50 Best Places to Eat
Curated Food & Drink Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Eat (2024)
When creating a best restaurants list, there are two main ways to generate results. Online platforms and people’s choice awards tend to favour collecting ratings from the general public. It certainly makes sense to do things this way, given the nature of their platforms. At the same time, they allow anyone, whether knowledgeable or not, to be part of the process, and the value of their rankings reflects that.
Another method for narrowing down the best restaurants is recruiting experienced diners, having them rate their dining experiences over 12 months, and using that collected data to determine the outcome. That is our chosen path, and it's how we've been doing things since 2019.
For us, it is the only way. If you want to know if a restaurant is genuinely great, is it not best to ask qualified people? We think so. So, we assembled a team of experienced diners (page right) to help.
The number of judges is also an important consideration to ensure data accuracy. Given the size of our province and the number of establishments we typically rate, the ideal number is 60 - 100, though there would be nothing wrong with having 200 or more. If we were covering all of Canada, that number of judges would need to be 1,500 - 2,000, but we've settled on covering Nova Scotia exclusively, so we’re good.
This year, we opted to open the rating process to include culinary destinations outside our traditional areas of coverage—Halifax, Annapolis Valley, and South Shore. We also did this in 2020 but had to cut things back during the pandemic.
Culinary destinations found their way into this year’s ratings process in a few ways.
Any destination that scored high enough during our last 50 Best ratings process automatically made the list of places to be rated. Consequently, these same destinations appeared in the latest edition of our culinary guide.
Secondly, our judges could nominate eateries. These included new restaurants or ones previously overlooked.
Lastly, anything new and exciting, so long as it had been open for at least three months as of June 30, got our attention.
We shortlisted 182 Nova Scotia dining destinations out of nearly 2,400. From that, 50 made our Best Places to Eat list, and an additional 50 (or so) will appear in next year's culinary guide.
If that’s too “Inside Baseball” for you, I get it. You're here to discover this year's 50 Best Places to Eat, so let's get to it without further ado.
A BIG Thank You to This Year’s Judges
Abady Alzahrani, Aimée Wimbush-Bourque, Alex Henden, Amanda Nippard, Beatrice Amyotte, Belinda Doyle, Brandi Kozuch, Charles Hsuen, Chris McNeil, Chris Mitchell, Christopher Hart, Cindy Hilchey, Claire Nowlan, Craig Clarke, Dave & Deb Jessop, Dennis Cuvelier, Drew Voegeli, Emily Miller, Faisal Baddar, Fred Connors, Gaétan Lang, Gale Dempsey, Gia Kim, Heather Burke, Heather Townsend, Ingeborg Kiss, James Cummins, Jeff Harrington, Jennifer Phelan, John Fluke, Jules Chamberlain, Katija Bonin, Kayla Short, Laura Oakley, Lauren Sullivan, Lori Morgan, Lynda MacPhail, Maegan Power Noble, Maureen Weidman, Michelle Doucette, Mick Zieglar, Patrick Rocca, Phil Diochon, Robyn Traynor, Sara Ross, Sharon Flanagan, Shelagh McCorry, Stanley Kutcher, Stephen Barrett, Tara Szuszkiewicz, Tara Timmons, Terri Lynn Almeda, Tracy Mahoney, Wendy Friedman
Banh Mi A&B
6172 Quinpool Road, Halifax
VIETNAMESE EATERY $-$$ L/D (V)
This Vietnamese restaurant focused on the classic sandwich was a welcome addition to Quinpool Road in 2023. Try the cold cuts with pâté or roasted pork belly banh mi, or indulge in other familiar dishes like bun cha, chicken curry or beef pho. There are even iced, salted and coconut coffees.
Birds Nest Cafe
1547 Barrington Street, Halifax
CAFÉ $-$$ B/BR/L (GF)
birdsnesthalifax.com
The unassuming front door on Barrington Street is deceiving: inside Bird’s Nest Café, you’ll find grand, high ceilings and cheerful décor. The menu includes chef-prepared sandwiches using organic bread from the South Shore’s Boulangerie La Vendéenne, fresh soups, house-made sweets and a European-style breakfast menu.
Bliss Caffeine Bar
1451 South Park Street, Halifax
RESTAURANT & GRAB-N-GO $$ B/BR/L
blisscaffeinebar.com
A bright and energetic daytime joint where the coffee is as outstanding as the brunch. Settle in for a friendly full-service experience or head to the espresso bar for some caffeine to go and one of the prettiest pastries in town. The Fried Chicken Sandwich and Breakfast Tacos are a must, plus, there are mimosas.
Café Good Luck
145 Portland Street, Dartmouth
CAFÉ & DINER $-$$ B/BR/L
manualfoodanddrinkco.com/goodluck
A café and pantry specializing in baked goods, coffee made with their own roasted beans, local produce, take-home meals and homemade ice cream. The tasty breakfast and lunch menu lets locally-sourced ingredients shine in creative versions of deli staples like BLTs, breakfast sandwiches and jambon buerre.
CHKN CHOP
6041 North Street, Halifax
CHICKEN JOINT $-$$ L/D
chknchop.com
Juicy charcoal-fired rotisserie chicken lives in the spotlight at CHKN CHOP, but the side dishes and liquid offerings are just as fun and delicious. Boozy slushies like piña colada, a small but well-thought-out tap list, and many, many bottles of Valentina make this counter-service joint a must-try. Look for their weekly feature sandwich.
Dee Dee's Ice Cream
5668 Nora Bernard Street, Halifax
ICE CREAM SHOP $
deedees.ca
Halifax’s favourite ice cream shop reigns supreme in its original, humble North End location. Along with the tried and true, long-standing flavours look for locally sourced seasonal creations, the “smash series” with tasty nearby businesses, milkshakes and floats. Of course, the burritos remain awesome.
Dilly Dally Coffee Cafe
6100 Quinpool Road, Halifax
CAFÉ & EATERY $-$$ B/BR/L (GF/V)
dillydallyeats.com
The coffee is great, but the food is going to blow your mind at this cute neighbourhood corner café that thrives on community spirit. Chef Ray Henry’s tiny kitchen serves elevated café fare such as breakfasts, goodness bowls, sandwiches, and weekly features, using locally sourced ingredients.
Field Guide
2076 Gottingen Street, Halifax
RESTAURANT & BAR $$-$$$ D (GF/V)
fieldguidehfx.com
This cocktail bar-slash-small plates restaurant is a busy neighbourhood joint in the North End. Think seasonally-inspired menus, trendy interior and an inventive, rotating cocktail list. Seating is limited but the bar is a super fun place to eat small plates and watch the mixology action.
The Flying Apron Cookery
3 Summerville Wharf Road, Summerville
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ BR/L/D (GF/V)
flyingaproncookery.com
This family-owned restaurant, inn and cooking school is serious about supporting local and sourcing sustainably. Chef-owner Chris Velden and his culinary team create flavourful, seasonal dishes and desserts that draw visitors from all over the province to this stunning area on the Bay of Fundy.
Gio
1725 Market Street, Halifax
RESTAURANT $$-$$$$ D (GF/V)
giohalifax.com
Gio, known for its beautiful plates designed by talented chefs showcasing local, seasonal ingredients, remains a stellar dining destination for dinner in downtown Halifax. The décor and service are always on point, and the cocktails alone make it worth a visit. Be sure to check out their dessert menu.
Kanpai Izakaya
1535 Dresden Row, Halifax
JAPANESE EATERY $$ L/D
kanpaiizakaya.com
An izakaya-style Japanese restaurant serving a lengthy menu of both classic and fusion shareable plates, donburi dishes, maki rolls and sashimi. Kanpai is a casual, fun environment for trying lots of Japanese snack foods with sake and local craft beer.
Lincoln Street Food
200 Lincoln Street, Lunenburg
RESTAURANT $$-$$$$ D
lincolnstreetfood.ca
A farm-to-table, chef-owned restaurant on the main drag in Lunenburg, the menu at Lincoln Street Food is shaped by what’s fresh at the town’s Thursday farmers’ market. A simple interior allows the food and drink to shine; the small menu covers all the bases and there’s always a stellar vegetarian option.
Luke’s Small Goods
2393 Agricola Street, Halifax
BAKERY & SANDWICH SHOP $-$$ B/L (GF/V)
lukessmallgoods.com
This North End neighbourhood hole-in-the-wall quickly became a local favourite, boasting lineups on the weekend and sourdough bread featured on chefs’ menus around the city. The fantastic coffee and deli-style sandwiches made to order, plus an adorably curated food pantry section, are worth the hype.
Magnolia
5189 Prince Street, Halifax
COCKTAIL BAR $$ D
magnoliahfx.com
A tiny cocktail bar from the minds behind Highwayman focuses on classic cocktails, beer and cider and a small but interesting collection of wines by the glass. The selective menu focuses on shareable snacks like smoked salmon rillette and queso fundido. There are a couple of salads and sandwiches, too. The perfect pre-dinner stop.
Mappatura Bistro
5883 Spring Garden Road, Halifax
ITALIAN RESTAURANT $$ D
mappaturabistro.ca
Comforting Italian trattoria-style food and attentive service make this little bistro worth regular visits. The owners, a husband and wife duo, efficiently tag team front and back of house with all the attention to detail you’d expect. The fun aperitivo and digestivo program greatly enhance the dining experience at Mappatura.
Martin's Kitchen
199 Old Coach Road, Hatchet Lake
RESTAURANT $$-$$$$ D (GF/V)
martinskitchenil.com
A nice surprise at Indian Lake golf course, well-known local chef and restaurateur Martin Keyzlar and his family are delighting golfers and locals. Expect familiar appetizers made from scratch, delicious plates of pasta, thin-crust pizzas, classic entrées, and a few casual options, too.
The Orient Chinese Cuisine
227 Bedford Highway, Halifax
CHINESE RESTAURANT $$ D (GF)
theorientns.ca
Owned and operated by award-winning chef Ivan Chan, The Orient is housed in an unassuming building on the busy Bedford Highway and has been surprising and delighting guests with their combination of Canadian and authentic, from-scratch Chinese dishes. The crispy Peking duck is a must!
The Ostrich Club
5529 Young Street, Halifax
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ BR/D (GF)
theostrichclub.ca
The chef-driven menu at Ostrich Club delivers globally-inspired farm-to-table food using local suppliers. The menu is truly creative, not to mention delicious, and the sophisticated wine list shines a light on natural wines—most of which you’ve never seen or heard of before. The server knowledge is highly impressive as is the drinks menu.
The Press Gang
5218 Prince Street, Halifax
RESTAURANT $$$-$$$$ D
thepressgang.ca
Classic Nova Scotian fine dining featuring local seafood, an oyster bar, and fantastic cocktails in one of the most historical buildings in the downtown core. This long-standing restaurant is a destination for second-to-none service, often sought out for special occasions, but great any night of the week.
Rasa: Flavours of India
1542 Birmingham Street, Halifax
INDIAN RESTAURANT $$$-$$$$ L/D (GF/V)
rasarestaurant.ca
A stylish Indian restaurant in the Spring Garden Road district, Rasa offers extensive wine and cocktail lists along with a lengthy food menu. Everyone's favourite Indian dish seems to be on offer, and—get excited—they even have a tandoori oven.
Salvatore’s Pizzaiolo Trattoria
5541 Young Street, Halifax
PIZZERIA $-$$ L/D (V)
salvatorespizza.ca
A Friday night favourite in the historic Hydrostone district, Salvatore’s has New York style pizzas, hero sandwiches, cannoli, cheesecake, and drinks. The menu sticks to gourmet classics, such as the Rodger or the Bianco in Stephano, recipes that were created when Sal’s first began.
Side Hustle Snack Bar
21 Portland Street, Halifax
EATERY $$ L/D (GF/V)
sidehustlesnackbar.com
A little neighbourhood gem serving up playful fare, seasonal craft cocktails, locally-made beers and ciders in downtown Dartmouth. Known for their smash burger, dumplings and over-the-top loaded fries, bring friends and come hungry. Check out brunch every Sunday for winning creations like avocado toast covered in everything bagel spice.
Sushi Shige
5688 Almon Street, Halifax
JAPANESE RESTAURANT $-$$$ L/D
shige.ca
A family-run, authentic Japanese restaurant in North End. Specializing in upmarket sushi and omakase meals, this is a place where you can trust the chef to surprise you with something amazing.
Sweet Hereafter Cheesecakery
6148 Quinpool Road, Halifax
CHEESECAKERY $ (GF/V)
sweethereafter.ca
The décor is so sumptuous in this intimate dessert bar that you almost expect a lineup of burlesque dancers to leg-kick their way out of the kitchen. Luckily, it’s not dancers, but cheesecakes on parade—100 rich, delicious flavours on rotation. Stay
for a slice or take home a whole, luscious cake.
Truly Tasty
6210 Quinpool Road, Halifax
RESTAURANT $$ BR/L/D (V)
trulytasty.ca
A family-owned ramen restaurant making the noodles from scratch with flour imported from Japan, this noodle joint is worth a visit for both traditional bowls like shoyu chashu (pork) ramen and newer creations like fried chicken ramen with spicy garlic mayo. Portions are big, so bring your appetite with you.
25/ The Cheeky Neighbour Diner
6024 Quinpool Road, Halifax
MODERN DINER $$ B/BR/L (GF/V)
cheekyneighbour.com
A modern diner that feels like it has been on Quinpool for generations! Cheeky Neighbour is fun and casual, serving up classic breakfast and lunch foods from scratch, as well as internationally-inspired brunch dishes. A few cocktail options and local beer make this the perfect place to meet friends.
24/ EDNA
2053 Gottingen Street, Halifax
RESTAURANT & BAR $$-$$$ BR/L/D (GF)
ednarestaurant.com
EDNA continues on as an excellent dining destination for intimate dinners in its eco-chic, comfortable one-room restaurant—and now offers lunch throughout the week. The sophisticated dishes are heavily influenced by local suppliers, the changing of the seasons, and an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
23/ Seoa's Chicken
813 Bedford Highway, Bedford
KOREAN EATERY L/D $$-$$$ (GF)
An absolute must-try for authentic Korean fried chicken. Can’t choose between sweet & hot or original crispy? The ban-ban combo has a bit of both. Traditional or plant-based bibimbap is also on offer, so grab a seat in their cozy dining room and start with a cold beer—they’re licensed.
22/ Aster Cafe
3556 Dutch Village Road, Halifax
ETHIOPIAN EATERY L/D $$
A tiny joint in Fairview specializing in authentic Ethiopian food. A handful of deeply flavourful hearty dishes make up the menu. Try the spicy beef key wat, or mild lentil shiro tegabino stew. Many dishes come with injera bread for eating the traditional way.
21/ The Canteen
22 Portland Street, Dartmouth
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ BR/L/D (GF/V)
thecanteen.ca
Definitely the downtown Dartmouth destination for food lovers, The Canteen packs in regular customers for Saturday brunch, weekday lunches, and dinner service. Expect approachable-yet-chef-inspired fare that changes seasonally and features local suppliers, with no shortage of satisfying and vibrant flavours.
20/ Juniper Food + Wine
389 Main Street, Wolfville
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ L/D (GF)
juniperfoodandwine.com
A micro-sized restaurant nestled on Main Street in Wolfville, Juniper is magnifying local ingredients to epic proportions. Letting beautiful ingredients shine, the dishes at Juniper are refined-yet-accessible, gorgeous, and straight-up delicious. And the wine list is just fantastic.
19/ Cumin Kitchen & Drink
21 Roy Avenue, New Minas
EATERY $$ B/BR/L/D (GF/V)
cuminkitchenanddrink.com
A breakfast and lunch destination by Le Caveau’s chef-owner Jason Lynch brings a straightforward yet varied offering of flavourful dishes using suppliers from the Annapolis Valley. Get in early to beat the daily bustling lunch crowd, or grab prepared food to go for an easy dinner at home.
18/ Le Caveau
11611 Highway 1, Grand Pré
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ L/D (GF/V)
grandprewines.com
Indulge in casual fine dining in a warm, welcoming atmosphere at Grand Pré Winery. Whether dining under the vines on the dreamy patio or in the cozy dining room, enjoy the exceptional local and international wine lists and a menu featuring carefully created dishes from locally sourced ingredients.
17/ The Beach Pea Kitchen
128 Montague Street, Lunenburg
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ D (GF)
beachpeakitchen.com
A bright, modern space in historic downtown Lunenburg to enjoy masterfully prepared, fresh seafood, and other dishes featuring locally-sourced meat and produce. Handmade pastas are the icing on the cake here, where a Mediterranean-influenced menu showcases compelling yet recognizable flavours.
16/ Charcuterie Ratinaud
2157 Gottingen Street, Halifax
EATERY $$ L
ratinaud.ca
Haligonians have been hitting up Ratinaud for exquisite cured meats, pâté, rillettes, artisanal sausages and a mind-blowing selection of European and Canadian cheeses for years—plus delicious accoutrements, crostinis and a selection of prepared foods like duck confit or free-range rotisserie chicken. Stop in for the new monthly lunch menu.
15/ Lou Pécou Artisanal Pizzeria
5567 Cunard Street, Halifax
PIZZERIA $$-$$$ BR/L/D
lou-pecou.ca
A cheerful North End restaurant serving pizza classica, a style popular in Southern France. Expect light, crispy thin-crust pizzas made with organic flour, creative French and Italian-inspired toppings, a thoughtful cheese and charcuterie offering, biodynamic, organic wines—and killer house-made chili oil.
14/ Founders House Dining & Drinks
3816 Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Annapolis Royal
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ BR/L/D (GF)
foundershousedining.com
This award-winning locally-focused restaurant offers a seasonally changing menu, serving lunch and dinner. Refined dishes like confit duck salad, lobster beignets, and prosciutto-wrapped rabbit saddle are sure to please, or put your faith in the chef-designed tasting menu.
13/ The Noodle Guy
964 Highway 358, Port Williams
EATERY $$ L/D (GF)
thenoodleguy.wordpress.com
Whether you’re in the mood for stuffed ravioli, soba noodles or even ramen, this hand-made noodle-slinging favourite in Port Williams has you covered. The “not-pasta” part of the menu offers up tasty rice bowls, salads, wraps and more, plus check out popular Thursday burger nights.
12/ Bar Salvador
125 Montague Street, Lunenburg
TAPAS BAR $-$$ D (GF)
barsalvador.com
A teeny, colourful Spanish-inspired restaurant and bar in historical old town Lunenburg brought to you by the Ruiz-Salvador team. A must-stop for bright, summery cocktails, fantastic wines, and a menu that perfectly combines local seafood along with imported Spanish ingredients to create traditional tapas fare.
11/ Junction Sixteen
73 Queen Street, Bridgetown
RESTAURANT $$-$$$ L/D (GF/V)
junction16.ca
This former CPR railroad station-turned-restaurant is a welcome addition to the Bridgetown area. The hefty menu offers robust fare that leans heavily on Italian flavours. Fried bread with beef carpaccio, fresh pasta made by hand and phenomenal pizzas featuring both Canadian and Italian-inspired toppings.
10/ Verano Food Purveyors
1871 Hollis Street, Halifax
MEXICAN & VENEZUELAN EATERY $$ B/L (GF)
veranofoodhfx.ca
The chilaquiles at Verano are enough to keep anyone coming back, but with a deep dive into the vibrant Latin-inspired menu, you’ll become a lifelong fan. The dishes are tinged with from-scratch sauces like bright salsa verde and pico de gallo, toppings like salty crumbled queso fresco and delicate leaves of fresh cilantro. Guacamole is fresh to order. The totopos and plantain chips get fried in-house daily. The variety of tasty hand-held foods like empanadas, tacos and arepas have earned this breakfast and lunch joint a very loyal following that seems to—deservedly—keep growing.
“One of Halifax’s culinary gems, Verano shares expertly curated Venezuelan cuisine. I especially love their Patacón, and they are always on my “unmissable” list for their yearly Burger Bash creation.”
9/ Highwayman
1673 Barrington Street, Halifax
BAR & RESTAURANT $$-$$$ D
highwaymanhfx.com
An unrelenting commitment to advancing the cocktail culture in Halifax, along with sophisticated, delicious Spanish-inspired fare made with local ingredients, has solidified Highwayman as one of the best places to eat in Halifax year-over-year. Whether it’s tinned sardines, pan con tamate, scallop crudo or something as simple as sliced jamón serrano with Manchego cheese on sourdough, the quality of the ingredients always shines. A beautifully curated drink menu featuring intriguing wines and classic cocktails made to perfection, plus seasonal creations, complements the food perfectly. Highwayman boasts one of the most talented bar teams in the city and an intimate, cozy atmosphere.
“Best in the city for sharing plates! Spanish inspired with a strong drink list, and both local and imported ingredients. Highwayman excels with simplicity and quality! Bring friends so you can try a variety of the menu!”
8/ Dear Friend Bar
67 Portland Street, Dartmouth
COCKTAIL BAR & EATERY $-$$ D (GF/V)
dearfriendbar.com
It was undeniably the cocktails that first brought people to Dear Friend. Bartenders of local legend joined forces to open the tiny bar in downtown Dartmouth, quickly winning awards for its mixology. But as it turns out, the food is equally impressive. Exquisite seafood towers featuring oysters and seasonal offerings, refined bar bites and small plates like chicken liver parfait and black pepper waffles or zucchini and hazelnut with romesco sauce turned the bar into a go-to dining destination. A couple of larger plates and beautifully crafted desserts mean Dear Friend isn’t just a stop along the way for a pre or post-dinner drink.
“A relaxed atmosphere can’t conceal the undercurrent of crackling energy in this little Dartmouth oasis. Imaginative cocktails and refined cuisine prove that sophistication doesn’t need to take itself
too seriously.”
7/ The Narrows Public House
2720 Gottingen Street, Halifax
PUB $$-$$$ L/D (GF/V)
thenarrowspublichouse.ca
Step inside The Narrows Public House and glimpse a different era. Where pubs had real wood fireplaces burning in every room, there were nooks and crannies to hide away and drink a few pints and hearty fare to feed hardy people. The designated heritage property that houses The Narrows took years to restore, a Victorian home built in 1896. The menu pays tribute to traditional comfort food found on the East Coast—boiled dinner, hot chicken and stuffing, and sausage with mash and sauerkraut—all made from scratch and with great care. The slightly elevated take on these much-loved dishes creates the perfect pub offering for those with discerning tastes. The appetizers play on classics like Solomon Gundy (pickled herring) and deviled eggs, and the pub has one of the more varied tap lists in the city, always with a cask ale on offer.
“The Narrows is both an essential foodie destination and a love letter to Halifax.”
6/ Doraku
44 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth
JAPANESE EATERY $-$$ L/D
doraku.yolasite.com
Setting the standard for freshness and creativity, Doraku stands out as a passion-driven sushi restaurant, consistently working hard to bring something new to its customers. Whether limited-time offerings like fresh sea urchin from Hokkaido, Japan, kelp-cured flounder or roasted, tea-infused edamame, this is much better than your typical sushi stop. The menu has many familiar fan favourites like tuna maki, karaage, and gyoza—but skill and quality sets Doraku apart. Enjoy your meal with Japanese beer or a nice bottle of sake and finish with yuzu cheesecake or house-made roasted tea brûlée.
“A Japanese friend told me that the key to good sushi is the rice. Not too sweet, not too sticky. Add really fresh seafood and great apps—Doraku never disappoints.”
5/ Lupin Dining & Pantry
1196 W Petpeswick Road, West Petpeswick
TASTING MENU DINNERS $$$$ D (GF/V)
lupindining.ca
Explore the garden at Lupin Dining and catch a glimpse of where the ingredients originated before settling in for a seven-course tasting menu. During a night out in Musquodoboit Harbour, guests can dine in the farmhouse-chic restaurant or outside under the stars. The hyper-local menu takes inspiration from Italian and French fare, changing every four to five weeks. An immersive experience, each course is introduced with a story by Executive Chef Kim MacPherson, touching on the ingredients’ source and why she selected them for the dish. With a capacity for only 22 people per seating, this is an intimate and educational dining experience.
“Lupin Dining offers a unique Nova Scotian culinary experience, showcasing local produce with gourmet flair. The tasting menu highlights the best of the region, making each course a celebration
of seasonal flavours.”
4/ Bar Kismet
2733 Agricola Street, Halifax
BAR & RESTAURANT $$-$$$ D (GF)
barkismet.com
Bar Kismet has found the sweet spot—a few signature dishes regular customers are highly dependent on, and the rest rotating according to seasons and agriculture. The plates are primarily seafood-forward. The presentations are stunning, artistic, and highly inventive while simultaneously simplistic, and the cooking techniques pay tribute to each ingredient. The cocktail list is equally innovative, educating diners on out-of-the-ordinary and up-and-coming liquors, playing with unexpected savoury flavours, and features house-made syrups, vermouths, and bitters. The wine list is equally as compelling, opening the door to further exploration with each dining experience.
“This must visit—Best of Canada gem, offers inventive cocktails, expertly curated wines, and fresh seafood. Don’t miss the Ahi Tuna Tartare & Allumettes Fries—a true standout dish!”
3/ Oxalis
22 Wentworth Street, Dartmouth
RESTAURANT $$$-$$$$ D (GF)
oxalisrestaurant.com
With a charming mix of high-end gastronomy and European comfort food inspired by the owners’ home countries of Austria and Germany, Oxalis has found a way to push the boundaries of fine dining in Halifax and unpretentiously serve a wide range of customers. The service is warm and genuine; the atmosphere is stylish yet familiar. Whether you’re there to enjoy duck breast with foraged chanterelles as part of the tasting menu or Viennese-style heritage pork schnitzel from a la carte, the culinary techniques are meticulous, and the creativity is endless. Oxalis offers thoughtfully designed cocktails, local craft beer and cider, and a beautiful wine list to round out the experience.
“Innovative in the kitchen, impressive on the plate, delightful on the palate, spot on with their cocktails & wine selection, and gracious in hospitality. Fantastic for hosting friends or colleagues. And then, head home sated.”
2/ Ori Foods Co.
258 Wyse Road, Dartmouth
CAFE & BAKERY $-$$ BR/L (GF)
orifoodsco.com
When two chefs from fine dining backgrounds get together and open a casual bakery and café, magic happens. An authentic neighbourhood joint, Ori sits in a residential neighbourhood of Dartmouth, delighting locals with their daily pastries, coffee and life-changing lunch specials. Whether it’s the signature crème brûlée cookie, passionfruit nectarine tart or simple croissant, everything in the pastry case is crafted with skill and purpose. A collection of savoury pastries plus lunch creations such as melt-in-your-mouth brisket with coleslaw and pickles on a house-made milk bun keep customers hooked. Expect daily features inspired by what’s fresh at the butcher or fishmonger that typically sell out by Ori’s mid-afternoon closing time.
“Ori Foods is a charming cafe and bakery offering house-made delights. Their smoked brisket is incredible, and the breakfast sandwich is unforgettable. Ori’s is a Dartmouth standout for lunch.”
1/ Bessie North House
23 Bessie North Road, Canning
TASTING MENU DINNERS $$$$ D
bessienorthhouse.com
Nestled on a country road in Canning, Bessie North House is a farmhouse restaurant and culinary destination that has changed many perspectives on what you can offer in rural Nova Scotia. Offering exclusively a seven-course prix fixe menu that changes often depending on local farms and foraging by the owners, expect simplistic yet sophisticated techniques that pay respect to the incredible ingredients. Each evening this seasonal restaurant is open, it executes one sitting for its tasting menu, all in an intimate farmhouse setting with attentive, personalized service. It’s no wonder Bessie North House sells out year after year.
“Susan and David welcome you into their home, where Susan’s dedication to hospitality and David’s culinary expertise merge seamlessly to create an unforgettable, warm, and refined experience at Bessie North House—an unforgettable visit, not to be missed.”
TIME TO TALK ABOUT 2025!
With another 50 Best in the books, it's time to consider next year. As always, we'll need experienced diners with tastes reflective of what Curated represents who are willing to volunteer approximately 20 minutes to provide ratings for their dining experiences over the previous 12 months.
Sharing similar tastes is critical, as we are not looking to reinvent ourselves.
Experience-wise, we need folks who dine out regularly, visiting at least
50 places annually—more (100+) is even better.
If that sounds like you and you would like to support our magazine by volunteering your judging services, please send us an email at 50best@curatedmagazine.ca.
Once received, we'll send you a short 5-question survey to determine compatibility. Thank you!
