Heading out to the east coast for some fresh air, food and friendly banter from strangers? It may be a hub like any other Canadian city, but everything out in Halifax seems sweeter somehow—the drivers who actually let you cross the street, the slower pace of life, and of course, the restaurants.
No matter where you’re staying, everything is pretty close in this university town. In and around the city centre, there are so many restaurant choices, you’ll never go hungry. In fact, if you’re anything like us, you’ll be spending half your time looking forward to your next delicious homemade meal. But where should you make reservations?
You don’t have to head to NYC for fabulous food. We’ve discovered some of the city’s finest eats right here on this side of the border. Check out these Halifax restaurants and be kind enough to pass on this post to a friend—so she won’t have to do her own foodie research.
6 HALIFAX RESTAURANTS WE LOVE
BEST PLACE TO EAT SEAFOOD
Five Fisherman Restaurant & Grill
This favourite haunt, built in 1817 as an art school which was later used to house victims of the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion, really is a restaurant and grill now. In fact, you’ve got a choice of eating at one or the other.
The upstairs is an open space that’s set like a fine dining room, with meals to match. The menu is so scrumptious sounding that it’s hard to settle on a dish, but keep in mind that this place is known for its catch, hence the name. The Nova Scotian seafood, including lobster, oysters, and steamed mussels served with four signature sauces, tops the list.
In the mood for a cozy supper in a booth? Check out the grill downstairs, and come early for the Oyster Happy Hour 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm every day) and your choice from 16 varieties of wine by the glass.
The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Another historic building turned restaurant, this one on the Halifax Harbour dates back to 1759 when a press gang coerced men into serving the country. The menu offers the best of the best, including options from the sea (the Duo of Butter Poached Lobster & Digby Scallops is divine) and land (standouts are the Trilogy of Duck and Cordon Bleu).
But wait. Don’t dig in until you’ve tasted oysters that’ll make you a believer.
This raw bar features what servers call their very own oyster cult, with the widest selection of Atlantic oysters in the city—hailing from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia—with the selection changing daily. The connoisseur will appreciate every morsel, served raw, or baked, and ordered in any number and combination. $3.25 each.
BEST PLACE TO GRAB BREAKFAST
Looking for a new brunch spot? We got lucky when someone who knows John House and David Woodley, drinking buddies who partnered to whip up some great grub and just as great drinks. The Black Sheep is hidden away in the back of a brick building, evidenced by the picture of big black sheep and an arrow out front pointing the way.
Once inside, you know you’re in the presence of quality breakfast food, not only by the huge plates on the rustic tables but by the aroma. The menu is short but not simple, boasting goodies like Brisket Benny, Fish Cakes, and Tostadas (tofu chorizo, poached eggs, rice, refried beans, tomato, pickled jalapeños, cheese, guacamole, corn tostada, green onion crema, OMG). Even the typical fare, such as the Diner Breakfast has a funky twist.
Oh, and no brunch is complete without the right drink. Choose from a Mimosa, a Chef’s Breakfast (coffee for the mighty) or a really spicy Caesar.
Eating local comfort food is what brunch should be about, and that’s just what you’ll find at Edna’s. Between the warm wood in a light-filled space that gives you that upscale country feel and the friendly staff that greet you like an old friend, you’ll feel right at home here. And if you don’t, you will soon, especially if you’re seating at the long communal table in the middle of the restaurant.
The brunch menu has so many interesting options that you may want to share. You can choose from classics like steak and eggs or ricotta pancakes or venture further and explore more unusual choices, such as bimbimbap breakfast with sushi rice, salmon gravlax and latkes, or to satisfy a hangover hunger, go for the smoked pork chop, eggs and cheddar polenta.
The drinks list is not to be missed, either.
Next page: Where to Eat Italian
