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One of the best things about travel is the food! Trying local restaurants can give so much insight towards the culture and lifestyle of the people who call those places home. Halifax is known for it's iconic donairs (which is Halifax's official food) and it's World-renowned seafood it's culinary scene is so much more than that.
With an emphasis on local influence and ingredients Halifax is spilling with must-try restaurants that will blow your mind. Here are 9 of the best restaurants in Halifax Nova Scotia that are 100% worth visiting. We've made sure to include everything from the best breakfast in Nova Scotia to the best place to grab a cocktail or hit a patio for a beer!
If brunch is your favourite meal of the day then you’re going to love Almonak. This neighbourhood restaurant has a vision of bringing their community together through food. They offer classic brunch staples with a modern twist including; fried chicken French toast, Belgian waffles with the most delicious candied nuts, and their most popular dish eggs benny. Not only is their food delicious, it's locally sourced and made from scratch with a presentation that’s out of this world. Attached to the restaurant is a cafe offering specialty coffee where you can get a latte, cappuccino or whatever else your heart desires. So, if you’re looking for the best places to eat in Halifax make sure to add Almonak to your list.
Website: https://www.almonak.com/ Instagram: @almonakhalifax
John’s Lunch is a landmark establishment that was originally opened in 1969. This little diner has been giving patrons award-winning seafood throughout the years and continues to every day. The moment you walk up to the window to order you can see how well loved they are by all the stickers showcasing awards on their windows. Mostly known for their fish and chips John’s Lunch also offers sandwiches, diner favourites, and ice cream. Located in Dartmouth across the channel from downtown Halifax John’s Lunch is easily accessed by the Woodside Ferry and a short walk from the ferry. However, the Woodside Ferry does not run on the weekends so if you want to visit John’s lunch on Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays you can drive there if you are renting a car or take in the sites of Dartmouth Cove with an hour-long walk from downtown Dartmouth to John’s Lunch. If walking doesn’t sound like your thing, you could also rent a bike and bike the waterfront.
Website: https://johnslunch.com/ Instagram: @johns_lunch
What’s a list of the best places to eat in Halifax if it doesn’t include somewhere with lobster? Nova Scotia is well known for its incredible lobster and Bluenose II is one of the go-to places to get yourself one. Offering fresh seafood Bluenose is located downtown Halifax and has a ‘mom and pop’ type feel with home-style meals and friendly staff.
Bluenose offers whole lobsters for market value (the price can vary due to this) but they also specialize in fish and chips, diner classics, and lobster rolls.
Website: https://bluenoseii.ca/ Instagram: @bluenoseiirestaurant
The 5 Fishermen restaurant has a long history and has gone through many changes since it was first built as a schoolhouse in 1817. The building would go on to be an art school, then a mortuary before becoming what it is today. This mortuary played a significant part in two of history's greatest disasters, the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion. Its history (particularly as a mortuary) has led to many tales of ghostly apparitions and weird encounters. While you may not see any apparitions or experience anything paranormal while dining at The 5 Fishermen, you will without question have some incredible food. Their menu features local ingredients with a seafood focus and pulls a lot of influence from Nova Scotian flavours to create unforgettable dishes. Enjoy some scallops, crab cakes, Salmon or even Swordfish. If seafood isn’t your go-to they have some other dishes including lamb, wagyu and chicken.
Website: https://www.fivefishermen.com/ Instagram: @5fishermen
If you’re looking for a great cup of ‘Joe’ look no further than Weird Harbour. This quaint little coffee shop is tucked away in downtown Halifax and offers specialty coffee along with local pastries and treats. The staff are extremely friendly and are more than happy to take you through any coffee questions you may have and suggest some of their favourite drinks. If coffee isn’t your thing, they also offer a selection of teas along with hot chocolates and steamed milk!
Website: https://www.weirdharbour.com/ Instagram: @weirdharbour
Located on Isleville Street just down from Almonak, Espresso 46 operates out of a ‘coffee window’ at the back of a warehouse where the owner repairs coffee machines. Espresso 46 offers more traditional Italian-style coffee alongside some delicious local treats.
The little window can be hard to miss as it blends into its surroundings truly becoming a part of the community so keep your eyes peeled for the brick warehouse!
Instagram: @espresso.46
Across the harbour from Halifax in Downtown Dartmouth is where you'll find this little slice of heaven. Café Goodluck is a quaint little café in the heart of Dartmouth that offers not only delicious coffee but also homemade treats that are worth the journey. They feature coffee roasters from across the country that they serve and sell.
Not only is their coffee delicious but their staff are extremely knowledgeable about specialty coffee and are happy to help you make the most delicious selection possible. If you visit in summer you can enjoy your coffee outside on their patio tables and soak in the relaxed Nova Scotia vibes of downtown Dartmouth.
Instagram: @cafe.goodluck
Located in downtown Halifax just down the hill from the Halifax Citadel, 2 Crows brewing lives up to its ‘modern beer, made with care’ slogan. Their taproom is made up of their brewery on one side and a seating area on the other with a unique blend of modern meets the 80s meets brewmaster, the entire space gives off a welcoming sense of community and transparency. While you likely will be focused on their incredible brews it still is easily one of the best places to eat in Halifax.
The best way to really get a taste of everything 2 Crow Brewing you can select their flight which will give you a sample of four beers from their tap list. You can either choose the beers that interest you most or get a staff-curated flight. They offer a variety of beers including sours, pilsners, and lagers; additionally, they have a selection of wine, cider, and seltzers.
Website: https://2crowsbrewing.com/ Instagram: @2crowbrewing
After all the exploring you’re bound to do while visiting Halifax, you might need a bevy. Bar Stillwell is in the heart of the city just a few blocks from the waterfront and offers a variety of craft brews from local breweries. The environment is relaxed, minimalistic, and incredibly welcoming making it a great place to spend some time unwinding.
Looking for an afternoon snack or some classic bar grub? Bar Stillwell’s menu includes classics like cheesesteak and diner-style burgers to unique shareables like okonomiyaki fries and sweet chili heat popcorn.
Website: https://www.barstillwell.com/ Instagram: @barstillwell
Looking to finish the day with some dessert? Yup, us too. Look no further than The Middle Spoon! This desserterie and bar has a relaxed classy feel with amazing cocktails and to-die-for desserts and is right downtown Halifax. Indulge in delicious desserts like chocolate lava cake, cardamom carrot cake, New York cheesecake, and even sticky toffee pudding while sipping on a signature cocktail.
Their cocktail menu offers something for everyone with drinks that are labelled as sweet, fresh, strong, savoury, and even spicy. Rumour has it there is also a speakeasy within the building, a little research could go a long way if you’re looking for a more exclusive visit to The Middle Spoon.
Website: https://www.themiddlespoon.com/halifax-barrington-street/ Instagram: @themiddlespoon
Venessa Hryhoriw
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