CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BARS AND RESTAURANTS IN HALIFAX
We want to give you a window into the excellence that Halifax has to offer. These highly recognized bars and restaurants are consistently world-class and awarded by their national and international peers, so in case you missed it, we got you. These reliable establishments are entirely locally owned, promoters of local supply chains, and developers of local talent, so you can feel as good as their cuisine and beverages taste. We threw in a bonus “MOST LIKELY TO BE AWARDED NEXT” because they deserve it and predictions are fun – let’s play.
Bar Kismet
DIVINE DESTINY
Neighbourhood: North End Halifax | Instagram | Website
Halifax’s beloved culinary and cocktail local has been justifiably recognized since it opened its doors in 2017. Bar Kismet is seafood forward with hand-crafted pastas, and a complex cocktail program that keeps you tantalized. Locally owned by Chef Annie Brace-Lavoie and Canadian Champion Bar Chef Jenner Cormier, their creations and those of their outstanding staff have landed in the top 21 of CANADA’S TOP 100 Restaurants in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2020 and 2022 they won top spot in CANADA’S TOP 100 for Best Bar Restaurant.
ALSO LISTED IN [BEST COCKTAILS] [SEAFOOD STARS]
Credit: Bar Kismet
Mystic
NEW JEWEL
Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website
This new kid on the dock has landed at the most exquisite location in Halifax: under the ramped stairs at the Queen’s Marque, called “Rise Again”, that lead up to the “Tidal Beacon” public artwork. The food and wine program are conceived by a worldly and expert team, bringing knowledge from Michelin-starred environments, and Mystic offers options for curated experiences that express the nature of Nova Scotia. CANADA’S TOP 100 placed Mystic at No. 6 for Best New Restaurants and No. 71 for Best Restaurants, in 2025. For private experiences, Mystic also offers culinary workshops.
ALSO LISTED IN [SUPER FINE WINE LISTS]
Credit: Mystic Halifax
Dear Friend Bar
PAL-O-MINE
Neighbourhood: Downtown Dartmouth | Instagram | Website
The Dartmouth brainchild of two internationally recognized bar chefs, Matt Boyle and Jeff VanHorne, Dear Friend is a local haunt that packs a punch (*cocktail pun). Scoring top 20 spots in CANADA’S TOP 100 for Best Bars from 2022-2025, Dear Friend has a catering affiliate, Clever Barkeep, and you can find their canned, ready-to-drink cocktails at the NSLC and various local restaurants and retailers. They truly are Nova Scotia’s Dear Friend.
ALSO LISTED IN [BEST COCKTAILS]
Credit: Dear Friend Bar
The Narrows Public House
SCOTIA-CORE
Neighbourhood: North End Halifax | Instagram | Website
What makes a pub quintessentially Nova Scotian? That question is answered at The Narrows, in their beautifully adaptively reused, Victorian, heritage location, steeped in nostalgia and fireplace chat. The Narrows offers a contemporary take on Nova Scotian classic cuisine in a cozy and kitsch environment. CANADA’S TOP 100 listed them in the top 20 Best Bars in 2024 and 2025, and we couldn’t be Nova Scotian prouder. FUN FACT: the heritage building is a survivor of the infamous Halifax Explosion in 1917, so google that while you snuggle into your beer.
ALSO LISTED IN [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS] [SEAFOOD STARS]
Credit: The Narrows Halifax
Highwayman
NIGHT RIDER
Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram | Website
This hotspot offers Spanish-inspired fare, complete with small and large plates and a satisfying fresh and preserved seafood program. Bar Manager, Keegan McGregor (a quintessential East Coast name), took the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year and World Class Canada Bartender of the Year in 2024, so their hospitality is going to impress you.
ALSO LISTED IN [BEST COCKTAILS] [SEAFOOD STARS]
Credit: Highwayman Halifax
The Canteen on Portland
HEART AND HOME
Neighbourhood: Downtown Dartmouth | Instagram | Website
The focus is “home” at The Canteen in Dartmouth, with a relaxed, chef-inspired menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Canada’s Top Chef 2019 contestant and co-owner, Renée Lavellée, leads the kitchen and is passionate about bringing community in and giving love out. Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch feature Nova Scotian seafood with a hug, including their renowned chowder which you can even get gluten free (SO RARE).
ALSO LISTED IN [BEST RESTAURANTS FOR LARGE GROUPS] [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS] [SEAFOOD STARS]
Credit: The Canteen on Portland
The Ostrich Club
“LIVE FAST. DIE YUM.”
Neighbourhood: North End Halifax (Hydrostone) | Instagram | Website
Their tagline should give you a sense of the fun and innovative vibe of The Ostrich Club. If you need more convincing, check out Season 11 (2024) of Top Chef Canada to see runner up, Moira Murray, flex her skills and imagination. Murray’s culinary stylings are complimented by an expansive wine list that is natural-forward and a fresh cocktail program (best enjoyed at their beautiful marble-topped bar). It’s fun, it flirts.
ALSO LISTED IN [BEST COCKTAILS] [SUPER FINE WINE LISTS]
Credit: Ostrich Club
Lou Pécou
SKIP TO IT
Neighbourhood: Central/North End Halifax | Instagram | Website
You can dine in, take out, or get delivered one of Cédric Toullec’s marvellous pizzas (with a gf crust option that is unbeatable) and know that you are eating one of the top 100 pizzas IN THE WORLD – cough, cough, only one of two in Canada in 2025. Enjoy the freshest of ingredients in these South of France style pizzas at Lou Pécou, paired with some vino from their short but strong wine list. Speaking of short and strong, wrap it up with an espresso and dessert, because they nail every aspect of the dining experience.
ALSO LISTED IN [GLUTEN FREE HIGHLIGHTS]
Credit: Lou Pecou
EDNA
THE GOLDEN GIRL
Neighbourhood: Central/North End Halifax | Instagram | Website
The lovely light of EDNA started the new wave of food and beverage destinations that define Halifax today, and she’s a mainstay. Offering lunch, dinner, and an iconic Sunday brunch, EDNA clinched enRoute magazine’s top 10 best new restaurants in Canada in 2014, a year after it opened. With something for everyone, EDNA has always been good at delivering an excellent preparation on proteins and is a quiet recommendation for a wicked steak.
ALSO LISTED IN [BEST RESTAURANTS FOR LARGE GROUPS] [LUNCH SPOTS AND SANDYS] [SEAFOOD STARS]
Credit: EDNA Halifax
Tribute
MANGIA MANGIA (MOST LIKELY TO BE AWARDED NEXT)
Neighbourhood: Halifax Waterfront | Instagram | Website
It’s hustling and bustling, the wines are slinging, the flames are licking, and you are torn between all the delectable choices at Tribute. Hometown hero, Chef Colin Bebbington, returned to Nova Scotia with world-class knowledge from stages at The French Laundry and Bouchon (wow), several international positions at Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional, Italian, pasta-making training. With both à la carte and fixed menu options, Tribute specializes in complex, handmade pasta dishes, and a 45 oz Florentine Beef Steak for sharing. Go in knowing that you are going to want to say ‘yes’ – and do it. NOTE: you can cover more ground with a group of 4 or more so get in the sharing mood.
ALSO LISTED IN [SUPER FINE WINE LISTS]
Credit: Tribute Restaurant
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