Hanging out with friends in a cozy bar with a table full of tapas and our favorite boozy drinks is one of the simple joys of a Saturday night. It’s a social tradition quintessential to Spanish culture, but luckily, Halifax offers its own slice of this vibrant experience.
While there aren’t many restaurants in town dedicated solely to Spanish cuisine, you’ll still find spots serving authentic dishes. Whether you’re looking for small plates, a hefty meal, or a sweet treat, I know some amazing places that truly deliver.
Below, I rounded up the best Spanish restaurants in Halifax serving mouthwatering plates, refreshing drinks, and unforgettable vibes.
1. Los Toros
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Website: https://lostoros.ca/
Location: 5075 George St
Operating hours: Daily, 11 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +19024061415
Must-have: Paella Marinera
Located along the Halifax harbor, Los Toros is one of a few restaurants that serves authentic Spanish cuisine. It’s the perfect spot for brunch because they have a spacious patio with a great view of the sea.
Their Paella is a staple on both the brunch and dinner menus, with different variations. My favorite is the Paella Marinera, made with rice, saffron, green peas, fish, calamari, mussels, and shrimp.
But if you want a more luxurious paella, go for the Atlantica. Instead of fish, it has a huge piece of lobster, served alongside mussels, calamari, and of course, rice with a generous amount of spice and herbs.
To add a refreshing contrast to this savory dish, order the Organica Variada, a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted peppers, and more.
Pro Tip: If you’re ordering paella, pair it with a fruity rosé or a light to medium-bodied red wine. You have incredible options on their liquor menu. |
2. Highwayman Restaurant and Bar
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Website: http://www.highwaymanhfx.com/
Location: 1673 Barrington St
Operating hours: Monday-Saturday, 4 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +19024075260
Must-have: Mussels and Chorizo
The Highwayman serves Spanish-style dishes and cocktails in a cozy, 40-seat restaurant. They elevate traditional flavors to bring you an ever-evolving menu, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
I love their seafood dishes, but I always keep coming back for the Mussels and Chorizo, which they serve with a baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s cooked in a tomato, red pepper-based broth with fennel and other herbs.
What makes this spot stand out is its cured meat and cheese options. You can get everything from Jamon Serrano and Chorizo to Salchichon here, perfect for late-night drinks.
Of course, they also have an impressive booze selection, which includes gin and tonics, wine, beer, and cocktails.
Pro Tip: Stop by during happy hour from 4 PM to 5 PM daily. They offer small plates and cocktails for a more affordable price. |
3. Matadora Tapas Bar
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Website: https://matadorahfx.ca/
Location: 1341 Lower Water St Unit 125
Operating hours: Daily, 4 PM to Late Hours
Phone: +19024210147
Must-have: Signature Tapa
Matadora Tapas Bar serves elevated dishes with traditional flavors in a colorful, lively restaurant. As you might have guessed, they’re known for their Signature Tapas, which are small plates typically paired with beer, sherry, or wine.
Their tapas come in different variations. From the Tortillas de Patatas, a traditional Spanish omelet with confit potatoes and caramelized onions, to the Gambas al Ajillo, a shrimp dish cooked in sherry and olive oil.
They’re also known for their shareable plates. Although there are a few options to choose from, the Lobster Paella is a must-try because of its rich, decadent flavor and fresh seafood.
What I like about this spot is that they’ve got an exclusive selection of Spanish wines, sherry, and vermouth, stored in a floor-to-ceiling cellar. They also have 30 types of wine, which you can order by the glass, perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions.
Pro Tip: Save some room for dessert! They’ve got everything from churros with dark chocolate sauce and crema catalana (creme brulee) to blood orange sorbet. |
4. Bar Sophia
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Website: http://barsofia.ca/
Location: 1709 Lower Water St #104
Operating hours:
Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 AM to 12 AM
Friday-Saturday, 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Phone: +19023341010
Must-have: Churros
Nestled in the Queen’s Marque facing the district’s center, Bar Sophia is a Latin restaurant with a strong Spanish flair. With its lively music and vibrant atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to savor dynamic flavors and soak in the district’s energetic vibe.
They have savory dishes like Cassava Chicharron and Seared Sardines Escabeche. They also serve craft cocktails, Spanish wines, and local brews, which are carefully curated to complement their menu’s finest items.
If you have a sweet tooth, dessert is a must. I can’t get enough of their churros, especially with dulce de leche or spiced dark chocolate dip.
You can also indulge in a more traditional dessert called arroz con leche. It’s a creamy rice pudding topped with tropical fruits, providing a satisfying sweet end to your delicious meal.
Pro Tip: You can park your car in the Queen’s Marque Parkade. You’ll find other spots on the north and south end of this waterfront district, as well as Lower Water St. |
5. The Empanada Shop
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Website: https://theempanadashop.com/
Location: 1709 Lower Water St #104
Operating hours:
Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM to 6 PM
Friday, 11 AM to 7 PM
Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +19023341010
Must-have: Chicken Empanada
The Empanada Shop is a Chilean restaurant bringing a taste of Spain to Halifax with a menu brimming with classic dishes.
As the name suggests, empanadas steal the spotlight here. These golden, flaky pastries come stuffed with hearty fillings like chicken, beef, corn, or vegetables.
But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. Aside from their hearty empanadas, they have alfajores, a traditional treat made of two shortbread cookies with dulce de leche filling.
They also have good arroz con leche. This creamy, sweet rice pudding has hints of vanilla and a generous dusting of cinnamon.