10+ bucket list places to eat and drink in Halifax
Holy moly, Halifax is filling.
You’ll find a whole lot more than that famous Maritime hospitality and killer views of the Atlantic Ocean here, namely, amazing donair, poutine, beer, and everything in between.
We recently travelled to Eastern Canada to indulge in some grub and sips accessible to Haligonians and visitors alike.
Here are 10+ bucket list places to eat and drink in Halifax.
Willyâs
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If you know, then you know. Willy’s is a longtime local favourite for indulgent poutines topped with that little something extra. In our case, that something extra is typically fried pepperoni.
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The simple poutine and burger window is located on Blowers Street near many of the city’s popular pubs and bars.
It’s also just steps away from Pizza Corner, a famed late-night destination for a slice of greasy pie.
Address: 5239 Blowers Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-406-3365
Café Lunette
Boeuf Bourguignon (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
This French-inspired bistro is located in the new Queen’s Marque district in downtown Halifax.
It’s one of several venues in Freehand Hospitality’s growing portfolio of unique chef-driven concepts opening in the area.
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
Described as a cafĂ© by day and bistro by night, CafĂ© Lunette offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night cocktails, too. We popped into the stunning room for dinner and we weren’t disappointed.
Espresso Martini (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Opera Cake (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Find French staples like Chicken Liver Parfait, Steak Tartare, and Duck Confit on the menu here alongside hearty plates like the top-notch Boeuf Bourguignon.
Address: 1741 Lower Water Street #160, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-334-1300
Bar Kismet
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We didn’t need to see this spot land on the inaugural list of North America’s 50 Best Bars to want to pop in.
Kismet is widely known as a must-visit destination if you are in Halifax.
It’s a small, family-owned, and operated restaurant that’s notable for its cocktails, wines, seafood, and handmade pasta. You’ll need a reservation for this gem so we’d recommend booking well ahead of time if you can.
Address: 2733 Agricola Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-487-4319
Hali Deli
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This Old World delicatessen is worth a visit if you can swing it.
Hali Deli is a casual Jewish restaurant that serves up delicious overstuffed sandwiches, smoked meats, soups, matzah balls, latkes, and more.
Address: 2389 Agricola Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-406-2500
The Ostrich Club
Xi’an Noodles (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Located in the North End of Halifax in the Hydrostone Market, The Ostrich Club is an eclectic restaurant serving up vibrant dishes and cocktails.
There are plenty of opportunities for Insta-worth snaps here, especially on the walk down to the bathroom on the lower level. You can’t miss the iconic wall of ostrich portraits.
Mushroom Toast (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Address: 5529 Young Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-454-0069
The Stillwell Freehouse
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Stillwell has several concepts dotted around Halifax and the Freehouse is one we’d certainly recommend checking out.
Nestled among charming shops and restaurants on Agricola Street, folks can head here for a pint (or two) and several nostalgic and comforting dishes like the classic Caesar Salad made with local lettuce, Fat Chips, and a show-stopping housemade Sausage Roll.
Housemade Sausage Roll (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Caesar Salad (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Address: 2534 Agricola Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-462-4209
The Split Crow Pub
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The Split Crow serves up nightly live music and a heck of a lot of nostalgia.
The Granville Street Pub is one of the city’s most famous, it’s actually known as Nova Scotiaâs Original Tavern.
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You can read all about that history here, but otherwise, we can tell you a visit to Splitties will never leave you thirsty.
Address: 1855 Granville Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-422-4366
King Of Donair
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You can’t travel to Halifax without devouring its official food, the donair.
While King of Donair’s once viral 24/7 live stream of spinning meat has stopped, the love for this dish definitely has not. This spot is known as “Canadaâs Original Donair since 1973,” so you know it’s been around that long for good reason.
This morsel is a pita filled with shaved meat (typically lamb or beef), served with tomatoes and onions, and topped with a special, sweet house donair sauce. It is a great drunk/hangover food.
It’s not uncommon to find many people standing in line at donair shops after a long night out in Halifax.
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
Single Piece Fish & Chips (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Between Durty Nellys, The Old Triangle, and Halifax Alehouse, you’re swimming in options if you want a cozy pub and a classic pint.
Nelly’s is a legendary Halifax institution. The authentic Irish pub is an ideal place to indulge in a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, and it’s also a great place to return for a Caesar when you need to nurse your hangover the next day.
You can also catch live music here seven days a week. It doesn’t get more Halifax than that!
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Address: 1645 Argyle Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-406-7640
Stillwell
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The OG, bi-level Stillwell beer bar is located on Barrington Street and it offers rotating taps and artisanal snacks.
One of the main draws for returning here is this establishment’s killer burgers. We’re partial to The Diner Burger.
The Diner Burger (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Made from Ospreyâs Roost ground beef, mushroom duxelles, Ciroâs fior di latte, and atari mayo, this thing is a sloppy delight and always a highlight to devour.
Address: 1672 Barrington Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-421-1672
The Bicycle Thief
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Old School style with a New School attitude, The Bicycle Thief offers “North American food with an Italian soul.”
This gem is located right along the Harbour’s boardwalk in Halifax, and it boasts one of the best (and sunniest) patios you can find.
Address: 1475 Lower Water Street, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-425-7993
Drift
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At Drift, you’ll find a menu of modern eats inspired by Atlantic Canadian classics in a room that pays homage to shipbuilding traditions.
This restaurant is the onsite dining option for the Muir Hotel.
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Located on the main level of the newly built hotel, the restaurant is described as “a culinary love letter to this region,” and Chef Anthony Walsh demonstrates this with his menu.
Address: 1709 Lower Water Street #102, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-407-6042
Bar Sofia
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Another addition to our list located in the Queen’s Marque district from Freehand Hospitality, Bar Sofia is a new hot spot for Latin fare.
Led, once again, by celebrated Walsh, this destination aims to thrill with colourful cooking and picture-perfect cocktails that scream “summer” no matter the season.
Partners in Crime cocktail (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Bar Sofia is also located smack dab beside Drift, so perhaps a little foodie crawl is in order when you visit this area next!
Address: 1709 Lower Water Street #104, Halifax
Phone: 1-902-334-1010
The Halifax Beer Garden
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What could be better than a beer garden located on the Halifax Waterfront? We’ll wait.
That’s exactly what you get with The Halifax Beer Garden, a two-level destination serving up classic regional eats and a beverage list where 100% of the drinks are made locally in Nova Scotia.
This spot is a vibe and if there’s a sunny day, it will call to you.
Address: 1599 Lower Water Street, Summit Plaza, Halifax
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