Mystic – for nice eating
Strikingly perched on the Halifax waterfront like a glass-fronted wave, this fine-dining restaurant showcases Nova Scotia’s distinct terroir in six- and eight-course tasting menus. Chef de delicacies Malcolm Campbell and his staff use native substances in an creative mixture of conventional and up to date methods – assume swordfish bresaola crafted into the form of a rose, seaweed-wrapped lobster in scallop sauce, and saffron chocolate bon-bons served alongside haskap pâtes de fruits on dehydrated sea vegetation foraged from the Salt Marsh Path. mysticnovascotia.ca
Tony’s Donair – for native avenue meals
Locals debate over who does one of the best donair on the town – Tony’s of The King of Donair. The previous is an easy nook xxx that has been serving the distinctive Nova Scotian snack since 1976 Kebab meat is stuffed right into a wrap and completed with the well-known donair sauce so as to add a candy, tangy, creamy end. One other customized is to dip do-it-yourself pizza or garlic dough fingers into the sauce for a comforting snack. tonysdonair.com
The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar – for oyster tastings
Perch on the bar at this candlelit maritime- themed joint for native ales and contemporary oysters. There’s at all times an oyster possibility from every Atlantic Canadian province, so you possibly can style your manner up the coast. These could be large, hand-dived Pristine Bay molluscs from Nova Scotia’s Pictou Island space, Prince Edward Island Barstool Cocktails, New Brunswick Beausoleil and Newfoundland Merasheen Bay varieties. Pair with a glass of Nova Scotian glowing wine – maybe a zingy, fragrant Gaspereau Tidal Bay. thepressgang.ca
Elle’s Bistro – for traditional breakfast
Locals line up outdoors this widespread café for morning classics together with old-fashioned diner breakfast, lobster benedict and breakfast poutine, alongside scorching pots of espresso and contemporary cinnamon rolls. There is a traditional caff-cum-diner really feel with naked brick partitions and pleasant native chat. 1678 Barrington Avenue
The Highwayman – for native cocktails and tapas
A private advice from a neighborhood I met at MUIR resort’s gallery, this intimate, Spanish-style bistro serves tapas utilizing Nova Scotian substances. Assume scallop crudo served in coconut milk, seasonal corn ribs with Romesco and shrimp skewers with mojo verde.Keegan McGregor gained bartender of the 12 months at Diageo’s World Class bar awards in 2024, due to his concoctions encapsulating the peninsula. New to the menu is the Canadian Tuxedo (that was but to be named after we tried it on the brand new menu preview) – a mix of floral haskap berry and candy maple syrup with bourbon and brandy infused with oats, raisins, dried apricots and Tonka bean to create a vibrant, floral ode to morning porridge. The Nova Scotia clarified pear soda highball completed with wild blueberry mud is one other poignant drink. highwaymanhfx.com
Peacock – for Nova Scotian wine
If you wish to style your manner by some Nova Scotian wines whereas within the metropolis, Peacock Wine Bar within the Queen’s Marque District has a cheerful hour when all Nova Scotian wines and g&ts are half value. Strive Blomidon crémant, Lightfoot & Wolfville Tidal Bay, Benjamin Bridge rosé and extra. Chef Moira Murray spotlights native substances in Italian-style dishes. She gained the accolade for Halifax’s greatest oysters not too long ago together with her dulse, prosecco and sherry foam topped Sober Island oyster starter. Pasta shells alla norma are made utilizing Considerable Acres tomatoes for additional sweetness, whereas chillis add a kick to the pulled pork confit and fried aubergine with aromatic Thai basil. peacockwinebar.ca
Salt + Ash – for seafood lunch
There is a nod to the province’s surf tradition on this relaxed waterfront restaurant. Sit on the deck with a neighborhood ale and watch the boats bob by or loosen up across the up to date fires indoors. The informal eating menu of East Coast favourites consists of battered cod tacos, chowder and plump, fire-roasted Digby scallops, alongside widespread wood-fired pizzas topped with the likes of Brothers pepperoni or house-cured salmon. saltashhalifax.com
Peace By Chocolate – for chocolate treats
Nova Scotia has welcomed immigrants from all around the world over time. On the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Canadians can hint their roots and be taught in regards to the historical past and tales of communities that now name the nation residence. The Hadhad household have been chocolate makers for over 30 years of their homeland of Syria earlier than having to go away in 2012. With the assist of the neighborhood in Antigonish in japanese Nova Scotia, the household rebuilt the enterprise and now creates chocolate utilizing Syrian and Canadian substances. Pattern a variety on the up to date boutique within the Queen’s Marque district in Halifax, from luxurious scorching chocolate to Nova Scotian cranberry and blueberry-jewelled bars. The packaging adorned with Canadian surroundings and sayings means the bars make for excellent souvenirs to take residence. peacebychocolate.ca
Clearwater Seafoods – for airport lobster
Locals are obsessive about lobster, because it’s considerable all 12 months spherical. You possibly can even pick a stay lobster from the tank at Halifax airport to be ready as you want, whereas the show fridge affords entire crustaceans, tails and contemporary meat to snack on whilst you wait to board for those who so want. clearwater.ca
The place to remain in Halix
Muir
Just lately opened as a part of the spectacular Queen’s Marque growth, this five-star resort sits majestically on the waterfront. Muir is Gaelic for ‘sea’ and references are woven into the up to date ship-like design, most notable in a hanging fresnel lens artwork set up on the entrance. Consideration to element within the plush rooms is outstanding – the smooth bar is stocked with native spirits and snacks (Halifax-based Compass Distillers gin, Lunenburg’s Ironworks rum and artisan bars from Peace by Chocolate arrange by Syrian refugees); a QR code linking to pure Nova Scotian soundbites accompanies Canadian spring water at flip down; and curtains open on the press of a button to disclose views over the boardwalk, harbour and Georges Island lighthouse. Breakfast at Drift ranges from the nourishing The Hipster plate to very large frilly pancakes studded with wild native blueberries. Come night, cocktails highlight native spirits and substances equivalent to foraged forest syrup, whereas cooks elevate conventional Acadian dishes within the likes of mini rappie pie with Considerable Acres pickled farm salad. Unwind at Windward Wellness, rotating between the sauna and eucalyptus steam room, revitalising dips within the chilly plunge, and personal classes within the Himalayan pink salt room that pumps in maritime Atlantic salt air. The concierge also can organise helicopter rides to Cape Breton Island for autumn foliage viewing, whale watching and picnics on the seaside.
Doubles from £237, verify availibility at reserving.com or muirhotel.com
Foodie day journeys from Halifax
Peggy’s Cove
Nova Scotia’s greatest lobster rolls – based on locals – are served by Tom and his small staff from a blue shack perched above the lobster pots and stilted homes of fishing village Peggy’s Cove, 45 minutes drive from Halifax. The traditional tosses lobster meat in a candy, creamy sauce, whereas ‘bare’ is wearing a easy garlic butter, stuffed in a evenly toasted brioche roll on a mattress of kettle chips. Iced espresso is laced with maple syrup for a candy, Canadian-style hit. After lunch, mooch as much as the long-lasting lighthouse full with swish viewing platform and clamber throughout the sleek rocks to absorb the Atlantic air and glistening sea views. A brief drive additional alongside the coast is Rhubarb, a homely restaurant the place you possibly can tuck into steaming bowls of seafood chowder and scorching buttered scones. Many of the lobster utilized in these spots come from Ryer Retail. Cease by to rise up shut and private with lobsters, some over 45 years previous.
Wolfville and the Annapolis Valley
Drive into the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia’s agricultural heartland. The wealthy, fertile soils yield a few of Canada’s greatest fruit and veg, together with Honeycrisp apples, blueberries and pumpkins. There is a implausible choice accessible at Noggins Nook Farm Market. Pattern the area’s apples pressed into ciders at Annapolis Cider Firm in Wolfville, that at all times affords a seasonal flavour to boost cash for charity. Throughout the highway, church-turned brewery, Church Brewing Firm, leans into its historical past – there’s a stay music stage within the authentic sanctuary and aptly named seasonal specials are popped up on boards like hymns of the week: assume Congregation Pilsner, Illuminate Pale Ale and Church Blonde. Eclectic seating areas are interspersed throughout the house beneath images of cultural icons together with a tribute to Gord Downie, the late singer from Canadian band The Tragically Hip.
Down the highway at Grand Pré Vineyard, the Stutz household has lovingly cultivated a small winery, wine store and pint-sized inn. Style award-winning glowing cider and Nova Scotian wines on the store then pop over to Le Caveau for plump Atlantic Canadian oysters and made-to-order charcuterie boards. Lease an e-bike to cycle alongside the Harvest Moon Path that connects the valley’s vineyards, ending at The Lengthy Desk Social Membership that hosts sociable outside suppers with views over the Bay of Fundy and Cape Cut up.
