What Food To Try in Halifax and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Halifax for 2024.
National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Halifax cafes and restaurants
$15.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.32
$75.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $52.82
$9.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $9.06
What to Try in Halifax
Must-try Dishes
Eggs Benedict - A classic breakfast dish featuring poached eggs atop English muffins, smothered in creamy hollandaise sauce. Locals often enjoy this at brunch on weekends, making it a social ritual.Lobster Roll - Fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayo and served in a soft roll, often garnished with lettuce. It's a go-to street food, and you can find it at various food trucks along the waterfront during lunchtime.
Seafood Chowder - A rich blend of fresh fish, shellfish, and cream, thickened with potatoes and served hot. You can typically warm up with this hearty dish during chilly evenings in cozy local pubs.
Donair - Spiced, slow-cooked beef wrapped in a pita, topped with sweet sauce and fresh toppings like tomatoes and onions. This Halifax specialty is often devoured late at night, especially after a night out.
Fish Cakes - Fluffy potato and flaked fish patties that are pan-fried until golden brown. You might find them served as a filling breakfast option, often paired with local mustard for dipping.
Beef Barbacoa Tacos - Tacos filled with shredded, spiced beef cooked low and slow, topped with pickled onions and cilantro. This surprising combination of flavors ties in local tastes with a twist, popular at casual lunch spots.
Moosehead Beer-Battered Fish and Chips - Crispy, flaky fish coated in a light, beer-infused batter, served with seasoned fries. Typically enjoyed in the pub scene, it’s a comforting meal that locals indulge in, especially on Fridays during Lent.
Chowder Fries - Crispy fries topped with creamy seafood chowder, a whimsical culinary innovation that highlights local ingredients. Often ordered as a sharing dish, it's a fun surprise on the appetizer menu during colder months.
Desserts & Drinks
Tea - Rind-a-liddle (bayberry tea) - A fragrant herbal tea brewed from bayberry leaves, popular for its refreshing taste. Locals often sip it during chilly winter days, enjoying it with a splash of honey for added sweetness.Beer - Alexander Keith's IPA (India Pale Ale) - A hoppy, pale ale that’s smooth and slightly fruity, brewed right in Halifax. Regularly enjoyed on cozy pub evenings, many locals prefer it on a hot summer day when the breweries host outdoor events.
Blueberry Lemonade - Ardoise (refreshing drink) - A tangy blend of fresh blueberries, lemon juice, and sparkling water, usually served cold over ice. Perfect for summer gatherings, it's often enjoyed at local festivals and markets, especially while soaking in the sun.
Sweet Pastry - Blueberry Grunt (steamed dessert) - A warm dessert made of sweet biscuit dough slathered with juicy blueberries, typically served with vanilla ice cream. It's a go-to treat during the blueberry picking season in August, often enjoyed during family gatherings or at picnics.
Ice Cream - Cow's Ice Cream (creamy delight) - Locally-made, rich ice cream known for its unique flavors like "Blueberry Bash" or "Salted Caramel Pretzel." Often savored on hot summer evenings while strolling along the waterfront, it’s not uncommon for locals to line up at the popular shop during peak tourist months.
Food and Groceries in Halifax
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.44 |
| Bananas | $1.66 |
| Oranges | $3.75 |
| Potatoes | $2.33 |
| Apples | $4.1 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.54 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.98 |
| Imported Beer | $3.32 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $15.09 |
| Milk 1L | $1.97 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.2 |
| Chicken | $12.44 |
| Cigarettes | $15.09 |
| Rice | $4.45 |
| Local Cheese | $11.69 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Amidst the daily hustle of Halifax, lunch hour transforms the streets into bustling corridors of flavor. Around 12:30 PM on weekdays, the city erupts with office workers and students flocking to cafes and food stalls. A popular choice? The waterfront area, where you can snag fresh seafood or packed-to-go meals, usually priced between $12 to $20 CAD, depending on whether you’re eyeing a gourmet food truck or a cozy diner.
Meal times here typically run on a set schedule: lunch around 12 PM to 1 PM, with dinner kicking off as early as 5 PM and lasting until 9 PM. It’s not uncommon to find places packed during these hours, so smart locals often eat a bit earlier or later to escape the rush. For instance, visiting a popular neighborhood joint at 4 PM means you’ll likely enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Dining areas vary widely in ambiance and price. The North End, known for its eclectic vibe, offers everything from budget-friendly pizza joints ($10 to $15 CAD) to pricier establishments where you might pay upwards of $30 CAD for a more elaborate meal. On the other hand, the downtown core draws a crowd looking for quick bites or takeout, often balancing a lively atmosphere with a slightly higher price tag.
When it comes to payments, cash remains common but swipe and tap options are widely accepted, making for smooth transactions. Interestingly, many locals opt for using cash to manage their budget better. Tipping norms land around 15-20% on the total bill, which is quite similar to other parts of Canada. However, one key point to note is that some restaurants include service charges on larger bills, so always check your receipt.
Oh, and before I forget, a common misstep for visitors is assuming that all restaurants take reservations. In busy spots, especially on weekends, it's wise to call ahead or check online. The same goes for food dives that might not be on your radar but have a solid local following.
With changing seasons, Halifax's dining scene adapts too—come summer, patio dining becomes a must, and prices might slightly increase for seafood due to demand. As the cooler months approach, hearty, comforting dishes gain popularity, reflecting the local preference for seasonal eating.
Keeping an eye on when to dine and where to explore will help you navigate this vibrant landscape effectively. Each corner of this city offers a taste of something unique, just waiting to be discovered.
Meal times here typically run on a set schedule: lunch around 12 PM to 1 PM, with dinner kicking off as early as 5 PM and lasting until 9 PM. It’s not uncommon to find places packed during these hours, so smart locals often eat a bit earlier or later to escape the rush. For instance, visiting a popular neighborhood joint at 4 PM means you’ll likely enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Dining areas vary widely in ambiance and price. The North End, known for its eclectic vibe, offers everything from budget-friendly pizza joints ($10 to $15 CAD) to pricier establishments where you might pay upwards of $30 CAD for a more elaborate meal. On the other hand, the downtown core draws a crowd looking for quick bites or takeout, often balancing a lively atmosphere with a slightly higher price tag.
When it comes to payments, cash remains common but swipe and tap options are widely accepted, making for smooth transactions. Interestingly, many locals opt for using cash to manage their budget better. Tipping norms land around 15-20% on the total bill, which is quite similar to other parts of Canada. However, one key point to note is that some restaurants include service charges on larger bills, so always check your receipt.
Oh, and before I forget, a common misstep for visitors is assuming that all restaurants take reservations. In busy spots, especially on weekends, it's wise to call ahead or check online. The same goes for food dives that might not be on your radar but have a solid local following.
With changing seasons, Halifax's dining scene adapts too—come summer, patio dining becomes a must, and prices might slightly increase for seafood due to demand. As the cooler months approach, hearty, comforting dishes gain popularity, reflecting the local preference for seasonal eating.
Keeping an eye on when to dine and where to explore will help you navigate this vibrant landscape effectively. Each corner of this city offers a taste of something unique, just waiting to be discovered.