Matthew TremblayAfter an exhausting week at work, my Saturday mood often calls for a little more indulgence—eating freshly baked bread or sipping orange juice someone else pressed for me.
I like to treat myself to a good breakfast once in a while. It doesn’t have to be an expensive meal, but it has to be filling and comforting.
Consider this your ultimate guide to the crème de la crème of breakfast spots in Halifax. We’ve rounded up our favorites for you below.
Ardmore Tea Room
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Website: http://www.ardmoretearoom.ca/
Location: 6499 Quinpool Road
Phone: +19024237523
Opening hours: Daily 8 AM to 2 PM
Ardmore Tea Room is a small cozy breakfast all-day diner on Quinpool Road. Though the lines can get quite long every morning, the wait is worth it because of the restaurant’s affordable breakfast classics and fast, friendly service.
Most of the items on their menu are under $15. Each plate comes in generous portions, which should keep you full and satisfied when you walk out of the place.
I’m not the biggest fan of their white bread, but their sourdough options are incredible. As you can expect from a small diner, the coffee isn’t mind-blowing as well, but it’s always freshly brewed, hot, and constantly refilled in your cup.
| Pro Tip: Ardmore only has a few booths inside so it’s best to arrive early—no matter what day of the week. If you stop by around 10:30 AM and onwards, you should expect a 5 to 10-minute wait. |
Annie’s Place Cafe
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Website: https://anniesplacecafe.ca/
Location: 1592 Queen Street
Phone: +19024200098
Opening hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri, 9 AM to 2 PM
Sat, 8 AM to 2 PM
Another small, locally owned breakfast spot that Haligonians cherish is Annie’s Place Cafe. Serving fresh, homemade baked treats and all-day breakfast items, it’s a great spot if you’re craving something a little sweet in the morning to pair with your coffee.
Whether you get the blueberry scones or the chocolate ones, they are always phenomenal and hot. If you’re looking for healthier options, you can get oatmeal, granola bars, and energy bites, which are all made from scratch here.
Don’t miss out on their savory meals like their eggs benedict, mac and cheese, and meat pies.
| Pro Tip: Annie’s Place Cafe only accepts cash so make sure to bring some before you stop by. |
Cheeky Neighbour
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Website: https://cheekyneighbour.com/
Location: 6024 Quinpool Road
Phone: +19024744152
Opening hours: Daily 8 AM to 3 PM
The Cheeky Neighbour serves hefty meals inspired by breakfast classics from all over the world, ranging from huevos rancheros and mi goreng to bibimbap. The menu is ever-changing so expect to try new flavors and cuisines every time you visit.
Although it’s a busy spot, especially for brunch, I’d brave the crowds just for their thick, fluffy French toast. They are quite a special treat, piled high with fresh fruit and dusted with powdered sugar.
You can get a cup of their Anchored coffee to pair with your meal. It might not be the most Instagrammable cup of coffee out there but it’s still a comforting way to start your day.
| Pro Tip: The Cheeky Neighbour doesn’t accept reservations. You have to stop by early to get a table for breakfast. |
Drift
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Website: https://www.drifthalifax.com/
Location: 1709 Lower Water St #102
Phone: +19024076042
Opening hours:
Sun-Wed, 7 AM to 10 PM
Thu-Sat, 7 AM to 11 PM
Drift might not be an every weekend kind of breakfast spot, but it’s definitely a great place to bring some out-of-towners. Located in Muir Hotel, in the waterfront district of Queen’s Marque(queens marque halifax), it’s an upscale place with incredible cocktails.
Here, you’ll find freshly baked goods—think perfectly buttery, flaky croissants. If you’re in the mood for something on the lighter side, their healthier options range from fresh fruit bowls to yogurt parfaits layered with maple syrup and wholesome granola.
It’s also the kind of place where you won’t feel guilty for day drinking. You can sip on Drift’s signature cocktails like Siren’s Call, a refreshing blend of lemon juice, lemongrass syrup East Coast Gin, and Benjamin Bridge brut.
| Pro Tip: During warmer days, grab a seat at the patio so you can soak up some sun and enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor. |
Bliss Caffeine Bar
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Website: https://blisscaffeinebar.com/
Location: 1451 South Park Street
Phone: +19024073500
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 8 AM to 4 PM
If your mornings call for a good cup of coffee, head to Bliss Caffeine Bar. That scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries will greet you the moment you enter this sunny, spacious cafe.
While their breakfast menu is quite small, it’s a delightful mix of comfort and creativity, offering everything from strawberry rhubarb waffles and passionfruit parfaits to gnocchi pomodoro.
I like that their menu changes with the seasons, introducing new exciting flavors and dishes to their patrons.
| Pro Tip: Bliss Caffeine Bar has outdoor seating with park views, perfect for solo mornings with a book or casual breakfast dates. |
Armview
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Website: http://www.thearmview.com/
Location: 7156 Chebucto Road
Phone: +19024554395
Opening hours:
Mon-Wed, 11 AM to 12 AM
Thu-Sat, 8:30 AM to 12 AM
Armview is a Halifax staple, serving up simple, hearty comfort foods since 1951. The eggs benny on buttered English muffins and their signature hollandaise sauce will always be a favorite—whether paired with maple bacon or pulled pork.
During patio season, it’s a great spot to sip some boozy milkshakes or maybe a frothy rootbeer float to beat the heat. Just make sure to come on a weekend as they have a different set of options to spice up your mornings.
| Pro Tip: Armview is a dog-friendly establishment, so you can hit up this place after a morning walk or jog with your furry buddy. |
Cosy Snack Bar
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Location: 6411 Liverpool Street
Phone: +19024555119
Opening hours:
Tue-Thu, 7 AM to 3 PM
Fri-Sat, 7 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM
Sun, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Cosy Snack Bar is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, which opens bright and early at 7 AM. It’s a favorite haunt for early risers, blue-collar workers, and anyone interested in old-school diner culture.
What makes Cosy special is its commitment to the classics. They serve hearty, no-frills morning meals that hit the spot every time, such as perfectly fried eggs, crispy bacon, and golden fries that are just a little bit salty.
| Pro Tip: Cosy Snack Bar doesn’t accept reservations. Arrive early for breakfast so you can get a spot without having to wait in line. |
Almonak
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Website: http://www.almonak.com/
Location: 5659 Almon Street
Phone: +19024502959
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri, 8 AM to 2 PM
Sat-Sun, 8 AM to 3 PM
Almonak is a swanky yet comforting cafe, serving wellness lattes and boozy cups of coffee. It’s definitely one of my favorite places to visit whenever I need a little pick-me-up.
What I like about this spot is that it highlights locally sourced produce with a menu that ranges from smoked salmon and eggs benny served on a homemade biscuit to seafood chowder brimming with the freshest catch in Nova Scotia.
| Pro Tip: Almonak serves craft cocktails like Chili Chocolate Martini made with a housemade chocolate sauce, chili vodka, and chocolate liquor. At your request, they can also whip up classic cocktails for you. |
Dilly Dally Coffee Cafe
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Website: http://www.dillydallyeats.com/
Location: 6100 Quinpool Road
Phone: +19024075554
Opening hours: Daily, 7 AM to 5 PM
From as early as 6:30 AM, you can buy a hot cup of coffee and pastries at Dilly Dally just at the corner of Quinpool and Vernon. You have to wait until 7 AM for the kitchen to open and serve heftier breakfast specials.
They use fresh, nutritious ingredients to whip up wholesome meals that nourish your body and soul. From focaccia toasts topped with micro greens and seasonal fruits to goodness bowls with mixed grains and crisp veggies, everything is a guilt-free treat.
With meals that are as satisfying as they are nourishing, Dilly Dally is a place where you can feel good about what’s on your plate, day after day.
| Pro Tip: Get a seat by the window to people-watch while you sip on a lavender latte—one of their signature drinks that pair well with a sweet scone. |
