Over the last 5 years, there has been an influx of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese restaurants opening across Halifax so quickly that it’s hard to keep up. Here are some highlights of our longstanding, chef-led establishments, that continue to “wow”, and some new joints that are turning heads.

Doraku

QUIET HERO

Neighbourhood: Downtown Dartmouth | Instagram | Website

Shuji Manabe (1960-2022) left behind a legacy of excellence across Halifax that still resonates in his retro Japanese restaurant in Dartmouth, one of our best kept secrets. Fresh and authentic, the sushi at Doraku tops the list for locals, and we were raised on the sushi of Shuji’s restaurants across the downtown for over 20 years. Lunch and early dinner hours 7 days a week. Take the time to taste some of our contemporary history (no frills or advertising needed).

Wasabi House

HAPPY HAPPY HOUR

Neighbourhood: West End Halifax (Quinpool) | Instagram | Website

The original Wasabi House on Quinpool Road is the little engine that can, and has been, for over 15 years. They serve inventive and classic sushi delights, and house made dumplings, with two happy hours a day. By moving their inventory, they make sure the fish is fresh, everyday. Hit the lunch time or late-night happy hours and bring a pal, because you’ll always end up with more food than you bargained for.

Buta Ramen

SIMMER UP

Neighbourhood: South End Halifax / Downtown Dartmouth | Instagram | Website

Francis Yoon opened the first Buta Ramen on the historic Morris Street in downtown Halifax in 2017 and has since expanded to locations in Downtown Dartmouth and Bedford. Halifax raves about their broths, which explains their loyal following. Warm up during our chilly seasons, for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

Pho Maniac

LOBSTER TALES

Neighbourhood: South End Halifax | Instagram | Website

Vietnamese transplant, Steve Nguyen and his wife and Chef, Mi Nguyen, are cracking Atlantic lobster into traditional Pho and it has our heads spinning. Although the location is unassuming, Pho Maniac has a fairly large capacity, so bring the family to this new addition to Halifax to enjoy these family recipes with some contemporary remixes. Lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

YiLan Chinese Halal Restaurant 伊兰轩

GOLD STARS

Neighbourhood: Downtown Halifax | Instagram

YiLan is Atlantic Canada’s only Halal Chinese restaurant and has maintained one of the highest restaurant ratings since it opened its doors in Halifax in 2023. Owner, Zahra Yang, originally came to Halifax to study engineering at Dalhousie University, and after an 8-year career, saw an opportunity to serve the community. The entire menu is made fresh, daily, with dumplings, buns, and noodles, serving lunch and dinner everyday but Monday. It’s clearly top of the class.

Suda Table

SWEET FUSION

Neighbourhood: North End Halifax | Instagram | Website

Suda Table is a new café and lunch spot with fresh baked Korean custard tarts and dumplings, made in-house every day. Owner, baker, and brewer, Youjin Chung, honed her skills at home in South Korea, and blesses us with her practice. Come for the exquisite pastries, stay for the matcha and a smoked salmon sandwich, and stay even longer for the dumplings. Short and sweet turns into long and delicious really quick. Suda serves up breakfast and lunch everyday but Monday.

STUDIO EAST Asian Gastropub

RA, RA, RAMAN