Thomas WilsonI never planned on exploring Halifax’s food scene with kids, but that’s what happened when my weekends were all about hanging out with my niece and nephews.
Eating out with them became the new norm for me. From ketchup-and-mustard science experiments to playing peekaboo with the friendly waitstaff, our dining adventures got a lot more exciting (and unpredictable).
After many of these outings, I found some awesome places in Halifax where both kids and adults can enjoy a meal. Now, I want to share our favorite spots with you—the best kid-friendly restaurants in Halifax.
These places turn meals into happy memories, and there’s nothing better than seeing the kids’ faces light up when we find a new favorite spot.
The Bicycle Thief
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Website: https://bicyclethief.ca/wp-content/uploads/formidable
Address: 1475 Lower Water St
Contact details: +1 902-425-7993
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Chicken Wings
If you’re looking for a place where your kids can enjoy something familiar with a tasty twist, The Bicycle Thief is the place to be. Their kids’ menu includes chicken wings that are seasoned just right with a blend of herbs—flavorful but not too spicy.
These wings combine a satisfying crunch on the outside with juicy, tender meat on the inside, sure to be a hit with the kids. They’re paired with a creamy ranch dip that adds a cool, delicious touch.
But the wings are just part of the appeal. The crispy, golden fries that come with them are worth a mention, too. They stand out far above the usual soggy fries and are likely to disappear quickly once they arrive at the table.
| Pro tip: Try their ‘create your own pizza.’ The staff here are super encouraging, letting the children pick their favorite toppings from a selection that’s fresh and diverse. |
The Wooden Monkey
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Website: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/
Address: 1707 Grafton St
Contact details: +1 902-444-3844
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Mini Cheese Pizza
The Wooden Monkey has a special menu for kids aged 10 and under.
One popular choice is the mini cheese pizza. It has a soft, hand-tossed crust that’s just thick enough to make it filling but still perfect for smaller appetites. The cheese is all melty goodness, sitting on a tomato sauce that’s sweet and a little tangy.
Then there are the fish & roasties. This dish gives kids a taste of seafood with breaded haddock that’s lightly seasoned. It’s crispy on the outside, yet soft and flaky on the inside.
For kids who like a bit of variety, the rice bowl with organic tofu is awesome. It’s got chunks of soft, nutty tofu with a light seasoning that enhances the natural flavors. It’s a tasty, protein-packed choice that parents will love having on the table.
| Pro tip: Ask your server if they can share some fun facts about the ingredients in your kids’ meal—like where the veggies were grown or how the fish was caught. This can spark an interest in healthy eating and sustainability in young minds. |
Cheeky Neighbour Diner
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Website: https://cheekyneighbour.com/wp-content/
Address: 6024 Quinpool Rd
Contact details: +1 902-474-4152
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
- Thursday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Tater-Tot Waffle
When you step into Cheeky Neighbour Diner, you’ll find a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where kids can be themselves and a menu that’s super fun and packed with options perfect for little ones.
The tater-tot waffle with local smoked salmon introduces a gentle, smoky flavor that’s just right for young taste buds. It’s an interesting mix of textures and a kid-friendly way to enjoy local seafood.
Then there’s the buttermilk waffle with fruit compote—kids absolutely love it! The waffles are fluffy and light with a buttery richness that melts in your mouth.
The fruit compote, made from fresh, seasonal fruits, adds a sweet and slightly tangy touch, making it delicious while sneaking in some healthy fruit.
| Pro tip: Bring a small sketchbook or some paper and crayons. The staff loves it when kids draw their favorite part of the meal or come up with their own dream waffle toppings. |
The Cannery Kitchen & Social
Media credit: thecannerykitchen
Website: https://www.cannerysocial.com/
Address: 1980 Robie St
Contact details: +1 902-490-3356
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Mini Burgers
The Cannery Kitchen & Social offers great food options for your little ones. They make mini burgers with high-quality beef and cook them just the way kids like it—juicy and tender.
Each burger is topped with gooey, melted cheddar cheese and a hint of their special kid-friendly ketchup that has a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
The chicken fingers here are something special, too. They have a crispy, golden-brown coating with a subtle blend of herbs like rosemary and thyme. Inside, they’re juicy and tender. The kids will love munching on them, trust me.
| Pro tip: Ask for the chef’s special kids’ activity placemats. These placemats feature playful sketches of ingredients from their dishes and help keep children entertained while they wait for their meals. |
Chef In The Kitchen
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Website: https://chefinthekitchen.ca/menu
Address: 1525 Lemarchant St
Contact details: +1 902-818-1200
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Penne Arrabbiata
Chef in the Kitchen has a great menu for kids that’s both tasty and healthy.
Your kids will love the Kofte Plate. These meatballs, made with finely ground beef and seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika, are grilled to perfection.
They come with a fresh Turkish salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of mint dressed in olive oil.
For something a bit different, try the penne arrabbiata with chicken. The pasta is cooked just right, the chicken is tender, and the tomato sauce is gently spiced with garlic and chili. It’s a meal that’s both flavorful and comforting.
| Pro tip: Call ahead and ask the friendly staff if they can prepare a small sampler plate. This way, your kids can have bite-sized tastes of various dishes without the commitment of a full meal they might not finish. |
Lou Pécou Pizzeria
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Website: https://www.lou-pecou.ca/menu
Address: 5567 Cunard St
Contact details: +1 902-423-0300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Margherita Pizza
Lou Pécou Pizzeria is a go-to spot for families with its welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering pizzas.
Kids will absolutely love the Margherita pizza. It’s a classic favorite with gooey mozzarella that melts perfectly, juicy tomatoes that bring a burst of flavor, and fresh basil leaves that add a touch of magic.
And for the little adventurers? The authentica pizza is where it’s at. It features a creamy mozzarella, a peppery kick from fresh arugula, and a rich pesto that’s both nutty and garlicky. This unique blend of flavors will have them asking for another slice.
| Pro tip: Don’t shy away from getting creative with the kids’ orders. This place usually whips up a “half-and-half” pizza for the little ones. |
Mappatura Bistro
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Website: https://mappaturabistro.ca/menu/
Address: 5883 Spring Garden Rd
Contact details: +1 902-407-5502
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Spaghetti Carbonara
At Mappatura Bistro, the Spaghetti Carbonara is a hit with both adults and kids. This classic Italian dish is crafted with al dente spaghetti that provides just the right bite.
It’s coated in a silky, rich sauce made from eggs combined masterfully to avoid any curdling, which results in a smooth velvet texture. The crispy pancetta or bacon adds a smoky crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
For something sweet, try the homemade vanilla bean gelato in the Affogato. The gelato is rich and creamy, with plenty of real vanilla bean specks throughout.
When a shot of hot espresso is poured over it, the mix of hot and cold, sweet and slightly bitter, creates an exciting treat. It’s a fun dessert that kids will find delicious and a bit different from the usual.
| Pro tip: Visit during the early dining hours. It’s quieter, giving a relaxed vibe for the kids. |
Edna
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Website: https://www.ednarestaurant.com/
Address: 2053 Gottingen St
Contact details: +1 902-429-2550
Operating hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Grilled Sourdough
Edna shows that eating out with kids doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. It’s about sharing delicious meals and making memories together. They offer meals that are surprising and really tasty.
Take the grilled sourdough: it comes with options like baba ghanoush, making it fun and flavorful. The bread is perfectly toasted, giving a nice crunch with a creamy twist.
Then, there’s the fish cakes ‘n eggs. The fish cakes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, paired with soft, creamy eggs. It’s a dish both kids and parents will love.
What’s cool about Edna is that they use fresh, local ingredients. This means the food always tastes great.
| Pro tip: Ask the staff for kid-friendly options or modifications. Edna’s team is great at accommodating special requests. Your little one can enjoy a smaller portion of the seafood omelet or a custom-made smoothie. |
The Brown Hound Public House
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Website: https://www.thebrownhound.ca/
Address: 2394 Agricola St
Contact details: +1 902-425-0055
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Hound Mac & Cheese
Both you and your kids are in for a treat at The Brown Hound Public House. They focus on the flavors and textures of every dish that makes meals memorable.
Take the hound mac & cheese, for example. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness that kids adore. The rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates a delightful cheese pull that’s sure to please.
Then there’s the British-style fish & chips. This classic dish is a hit with its golden, beer-battered cod that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The homemade tartar sauce adds a tangy twist, while the chunky hand-cut fries are perfect for dipping. Together, these elements create a fun and delicious mix of textures and flavors.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip out on customizing your dish. This spot is all about making sure everyone leaves super happy, so they’re more than willing to tweak meals to fit little diners’ tastes. |
The Osney Café & Social
Media credit: theosney
Website: https://www.theosney.ca/
Address: 5783 Charles St
Contact details: +1 902-448-7833
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Marinated Beef
The Osney Café & Social’s menu is designed with kids in mind. One dish they’ll love is the marinated beef on a challah bun. It features tender beef strips marinated with garlic, soy, and just a touch of sweetness.
The beef is served in a soft, fluffy challah bun. Plus, there’s some crunchy, lucky onion kimchi for a fun texture and mild zing. It’s topped with a creamy garlic gochujang aioli, giving just the right amount of flavor without being too spicy.
| Pro tip: Check out the specialty sandwiches at this place. A lot of people rave about the Bulgogi Beef Sandwich. It’s juicy and packed with flavor, so it could be a great pick for your older kids or any little ones who like trying new things beyond the usual snacks. |
