don't drive, so all I need to worry about is how many ears of corn I'm going to buy, and not on the sometimes dare-devil driving it takes to get in or out of the parking lot. But if you're the one at the wheel, take a deep breath and gun it. Don't worry, Dave's wares are worth the risk. read more

If you live on the Dartmouth side of the harbour, you would be foolish not to get all of your produce at Dave's. While the parking lot is a little bit manic with yuppie SUVs left, right and center, the reward once you're in the doors is incredible. From the freshest produce that far outlasts any I've picked up from grocery chains, to unique local finds like specialty spices and seemingly homemade baked goods, your dollar will go far with the incredibly competitive prices. After two visits, we resolved to always get our produce here even if it means making two stops on our usual grocery runs. read more

Love this place! It is a small location but is packed full of deals. In addition to good selection of fruits and vegetables, there are great deals in luncheon meats, frozen desserts, as well as a selection of desserts made by Dave's. They make the best pecan pie I have ever purchased at a store. (In the freshly made desserts section, not the freezer.) There is always a lineup. There is generally a long lineup. What I can say is that the cashier team is fast.......really, really fast.....and the deals are worth it. Plus it is a local business and I love supporting local. read more

Dave's Fruit and Vegetable Market is a great place for your need of veggies and fruits, as well as a few other groceries like frozen pies, milk, and sandwich meat. I often come here only for my vegetables because they are a lot cheaper than at Sobeys and such, and they are always fresh. It's a fairly small place so during busy times it can get crowded, and the parking lot is a bit cramped but it's worth it for the prices. Near the cash register is a good selection of baked goods from oatcakes, cookies, and muffins to turnovers, huge cinnamon rolls, and danishes. All in all if you love your F's and V's, and are in around the Dartmouth area you should definitely check Dave's out if you haven't and get some. read more

Every time I've driven by Dave's I've wondered what it's like inside. I've heard rave reviews, but since I don't live in the area, I've never gone out of my way to check it out. (And it would be really, really out of my way). But, this past week I was blessed with the opportunity to house-sit in this neck of the woods, so I made a quick stop in to check things out and pick up a few odds and ends. The vibe is totally local and the staff who were stocking the shelves were really friendly. The set up is "conveyor belt" so you wind the maze from the entrance to the cash on the way out. It's very organized and logical. The first thing that surprised me were the prices - I've never seen so many things that didn't look like they were injected with growth hormones be so affordable! Pretty much I wanted to buy everything I saw. I held back but for what I decided to buy, I was shocked at the final tally. If I lived anywhere within the area, this would for sure be my default grocery option. read more

If you live in the Dartmouth/Cole Harbour area, Dave's is really the place to get fresh produce among other grocery items. As someone who has walked through the doors many a time, here is a little piece of advice: Do not, I really mean it, do not, come on Sunday afternoon!!!! This place is a nut house! Full to the brim with crazy produce lovers trying to get the best deal on a melon. You basically have to walk in, join the line and gather your selections as the line moves along. I only come here through the week, when it is nice and quiet. The prices at Dave's are really the best you'll find on fresh produce. I have also picked up some deli items here as well at shockingly good prices. They sell these yummy breakfast sausages for $2.99 that are $5.99 at Sobeys. They also sell other staples like milk, eggs, baked goods, frozen foods and some pretty tasty fudge. Staff is friendly, and when it is really busy, the lines tend to move at a pretty good pace. I just prefer to avoid it, when it gets that way. read more

My colleague kept telling me about a place in Dartmouth with cheap fruit. I'm a health nut and buying fruit & veggies at my local grocery store can sometimes get expensive, so I decided to venture over from Halifax. The store is very well laid out, and there are many fruits & veggies available. I even picked up a different kind of mango I've never heard of before. I spent $20.26 which included grapes (2.39 lb), strawberries, mini carrots, 2 pears, a head of broccoli, a mango, a bag of 6 kiwis, 4 bananas, a whole honeydew melon, 12 oranges, and a large package of bologna for my bf. Anywhere else (sobeys, superstore), this would have cost an arm and leg, so I'm impressed! The only down side to Dave's is their staff. They seem to hate their jobs. While the cashier was ringing through my items she was just complaining to the cashier next to her how badly she wanted to go home and how annoyed she was that there was a line up... but whatever, I got my cheap fruit! There is a bens bakery outlet directly next door so it makes it a little more worth while driving from Halifax for some great bread costs! As for the parking lot it seems that they have tried to inforce some signs to make it easier for customers to get in & out. I got out easily, but at 5:00pm it may be a little more difficult if you're heading back to Halifax. read more

The freshest cheapest fruit and veg, and some interesting health food stuff too. Also the place to get large quantities if you are canning/freezing or have room for giant bags of root vegetables. The freezers have some pies and some of the usual frozen rubbish (don't know why they waste the space - would be nice for them to continue with some frozen healthy options) All in all worth the visit! Prices always below grocery store. read more

Dave's is the place to go if you're looking for fresh, local produce at very reasonable products. This tiny store is PACKED with fruits, veggies, and homemade baked goods. It's even got an appreciable selection of pre-made meals in the refrigerated section. So why only 4 stars, you ask? Well, I'm a stickler for stress-free shopping and it's hard not to get a bit frustrated over certain aspects of Dave's: - The parking lot is a nightmare: tiny, hard to get into and out of, and always busy. As others have mentioned, weekends are the worst for this. - The store itself is quite small and, given the large volume of customers, almost always cramped. - The hours aren't great - they're closed by 8 pm on weeknights, which is simply too early for me. Otherwise, Dave's is a great little spot that deserves the praise it has received from other Yelpers. Drop by (preferably during a weekday!) to have a look. read more

Awesome place in Dartmouth to get some very reasonable price fruits and vegetables. Will be back for sure

I am very appreciative of dave's. their produce is the best in town. Quality and cost. I am somewhat disappointed with most of the staff. i bring my own bags, and will bag my own food. each and every time, i am met with a disgruntled and dis approving look from the checkout staff. I find this somewhat discouraging, most particularly in this day and age. this is a practice that should be appreciated. other than that. great place. read more

Great quality fruit and vegies. The 'Home made' meals like the turkey dinners are perfect. Just heat it up and away you go. Great for the busy people who get off work late. I had at least one bad experience with the cashier/customer service though. Apparently when you pull items out of your basket and place them on the counter this particular person wanted them placed on the left and not the right of the counter space. Not really sure why. I wasn't interested enough to ask. I got some attitude for my disinterest. The great quality made up for the disappointing customer service. read more

They are very competitive with the retail chains. Small parking, crowded store. What does that tell you? Good prices and good service! Just sayin' read more

Unfortunately found chewy fish pieces in the creamy potato and bacon soup which is not an ingredient on the label. I am hoping it is not scallops because my husband is allergic. I called the store and the clerk tried to put me through to the kitchen twice without success, did not seem concerned, did not apologize and did not take down my contact information.As it was my first time there, I will definitely not return. read more

Good prices on fruit and veggies and good selection. However make sure to watch over the prices that you are being charged on your bill. I was over charged 5x on a bag of potatoes and 1x on some fruit. When I presented the issue to Elaine the cashier that over charged me, she was not customer service friendly and wanted to blame the error on me. She kept stating that I must have 5 of something else on my bill and I must of been talking to her about potatoes, and that is why she charged me for 5 bags of potatoes. It was a simple error and an apology would of gone along way and refund for the overcharge. Instead I had to be assertive inorder to get my money back. Not a pleasant experience when being served by Elaine. read more

I have been rather disappointed the last couple times in Dave's. They haven't gotten those delicious vegan spring rolls back in, the produce prices are still good but I don't have a lot of desire to return since they don't offer much else in the way of vegan products. read more

I often drive over from Hali just to hit up daves (and further down the road, Gateway Meat Market). Such good deals, I eat the bananes like crazy and they are much cheaper than in the grocery store. Everything is fresh and tasty and cheap. CHEAP! read more

I will never shop there again! They had fruit on there shelf with no indication to the ppl to check your expire dates.. bought something on the 28 expired on 29.. who does this?! Oh and no refund cause it's my own fault I fail to check the expire dates.... didn't know i was working there and needed to notify them of expire items read more

I got a call from Dave's by accident and wanted to call them back as I didn't recognize the number. Everyone I talked to was very friendly and nice, apologetic of the call and has incurred my positive experience of Dave's without even setting foot in the store. read more

Al right all you whiners complaining about the parking...Yes is a bugger to get out of and getting in is only difficult when there are a bunch of Noomfties in there who can drive or park their cars.... I've been shopping at Dave's since Dad was running it, the old OUTDOOR market where it was -20 outside and -35 INSIDE.....It is the quintessential FAMILY BUSINESS with Dave and his awesome Sisters, their daughters and soon, their Grandchildren running the front end and stocking the shelves. Whatever you need, they will get or find for you, Gail, Denise, Elaine and the rest of the crew are knowledgeable and courteous even with the CRANKY customers like some of the reviewers here and even after a 14 hour day schlepping vegetables and dealing with folks trying to get stuff for free or reduced prices even though their prices are already half of Sobeys and a Third of Pete's...Do they make the odd mistake?? Yes....Do I make the odd mistake??? Yes... Do some of you make the odd mistake??? Apparently NOT.... If you are looking for Quality Fruits and Vegetables from the same Valley suppliers that supply the Market, Pete's and Sobey's, but for a lot LESS, then learn to maneuver in a parking lot and go see the girls at Dave's...You can also get Jiggs Dinner stuff as well as Fish and Brewis stuff if you are a traditionalist....and all for way way waaaaay less than elsewhere... If you're gonna complain about the quality of the product or the quality of service or the parking, then go to Pete's Froutique and pay twice as much..... Suffice to say, I friggin love the place....the fruit, the vegemeals, the soup, the samosas, the girls AND the parking.....It's all worth the effort.....HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Dave's...... read more

As a person who always reflects on good and bad situations I feel that my recent trip(s) to Dave's is worthy of an internet review. Product and prices are excellent. No complaints. STAFF - I went into the store on April 28th to stock up upon returning from a vacation. I enter the store proceed to make my way around the route but with the usual congestion it was slow going. I was browsing and selecting my vegetables as I really like to take my time and make sure there is no rotting parts of my purchases. A worker loudly and rudely steps in front of me and says "EXCUSE ME, LET ME GET THAT SINCE YOU CAN'T PICK IT UP." I look down and see that there are 2 heads of broccoli on the floor. I said 'oh, I would've picked that up had I noticed that it was on the floor," but here is the catch I didn't drop it I hadn't even made it up that far in the aisle at this point. Anyway not a big deal, that happens and someone will eventually pick it up. I go in today, May 23rd and I see the same worker and I hear her say loudly to the person she is speaking with "Customers who drop produce and don't pick it up are the worst." As a school teacher and member of our community I know that this is wrong and am in complete shock that a worker has actually behaved in such a way. So i approach the cash to ask for the manager, well turns out this worker who is being incredibly unprofessional is the manager, Gail. So I quietly say to her, have I done something to warrant such behaviour. She asked if I was crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!! I said ma'am this is completely unprofessional and I am deeply offended by your actions. I walked away at this point because I was so upset. I carry on with my shopping and Gail approached me, she wanted to engage in further conflict. I said I do not know what part of "this conversation is over" that you do not understand, at this point workers are observing and customers can now tell that there is something going on. I said I am so sorry that you feel that way about me and I repeated it again. I know the difference between right and wrong, I continuously give kids replacement behaviours all day long. Period. I am disgusted with Dave's staff. But I will return. I need to eat just like everyone else. I am entitled to eat healthy without being pestered about 2 heads of broccoli that were on the floor. read more

Great place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables at a good price! The place itself is very cramped so don't pass by something or you might have trouble getting back to it! I go here on a weekly basis and am able to save a small chunk of money buying produce here rather then the grocery store. read more

I will write this review to reflect the spirit of this place. Good selection, great prices, quality products, friendly staff. Did I mention great prices?! read more

EDIT : if you are in Dartmouth and need a home cooked meal - go here! Went last night and picked up an amazing meatloaf for $7.50 fed two people for two dinners and lunch! All homemade food like Mom's ... just go.. now.After reading some great yelp reviews, I decided to give this place a go! I did however make the mistake of going on a Sunday Afternoon , which was quite the adventure! Very busy but most of the shoppers were friendly. I would recommend going a different day if possible the prices are AMAZING! totally work it! I picked up some bananas for 55cents a pound ( they were good bananas, not the super ripe in a bag ones for 50 cents!) There was lots of homemade goodies - even sex in a pan and everything was fresh and easily available. I do recommend bringing a friend and shopping on the "buddy" system. You get in a line when you walk in, the store is layed out in a conveyor belt sort of style, the fruits and veg are sort of lined up in one big isle. However, if you bring a buddy you can trade off so when it is super busy you don't loose your spot in line! :) I love that this place has the charm of a market, and also very affordable prices. I find a lot of farmers markets have gotten to posh and lost the essence of sustainability and affordability... Dave's is a great spot in the area that maintains value ! ( Also... they sell this desert called sex in a pan.... really the name says it all but it is DE-LICIOUS :) read more

Great prices! Sometimes this place is beyond busy, so you do your shopping 'while in line' which works out fine for me, but might be annoying for people that get frustrated by slow moving situations. The fresh fruits and veg- the selection and prices are the best in town. They have a lot of specials for deli meats and frozen foods too. I can shop there and totally avoid the grocery stores until it is time to restock the pantry! Close to the checkouts there are lots of homemade treats, so be careful because they are yummy! read more

Love this place!....I can buy sausage rounds here for 1.99 or the exact same thing at Sobey's for 5.97....which would you buy?!......Sometimes I have been in here and bought Shopsy's Weiners for 50 cents a pack....that's not a typo....50 cents for a dozen weenies!!....Frozen meat pies, 88 cents.....tons of good deals here!!!......The only down side, for me, anyway.....they sell soft drinks but no Pepsi....dammit!! read more

daves fruit and vegetable market is the best place to go if you love those small run loving markets. the prices are great but some of the staff can give off quiet a bad vibe. most of the staff are very pleasent and great to be next to. but others are just so rude they shouldnt work here. but over all the food is great cheap prices and great for lunch meats suppers frozen and fresh goods and yummy yummy YUMMY pies. read more

we shop at dave's weekly and have found the prices reasonable and the produce of the best quality. that being said, we have found the occasional bad sack of potatoes or onions, but that was probably our fault and due to a lack of vigilant observation. what i must take exception to is the gradual decline of cleanliness in the parking lot. it is starting to look like something one would see in the states. this lack of pride and caring of property and community appears, sadly enough, to be a general trend in HRM. read more