Four Unique Food Experiences in Halifax

Eat & Drink

Guest Writer: David Anderson and Skylar MacDonald – better known as @daveyandsky – share their passion for an adventure lifestyle with others. They are an outdoorsy couple who provide honest, fun and bright insight to their followers about their adventurous lives through photography and videography.

We love Halifax. As former Haligonians, rediscovering the city each time we visit is always so much fun and we usually leave with more businesses on our radar to visit next time than we did going in. From new shops, breweries, or trendy restaurants, there is always something new and exciting popping up! Our recent trip to the city was extra special because we checked out 4 well-known Halifax businesses that have created new unique experiences for food and beverage lovers to enjoy. Fresh, local, and filled with Nova Scotia charm, if you’re ready to have your tummy rumble then read on…

CABINAS ESTERNA at THE BICYCLE THIEF, 1475 Lower Water Street

Located at Bishops Landing along the Halifax Waterfront, the Bicycle Thief is a welcoming and lively spot that offers North American food with an Italian Soul. Love trying delectable pasta dishes? This spot is for you. Their year-round patio means you can sip cocktails all summer and cuddle into furs while sipping more cocktails at their Fire and Ice bar all winter. This season they also added a new exciting feature to their offered dining experiences – a Cabina Esterna. Possibly Halifax’s most popular new outdoor dining spot, these fully enclosed see-through cabins are heated, ventilated, and oh so cozy. Imagine dining on a delicious meal with friends while the snow or rain falls around you. #Dreamy! As the warmer months approach they will be taking the Cabinas down to reopen their summer patio, however, if you don’t get to experience them this spring, then it is 100% something to add to your list for future chilly months ahead. Insider tip: book next winter during Evergreen Festival for an extra dose of magic.

Available for a booking of 4 for lunch and dinner

Cabinas Esterna at The Bicycle Thief (photo by @daveyandsky)

2. POMMELIER PAIRED TASTING at CHAIN YARD URBAN CIDERY, 2606 Agricola Street

So, you’ve heard of a Sommelier (wine expert), but have you ever heard of a Pommelier (cider expert)? Possibly not, because there are only two in all of Canada!! One of those two and the only one in Atlantic Canada is Nick McDow – who is also the general manager at Agricola Street’s Chain Yard Cider. This year they have added a new (and very popular) Halifax experience to the scene.. a one of a kind Hand Picked: Pommelier Paired Tasting. If you love cider and would love to learn more about cider, or even just enjoy a fun afternoon out, then this experience is for you. Jumping into cider 101, you get to sample five unique Chain Yard products paired with carefully selected local flavours. Nick will walk you through the tasting concepts like aroma, flavour, residual sweetness, and structure, pairing it with an item on the tasting board for each cider. This experience is a blast. Perfect for a date idea or group of friends. Even if you know nothing about cider beforehand, you will leave with a new appreciation for this growingly popular Nova Scotian beverage.

• Price: $49.00/ per person, plus HST

• Select Saturdays from 3 pm-4 pm

• Bookings must be for 2-10 people.

Chain Yard Urban Cidery (photo by James Ingram)

3. SNOW GLOBE DINING at CUT STEAKHOUSE & SHUCK SEAFOOD + RAW BAR, 5120 Salter Street

Dine where luxury meets leisure on Salter Street in Downtown Halifax. This experience features two incredible restaurants: CUT Steakhouse and Shuck Seafood + Raw Bar, inside a beautiful new “Snow Globe” setting. Known for their gorgeous outdoor patio seating all summer long this winter they introduced a new outdoor dining feature that had everyone in the city oohing and ahhing. This beautiful dome surrounded by fairy lights is heated, has blankets, music, and a cozy atmosphere that will feel oh so magical even if snow or rain is falling outside. Enjoy an entire night out on the patio with your bubble – in a bubble! Choose between a CUT menu or Shuck menu. Sit back and enjoy the ambiance as servers take you through the meal courses, help pair with the perfect wine/beverage selections, and set the table picture perfect each time. Expressing how incredible their food makes the dome smell or just how delicious it all was simply isn’t possible with words.. which means you’re going to have to enjoy it for yourself to truly understand the beauty of this experience.

• Available for groups of 6-10

• Dietary specific meals available if notified in advance

Snow Globe Dining at CUT Steakhouse (photo by @daveyandsky)

4. RAISE YOUR SPIRITS TOUR & TASTING at HALIFAX CITADEL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, 5425 Sackville Street

Seeing Citadel Hill and walking around it is always such a treat when in Halifax. If you haven’t viewed inside the National Historic Site yet, then you must add it to your list asap. Recently, they have a new tour being offered! Partnered with Compass Distillers, the Halifax Citadel Society is taking guests on an inside look at how alcohol was used in the British Military and the historic tales surrounding alcohol at this incredible location. With a 78th Highlander as your guide, take in stunning views of Halifax, see inside Compass Distillers’ onsite barrelling room, and experience a guided tasting of three unique spirits made exclusively for the Halifax Citadel Society – paired with delicious artisanal meats and cheeses from local shop Ratinaud. This is such a unique and exclusive experience! Great for couples, friends, family, and available all winter/spring long. Tastings include Noon Gun Gin, Fort George Genever, and Daily Ration Rum.

• 75-minute evening experience

• Price: $75.00 + HST

• Space is limited to a maximum of 12 people per group.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (photo by James Ingram)

Other great foodie spots in the city that we have recently loved:

Seaport Social at The Westin Nova Scotian – Newly opened and located in the Westin lobby, this is a great spot to grab drinks, breakfast, or a delicious meal.
2 Crows Brewing – Grab a pint or try a flight. This brewery offers lots of unique beers to sip on indoors, on their patio, or take home with you. Dog friendly.
Pickford & Black – Located in the Historic Properties, this picture-perfect setting on the waterfront is a great spot for craft beer, brunch, waterside patio sitting, or a fresh locally sourced meal. We were told their Ceasar Flight Deck is a must-try!
Chop Steakhouse – Located in the Sutton Place Hotel, we enjoyed their Halifax Dine Around Menu. The food and atmosphere were great!
Hop Scotch Dinner Club – One of the best brunches we have ever had. Stephanie Ogilvie, one of the owners and chef was actually a finalist in Top Chef Canada and has created some amazing menu options.
Gahan House Nova Centre – Formerly on the waterfront, this new location in Halifax’s Nova Centre offers the same great food and craft beer we all love but in an even more gorgeous central to the downtown setting.

About our Guest Writer:

David Anderson and Skylar MacDonald (www.daveyandsky) live in Whycocomaugh, NS. David is originally from Scotland, Skylar from Cape Breton Island, and they met in the middle of an ice storm in Halifax, where they bonded over their love for the outdoors, travel, and photography.