Charlotte CampbellLet me tell you about the epic quest my family and I embarked on recently: finding the best family-friendly restaurants in Halifax. Spoiler alert—it was a delicious adventure, and it’s safe to say my belt felt a little tighter by the end!
We discovered places where kids happily enjoy their favorite meals, parents get to savor something other than chicken nuggets, and everyone leaves with full bellies and great memories.
Sounds like a dream, right? Buckle up because I’m about to spill the beans (and maybe a bit of spaghetti sauce) on our top spots where kids and grown-ups can dine like royalty.
The Wooden Monkey
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Website: https://www.thewoodenmonkey.ca/
Address: 1707 Grafton St
Contact details: +1 902-444-3844
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Lamb Ravioli
The Wooden Monkey serves healthy and tasty food. We’ve been here with my family, and it’s clear they care about what goes into every dish.
One time, we tried their free-range chicken burger, and it’s still on my mind. The chicken was super juicy, with a crunch on the outside, and the sweet potato fries were just the right amount of crispy.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat, but you know it’s good for you too. Plus, the place has a cozy vibe that’s welcoming for both kids and adults.
For kids, they’ve got a menu that’s both fun and wholesome, which is a win-win. They haven’t forgotten the adults either, with a nice selection of local beers and wines.
| Pro tip: Check out their daily special board. The Wooden Monkey loves to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients, and their specials are where you’ll find the chef’s creativity at its best. |
Chain Yard Kitchen
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Website: https://www.unchainedkitchen.ca/
Address: 2606 Agricola St
Contact details: +1 902-407-2244
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday, & Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday & Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Sun Dried Tomato Baked Brie
If you’re hunting for a spot that balances good vibes with even better food, you can never go wrong with Chain Yark Kitchen. The place does a fantastic job of blending diverse flavors from around the world with that comforting, homey taste everyone loves.
One dish that completely blew us away was their poutine. It’s a heap of crispy fries smothered in rich, savory gravy and topped with melt-in-your-mouth cheese curds.
It’s the ideal mix of crunchy and gooey, and both the kids and adults in our group couldn’t get enough of it. If you’re visiting when the weather’s nice, their seasonal patio is a great spot to enjoy your food.
For those nights when staying in sounds better, Chain Yard Kitchen offers takeout and delivery through Uber Eats—we’ve taken advantage of this more than a few times! Their flexible hours mean you can easily fit a visit into your busy schedule.
| Pro tip: Chain Yard is also a cider house, so they offer a fantastic range of house-made ciders that pair perfectly with their menu items. Ask the staff for pairing recommendations—they love to help guests discover new favorite combinations. |
Easy Street Diner
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Website: https://www.easystreetdiner.ca/
Address: 3625 Dutch Village Rd
Contact details: +1 902-405-2022
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Smoked Tofu Sandwich
Easy Street Diner has a bright and airy space that immediately makes you feel at home, welcoming families with kids and even the pickiest of eaters.
The menu is packed with classic diner favorites, but we were seriously impressed by their variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. We couldn’t resist trying their mac and cheese, and it didn’t disappoint.
It was creamy and cheesy—a total comfort food dream. We recommend washing it down with freshly brewed Java Blend coffee or choosing from their selection of local beers and ciders for a complete meal experience.
| Pro tip: Join their loyalty program that rewards frequent visits with discounts and freebies. |
Bluenose II Restaurant
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Website: https://bluenoseii.ca/menu/
Address: 1824 Hollis St
Contact details: +1 902-425-5092
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Steamed Pei Mussels
Bluenose II Restaurant’s menu features an impressive mix of Mediterranean inspirations and classic comfort food, all prepared using local ingredients. We couldn’t resist trying a bit of everything.
The seared scallops were tender and sweet, while the grilled octopus had a perfect char that enhanced its subtle ocean brine.
However, the true highlight of our visit was the Bluenose Burger—two juicy beef patties topped with cheddar, crispy bacon, fried onion, lettuce, and tomato. With each bite, we got a satisfying mix of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors.
| Pro tip: Ask for the daily catch. Bluenose II is known for its fresh seafood dishes, and they often feature a daily catch based on what’s freshest and best from the local waters. |
2 Doors Down Food & Wine
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Website: http://www.go2doorsdown.com/
Address: 1533 Barrington St
Contact details: +1 902-422-4224
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Cheeseboard Toastie
When we walked into 2 Doors Down Food & Wine for a family dinner, it instantly felt like the spot for a relaxed night out. The atmosphere was inviting, and the staff couldn’t have been more attentive, making us feel welcome as soon as we stepped inside.
Their menu is all about celebrating fresh, local ingredients, and it shows in every dish. We decided to sample a variety of items, but the standout was the Ale-Battered Fish and Chips.
The fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with a zesty tartar sauce that tied it all together. It’s a dish that truly captured the essence of Atlantic seafood and left us craving more.
Another highlight of our visit was the seasonal specials. Their chefs are passionate about utilizing the freshest ingredients, creating dishes that showcase local flavors and culinary creativity.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip the dessert menu. This place is renowned for its decadent desserts which make them the best way to end your meal. |
The Garden Retreat, Food Bar & Lounge
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Website: https://gardenhalifax.com/
Address: 1446 Queen St
Contact details: +1 902-830-9341
Operating hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Roasted Beef and Goat Cheese Salad
I took my family to The Garden Retreat, Food Bar & Lounge for dinner one evening, and we were all blown away by the atmosphere and the food. The menu offers a delightful mix of Halifax’s best flavors, all with a creative international twist.
We couldn’t resist trying the Brown Rice Risotto Primavera, which exceeded our expectations. It was a delicious medley featuring Ted Hutten’s fresh vegetables, grilled spiced halloumi cheese, a creamy roasted garlic sauce, and crunchy pumpkin seeds.
To complement our meal, we selected a wine called Rose, which proved to be an awesome pairing and an absolute treat, rounding off our dining experience.
| Pro tip: One of the unique features of The Garden Retreat is its communal swing seating. It’s not just an Instagram-worthy spot but also a fun way to dine and interact with others. |
The Stubborn Goat Gastropub
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Website: https://www.stubborngoat.ca
Address: 1580 Argyle St
Contact details: +1 902-405-4554
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday & Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Goat Poutine
The Stubborn Goat Gastropub has become a favorite for its elevated comfort food made from local, seasonal ingredients. We’ve visited this place several times, and each visit has been a delightful experience.
The highlight of the menu for us has to be their famous mac n’ cheese and thin-crust pizzas. The Spicy Butter Chicken Pizza is an absolute must-try; it’s a combination of spicy, savory flavors, and a crispy crust that makes it even better.
It’s best to pair your meal with one of Nova Scotia’s latest craft beers on tap or a seasonally inspired cocktail, and you’re in for a treat.
| Pro tip: Every Thursday evening, The Stubborn Goat hosts a lively trivia night that’s a hit with locals. It’s not only a fun way to test your knowledge and spark some friendly competition but also an excellent opportunity to win some great prizes. |
Ragazzi Restobar
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Website: https://www.ragazzirestobar.ca/menu
Address: 5187 Salter St
Contact details: +1 902-444-1199
Operating hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Nonna’s Handmade Focaccia
Ragazzi Restobar is a favorite for us whenever we’re in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine. Having dined here multiple times, their menu offers a delightful journey through Italian classics.
My recommendations? Begin with their mouth-watering antipasti or garden-fresh salad. You cannot miss their signature Spaghetti Carbonara—it’s incredibly creamy and rich, with just the right flavors that will leave you craving more.
And if you’re someone with a sweet tooth like me, the Dolce selection is a treasure trove. I particularly recommend their decadent Tiramisu.
| Pro tip: Sit at the chef’s table. This spot offers an incredible opportunity to see the skilled chefs in action as they craft your meal with meticulous attention to detail. |
Jim’s Family Restaurant
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Website: https://www.jimsfamilyrestaurant.ca/
Address: 243 Bedford Hwy
Contact details: +1 902-443-6112
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Jim’s Ultimate Wings
Jim’s is all about hearty meals served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff here treat you like family, making every visit a pleasant experience.
If you’re in the mood for comfort food, this is the place. Their menu is packed with everything from all-day breakfast to tempting weekly specials.
One dish you absolutely have to try is the classic pancake breakfast. The pancakes are fluffy, golden, and slightly crisp on the edges, paired with a side of crispy bacon. The balance of textures and flavors is spot on.
To top it off, you can have your eggs cooked exactly the way you love them, ensuring a meal that’s tailored just for you.
| Pro tip: While Jim’s is known for its hearty meals, their homemade desserts are the real hidden gems. Be sure to leave some room after your main course to indulge in treats like their apple pie or chocolate cake. |
