Where to Eat in Halifax : 4-day Trip in July

[Olg]

Hello,

I am visiting Halifax for 4 days in July from Montreal. It is my first time going to the East Coast and I am so excited!

Trying to figure out where to stay, what to do, and of course what to eat!

I am on somewhat of a tight budget, but am also willing to splurge a little for something great. I like all kinds of food, especially hole-in-the walls that only locals know about.

I guess I should also try some fabulous seafood while there.

Any suggestions please? Likely staying in Dartmouth (near Ferry to Halifax) but may have a vehicle.

Thanks!

[burge]

Wharf wraps Eastern passage for seafood fish n chips or clams and have to have a donair Roberts is the best in the city

[HalifaxRetales]

burge you have Quantity confused with quality

[CanadaGirl]

Agreed

[burge]

I don't think you understand Quality but with that being said the last Roberts donair I have had from their was 2 or 3 years ago from the new location when he was under the bridge it was the best. Wharf wraps won the best fish award and just had them 2 days ago Unless you are representing a restaurant Had spohies pizza at the passage idonairs sucked Alexandras is good too but my Step Mom says her daughter loves pizza town

[sandymctyre]

Thanks for the rec's everyone. I am in Halifax on business for a few days, and decided to check this out. Unfortunately, the Westcliffe closes at 6...so not able to have dinner there. Checked out Five Fisherman, but ended up at "the Shoe" Economy Shoe Shop. Bouillabase was awesome, little too much lemon on the veg, but the pan seared haddock was good also.
Maybe will try the Westcliffe tomorrow!
Thanks,

[CanadaGirl]

Olg, where did you end up eating? What did you think?

[Olg]

I completely forgot to report back about Halifax and it was so long ago I can't remember! I had an amazing time though and Halifax is such a friendly city. I ate a lot of Fish and Chips, mmm.

[CanadaGirl]

I guess you'll have to come back and see if you can retrace your steps ;)

[Olg]

Hehe :) OK, I read a few of the posts and some of it is coming back to me. I went to The Economy Shoe Shop (fun place!), It's All Greek to Me, Tarek's, and Mezza. I can't remember the other ones but we were happy! It's a little late, but thanks again everyone :)

[Olg]

What are people's thoughts on Mezza? I bought a voucher for it from a group buying site. It seems yummy, but am I wrong in thinking it is overpriced? Maybe I am just used to cheaper Middle Eastern placed in Mtl, but a 3-kebab dinner for 2 for $60 -- eek!

[CanadaGirl]

I've not been, but I've heard good things. It isn't super casual. So you're paying for atmosphere. If you want cheaper Middle Eastern while you're here, I suggest Tarek's. Yummy.

[Olg]

Hi CanadaGirl,

Thanks for your response. Will check it out!

[Live_to_eat]

I had dinner at Mezza on Friday evening. I had lamb kofta and my wife had shrimp kebab. Entrees are in the $25 range. With one beer and a tip our meal came to $75. However, it was very good. I noticed that an extra kebab is in the $11 range and can see how the three kebab dinner would get to $60.

If you like Mediterranean food, you might consider the Athens. It's also on Quinpool Road but much less expensive and very casual. Their panfried haddock dinner is exquisite.

If you think these prices are high, do not consider Japanese food in Halifax.

[Olg]

Thanks for the reply. I just checked out Athens' website and the menu is extensive. I love Greek food so looking forward to it.

[ingress]

I find Athens to be perfectly adequate and safe nothing more nothing less, a great place to take Nan out to dinner when she is feeling adventurous.

Though at Athens you will never have a bad meal you just won't have a meal that makes you think again later, Damn that was a great meal

The best Greek is across the street and up a block from Athens @ It's All Greek to Me

[Olg]

If you check out TeamBuy Halifax today there is a group buying voucher for It's All Greek to Me ($17 for $35 worth of food)

[ingress]

Thanks Already Bought it :)
but it is take out only

[Live_to_eat]

I agree, It's All Greek to Me is better but meal prices there are closer to those at Mezza and the seating is jammed.

Say hi to Nan.

[LJS]

My list includes the following (Listed in order of fancy/pricey down to bargains and oddball stuff)

The Bicycle Thief-Italian, superb
Fid-locavore, excellent, imaginative
Morris East-really good pizza, creative desserts
The Henry House-decent pub grub, classier upstairs and more expensive too
Chickenburger (Bedford)-yep, says it all-you need a car for this
The Esquire-really old-fashioned, family style resto for all kinds of fish-fried, also in Bedford
Pete's Fruitique (Dresden Row)-eat-in for take out for picnic, great value, really good soups, etc
Bud the Spud-fry truck, outside Library on Spring Garden

[Olg]

Thanks for the response! Will look into those

[MB.]

Bud the Spud is sadly no more.

If you're in Dartmouth, I suggest Two if By Sea for coffee/croissants. John's Lunch is also in Dartmouth, and is a pretty fantastic diner, but it's a bit out of the way. Worth the trip for the haddock tips, though, even though the fries aren't great.

The Westcliffe in Halifax is a sort of legendary "hidden gem." Diner fare, super cheap. It's a good Jughead Jones kind of experience: the burgers and shakes are good. Johnny's Snack Bar and Cosy's are some other diner options.

Jane's on the Common and The Coastal Cafe are great brunch spots, but a little pricier than your average bacon and eggs. Mary's on Agricola or Spring Garden are ok, cheap greasy breakfasts.

For splurges, I would suggest Fid, Chives or Brooklyn Warehouse if you are looking for local fare done exceptionally well. I also really like Seasons at the Atlantica Hotel. They have a great burger, and really nicely composed dishes. Five Fishermen is a good bet if you're looking for local seafood. There is a more relaxed Grill downstairs in addition to the expensive upstairs joint. You could also hit up Willman's or The Battered Fish (on the waterfront in Halifax) for fish & chips.

Morris East has great pizza, and incredible cocktails. There is also a nice wine bar, Obladee, on Barrington Street.

-----
Morris East
5212 Morris St, Halifax, NS B3J, CA

Brooklyn Warehouse
2795 Windsor St, Halifax, NS B3K, CA

The Five Fishermen
1740 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2B6, CA

[Olg]

Thanks! Will definitely look into all of these.

[Greg B]

I will second the reco for Obladee. Plus they have neat local cheese and charcuterie plates on offer in addition to a great selection of wine.

I would also suggest Il Mercato on Spring Garden Rd for some tasty Italian bistro-style food. Also the Hart & Thistle brewpub on the Halifax waterfront has stepped up their food offering of late plus has some interesting in-house beers that tend to be on the extreme side, if you're into that.

I can't really argue with any of the other mentions here except for the Esquire. You can go there for the retro experience (it's like going back in time to the '60s) but the food is nothing special.

[Olg]

Thanks for the response. Reading about all these places is making me so hungry. I can't wait to go to Halifax!

[CanadaGirl]

The Grill at Cut has fantastic burgers. If you go, be aware that one side is enough for two to share. My husband and I ordered two and left oodles of food behind.

[Olg]

Sounds yummy, thanks

[CanadaGirl]

Actually, Bud the Spud is back. Saw the truck in front o the library on Spring Garden Road this aft.

[MB.]

That's great news!

[prima]

If I was mostly looking for lighter/healthier mains and/or salads, which would you recommend the most- Fid, Chives, Brooklyn Warehouse, Seasons or The Five Fisherman?

What other restaurants should I consider if I'm looking for a good/interesting/special salad in Halifax?

-----
Fid
1569 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS B3J, CA

Brooklyn Warehouse
2795 Windsor St, Halifax, NS B3K, CA

The Five Fishermen
1740 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2B6, CA

Chives
1537 Barrington St, Halifax, NS , CA

[CanadaGirl]

If you want a good, simple salad check out Pete's Frootique on Dresden Row or Pete's ToGoGo on Hollis St. The salad is made as you order and is as interesting (or not) as you specify. It won't knock your socks off, but I find them really big and have never finished a small; would be enough to share I think.

[prima]

Thank you! Some neat recipes on his website, too!

http://www.petesfrootique.com/

[ingress]

Go visit the Tarek's on Robie St.
great Mediterranean and well priced especially if you like garlic

very fresh and quite light and healthy

[prima]

I love Mediterranean foods, and garlic. Thanks for the rec.

[CanadaGirl]

Then you should know there is also a Tarek's in Spring Garden Place and a new one that just opened in Bedford on the Bedford Hwy near Spring Street

[ingress]

the other 2 are good but Robie is the best

[prima]

thanks CanadaGirl & ingress!

[prima]

CanadaGirl & ingress, I was thinking about visiting the Halifax Farmer's Market when I visit Halifax.

http://halifaxfarmersmarket.com/

Which vendors or products do you recommend the most?

[ingress]

Go on a Saturday morning to get the full effect

People line up for Boulangerie La Vendeennehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Boulangerie-La-Vend%C3%A9enne/120648734672702?sk=info to get the Sourdough especially but the croissants are good as well. For Bread I prefer Juliens http://www.juliens.ca/
THe %^#$^ Dutchman make fantastic gouda and the Dragon's Breath Blue cheese is fantastichttp://www.thatdutchmansfarm.com/
Gourmanise Ave. has French Pastry Cakes Chocolate http://www.gourmandisesavenue.com/en/...
Sweet Williams has great Sausage Rolls and they have cooked sausage on a bun which is great as well (their Pepperoni and other coldcuts are fantastic)
Cheelin for Chinese but the stand at the old market on water street always tastes better
Biscuit Lips also has some yummy asian fare
There is a stand that sells Cornish Pies which are buttery delicious
The Gluten free Granola from Schoolhouse bakery is good as well

I was assuming you wanted food that was ready to go

[prima]

Thanks, ingress. What a great list.

Yep, mostly interested in food that's ready-to-go, or food to take home to ON, that will keep at room temperature.

[CanadaGirl]

I agree with Ingress but will add the Fenugreek Gouda from Fox Hill, which is beside La Vendeene. I'm not sure if the Dragons breath or Gouda would be better on that baguette that's been recommended. You'll have to try both ;)

[prima]

Thanks, CanadaGirl.

I actually have a good source for Dragon's Breath in Ontario. Will definitely try the Fenugreek Gouda!

[HFXFoodie]

Hi Prima,

Where do you buy Dragon's Breath in Ontario? I haven't checked to see if I can buy it in Montreal where I am moving to in a few months but I am your Ontario locations are Ottawa or Toronto,

[prima]

Thanks for all your suggestions, ingress & CanadaGirl. Here's the link to my trip report: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/802308