BEST RESTAURANTS IN HALIFAX FOR LARGE GROUPS
Since most of the Critically Acclaimed restaurants are either too busy or have limited space for big parties, here are some of the best bets to score a table for a large group. (ps… on our MAP we used the “birthday cake” symbol to label these locations, because a birthday can be a “big party”… get it?)
Matadora Tapas Bar
A VIBRANT TURN
Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website
Spanish tapas and an extensive wine list in a fresh and ornate locale, designed with rose-coloured glasses. On top of large groups, Matadora also offers a long bar which is great for drop-ins. A Nova Scotia Lobster Paella gives a new way to enjoy our local staple, and the Pastel Vasco dessert will make you spin.
PHOTO: @matadorahfx
Water Polo
SEA AND BE SEEN
Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website
With a seafood-focused menu, you’ll be focused on the buzz and people-watching in this large, sleek establishment. There is raw seafood galore, complete with a seafood tower, and yes, you can get a whole roasted lobster in their dinner service.
ALSO LISTED IN [SEAFOOD STARS]
PHOTO: @waterpolohfx
Salt + Ash Beach House
BRIGHT SPOT
Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website
Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch and late-night hangs on the weekend, Salt + Ash has you covered 7 days a week and is great for families. Salt + Ash serves casual east coast food “with a twist” and beach house pizzas, with a ton of local supplies. Share some plates with pals as you enjoy some of the best harbour views. Surf’s up.
PHOTO: @saltash.hfx
PHOTO: @mappaturahalifax
Bar Stillwell
HALI HEADQUARTERS
Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram | Website
Stillwell is a Halifax tastemaker, and this is the original Bar of what is now 4 Stillwell locations, each with their own unique identity, a consistent high-quality, and immaculate vibe. All Stillwell location feature their own brews, and brews from well-respected peers in the industry, locally, nationally, and internationally. Stillwell is walk-in and orders are taken at the bar, and it’s easy to lose track of time under the vaulted, heritage ceilings, especially because the calibre of the bar food is impeccable (BEST BURGERS IN TOWN). The rotating beer taps and wine lists satisfy snobs of all sorts, which makes it easy to return, again and again. Open late, you will find your favourite server from that other place grabbing food and a drink here after their shift. Report for duty.
ALSO LISTED IN [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS]
PHOTO: @barstillwell
Stillwell Beergarden
ETERNAL SUNSHINE AND SPOTLESS
Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram | Website
From May to October, this is the happiest place on Earth. Burgers, beer, DAIRY BAR ice cream, and dogs to eat and to pet (dogs are allowed). Stillwell is a tastemaker in Halifax, and in true form, they started the beergarden culture here over 10 years ago. Dreamy, clean, and efficiently designed by SKIN + BONES architect, Eric Stotts, you get the best of “outside” with the comforts of “inside”, sheltered from our windy days. Open lunch to “late” everyday, roll through with your crew for any reason.
ALSO LISTED IN [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS]
PHOTO: @stillwellbeergarden
EDNA
THE GOLDEN GIRL
Neighbourhood: Central/North End Halifax | Instagram | Website
We just told you about her, follow the links for a reminder.
ALSO LISTED IN [CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BARS AND RESTAURANTS] [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS] [SEAFOOD STARS]
PHOTO: @ednaresturant
The Stillwell Freehouse
NORTH END HEADQUARTERS
Neighbourhood: North End Halifax | Instagram | Website
British Pub cousin of Bar Stillwell, the Freehouse has a nook or cranny for any need – a quiet cubby for date night, large tables for post-show squads, a street-view patio, and dartboard and foosball sections to accommodate you and your pals. The high-end pub food is easy and it ROCKS, and again, you can score variations of the BEST BURGERS IN TOWN. Check out their Pub Quiz on Mondays and occasional music and entertainment events for even more fancy-free fun times.
ALSO LISTED IN [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS]
PHOTO: @thestillwellfreehouse
The Wooden Monkey
MONKEY DO
Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax + Dartmouth Waterfront | Instagram | Website
The Wooden Monkey has led with their values for over 20 years – HEALTHY, LOCAL, ORGANIC, and TRANSPARENT. You can trace the origins of your light bistro dish from the farm, to the supplier, to the table, and feel good about all of the local folks you are supporting. Lots of options for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan, at both Downtown Halifax and Downtown Dartmouth locations. A perfect afternoon: take the ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth for a lunch reservation at Wooden Monkey, right in the ferry terminal with the most gorgeous view of the Halifax skyline. Best deal on a “harbour cruise and dine” in town.
ALSO LISTED IN [GLUTEN FREE HIGHLIGHTS]
PHOTO: @thewoodenmonkeyrestaurants
STUDIO EAST Asian Gastropub
PAO PAO PAO
Neighbourhood: North End Halifax | Instagram | Website
Experience a true fusion triple-hitter – a contemporary take on Pan-Asian classics while highlighting Atlantic Canadian seafood while offering alternates for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free needs. STUDIO EAST is certainly a crowd pleaser, and their new location at the heart of vibrant Agricola Street, has an expanded capacity with options for patio and private dining. Knock out.
ALSO LISTED IN [SUSHI, DUMPLINGS, AND NOODLES] [GLUTEN FREE HIGHLIGHTS]
PHOTO: @studioeasthfx
The Canteen on Portland
HEART AND HOME
Neighbourhood: Downtown Dartmouth | Instagram | Website
A lot of reasons to go here, follow the links to remember why.
ALSO LISTED IN [CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BARS AND RESTAURANTS] [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS] [SEAFOOD STARS]
PHOTO: @thecanteenns
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