Halifax, the largest city in the Maritimes, surprises visitors with its amazing dining and drinking spots.  Food lovers will find excellent restaurants and the famous donair, Halifax’s take on doner kebab.  The city’s culinary scene keeps getting better.

The Atlantic Ocean surrounds almost all of Nova Scotia, which gives Halifax restaurants a unique advantage.  Local eateries serve some of the freshest seafood you can imagine right in downtown Halifax.  February brings the annual Dine Around event where more than 70 restaurants create fixed menus at great prices.  This makes it a perfect time to try Halifax’s best restaurants, even with the typical gray weather.  This piece highlights 17 must-visit places that should be on your 2025 food adventure, from top seafood spots to the city’s strong wine and cocktail scene.

The Bicycle Thief

The Bicycle Thief, Halifax restaurants

Image Source: Bicycle Thief

The Bicycle Thief sits at 1475 Lower Water Street along Halifax’s beautiful waterfront.  This 12-year-old dining hotspot takes its name from the 1948 classic Italian film and serves North American food with an Italian soul – a combination that has won over locals and visitors alike since 2011.

The Bicycle Thief Specialties

The restaurant’s seafood-forward Italian menu celebrates Nova Scotia’s rich coastal waters.  Their seared local scallops ($17) are a must-try favorite at every table.  These delicate almond-crusted morsels come with a silky yuzu butter sauce.  Seafood lovers will enjoy the linguine fra diavolo ($28) that pairs jumbo shrimp and scallops in a perfectly spiced tomato sauce.

The beef short rib ‘al Barolo’ melts in your mouth and comes with creamy mascarpone mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.  Fresh pasta made daily elevates every dish, and the crab-stuffed ravioli with mascarpone and chives stands out as a crowd favorite.

The legendary butterscotch caramel cake ($14) remains the menu’s star dessert since day one.

The Bicycle Thief Pricing

This downtown Halifax restaurant sits in the higher-end price range, but guests find it worth every penny for special occasions.  A delicious BT house-made chopped tenderloin burger starts at $22, while the mouthwatering rack of lamb tops the menu at $54.  Pasta dishes cost between $22-$25, and seafood entrees run from $29-$38.

The Bicycle Thief Ambiance

The space strikes a perfect balance between “Old School style and New School attitude”.  Warm golden lighting creates an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere.  Guests can sink into plush velvet booths for intimate dinners, while distressed wooden tables add a touch of rustic charm.

You’ll find the restaurant open daily from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm.  A harborside table on their bustling patio makes summer dining extra special.  Make sure to book ahead, especially when tourist season hits.

Bar Kismet

Bar Kismet stands out as one of the most celebrated culinary gems in Halifax’s North End.  This family-owned spot on Agricola Street blends French and Mediterranean influences through a seasonal menu that changes weekly.  The focus stays on fresh seafood and handmade pasta.

Bar Kismet Specialties

Chef Annie Brace-Lavoie’s kitchen delivers an impressive array of seafood-forward dishes that showcase local maritime bounty.  The menu’s star remains the ahi tartare – yellowfin tuna tossed with citrus, capers, quail egg yolk and spicy mayo that comes with crispy matchstick fries.  The rotating seafood menu also features ocean perch with salsa verde, charred mackerel with sheep’s milk yogurt and raw scallops with delicate seasonings.

The restaurant’s excellence has earned it the spot as Canada’s 15th best restaurant.  The handmade pasta dishes shine too, with options like smoked ricotta cappaletti that complement the seafood focus.  The drink selection deserves a special mention – creative cocktails, natural wines with sparkling and skin-contact varieties and local craft beers.

Bar Kismet Pricing

A dinner at Bar Kismet offers a premium dining experience at around USD 70.00 per person.  Main dishes range from CAD 21.00 to CAD 32.00.  The price reflects the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal ingredients and careful preparation, which many guests find worth every penny.

Bar Kismet Ambiance

The space feels intimate with a relaxed vintage coastal vibe that matches the seafood-focused menu perfectly.  Small concrete tables, bench seating, houseplants and a U-shaped bar create a cozy yet sophisticated feel.  The carefully picked soundtrack of Afro-funk and classic disco adds to the restaurant’s unique character.

Bar Kismet keeps things unpretentious with friendly service in a bright, breezy space that includes a patio for walk-ins.  They’re open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner.  You’ll need reservations for table seating, but walk-ins can always try their luck.

Drift

The upscale Muir Hotel on Halifax’s Waterfront houses Drift, a refined tribute to Nova Scotia’s culinary heritage.  This waterfront spot has revolutionized Halifax’s dining scene with its modern take on classic Atlantic Canadian cuisine.

Drift Specialties

Chef Lawrence’s menu at Drift expresses regional ingredients through contemporary preparations that honor traditional cooking methods.  The restaurant’s signature Nova Scotia Hodge Podge features seasonal vegetables in a creamy preparation that pays homage to local cooking traditions.  The Yarmouth Lobster Pot Pie and Seared Sustainable Blue Salmon stand out as seafood favorites.

Many guests love the Pork Belly & Scallops combination that creates a perfect balance between rich and delicate flavors.  A meal at Drift wouldn’t be complete without trying Maryanne’s Brown Bread with organic honey butter—a fragrant, slightly sweet recipe that’s been passed down through generations from Nova Scotia’s south shore.

Breakfast and brunch lovers can enjoy excellent options like Steak & Eggs, blueberry pancakes and creative spins on classics such as their Monte Cristo sandwich and Hipster Toast.

Drift Pricing

The restaurant sits in the premium dining category.  A fixed-price two-course lunch menu runs Monday through Friday at USD 35.00.  Evening prices tend to be higher, with guests spending around USD 70.00 per person.  These prices reflect the restaurant’s steadfast dedication to quality ingredients and expert preparation.

Drift Ambiance

Drift’s interior design takes its cues from shipbuilding traditions, creating an elegant yet distinctly maritime space.  The room features floor-to-ceiling marble-fluted fireplaces that create intimate conversation spots.  Communal tables, surrounded by Muntz metal columns and leather-wrapped walls, encourage social dining experiences.

The dramatic wood ceiling, shaped like a tilted ship’s underbelly, catches everyone’s eye.  A driftwood-inspired sculptural art piece adorns the multi-planed curved ceiling above the bar.  The waterfront patio opens during warmer months, offering built-in lounge seating with beautiful harbor views and refreshing sea breezes.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late-night cocktails.

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Five Fishermen

Five Fishermen, restaurants in Halifax

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The Five Fishermen has grown into the life-blood of Halifax’s fine dining scene, with a rich history dating back to 1817.  The building started as a schoolhouse and later became Snow & Company Undertakers—a funeral home that handled bodies from the Titanic disaster and the 1917 Halifax Explosion.  This historic building transformed into one of Halifax’s finest restaurants in 1975.

Five Fishermen Specialties

Fresh seafood preparation is this restaurant’s strength.  The menu celebrates Atlantic’s bounty.  The signature Five Fish Experience (market price) delivers an impressive spread of jumbo shrimp, Digby scallops, wild-caught halibut, Littleneck clams and half lobster tail.  These come with lobster velouté and tomato risotto.

Notable standouts include:

  • Lobster Mac & Cheese ($45) with cavatappi, lobster velouté, mimolette cheese, miso foam and leek ash
  • Halibut en Brodo ($49) served with peas, asparagus, preserved lemon and brodo di parmigiano
  • Digby Scallops ($47) accompanied by chestnut gnocchi parisienne and onion soubise

Oyster lovers should check out the happy hour (4:00-6:00 pm daily).  The region’s best varieties are available at half price.

Five Fishermen Pricing

This restaurant sits firmly in Halifax’s premium dining segment.  Main course prices range from $37 for pasta dishes like Frutti di Mare to $49 for premium seafood entrees such as the Halibut en Brodo.  The Five Fishermen Burger is available at $19.

Market price items like the 1.5 lb lobster dinner and the Five Fish Experience top the menu’s price range.  Reviewers agree that despite high prices, the seafood quality and exceptional preparation make it worth the cost for special occasions.

Five Fishermen Ambiance

Two distinct areas define this historic building’s refined atmosphere.  The upstairs dining room features stained glass windows, ornate wooden chairs and ship pillars that create a maritime feel.  The relaxed Little Fish Oyster Bar downstairs works perfectly for shared plates and quick bites.

Warm, dimly-lit interiors combine with brass accents, wood details and ornate glass to create a sophisticated yet comfortable space.  The restaurant’s in-house sommelier curates a 200+ wine selection that enhances the dining experience.

The building’s past as a funeral home has created fascinating ghost stories.  Staff members report strange occurrences like glasses flying off shelves and taps turning on by themselves—adding a mysterious supernatural element to your dining adventure.

Cut Steakhouse

Cut Steakhouse, Halifax restaurants

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Cut Steakhouse has earned the 4-Diamond AAA/CAA Award and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence consistently since 2006.  This Halifax restaurant stands out as the city’s top destination for steak lovers.  Their commitment to excellence and expert meat preparation has built their stellar reputation.

Cut Steakhouse Specialties

The restaurant showcases an outstanding selection of premium cuts that includes USDA Prime and Canadian AAA Angus Reserve steaks.  Diners can select their preferred cuts right at their table.  Their signature in-house dry aging process sets them apart.  This technique concentrates flavors as the beef loses one percent moisture daily.

The menu features dry-aged striploin starting at $4.95/oz for Atlantic AAA, a stunning 40oz Tomahawk at $150 and exceptional Westholme Wagyu from Queensland, Australia ranging from $195-$249.  New guests often start with the popular lobster poutine or try the refined celeriac “risotto” with mascarpone and truffle for $17.

Cut Steakhouse Pricing

The restaurant’s prices reflect its premium positioning in Halifax.  Steak prices range from $39 for a 6oz tenderloin to $249 for premium Wagyu ribeye.  Guests can elevate their steaks with add-ons like pan-seared foie gras at $19, brown butter shrimp for $14 or a poached lobster tail at $28.

Cut Steakhouse Ambiance

The dining room creates an elegant experience with soft lighting, stylish décor and smooth jazz.  Beautiful Halifax waterfront views provide the perfect backdrop for special occasions.

The relaxed yet refined atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between luxury and comfort.  Guests consistently praise the “impeccable” service.  The knowledgeable staff guides diners through menu choices and wine selections with expertise.  The restaurant also offers private and semi-private spaces for special events.

Lot Six

Lot Six, restaurants in Halifax

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Lot Six has made its home in Halifax’s second oldest building at 1685 Argyle Street.  This historic spot combines craft cocktails with excellent food, creating a space where people gather to celebrate good drinks, share plates and enjoy conversations.

Lot Six Specialties

The kitchen team creates seasonal dishes that showcase Nova Scotia’s finest ingredients.  Seafood lovers will find several standout options on the menu:

  • Seafood Boil with snow crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, corn, sausage and potato in cajun seasonings
  • Tuna Tataki topped with ancho crust, pineapple salsa and chili maple soy
  • Mac and Cheese covered in three-cheese mornay sauce and herb butter toasted panko (add bacon and scallion for $4)

The cocktail program stands as one of the restaurant’s biggest draws.  Guests can sample creative drinks like the Miso Chocolate Espresso Martini and Seventh Sun.  The restaurant’s oyster selection comes from multiple local farms and reaches your plate within three days to guarantee freshness.

Lot Six Pricing

The menu prices range from $12 for a Thai Punch cocktail to $18 for the BLT Benny.  Brunch options include $15 caramelized onion waffles and $14 breakfast sandwiches.  New guests should check out the oyster happy hour deal – 12 oysters from three local regions at $20.

Lot Six Ambiance

A stunning glass atrium roof bathes the space in natural light.  Lush plants and warm string lights create an outdoor feeling, while earthy colors and wood textures add warmth to the space.

The vibe changes throughout the week.  Midweek evenings offer a relaxed atmosphere, while weekends buzz with energy and live music on the patio.  Guests seeking a more intimate setting can head upstairs to the cozy, sleek dining area, which contrasts beautifully with the open atrium below.

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Antojo Tacos + Tequila

Antojo Tacos + Tequila, Halifax restaurants

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Antojo Tacos + Tequila brings authentic Mexican flavors to Halifax’s bustling restaurant and entertainment district.  The Spanish word “Antojo” means “craving” – a fitting name since diners often can’t wait to return after their first visit.

Antojo Specialties

Mexican-inspired dishes at Antojo have built a dedicated customer base.  Diners rave about the tacos al pastor and beef tongue tacos.  The elotes (Mexican street corn) and churros served with chocolate and dulce de leche sauces are must-try items for newcomers.  The menu also explains these popular choices:

  • Quesabirria tacos that keep customers coming back
  • Tres leches cake – a traditional sponge cake soaked in three milks
  • Beef Birria featuring beef brisket with cinnamon coriander rub

A remarkable selection of tequila and mezcal pairs well with these dishes and Margarita Monday specials add extra appeal each week.

Antojo Pricing

The restaurant’s Taco Tuesday deal provides tacos at USD 4.00 each.  Most items remain reasonably priced, with quesadillas at USD 17 and taco salads beginning at USD 14.

Antojo Ambiance

Antojo’s stunning and eclectic design welcomes guests at 1667 Argyle Street.  The restaurant buzzes with energy, though Saturday nights might require an hour-long wait.  Late-night dining options exist Thursday through Saturday until 2:00 AM, making Antojo a perfect downtown Halifax destination for dinner or late-night cravings.

Bar Sofia

Bar Sofia, Halifax

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Bar Sofia captivates guests with artistic charm and Latin energy right in Halifax’s upscale Queen’s Marque district.  Rafael Silveira’s pop surrealism artwork fills the venue with imagination and creates a unique dining atmosphere that transports patrons to another world.

Bar Sofia Specialties

The menu brings together Latin-inspired dishes and Atlantic Canadian ingredients through shareable plates that make dining more social.  Guests love the crispy brussels sprouts with citrus aïoli and the popular roasted cauliflower dish.  The carnitas soft tacos come with pork belly and shoulder mixed with leche de tigre and get great reviews from customers.  The cocktail program draws many people with signature drinks like El Cubano made with Havana Club 3yr rum and El Gaucho Verde that combines tide vodka and chimichurri priced at $14.

Bar Sofia Pricing

Classic cocktails start at $14 while premium options like Sofia’s Espresso Martini cost $16.  Wine lovers can enjoy glasses starting at $10 for Alario Sauvignon Blanc up to $23 for premium choices like Montes Alpha Chardonnay.  The restaurant’s Sunday Happy Hour runs from 8pm until midnight and gives great value for weekend dining.

Bar Sofia Ambiance

The space mixes classic elegance with fantasy elements as colonial paneled walls display surrealist-like murals.  Bright mosaic themes run throughout and create an energetic atmosphere while Latin music sets the mood.  The outdoor patio features a stunning wall inspired by Peru’s “Rainbow Mountain” and provides a perfect spot for waterfront dining with harbor views.

Salt + Ash Beach House

Salt + Ash Beach House, restaurants in Halifax

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Salt + Ash Beach House welcomes visitors at 1741 Lower Water Street.  This new spot perfectly captures Nova Scotia’s relaxed maritime culture.  The waterfront restaurant has become a hit with both locals and tourists.

Salt + Ash Specialties

The restaurant excels at live-fire cooking techniques with a menu that highlights local ingredients.  Their NS Lobster Roll (market price) comes on brioche with seaweed crunch, while the Fish + Chips ($28.50) pairs perfectly with salt + vinegar fries.  New guests should sample the Jalapeño Cornbread ($10) with tequila lime butter.  The Crab & Leek Chowder ($18.50) stands out with its charred leek sofrito.

Their wood-fired pizzas have got amazing reviews. Options range from the classic Margherita ($21.50) to creative choices like the Chili Shrimp pizza ($26).  The Espresso Cheesecake ($11) makes a perfect ending with its hazelnut and caramelized white chocolate topping.

Salt + Ash Pricing

The restaurant’s prices sit in the moderate-to-upscale range.  Most main dishes cost between $21-$29 and the Beach House Cheeseburger costs $25.  Happy Hour runs daily from 2-5pm and 9pm to close, featuring $12 signature cocktails with discounted beer and wine options.

Salt + Ash Ambiance

A modern coastal design creates a welcoming vibe that feels both fresh and cozy.  Crackling fires add warmth to the waterfront setting that showcases stunning harbor views.  Guests love the outdoor patio for scenic dining.  This downtown Halifax restaurant truly delivers a perfect beachside retreat experience.

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The Press Gang

The Press Gang restaurant sits in one of Halifax’s oldest stone buildings from 1759, right in downtown Halifax’s heart.  This unique spot blends maritime heritage with excellent cuisine and stands as the life-blood of local dining.

The Press Gang Specialties

The restaurant shines with its seafood dishes, especially its famous Oyster Bar that serves fresh Maritime oysters on the half shell.  These come with lemons, horseradish, and house-made sides.  Each oyster costs $3.75 and comes from all but one of these Atlantic provinces.  Guests often praise the “amazing oysters” and the restaurant’s diverse seafood selection.  The menu features perfectly prepared seafood risotto, Atlantic halibut, Digby scallops and lobster gnocchi.

The Press Gang Pricing

The restaurant ranks among downtown Halifax’s upscale dining spots, with prices that match its quality.  Reviews show that guests find the “upscale pricing” matches the exceptional food and service.  The menu includes “The Drill,” a special four-course meal for two created by the chef.

The Press Gang Ambiance

The historic setting and romantic candlelit interior make this place truly special.  Weekend diners enjoy live music by Mike Cowie and Gerry Carruthers from 8-11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  Nova Scotia’s largest scotch collection lives here, boasting over 100 single malts.  Private dining options include an 18th-century room for 12 guests and a semi-private space for 24.

Black Sheep

Black Sheep, best restaurants in Halifax

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Black Sheep Restaurant sits in the historic Keith’s Brewery Market on Lower Water Street.  Chef-owners Dave Woodley and John House, who previously worked together at Gio, create an exceptional dining experience.  Their chef-driven establishment shows a steadfast dedication to local ingredients while the menu features globally inspired comfort food.

Black Sheep Specialties

Creative dishes with bold flavors dominate Black Sheep’s menu.  The renowned brisket benny comes with house-smoked beef, sauerkraut and chipotle mustard.  Fresh catch fills their exceptional seafood chowder.  The restaurant’s fish cakes earn high praise from regulars who call them “the best in Halifax” thanks to their in-house smoked fish.  A standout fried chicken sandwich arrives on sesame brioche with subtle cilantro notes.  Customers can’t resist the signature squid ink garlic mayo that pairs with crispy hand-cut fries.

Black Sheep Pricing

Most breakfast items cost between $14-$16, while main dishes fall into the $$ – $$$ range.  The lobster ravioli, one of their premium offerings, costs $42.55 with taxes included.  Black Sheep runs Propeller beer specials and gives industry discounts on Sundays and Mondays.

Black Sheep Ambiance

A stunning rooftop patio and bar complement the first-floor main dining area.  The ceiling features hanging planters while dim evening lighting sets an elegant yet moody atmosphere.  The restaurant occupies a beautiful open atrium space in Alexander Keith’s brewery building, perfectly balancing vibrant and relaxed elements.  Brunch lovers can enjoy their popular daytime menu seven days a week.

Stubborn Goat

Stubborn Goat, Halifax restaurants

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The Stubborn Goat Gastropub has been a beloved part of Halifax’s dining scene for more than a decade.  Patrons love its upscale comfort food and laid-back gastropub vibe.

Stubborn Goat Specialties

Local, seasonal ingredients help improve the Stubborn Goat’s comfort food offerings.  Regular customers can’t get enough of their famous mac & cheese varieties.  The thin-crust pizzas are also a hit, with the Wise Geir being a favorite that features Brothers Meats bacon, smashed avocado, and gouda ($20).  The seafood chowder gets constant praise for its rich mix of salmon, haddock, scallops, mussels and lobster.  New guests should sample the truffle fries topped with black truffle sea salt and roasted garlic aioli ($10).  The chicken wings come with seasonal pickled crudités that add a special touch.

Stubborn Goat Pricing

The menu prices match other downtown Halifax restaurants.  Their signature 12″ pizzas range from $18-$22, and burgers and sandwiches cost between $20-$24.  Signature dishes like the Guinness BBQ Meatloaf are priced at $28.  Daily specials attract both locals and tourists.

Stubborn Goat Ambiance

The downtown Halifax location combines “ritzy ambiance” with warm wooden details that create a welcoming pub atmosphere.  Guests can enjoy an all-season covered deck and a street patio during warmer months.  The gastropub opens Monday-Friday at 11:30 a.m. and weekends at 10:30 a.m..  It shifts from a sunny brunch spot to a vibrant evening destination.  The chef’s celiac condition has helped shape the restaurant’s expert handling of gluten-free options.

Pickford & Black

Pickford & Black, Halifax restaurants

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Pickford & Black sits right on Halifax’s vibrant waterfront.  This seafood spot attracts locals and tourists with its casual harbor dining and clear views of the water.

Pickford & Black Specialties

Fresh seafood stands at the heart of Pickford & Black’s menu.  Customers rave about their fish and chips, calling it “amazing” and “delicious”.  The seafood pasta has become a customer favorite, especially for its perfectly cooked scallops.  The Mediterranean Bowl packs a spicy curry punch, and their buttermilk fried chicken sandwich tastes even better with seasoning from the restaurant’s signature fries.

Pickford & Black Pricing

The prices here stay competitive with other downtown Halifax restaurants.  Drink specials run at $6.00 and include house cocktails, well shot doubles and full pints of Gahan or After Hours Series.  Wine lovers can enjoy Trapiche Astica Chardonnay Chenin and Trapiche Astica Malbec by the 5-ounce pour.  Food prices match the downtown Halifax dining scene, making it an available option among the city’s seafood restaurants.

Pickford & Black Ambiance

The restaurant’s waterfront location offers what guests call an “unbeatable” view, particularly from the dog-friendly patio areas.  The interior needs some updates and reviewers mention the exterior looks “in need of a facelift”.  Service quality varies, though staff members Ben and Victoria earn praise for being “friendly and accommodating”.  The spot’s proximity to Halifax Ferry Terminal makes it perfect for harbor area visitors.

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Little Fish

Little Fish, Halifax restaurants

Image Source: littlefishwinebar.com

Little Fish Wine Bar stands as a hidden gem in downtown Halifax.  Michelin-trained Chef Gabriel Uggenti creates innovative dishes that go together with one another with Sommelier Mehvish Hussain’s expertly selected wines.  This cozy spot gives diners a unique experience built around sharing and social gathering.

Little Fish Specialties

The menu at Little Fish features shareable plates, fresh seafood, premium choice cuts and creative sides with delectable desserts to finish.  Summer brings a rotating selection of East Coast Oysters to lucky diners.  Their Oyster Happy Hour has become a local favorite and offers great value to seafood lovers.  Customers often praise the fresh, flavorful seafood, while seasonal menu items showcase the kitchen’s dedication to quality ingredients.

Little Fish Pricing

The prices stay competitive with other downtown Halifax restaurants.  Daily Oyster Happy Hour specials make premium seafood more available to diners.  Some guests mention that a few seafood dishes could use more generous portions of crab and lobster, especially the seafood pasta at USD 36.00.

Little Fish Ambiance

A beautiful live edge bar sits surrounded by 200-year-old stone foundation walls that add remarkable character to this intimate space.  The relaxed, easy-going atmosphere makes this spot perfect for date nights, receptions or celebrations.  The versatile space works well for both casual gatherings and special occasions.  Guests praise its warm, inviting environment that encourages them to linger over shared plates and conversation.

Bistro Le Coq

Bistro Le Coq, Halifax restaurants

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A charming slice of Paris awaits you at Bistro Le Coq, where authentic French cuisine meets Maritime hospitality in Halifax.  This elegant bistro stands out in Halifax Nova Scotia’s restaurant scene with its perfect blend of traditional fare and modern flair.

Bistro Le Coq Specialties

The bistro’s menu celebrates France’s rich culinary heritage through dishes that locals love.  Their Duck Confit pairs tender meat with aromatic herbs that create an unforgettable experience.  The signature Coq au Vin features chicken that we slow-cooked in red wine sauce with fresh herbs.  New guests should try:

  • French Onion Soup with deep flavors under melted cheese
  • Steak Tartar with egg yolk that goes perfectly with peppery baby arugula and garlic crisps
  • Crème Brûlée with its crispy caramel top and silky center

The Quack and Duck eggs Benedict has become a brunch favorite, featuring house-cured duck prosciutto and hollandaise sauce on crispy English muffins ($15).

Bistro Le Coq Pricing

The prices match other downtown Halifax restaurants.  You can enjoy brunch cocktails like the “uncle buck” Caesar for $7. Starters cost between $9 for duck rillettes and $14 for steak tartar.  The menu includes a tasty Duck Confit Salad ($10) and their famous Brunch Burger with maple bacon, smoked gouda and a fried egg.

Bistro Le Coq Ambiance

The warm interior creates a peaceful escape that captures the essence of French country charm.  The authentic Parisian bistro atmosphere makes date nights special here.  The core team boosts your dining experience with their menu knowledge and several staff members speak French.  The restaurant provides a comfortable setting that works well for both special occasions and casual dining.

Canvas Resto

Canvas Resto, best restaurants in Halifax

Image Source: Discover Halifax

Canvas Resto Lounge, located in the Cambridge Suites Hotel, serves food that goes beyond typical hotel restaurant fare.  The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a welcome alternative to Halifax’s formal dining spots.

The restaurant’s comfort food comes with creative flair.  Their fish tacos get rave reviews for the zesty sauce and pickled onions.  The Clubhouse on rye sandwich is another standout dish.  Seafood lovers will enjoy the unique Seafood Chowder ($11) that features a pureed potato cream base with Digby scallop and Mahone Bay lobster.  A bright green salad with apple slices and light dressing adds a fresh touch to any meal.

The restaurant’s harbor views and live music create a relaxed vibe.  You can visit Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm and breakfast is served daily from 6:30am to 11:00am.

Google users rate it 4.3/5 while Tripadvisor shows 4.0/5, showing consistent guest satisfaction.  The $30 three-course special during Dine Around events offers great value.  Canvas keeps its prices reasonable – they “make sense”, making it available to anyone learning about downtown Halifax’s restaurant scene without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Comparison Table

Restaurant NameCuisine TypePrice RangeSignature DishesNotable Features/Ambiance
Antojo Tacos + TequilaMexicanModerate ($4-$17)Tacos al pastor, Beef tongue tacos, ChurrosBustling atmosphere with dining available until 2 AM at 1667 Argyle Street
Bar KismetFrench/MediterraneanUSD 70/person avg.Ahi tartare, Ocean perch, Raw scallopsCozy space featuring a U-shaped bar with vintage coastal charm, ranked 15th best restaurant in Canada
Bar SofiaLatin-inspired$14-$16 cocktailsCrispy brussels sprouts, Carnitas soft tacos, Roasted cauliflowerBeautiful surrealist murals complement colonial paneled walls and a stunning waterfront patio
Bicycle ThiefItalian/North American$22-$54 mainsSeared local scallops, Linguine fra diavolo, Butterscotch caramel cakeSophisticated yet casual waterfront dining, serving guests daily 11:30 AM-11 PM
Bistro Le CoqFrench$9-$15Duck Confit, Coq au Vin, French Onion SoupCharming Parisian bistro with warm country charm
Black SheepGlobal comfort food$14-$42.55Brisket benny, Seafood chowder, Fish cakesKeith’s Brewery Market location features a rooftop patio and bar
Canvas RestoComfort foodModerateFish tacos, Seafood Chowder, Clubhouse sandwichCambridge Suites Hotel restaurant offers harbor views and live entertainment
Cut SteakhouseSteakhouse$39-$249Dry-aged striploin, 40oz Tomahawk, Westholme WagyuPrestigious 4-Diamond AAA/CAA Award winner with waterfront views and house dry aging
DriftAtlantic CanadianUSD 70/person avg.Nova Scotia Hodge Podge, Lobster Pot Pie, Brown BreadMuir Hotel’s maritime-themed restaurant with waterfront views
Five FishermenSeafood$37-$49 mainsFive Fish Experience, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Halibut en BrodoHistoric building known for ghost stories offers two distinct dining spaces
Little FishWine bar/SeafoodModerate-HighEast Coast Oysters, Seafood pastaIntimate dining space with 200-year-old stone walls and live edge bar
Lot SixCraft cocktails/Seasonal$12-$18Seafood Boil, Tuna Tataki, Mac and CheeseSecond oldest Halifax building at 1685 Argyle Street features a glass atrium roof
Pickford & BlackSeafoodModerateFish and chips, Seafood pastaDog-friendly patio offers stunning harbor views by the waterfront
Press GangSeafood/TraditionalUpscaleFresh Maritime oysters, Seafood risotto, Atlantic halibutNova Scotia’s largest scotch selection in a 1759 stone building with weekend live music
Salt + Ash Beach HouseCoastal/Live-fire$21-$29 mainsNS Lobster Roll, Fish + Chips, Wood-fired pizzasModern coastal design complemented by waterfront views and daily happy hour specials
Stubborn GoatGastropub$18-$28Mac & cheese varieties, Wise Geir pizza, Seafood chowderYear-round covered deck with additional seasonal street patio

FAQs

Q1. What are some of the best seafood restaurants in Halifax? Halifax boasts several excellent seafood restaurants, including Five Fishermen, known for its Five Fish Experience, and Pickford & Black, praised for its fish and chips.  The Press Gang offers fresh Maritime oysters, while Salt + Ash Beach House serves a popular NS Lobster Roll.

Q2. Which restaurants in Halifax offer the best views? Many Halifax restaurants provide stunning views.  Drift, located in the Muir Hotel, offers waterfront vistas.  The Bicycle Thief features a harborside patio, and Pickford & Black provides unobstructed harbor views.  Salt + Ash Beach House also offers scenic waterfront dining.

Q3. Are there any unique dining experiences in Halifax? Yes, Halifax offers several unique dining experiences.  Bar Sofia features surrealist murals and a vibrant Latin-inspired menu.  The Press Gang is housed in a historic stone building from 1759 and offers live music on weekends.  Lot Six is located in the second oldest building in Halifax and features a striking glass atrium roof.

Q4. What are some moderately priced restaurants in Halifax with good food? Halifax has many moderately priced restaurants with excellent food. Antojo Tacos + Tequila offers Mexican cuisine with tacos priced from $4.  The Stubborn Goat Gastropub serves comfort food with pizzas ranging from $18-$22.  Canvas Resto in the Cambridge Suites Hotel is known for well-priced dishes that exceed typical hotel restaurant expectations.

Q5. Which Halifax restaurants are best for special occasions? For special occasions, Cut Steakhouse offers a premium dining experience with its award-winning steaks and waterfront views.  The Bicycle Thief provides an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for celebrations.  Bistro Le Coq offers an authentic French bistro experience ideal for romantic dinners.  The Five Fishermen, with its historic setting and gourmet seafood, is also excellent for memorable occasions.