Whether you are in the mood for some fresh seafood or delicious continental dishes, Halifax has a lot to offer to foodies. From Italian, French, and other cuisines from all over the world to traditional American diners, the options here are virtually limitless. Located on the East Coast of Canada, Halifax has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and fertile lands, meaning a wide variety of fresh and tasty food is available all year round.
The food scene in Halifax is not to be missed but with all the exciting options available, where to eat can be quite confusing. So, listed below are the top 10 restaurants that are a must-visit in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
The Five Fishermen
This one is for seafood lovers. Oysters, lobsters, chowder, you name it, and the restaurant serves it (with a Nova Scotia touch, of course). The Five Fishermen is definitely one of the finest seafood restaurants in the city, with a focus on delivering a culinary experience rather than just seafood on a plate, and that is probably why the restaurant has won multiple awards. The specialty here is locally caught fish and shellfish. Housed in a historic 1817 building, the Five Fishermen has tons of character, with exposed brick walls and cozy nooks and crannies. The menu focuses on coastal classics like Atlantic salmon, scallops, and lobster rolls. The signature dishes include fish tacos, tangy slaw, and house-made tortillas. Some say the restaurant is haunted, well there is only one way to find out – by visiting it.
Le Bistro by Liz
As the name suggests, Le Bistro is a French restaurant that serves French classics. The menu at Le Bistro offers daily specials as well as the standard menu all containing dishes that are prepared from local ingredients. The woman behind the restaurant is Liz Ingram; a Parisian chef with a mission to delight the people of Halifax with French cuisine. Most popular dishes include beef bourguignon, duck confit, and other seasonal dishes.
The Bicycle Thief
Situated in Bishop’s Landing, the bicycle thief primarily has two offerings. Firstly, an incredible taste, and secondly, a waterfront patio; talk about killing two birds with one stone. The Bicycle Thief, also known as the thief by the locals, is an authentic Italian diner that serves handmade pasta, woodfire pizza, and much more. The signature dishes include lobster served with an Italian mix and the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, amongst others. The interior itself is also very welcoming, with wooden floors, graceful furniture, and warm lights adding to the aura of the restaurant, giving it a cozy, homely feeling. Guests can also indulge in wine as the restaurant stores an extensive collection of Italian and other wines.
2 Doors Down
2 Doors Down is one of the most visited eateries in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Looking for a place to chill with friends and family over a casual meal? Behold 2 Doors Down. It is a casual diner with a focus on offering a cool and comfy environment for guests to relax and unwind. The menu here serves comfort foods like mac n cheese, fried chicken, burgers, and more. But that’s not all; the menu also includes seafood and other dishes for those who want to taste the local catch.
Edna
Edna literally stands for “Eat Drink Nourish Always,” and that is pretty much the goal here. With a minimalist interior, an open kitchen, and exposed brick walls, guests are welcomed to a hospitable setting that is both comforting and cozy. Furthermore, the layout of Edna is quite straightforward; it is a one-room restaurant with a bar and a dining area. The menu is quite diverse and offers fresh food made with locally sourced ingredients. Fried chicken sandwiches and grilled octopus are some of the most loved dishes on the menu. Edna’s bar has a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers that guests can enjoy with food.
King of Donair
King Donair is one of the most popular eateries in Halifax. Unlike other restaurants on this list, KOD is not a fancy joint with warm lights or an expensive interior. Rather, it is a small joint that serves only one specialty: donair. This casual late-night joint first opened in 1973 and is credited for inventing the iconic Halifax donair – a pita bread wrapped around shaved beef and topped with a special sauce, pickles, and veggies of your choice.
Field Guide
The Field Guide restaurant is one of the very few restaurants in this list that can confidently boast about being ranked in Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants. What sets this restaurant apart is that they are always experimenting with their menu and introducing new items to keep the guests delighted. It is a small restaurant that only accommodates 35 people at a time. Bar seating and an open-concept kitchen further adds to the character of the place.
Highwayman
Dimly lit, dark-colored walls, cozy atmosphere; the vibe at the Highwayman is one of a kind. Highwayman is primarily a cocktail bar, but the restaurant does not shy away from serving mouthwatering food like seafood, meat, and pintxos, such as pork belly and fennel, and smoked trout rillette. So, if you are in the mood to enjoy a drink or two with buddies with light snacks, The Highwayman is the place to visit.
The Brooklyn Warehouse
Inspired by old American diners, The Brooklyn Warehouse is a cozy bistro with a rustic interior designed to take you to the good old days. The menu includes delicious items mainly consisting of seafood such as freshly shucked oysters, chowder, and mussels, and also some non-seafood items such as braised lamb, risotto, and burgers. If you want to time travel (and also enjoy a great food selection), come to the Brooklyn Warehouse.
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse is an Irish-themed pub. With that being said, you can already guess the three things offered here: beer, food, and loads of entertainment. Old Triangle is a perfect place to gather with friends because of its lively environment and musical performances by local and international musicians. The pub offers Irish dishes with a twist, such as Irish stew, bangers and mash, and much more. Beers, music, events, amazing food, and laughter are what characterize The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse.
