Written by Jenna McConnell

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

Summer vacation brings students an opportunity to finally relax and enjoy some much-deserved downtime after a stressful exam season. Downtown Halifax comes alive every weekend with live music, lights, and laughter as students, locals and tourists alike venture out in search of a good time. There are endless activities that one can try, but we can all agree that summer would not be complete without some good food! Halifax is a hotspot for good eats, whether it be small cafes or fine dining. The streets are lined with appealing sights and smells, making it slightly overwhelming when planning an outing to choose where to go. The city is packed to the brim with a variety of options from cuisines all around the world, making it hard to know where even to begin to look. Listed below are just a few restaurants in the downtown area to begin your search and potentially discover a new favourite!

Krave Burger (5680 Spring Garden Road)

Krave Burger is the spot for a quick bite in between classes. Located in the heart of Halifax on Spring Garden Road, it is easily accessible to everyone on campus. There you will find delicious, 100% pure angus beef burgers fresh off the grill, as well as sandwiches, salads, and more! Gluten-free options are available, which the staff are very accommodating and safe about. It is a very affordable option, with most items on the menu being less than $20. With a friendly atmosphere, what’s not to like?

Masala Delight (5361 Inglis Street)

If you’re looking for good Indian food, look no further than Masala Delight. Located right down the road from SMU on Inglis Street, it is highly convenient for those in residence or the nearby Halifax area. They offer a variety of dishes, from samosas, curry and steamed rice, as well as many vegetarian options. The prices are reasonable, with the most expensive items only costing $15-20.

Snappy Tomato (1283 Barrington Street)

One thing that Halifax is known very well for is pizza! There are pizza joints all over the city, and they offer a variety of tastes and styles. One that has raving reviews is the Snappy Tomato on Barrington Street. They offer pizza—of course—but if you’d like something different, they have other options like quesadillas, donairs, burgers and wraps. The fair price range makes this the perfect place for some pizza parties!

The Wooden Monkey (1707 Grafton Street)

The Wooden Monkey is all about the environment! Their food has been locally grown and sourced sustainably since 2003. Located right near the Scotiabank Centre on Grafton Street, vegan and gluten-free options are available. They offer soup and salads and a menu for special three-course meals. The price range is around $15-25 for most items. While it is a bit more on the fancy side, it is worth the visit for a tasty, as well as healthy option.

Gahan House Nova Centre (5239 Sackville Street)

Gahan House is the perfect destination for a romantic date night or a night out with friends! Opening in 2014, this beautiful restaurant on Sackville Street has everything you could want. With a brunch menu, as well as a main menu that includes pasta, burgers, and seafood, there is something for everyone’s unique taste. There is also an open bar with delicious cocktails and other drinks. With a price range of $15-30, they also offer to-go services if you cannot go in person.

Salty’s (1877 Upper Water Street)

You can’t come to Halifax without trying some seafood! The Halifax waterfront is a great start for finding great fish, with nowhere better than Salty’s. Located on Upper Water Street, it is one of the more high-end places in the area, with meals costing in the $20-30 range. Customers can either go to the upstairs or downstairs sections of the restaurant, each with their own menu. With bacon-wrapped scallops to die for, shrimp and seafood pasta, you can easily get a great taste of Nova Scotia.

Now, how about some desserts? While quite a few of the options listed above have dedicated dessert menus, there are also beautiful choices of spots around the city that are simply for sweets! Whether you’re craving some cold ice cream, a warm pastry, or a healthy smoothie, Halifax has you covered.

Sugar Marmalade (1452 Brenton Street)

Sugar Marmalade gives a unique twist to desserts. Established in 2010, they offer a view into Cantonese delicacies, with puddings, mille-feuille, custards and pancakes. They also have favourites such as cheesecakes and parfaits! They provide milk teas and other delicious drinks to go along with the treats. It is located on Brenton Street and is a very short bus ride from SMU. It is a great experience to try out with friends!

Simply Put (1474 Lower Water Street)

Newly opened, Simply Put on Lower Water Street is a stylish café and bakery. Various delicious goods are available, with muffins, brownies and croissants. They also offer breakfast, sandwiches, and salads if you are looking for a light meal. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and prices range from approximately $5-25, depending on the item. With coffee, cappuccinos, and teas additionally on the menu, it is a versatile place for many occasions.

The Fog Company (1709 Lower Water Street)

Who doesn’t love ice cream? The Fog Company is another new addition to the Halifax Waterfront, and has been an instant hit. Their unique and fluffy “fog cones” are a fun new take on a summer classic and are available in a variety of flavours. There are also cookies and doughnuts, so there is something for everyone! The price range seems to average at around $5-10, making it a must-visit.

There is truly never a wrong choice when picking a restaurant in Halifax. There is every type of food you could imagine, and all are good quality. Whether on or outside this list, there is a fantastic eatery for every taste and every budget. For any occasion, you can take advantage of these final weeks of summer and enjoy a good meal in the heart of our beautiful city.

Halifax: A Foodie’s Paradise