Matthew TremblayA couple of years back, my Toronto pals invaded Halifax in search of some fresh kicks. Naturally, I paraded them around to the top brunch joints.
And let me tell you, they were in for a shocker—Halifax doesn’t mess around when it comes to brunch!
Every place we hit up was packed tighter than a sardine can, with lines stretching longer than ants at a picnic. But I dug deep into my treasure trove of brunch wisdom and finally found a spot so cool and under the radar — even the tourist guides haven’t heard of it!
Now, being the benevolent brunch guru that I am, I’ve decided to share my wisdom with everyone. So get ready and read one because I’m about to spill the beans on the best-kept secrets when it comes to having brunch in Halifax!
- 1. Almonak
- 2. Bliss Caffeine Bar
- 3. The Canteen on Portland
- 4. Café Lunette
- 5. Black Sheep Restaurant
- 6. Cheeky Neighbour Diner
- 7. Bar Sofia
- 8. Hali Deli
- 9. Ardmore Tea Room
- 10. Lot Six
- 11. Upstreet BBQ Brewhouse
- 12. Pickford & Black
- 13. Pur & Simple
- 14. Edna Restaurant
- 15. Mic Mac Bar and Grill
- 16. Robie Street Station
- 17. Elle’s Bistro
- 18. Le Bistro by Liz
1. Almonak
Website: http://www.almonak.com/
Address: 5659 Almon St
Phone: +1 902-450-2959
Hours:
- Closed on Tuesday Closed
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 9:30 AM–2 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9:30 AM–3 PM
Almonak knows how to make brunch an event. From their iconic eggs benny to fried chicken French toast, the menu could make even the most stoic bruncher swoon!
Craft mimosa flights and boozy milkshakes are here to ensure no brunch goes unliquored. If you’re into espresso-based drinks, whether iced or steaming hot, this spot is a caffeine junkie’s paradise.
| Pro Tip: Indoor seating, patio lounging, and the option for takeout or delivery means your brunch plans are flexible, even if you’re not! |
2. Bliss Caffeine Bar
Website: https://blisscaffeinebar.com/
Address: 1451 South Park St
Phone: +1 902-407-3500
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8 AM–4 PM
Bliss Caffeine Bar isn’t just about the coffee, although that’s definitely a highlight. Smoothie bowls and breakfast tacos? Yes, please!
This airy café doubles as a pastry haven, so there’s no shame in “just one more croissant.” Handcrafted cocktails and a full coffee menu might make this your go-to brunch destination!
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a seat and a fresh pastry (we’re Danish fans) before they sell out! |
3. The Canteen on Portland
Website: https://www.thecanteen.ca/
Address: 22 Portland St
Phone: +1 902-425-9272
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Monday
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM
The Canteen on Portland offers a Saturday brunch that could convert the most devout cereal eater. With locally sourced ingredients, their menu ranges from the “Crobster” roll to a weekly French toast special that would make any dietician cry.
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the French toast of the week—the combinations are always surprising and delightful! |
4. Café Lunette
Website: https://www.cafelunette.com/
Address: 1741 Lower Water St #160
Phone: +1 902-334-1300
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 7 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–10 PM
Café Lunette offers a slice of Paris right in Halifax. Crepes, galettes, and parfaits dominate the menu, ensuring everyone leaves feeling a bit more cultured!
The ambiance screams romance, perfect for those who like a side of charm with their eggs.
| Pro Tip: Visit after 11 to enjoy the full brunch menu at its finest. |
5. Black Sheep Restaurant
Website: http://www.blacksheephalifax.com/
Address: 1496 Lower Water St BH-204
Phone: +1 902-429-6491
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM–10 PM
Black Sheep Restaurant takes brunch to a new level with dishes like mushroom gnocchi and the Brisket Benny. Co-owners Dave and John know how to keep brunchers coming back for more.
A wide range of brunch cocktails ensures the conversation stays lively if a bit slurred. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
| Pro Tip: Try the Long Thyme No Sea cocktail for a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with your meal. |
6. Cheeky Neighbour Diner
Website: https://cheekyneighbour.com/
Address: 6024 Quinpool Rd
Phone: +1 902-474-4152
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–3 PM
Cheeky Neighbour Diner sets the standard for brunch with its playful menu of diner classics with a twist. Belgian waffles with whipped cream and maple syrup or rotating flavors of French toast—it’s like they want you to ruin your diet!
They’re perfect for treating the kids to something sweet or bribing them to behave for five minutes.
| Pro Tip: Chicken and waffles has been the top dish since day one—order it and thank us later. |
7. Bar Sofia
Website: http://barsofia.ca/
Address: 1709 Lower Water St #104
Phone: +1 902-334-1010
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM–2 AM
Bar Sofia spices up your weekend brunch with a Latin-inspired menu that’s as mindblowing as it is delicious. From haskap berry and chia seed pudding to birria tacos, every bite feels like a fiesta in your mouth.
| Pro Tip: Try the churros—who doesn’t love a good fried dough? |
8. Hali Deli
Website: http://www.halideli.com/
Address: 2389 Agricola St
Phone: +1 902-406-2500
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM–3 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM–3 PM
Hali Deli is where you go when you want a traditional deli breakfast that makes you feel like a local. The iconic lox and bagel platters, famous eggs benny, and a smoked meat sandwich could solve world hunger, or at least your hunger!
The family-owned vibe means you’ll leave feeling full and oddly sentimental. You might even want to give Nana a call.
| Pro Tip: If you’re not into smoked meat, then go for their salmon cakes and even Victor’s Big Breakfast. |
9. Ardmore Tea Room
Website: http://www.ardmoretearoom.ca/
Address: 6499 Quinpool Rd
Phone: +1 902-423-7523
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–2 PM
Ardmore Tea Room is the low-fuss diner that’s been a local favorite for years. Here, you’ve got old-fashioned decor, the smell of sizzling bacon, and milkshakes that keep coming!
Delicious, unpretentious, and cheap—this place knows how to do diner food right.
| Pro Tip: Get there early for the best booth (we’re fans of the far-end spot) and your fave milkshake (we like ours berry-based) before the lunch rush hits. |
10. Lot Six
Website: http://www.lotsix.ca/
Address: 1685 Argyle St
Phone: +1 902-428-7428
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Thursday: 4–11 PM
- Friday: 4 PM–1 AM
- Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM–11 PM
Lot Six is the brunch spot for those who like their mimosas bottomless and their food aesthetically pleasing. Their Caramel Banana French Toast and Avocado Croissant are just the start of your brunchfest!
The stunning atrium with its bright lighting and greenery is perfect for capturing those IG-worthy moments.
| Pro Tip: The $25 bottomless mimosa deal is a game-changer—pace yourself and enjoy the buzz. |
11. Upstreet BBQ Brewhouse
Website: https://upstreetbbqbrewhouse.com/
Address: 612 Windmill Rd
Phone: +1 902-407-4344
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
Upstreet BBQ doesn’t just do BBQ; it does brunch with a southern twist. The Brewhouse Breakfast Poutine topped with crispy pork belly bites and the BBQ Sausage & Brisket Hash are a meat lover’s dream.
Can’t decide? Get a brunch board and sample everything without shame!
| Pro Tip: The Brisket Cheddar Tater Tots are a must-try. Just order extra—you won’t regret it! |
12. Pickford & Black
Website: http://pickfordblack.com/
Address: 1869 Upper Water St
Phone: +1 902-406-3474
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM–9 PM
Pickford & Black offers picturesque harbor views paired with a mimosa or Caesar. Weekend brunch here features delightful dishes like Boardwalk Bennys and Cinnamon Roll Waffles.
| Pro Tip: Caesar lovers, rejoice! Their Caesar flight lets you sample all four tangy recipes without having to commit to just one. |
13. Pur & Simple
Website: https://pursimple.com/halifax/
Address: 6140 Young St
Phone: +1 902-453-8888
Hours:
- Open daily from 7 AM–3 PM
Pur & Simple is the chain spot where you can pig out at any of their six convenient locations. The huge menu includes specialty waffles, crepes, egg sandwiches, fresh juices, and smoothies.
Gluten-sensitive options mean everyone can find something to love—even if it’s just a picky eater without any food issues!
| Pro Tip: The specialty waffles are a highlight—get one and pretend it’s a balanced meal. |
14. Edna Restaurant
Website: http://ednarestaurant.com/
Address: 2053 Gottingen St
Phone: +1 902-429-2550
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM
- Saturday: 5–10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM
Edna Restaurant attracts weekend queues for a good reason. “Sweet and Salty” hits the spot with ricotta pancakes, bacon, sausage, an egg, and maple butter!
Duck confit hash with sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and sunny-side-up eggs ensures your brunch is truly memorable. That is, until the next brunch!
| Pro Tip: Vegans aren’t left out—try their tofu version of shakshuka! |
15. Mic Mac Bar and Grill
Website: https://micmacbarandgrill.com/
Address: Mic Mac Place, 219 Waverley Rd
Phone: +1 902-434-7600
Hours:
- Monday: 4–9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10 AM–9 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–9:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–9:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–9 PM
Mic Mac Bar and Grill is the best family-owned tavern that’s unpretentious and down to earth. The menu includes pan-fried bologna and the “Big Hungry” Breakfast with steak, bacon, ham, sausage, eggs, home fries, and toast.
Traditionalist brunch fans will be satisfied without needing to fancy things up. Well, unless they want to.
| Pro Tip: Ask about the weekend brunch specials—you might discover a new favorite. |
16. Robie Street Station
Website: http://robiestreetstation.com/
Address: 2394 Robie St
Phone: +1 902-423-2524
Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday, Sunday: 8 AM–2 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 8 AM–3 PM
Ah, Robie Street Station, where funky decor meets imaginative brunch items! The all-day brunch menu features highlights like the Turkish-inspired cilbir and the rösti potato pancake with smoked salmon.
Protein-packed and flavorful, it’s a spot that keeps things interesting.
| Pro Tip: The Remedy is a must-try—your taste buds will thank you for the adventure. |
17. Elle’s Bistro
Website: https://www.ellesbistro.com/
Address: 1678 Barrington St
Phone: +1 902-446-3775
Hours:
- Monday: 8 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 8 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
Elle’s Bistro keeps it simple and wallet-friendly, which is perfect if you’re brunching on a budget. Sixteen kinds of eggs benedict should keep anyone happy unless you’re planning to eat them all!
The Hungry Hippo offers a mountain of bacon, sausages, ham, eggs, toast, and home fries for a modest price. This spot is perfect for those who need to fuel up before tackling the historic Halifax Citadel.
| Pro Tip: The steak and eggs for only $12 is a steal—order it and laugh all the way to the bank! |
18. Le Bistro by Liz
Website: http://lebistrohalifax.com/
Address: 1333 South Park St
Phone: +1 902-423-8428
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12–8 PM
- Friday: 12–10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
At Le Bistro by Liz, Liz Ingram-Chambers brings a touch of old-world French charm to Halifax. There are Parisian-inspired favorites like savory crepes and Angus Beef burgers, all enjoyed in a relaxed bistro atmosphere!
| Pro Tip: Catch the free live music for added ambiance during your dining experience. |
