Charlotte CampbellMy love for diners goes way back to road trips with my grandparents. We’d hit the road with no set plan, just a love for discovering local diners along the way.
Those cherished memories made me want to find that same sense of discovery and warmth here. So, I started putting together a list of the best diners in Halifax.
From the lively, neon-lit spots to the cozy little haunts tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, I took notes, snapped photos, and enjoyed meals with the locals.
This list isn’t just a bunch of places to eat; it reflects the city’s heart and soul, showcasing its love for hearty meals and friendly places. I’m excited for you to experience it too, one diner at a time.
Easy Street Diner
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Website: https://www.easystreetdiner.ca/menu
Address: 3625 Dutch Village Rd
Contact details: +1 902-405-2022
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sundnay – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Pan Fried Haddock
Our visit to Easy Street Diner was a real treat, and we couldn’t resist trying a few of their specialties.
The “Big E” burger was a standout—it combines beef, cheese, and all the fixings. It wasn’t just a filling meal; it was genuinely satisfying and had a unique, flavorful twist that elevated it beyond typical diner fare.
But the real surprise was the poutine. I wasn’t expecting to be so impressed, but the way the cheese curds perfectly melted into the savory gravy created a gooey, mouthwatering texture. It was the perfect comfort food, especially on a chilly day.
| Pro tip: Dive deep into the daily specials. They’ve got this knack for spinning local, seasonal ingredients into something magical, so there’s always something new and mouthwateringly intriguing to try. |
The Duke’s Public House
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Website: https://dukespublichouse.ca/menu
Address: 2057 Gottingen St
Contact details: +1 902-444-1414
Operating hours:
- Monday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Royally Smashed Burger
The Duke’s Public House is known for its inviting atmosphere and friendly locals, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy some good food and drinks.
We highly recommend the happy hour menu, especially if you want to try some standout appetizers. The onion rings are a must-have; they’re crispy on the outside with a savory, flavorful center.
If you pair that with a draught beer, you’re in for a treat. The beer is chilled to perfection and offers a rich, hop-filled taste that complements the food nicely.
This combo offers both comfort and a touch of gourmet flair, making it a worthwhile experience if you’re looking to relax and enjoy quality time.
| Pro tip: Ask about the “Chef’s Whim” dish. The chef whips up a different creation every evening, using whatever fresh, local ingredients are boasting the best flavors of that day. |
Cheeky Neighbour Diner
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Website: https://cheekyneighbour.com/
Address: 6024 Quinpool Rd
Contact details: +1 902-474-4152
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Smoked Salmon on Potatoe Waffle
Cheeky Neighbour Diner is a spot where international flavors are mixed with that classic diner feel, and honestly, it works well.
On our visit, we opted for their eggs Benedict, and they absolutely nailed it. The hollandaise sauce was a rich, tangy delight that perfectly complemented the expertly poached eggs.
Another standout was the potato rosti with smoky salmon. It was off-the-charts delicious. The rosti were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—a testament to their mastery of texture.
| Pro tip: Ask about the special. It’s a fantastic way to experience the full range of what Cheeky Neighbour has to offer beyond their already amazing standard fare. |
Armview Restaurant & Lounge
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Website: https://www.thearmview.com/menus/
Address: 7156 Chebucto Rd
Contact details: +1 902-455-4395
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Thursday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Greek Kalamari
The Armview Restaurant & Lounge has this great way of making food feel both familiar and exciting. I went there to try the lobster rolls. The fresh seafood taste stood out, with sweet, tender lobster meat in a butter roll.
The atmosphere at Armview is relaxed and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind and really enjoy your time. The food is reliably good, whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
| Pro tip: Snag a seat with a view. The Armview isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about soaking in those cozy, picturesque Halifax vibes that make your meal memorable. |
Pleasant Street Diner
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Website: https://pleasantstdiner.com/wp/menu/
Address: 205 Pleasant St #101
Contact details: +1 902-469-7770
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Hot Turkey Burger
Pleasant Street Diner is cozy and laid-back as it gets. You walk in, and it just feels like the perfect spot for some solid comfort food.
The menu has all the classic diner favorites. I had the fish and chips, and they were fantastic—light, crispy batter, and flaky fish, just seasoned perfectly. And don’t skip the pies; they’re wonderfully sweet, embodying that homemade goodness.
What I love about this diner is the care they put into their food. Every fry has that perfect crunch, and the shakes are thick and smooth—totally worth it. Just grab a comfy booth, take your time, and enjoy.
| Pro tip: Engage with the staff about their favorite menu picks. They know the menu inside and out, and they’re usually eager to share their personal favorites or suggest the perfect dish based on your preference. |
Jim’s Family Restaurant
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Website: https://www.jimsfamilyrestaurant.ca/gallery
Address: 243 Bedford Hwy
Contact details: +1 902-443-6112
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Maple Glazed Salmon
Jim’s Family Restaurant is open pretty much all day, so it’s perfect for early birds or if you’re hunting for some comfort food at night.
When I visited, I was really impressed with their all-day breakfast. The hash browns were awesome—crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a perfect side. And the pancakes? They were so fluffy, exactly what you want in a breakfast classic.
They also have weekly specials. I tried the meatloaf; it was moist and tender, with a slightly caramelized crust that added a satisfying texture to each bite—seriously good stuff.
| Pro tip: Grab a seat at the counter if you can. It’s a sweet spot where you get a front-row view of the kitchen magic, and the friendly staff might just slip you some insider info on the day’s freshest picks. |
Café Lunette
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Website: https://www.cafelunette.com/bistro-menu/
Address: 1741 Lower Water St #160
Contact details: +1 902-334-1300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Baked Camembert
Café Lunette is not fancy or pretentious; it’s a welcoming place where the aromas of fresh pastries and coffee kind of make you want to move in.
I tried the croissant, and it was everything you’d hope for—flaky and buttery perfection. The egg dishes were on point, too. They serve a quiche that’s just so comforting without being too heavy.
Honestly, getting the texture just right on a quiche is tricky, but they nailed it.
Their menu keeps things interesting. They have daily specials that are definitely worth checking out, especially if they’re featuring local ingredients. And before you leave, make sure to try their pastries. I had a slice of their tart, and it was fantastic.
| Pro tip: Make your visit more special by asking for their French press service. Pairing it with a pastry or dessert from their menu not only rounds off the dining experience but also gives you a moment to truly soak in the bistro’s ambiance. |
Black Sheep Restaurant
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Website: https://blacksheephalifax.com/menu/
Address: 1496 Lower Water St BH-204
Contact details: +1 902-429-6491
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Satuday – 9:00 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Mushroom Bahn Mi
Black Sheep Restaurant is a laid-back gem where everything is made from scratch. They blend local ingredients with a bit of a global twist, giving you that genuine home-cooking vibe with a unique flair.
I tried some of their staples, and they’re as good as everyone says. The Duck Confit Poutine was a deliciously indulgent plate of crispy fries, tender duck, and rich gravy.
The Beet Salad was another winner—the greens were super fresh, the beets were sweet and earthy, and the goat cheese added a creamy finish that tied it all together. It’s the kind of food that looks amazing on the plate and tastes even better.
| Pro tip: Save a room for their weekend brunch. While their daily menu is stellar, brunch here is a whole other level of delight, with unique dishes that you won’t find during the week. |
Le Bistro By Liz
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Website: https://www.lebistrohalifax.com/menus/
Address: 1333 South Park St
Contact details: +1 902-423-8428
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Chef’s Soupe du Jour
Le Bistro By Liz has a genuine and welcoming ambiance, and from Wednesday to Saturday, live music adds a lovely touch to the casual vibe. It’s a perfect blend of lively and laid-back.
On my last visit, I tried a few dishes, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The Coquille St-Jacques is a creamy seafood delight with tender scallops that practically melt in your mouth.
Then there’s the Beef Tenderloin. It’s so soft that it almost falls apart when you poke it with your fork. The sauce on top is spicy but not too much. And don’t even get me started on the desserts—you’ll definitely want to save room for those.
But weekend brunches here are my favorite, partly because of the complimentary drink you get with your meal between 11 AM and 3 PM.
| Pro tip: Secure a table close to the musicians. It will elevate your dining experience with the delightful ambiance of live music. |
Bluenose II Restaurant
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Website: https://bluenoseii.ca/menu/
Address: 1824 Hollis St
Contact details: +1 902-425-5092
Operating hours:
- Monday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Grilled Chicken Club on a Kaiser
Whether you’re in search of a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner after a busy day, Bluenose II Restaurant offers a delightful experience. Their menu blends Canadian staples with a dash of Mediterranean flavor, creating an exquisite fusion on every plate.
When I visited, I indulged in their Fish and Chips—beer-battered, golden on the outside, flaky white fish on the inside, served with tartar sauce that has just the right tang. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel right at the seaside.
Then there’s the Haddock Tips. Lightly breaded and tossed in garlic and butter, they’re so soft and flavorful and melt in your mouth with every bite.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Blueberry Grunt is a real treat. Soft, sweet, and warm stewed blueberries beneath a doughy topping are perfect for ending your meal on a high note.
| Pro tip: Ask for their dessert of the day. They’re famous locally for their sweet treats, which are often made from scratch and feature seasonal ingredients. |
