Navigating Halifax’s Dining and Craft Beer Scene

Get a taste of Halifax hospitality and enjoy some of the finest food and drink in the country

If you think B.C. is blessed with a variety of local seafood, wineries, farmers and growers, wait until you experience Halifax. The Atlantic capital city is definitely on the foodie map with hot spots such as Ryan Duffy’s Steak and Seafood, Waterfront Warehouse (whose bacon-wrapped scallops are pictured above), Bistro Le Coq, Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pour House and craft breweries Garrison, North, and yet-to-open Wrought Iron.

Click through to find out why these dining and craft beer hot spots are worth a trip across the country

Ryan Duffy’s Steak and Seafood

This 1 1/2 lb. Atlantic lobster came to the table ready to devour. Ryan Duffy’s has three locations (the other two being Truro, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick). Expect to find a great range of Alberta AAA steaks, local seafood, burgers, desserts and drinks. Ryan Duffy’s is well-loved and comes highly recommended by both Open Table and Trip Advisor.

1650 Bedford Row, Halifax

Waterfront Warehouse

Enter Waterfront Warehouse and you’ll feel as though you’ve entered the quintessential seafood spot. Nautically themed throughout, this spot is the perfect introduction to Halifax’s seafood dining culture. Lots of artifacts, photos and seafaring touches make it a popular spot for families. As I waited for an order of Atlantic oysters on the half shell, I walked over to the shucking area where a crate of fresh lobsters had just been delivered. It doesn’t get any fresher than this, people.

1549 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Bistro Le Coq

Le Coq is a sweet little French bistro that brings a little bit of Paris to Halifax. The rooms are filled with atmospheric touches – everything from an old clock to glass doors sporting the famous bird that gives the restaurant its name. It’s cosy and delicious, with a great selection of French wines.

1584 Argyle Street, Halifax

Harbourstone Sea Grill & Pour House

Harbourstone Sea Grill is responsible for its unbelievably good “Cobster” salad (pictured), loaded with lobster, prawns, scallops, Wild Atlantic salmon, avocado, egg, and tomato in a goat cheese vinaigrette. For $13, you can’t go wrong for lunch. There’s also an array of Oceanwise-sanctioned seafood, classic sandwiches, sharable plates, hook line and sinker salads, and a chowder you have to taste to believe.

Inside the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel at 1919 Upper Water Street, Halifax

Garrison Brewing Company

With a great location at the Seaport Market, Garrison Brewing has become a Halifax staple. Coming up on its 17th year, Garrison opened within a month of Propeller Brewing, Nova Scotia’s best-selling brewery. Its flagship (and most popular) brew is the Irish Red, followed closely by Tall Ship Ale. Garrison has also just released an In Session ISA. If you’re out this way, don’t miss the Professor McDougall’s Weisse-guy Hefeweizen, as it has a bubblegum aroma. 

1149 Marginal Road, Halifax

Good Robot Brewing Co.

About to open in the North End is Good Robot Brewing Co., which was started by three college buddies: Angus, Doug and Josh (pictured, left to right). They’ll produce one of only four Gose beers being made in Canada, based on a 1,000-year-old German recipe that features a salty kick at the forefront followed by a sweet/citrusy coriander finish. The other three taps will contain Tom Waits for No One Stout, Pale Ale (working title: Octoshock), and an as yet unnamed steam beer, an ode to Anchor Steam Brewing in San Francisco.

2736 Robie Street, Halifax

Savour Food & Wine Festival

Keep Savour Food and Wine Festival on your radar if you’re travelling to Halifax. For the past 12 years, Savour has been considered the city’s key wine and food event, part of a larger two-month food and wine festival promoted by the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS). You’ll find some of the best restaurants, wineries, craft breweries and cideries all in one large space at the World Trade and Convention Centre in the heart of downtown Halifax. It’s your chance to discover some great gems through a wide variety of sips and ample small plates, including the Chocolate Mousse Torte pictured above from Chez Tess.