Sophia MurphyMy first introduction to Filipino food was at a party—a lively gathering filled with laughter, karaoke, and, of course, a feast of unforgettable dishes. I loved everything from crispy spring rolls and the pork skewers to the bowl of pancit.
Since then, Filipino food has become one of my ultimate cravings. The balance of flavors—sweet, salty, tangy, and sometimes spicy—is comforting yet exciting.
If you, too, want to satiate your cravings, this guide is for you. I’ve rounded up the best Filipino restaurants in Halifax where you can taste the delicious flavors of the Philippines.
1. The Happy Plate
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Location: 19 Alma Crescent
Operating hours:
Sunday, 9 AM–8 PM
Monday-Thursday, 10 AM–8 PM
Friday, 10 AM–10 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–10 PM
Phone: +19024050866
Must-have: Chicken Inasal
The Happy Plate is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, serving authentic Filipino dishes alongside your favorite Canadian comfort foods. They have different ala carte meals such as grilled pork belly, beef soup, and chop suey.
But if you’re new to Filipino cuisine, combo meals are the way to go. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also have incredible variety, giving you the perfect introduction to traditional flavors.
Don’t miss out on their halo-halo, a shaved ice dessert made of sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and creamy leche flan, all topped with a scoop of ice cream. It’s the ultimate treat for a hot summer’s day.
| Pro Tip: They are busiest during lunch hours, so arrive early to secure a table. |
2. Silong Express
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Location: 16 Titus St
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Sunday, 11:30 AM–8 PM
Phone: +19024060095
Must-have: Pancit
Silong Express is a mom-and-pop shop that delivers hearty, budget-friendly combo meals. Known for their generous portions, this spot ensures you leave with both your tummy and your wallet happy.
While their fiesta staples like pancit, lechon, and pork barbecue steal the show, their seafood dishes deserve a spotlight too. The fried milkfish is a classic, but if you’re after something more indulgent, try the Squid Adobo or Grilled Squid.
Although they don’t open for breakfast, they do offer a treat that feels like a warm hug: homemade ube champorado. Made with real ube halaya, this sweet, comforting dish is just what you need when you’re craving a slice of coziness in this bustling city.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early for lunch and dinner because they don’t accept reservations. |
3. Xena’s Bread and Butter
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Website: https://xenasbreadandbutter.com/
Location: 1996 Brunswick St
Operating hours:
Monday, 7:30 AM–4 PM
Tuesday-Friday, 7:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 AM–6 PM
Phone: +19024060056
Must-have: All-Day Breakfast Combo
Xena’s Bread and Butter might be known for its baked goodies, but they do serve other Filipino dishes here. Even though the options are quite limited, I think it’s still a good introduction to the cuisine.
In true Filipino fashion, they serve rice meals all day called Silog, a combination of garlic rice, egg, and a protein of your choice. They serve the meals with a side of fresh veggies and a cup of house-blended coffee.
Located in Brunswick, this spot is a stone’s throw away from the Halifax Citadel and other popular locations. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or a light snack to fuel your adventures around the city.
| Pro Tip: They often have unlimited breakfast buffets, particularly on weekends. You can check their socials to find out when they’re offering all-you-can-eat breakfast. |
4. Ala Eh! Eatery
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Location: 3635 Dutch Village Rd
Operating hours:
Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 10 AM–8 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM–8 PM
Phone: +19024433749
Must-have: Longsilog
Ala Eh! Eatery is another great hole-in-the-wall spot, serving a wide variety of Filipino food. From party staples like crispy lumpia and sweet spaghetti to street food classics like kikiam and siomai, this spot offers a taste of the Philippines in every bite.
But everyone I know loves their Silog. Whether it’s marinated beef or sausages, each plate is always a hit, but it can be quite a hefty meal, especially if you aren’t used to rice in the morning.
For just $6.99, you can add a comforting bowl of soup to your meal. The soup changes daily, so be sure to ask what’s simmering when you order.
| Pro Tip: They are busiest on Saturdays, especially during breakfast. If you want to avoid the crowds, come on a weekday to enjoy a leisurely meal. |
5. Barrio’s
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Website: http://www.barrioshfx.com/
Location: 1579 Grafton St
Operating hours:
Monday, 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM–10 PM
Friday-Saturday, 11 AM–11 PM
Sunday, 12 AM–9:30 PM
Phone: +19024250131
Must-have: Crispy Pata
Like most spots on our list, Barrio’s has an incredible selection of Filipino dishes, including all-day breakfast meals. However, what sets it apart from the rest is the vibe, which feels a bit more like a cozy pub than a small eatery.
Nestled right in the middle of Grafton St, this restaurant is within walking distance from the Halifax boardwalk and other popular attractions. It’s a great place to hit up for late-night drinks to cap off your day.
They even have live entertainment every night. Just give them a call to get the schedule of the performances as they vary per day.
| Pro Tip: Ask for their weekly drink specials because they might have something new or interesting to offer. |
6. Mcjolly Filipino Fast Food Chain
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Location: 1536 Granville St
Operating hours:
Sunday-Thursday, 11 AM–11 PM
Friday-Saturday, 11 AM–12 AM
Phone: +17824146769
Must-have: Fried Chicken
McJolly may not be Jollibee, the iconic Filipino fast-food chain, but its golden-brown fried chicken comes deliciously close. Although it isn’t traditional, the rice meals and sweet spaghetti are a nod to favorite comfort foods in the Philippines.
Conveniently nestled downtown, this is an ideal spot for a quick lunch or an afternoon comfort food fix. The friendly staff will serve you with a smile, making sure each visit is just as delightful as the food itself.
What sets it apart from other fast food chains though is their all-you-can-eat meals. Just for $17.99 per person, you can have as much chicken, chicken burgers, fries, corn, and coleslaw as you want.
| Pro Tip: If you’re ordering for a group of three or more, get their family-sized packs to save a few bucks. |
7. Manilla Thai Grill
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Website: https://www.manillathaigrill.com/
Location: 5686 Spring Garden Rd
Operating hours:
Monday-Wednesday, 11 AM–10 PM
Thursday-Saturday, 11 AM–11 PM
Sunday, 12–10 PM
Phone: +19024107979
Must-have: Crispy Pork with Peanut Sauce
As you can expect from its name, Manilla Thai Grill is a fusion restaurant serving an array of dishes from the Philippines and Thailand. They have quite an extensive menu, covering everything from salads, soups, noodles, stir-fries, and so much more.
If you’re unfamiliar with Southeast Asian cuisine, don’t be afraid to ask the staff. They’ll gladly help you choose the right dishes to order.
Always save room for dessert because they have incredible cakes. I recommend the gluten-free sans rival, a traditional Filipino cake made with meringue, buttercream, and nuts.
| Pro Tip: Visit during happy hours, from 11 AM to 4 PM daily, to get 20% off on delicious entrees. |
8. Allano’s Catering Services
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Website: https://allanoscatering.ca/
Location: 124 Herring Cove Rd
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM–8 PM
Friday-Sunday, 11 AM–8 PM
Phone: +19024792392
Must-have: Grilled Chicken
Allano’s Catering Services is a small family-owned restaurant on Herring Cove Road. They open 6 days a week and offer a daily menu, but every now and then, they’ll have off-menu specials.
Here, the grilled entrees are everyone’s favorite. I like the grilled chicken the most, which has the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and smoky.
You can also order party trays of your favorite dishes for special occasions. But give them at least 48 hours’ notice so they can prep and cook everything in time.
| Pro Tip: They accept reservations. Just go to their website to book a table before your visit. |
9. Rocky’s Original Filipino BBQ
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Location: 5237 Blowers St
Operating hours:
Friday and Saturday, 8 PM–4 AM
Must-have: Barbecue
Serving kebabs and hot dogs, Rocky’s Original Filipino BBQ is a staple in downtown Halifax. Since they open only on the weekends, this small pop-up shop sees long queues, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
Open until the early hours of the morning, Rocky’s is the perfect pit stop after a night out. The skewers are delicious on their own, but for a hearty treat, you can request a bun and turn your skewer into a satisfying sandwich.
Depending on the weather, they’ll often close shop early. You can check their socials to get updates on their schedules.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, they’ll sell bottles of Rocky’s marinade, the secret sauce that makes their barbecue so delicious. Stocks are usually pretty limited, so grab a bottle while you can. |
