Halifax offers a diverse range of cafes, restaurants and pubs that provide a unique atmosphere, present a sense of belonging, contribute to healthy lifestyle or reflect a variety of cuisines (Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Philippino, Greek, Lebanese, Belgium, Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, and more). As follows are just some of the best places to eat, drink or hang out in Halifax.
Halifax Restaurants
Rani’s Curry & Roti Stop(5280 Green Street, near downtown)
Here one can enjoy delicious West Indian food that feels genuinely authentic and home style, in a unique cafeteria setting out of the ‘70s. There is an immense list of curries to choose from, like chicken, goat, beef and channa, served with roti bread and available at reasonable prices.
Talay Thai(1261 Barrington Street, near downtown)
This business was voted Halifax’s BEST THAI restaurant by The Coast reader’s poll and offers a cozy, cultural atmosphere on a revitalized section of Barrington Street. Authentic dishes are prepared by a chef born in Thailand, including wonderfully delicious masaman curry, pad thai and black pepper squid.
Minato Sushi Japanese Restaurant(1520 Queen Street, downtown)
It is a historic house turned into a relaxing restaurant, found on a funky portion of Queen Street next to used books and clothing stores. Diners are doubly delighted as they may choose between traditional Japanese or Korean cuisine. Offered at affordable choices, menu options include sushi, sashimi, maki, bulgogi, galbi, and bibimbap.
Da Maurizio(1496 Lower Water Street, downtown)
Awarded four diamonds by CAA/AAA, it is no surprise that Da Maurizio may offer the finest dining experience in Halifax. For those able to splurge, they will truly be delighted by front of house staff who offer service close to perfection in an elegant dining room. Chefs prepare seasonal Italian epicurean delights of antipasti, soups, salads, handmade pastas, mains (such as veal scaloppine and seared breast of Brome Lake duck), and luscious deserts.
The Wooden Monkey(1707 Grafton Street, downtown)
This eco-conscious restaurant won The Coast’s BEST VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY AWARD and offers various vegan and gluten-free choices, but also has its fair share of meat and seafood items. Its focus is serving organic, locally-sourced and free range dishes, including its coffee and alcohol offerings. Popular dishes are the monkey pita with a side of roasties, the lentil burger, and sesame encrusted haddock; their gourmet pizzas are also very tasty.
The Foggy Goggle (1667 Argyle Street, downtown)
This establishment has everything a great local pub has to offer with a dose of class. Its healthy menu, with no option for anything deep fried, offers an amazingly delicious seven-layered nacho dip, lobster spuds and gourmet “mac and cheese”. One can sit on their patio during a sunny afternoon or enjoy live bands inside at night.
Halifax Cafés
The Coastal Café(2731 Robie Street, north end)
This business is a symbol of the rejuvenation of Halifax’s north end with new upbeat hang-outs for hipsters and the community-conscious opening. Voted as creating the BEST BREAKFAST, patrons can delight in upscale food in a casual, café setting. Their breakfast menu includes an omelette with smoked salmon and avocado and Los Huevos Rancheros. Whether patrons go there to eat a meal or to meet a friend for coffee, they will no doubt enjoy the vibe of this neighbourhood coffee shop.
Java Blend Coffee Roasters(6027 North Street, north end)
Java Blend roasts, distributes and sells their own fair trade coffee but also has a café for patrons “to converse, read, write, savour and slow down”, with the alluring smell of roasting beans in the background. Visiting this neighbourhood coffee shop is a wonderful way to start off the day.
Annie’s Place Café(1513 Birmingham Street, downtown)
Although located amidst busy downtown, going to this café feels like going home, as Annie welcomes guests with perhaps the best hospitality in the city. Cozy, with only a handful of tables, diners are treated to yummy all day breakfasts, delicious Lebanese lunches, including Annie’s amazing hummus, and sometimes a dish that she has decided to make specially for a patron that day.
Halifax Pubs
Tom’s Little Havana(5428 Doyle Street, downtown)
This pub was voted by The Coast as BEST PLACE TO DRINK ALONE and having the BEST CREW OF REGULAR CUSTOMERS in Halifax. It has many regulars due to the friendly staff and the cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, an ambience that feels like one's been transported back to a different era. With daily happy hours, an endless supply of drink, and scrumptious menu items, this pub has all the components of an ideal hang-out.
Bearly’s House of Blues(1269 Barrington Street, near downtown)
Awarded by The Coast as hosting the BEST KARAOKE NIGHT, this pub also offers live blues and bluegrass music almost all week, and a lively blues jam every Sunday night. The food and beer are nothing out of the ordinary, except for their infamous ribs, but their laid-back, dimly lit, people rocking their heads to the soul of the music, atmosphere keep patrons returning again and again.
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