Eat
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Dining in Halifax is becoming increasingly sophisticated and in only a few years, the collected of quality restaurants has exploded. Common Halifax cuisine is fish, lobster, oysters, donairs and poutine. You don’t have to be a carnivore to enjoy Halifax’s foodie scene. Vegetarians and vegans eat well- there is a healthy selection of vegetarian restaurants to choose from.
DID YOU KNOW?
Halifax is the birthplace of ‘THE’ DONAIR. Haligonians love their donairs and they prefer them ‘with everything’. The most famous Donair vendor in Halifax is King of Donair, which is widely considered the food’s birthplace.
Poutine was first created in Quebec, Canada. The traditional storyis that poutine originated in the 1950s in Warwick, Quebec, at a restaurant called Le Lutin qui rit. Upon being asked to add cheese curds to a customer’s fries, owner Fernand Lachance responded, “Çava faire unemaudite poutine,” or, “That’s going to make a dreadful mess.”
Restaurants
1.THE BICYCLE THEIF
According to Fodor’s Travel, this chic restaurant is also another popular one in Halifax. “You could start with local mussels or a generous salami board, then shift into ‘2nd Gear’ with authentic minestrone, a lobster and fish chowder, or one of the handmade pasta dishes,” the site notes.
- Type of food:Contemporary Italian
- On the menu:Main entrees include beef tenderloin, Brome Lake duck legs and Italian seafood stew.
- Price point:Appetizers start at $12; entrees range from $22- $33.
2.THE WOODEN MONKEY
Another downtown favourite, The Wooden Monkey is super cautious of allergies, noting gluten-free options, as well as ones made with dairy or nuts on their menu.
- Type of food: Vegan and allergen-friendly menu with local goods.
- On the menu: A mix of a menu: everything from raw tacos to pizzas to local seafood.
- Price point: Starters at $6.95; entrees range from $23 to $32.
3.RESTAURANTE A MANO
Location: 1477 Lower Water street
- Type of food: Italian
- On the menu: A mix of a menu: everything from pizzas to salads and pasta
- Price point: Entrees range from $15 to $32.
The vibe: Enjoy an enchanting Italian experience, complete with warm lighting, rustic colours and checkered linens—this is as close to an Italian Mama’s kitchen as you can get!
4.HENRY HOUSE
This gorgeous 1834 ironstone building used to be the home of William Alexander Henry, the father of Confederation. Now, it’s home to a three-level restaurant, pub and private dining facility.
- Type of food: Pub food, specialty beers
- On the menu: The menu mixes British pub fare with classic Maritime cuisine, but don’t forget the homemade bread pudding..
- Price point: Entrée’s range from $10-$20
