Matthew TremblayOne of the great perks of having adult money is getting to spend it on experiences that truly matter—like treating yourself to a fine dining restaurant. But let’s be real: for most of us, these indulgent nights out aren’t something we can do every weekend.
With higher price tags, we want to make sure every visit counts, so we tend to stick to our tried-and-true favorites. There’s no room for disappointment.
That’s where this guide comes in. If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and discover a new gem, I’ve rounded up the best fine dining restaurants in Halifax that are worth the splurge.
1. Da Maurizio
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Website: https://damaurizio.ca/
Location: 1496 Lower Water St
Phone: +19024230859
Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 5 PM to 10 PM
Da Maurizio is a long-time favorite of Haligonians because it offers great value for the whole shebang—the food, service, and atmosphere. You can knock the socks off your date without having to break the bank.
Known for their housemade Italian dishes and fine wine, their menu has received much praise and awards over the years. They are even generous with their portions, so you will always leave satisfied.
While you can’t go wrong with any of their pasta, we recommend getting a Nova Scotian staple—fresh Atlantic Mussels. Cooked with tarragon, saffron, garlic, and white wine broth, it is a simple dish packed with flavor.
| Pro Tip: They accept reservations! Aside from giving them a call, you can book a table on their website. |
2. The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar
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Website: http://thepressgang.ca/
Location: 5218 Prince Street
Phone: +1 902 423 8816
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 5 pm to 10 pm, Thu-Sat 5 pm to 11 pm
If you’ve been on any of the tours around Halifax, you might have heard that The Press Gang is one of the most haunted spots in the city. It sounds like an odd place for a date, but once you bite into their fresh lobster, you’ll forget about the angry poltergeists.
They have a seasonal menu, featuring the best produce and catch available. However, their fresh oysters are a daily staple, which you can enjoy raw or baked in any combination.
Instead of ordering a la carte, you can make your night more exciting by getting The Drill. This is a 4-course meal for two, but you leave it all up to the chef to decide what to serve you on your special night.
| Pro Tip: The last call for The Drill is at 8:30 pm. |
3. Agricola Street Brasserie
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Website: https://www.rcr.ca/restaurants/agricola-street-brasserie/
Location: 2540 Agricola St
Phone: +19024467664
Opening hours:
Brunch: Sat-Sun, 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Dinner: Sun-Wed, 4 PM to 10 PM, Thu-Sat, 4 PM to 11 PM
Agricola Street Brasserie serves French-inspired cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting. Its exposed brick and high ceilings create an inviting, laid-back atmosphere, while still maintaining a sense of sophistication.
What makes dining here truly special is that they try to make everything from scratch—from their bread to their pasta and sauces. Since they have seasonal menus, you always have something new, creative, and exciting to try.
Their cocktail menu and desserts are quite vast and have never let us down. So, save some room for a few drinks and sweet treats.
| Pro Tip: Friday nights are always busy. Book a table ahead of time to secure a spot at this restaurant. You can opt for a less crowded evening by scheduling your night out on a Sunday. |
4. The Five Fishermen
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Website: http://fivefishermen.com/
Location: 1740 Argyle St
Phone: +19024224421
Opening hours: Daily 5 PM to 10 PM
Another legendary seafood spot in Halifax is The Five Fishermen. Set in a historic building, the restaurant blends old-world charm with a touch of modern sophistication, making the space feel both inviting and refined.
Their menu showcases fresh, thoughtfully sourced seafood, from the zesty scallop ceviche to the perfectly oven-roasted halibut, each dish crafted to leave a lasting impression.
But it’s not just seafood that steals the show—indulge in their succulent AAA beef, seared to perfection with a rich hazelnut pesto and truffle cream sauce, or grilled and served with a Chef’s special sauce that elevates every bite.
| Pro Tip: You can book a table on their website. If you’re coming with a large party with 10 or more people, send them an email at [email protected]. |
5. The Black Sheep Restaurant
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Website: http://www.blacksheephalifax.com/
Location: 1496 Lower Water St
Phone: +19024296491
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri, 10 AM to 10 PM
Sat-Sun, 9 AM to 10 PM
Once a humble, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, The Black Sheep has become an ideal backdrop for celebrating life’s most special moments. The attention to detail in their food and setting ensures that you enjoy a true fine dining experience.
Here, they serve contemporary North American dishes, all made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. Their approach to plating is an art form, making every dish as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Their braised lamb shank, served on a bed of Mediterranean rice and a side of seasonal veggies, is a must-try. Even though they don’t have a lot of seafood dishes, they’ve got some phenomenal items like lobster ravioli and chowder.
| Pro Tip: They have a seasonal rooftop patio. If you want a romantic dinner under the starry sky, book a table in advance. |
6. The Barrington Steakhouse
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Website: http://www.barringtonsteakhouse.ca/
Location: 1662 Barrington St
Phone: +19024075001
Opening hours:
Mon-Wed, 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Thu-Fri, 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Sat, 4 PM to 10 PM
Sun, 4 PM to 9:30 PM
Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or simply craving a night of indulgence, The Barrington Steakhouse is the perfect place to elevate your evening.
With its dark wood accents, plush seating, and soft, ambient lighting, the restaurant exudes timeless elegance, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for a romantic date or an upscale night out.
Known for its premium quality melt-in-your-mouth steaks, this spot is a haven for meat lovers. But don’t let the steak steal all the attention—The Barrington’s menu also features fresh Atlantic seafood, which are also worth a try.
| Pro Tip: If you’re hoping for some live music to set the mood, come by on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. A local musician will play on the piano while you enjoy your meal. |
7. The Bicycle Thief
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Website: http://bicyclethief.ca/
Location: 1475 Lower Water Street
Phone: +19024257993
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Situated right by the waterfront, The Bicycle Thief has stunning views, exceptional vibes, and delicious food. You can indulge in well-loved North American dishes with a little bit of Italian flair.
They have one of the best patios in Halifax, which is open year-round and keeps the magic alive even in winter. During these cold nights, you can cozy up by a crackling fire, enjoy fondue, or maybe roast some marshmallows before indulging in a proper meal.
Here, the seafood steals the spotlight. Whether it’s fresh crab and mascarpone tucked into delicate pasta or spaghettini tossed with baby clams and crispy pancetta, every bite brings the sea to your table in the most delicious way possible.
| Pro Tip: Grab a spot on the patio, right by the waterfront, for a more relaxed vibe. Make a reservation in advance to secure a table on your special night out. |
8. Drift
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Website: 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
Located in Queen’s Marque, Drift is known for its contemporary yet approachable take on Nova Scotian cuisine. Inspired by the natural bounty of the land and sea, its menu features the very best the region has to offer.
Seafood is the highlight of their menu. From halibut pies to snow crab, you can get simple, hearty plates that are packed with flavor.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious dining room, Drift is a great spot for romantic dinners and celebratory meals. The blend of elegance and comfort makes this restaurant feel fancy, but never stuffy, striking just the right balance for fine dining.
| Pro Tip: Paid parking is available at the Queen’s Marque Parkade near Lower Water Street. There are also parking lots north and south of this waterfront neighborhood. |
