The city of Halifax is smack dab on the sea, and just a stone’s throw from the Annapolis Valley’s fertile soil. So perhaps it’s only natural that the city’s restaurants would embrace a farm-to-table ethos. Farm-to-table dining is a progressive movement that emphasizes the use of local, fresh, seasonal, and sustainably produced ingredients, typically minimizing the distance food travels from its source to the plate.
Dining farm-to-table is a great way to support local producers as well as local restaurants. And since your meal’s ingredients are used and served at the peak of freshness, you can count on enjoying some of the most memorable, delicious meals you’ve ever experienced.
Oxalis
In the heart of downtown Dartmouth, Oxalis offers elevated fine dining that’s intimate, unpretentious, and influenced by European flavours. The seasonal menu is inspired by Nova Scotia’s natural environment and includes purposefully-selected ingredients that local foragers, fishmongers and farms have to offer from land to sea.
Oxalis has quickly become a favourite destination for all of life’s celebrations, big and small.
One of their known-for offerings is the Chef’s Experience offered daily, which features a seasonal six-course tasting menu influenced by Nova Scotia’s land and seascapes.
Rhubarb Restaurant
Located near Peggy’s Cove, Rhubarb offers down-to-earth, locally-focused meals in a comfortable and cozy space. A Taste of Nova Scotia Restaurant of the Year (2022), Rhubarb is offers a menu that celebrates classic Nova Scotia seafood dishes like chowder, fish and chips, fish tacos, and scallops.
Take your seat at the table and you can expect a true taste of the region, as well as a stunning coastal view that just might steal the show!
Brooklyn Warehouse
In the North End of Halifax is a warm and rustic neighbourhood hangout that’s long been a champion of the farm-to-table movement. Brooklyn Warehouse crafts menus based on what’s available from local farms, working with local producers to create hearty, seasonal dishes.
A perennial “Best of Halifax” restaurant, Brooklyn Warehouse offers Nova Scotia flavours in an authentic, cozy, bistro setting.
The Wooden Monkey
The Wooden Monkey is a pioneer in the city’s sustainable dining movement. Since 2004 this thoughtful restaurant has prioritized local, organic, non-GMO ingredients, with a large number of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on the menu.
The owner works closely with local farms and fisheries to ensure sustainability, and outlines an impressive list of local suppliers on their website. After a few years of success in downtown Halifax, they opened a second location in downtown Dartmouth as well.
EDNA Restaurant
At the southern fringe of the funky North End of Halifax, EDNA embodies both the colourful energy of the neighbourhood, and the values of the farm-to-table movement. This cozy bistro is built around the rallying cry of “support local”. It’s celebrated for its locally-sourced, farm-fresh offerings including charcuterie, fish, seafood, beef dishes and more.
Expect the menu to be seasonal, the dining room to be bustling, and the bar to be always inviting.
Obladee
In the heart of downtown Halifax is Obladee, a casual, chic, and intimate spot for wine, food, and live music. The wine selection, chosen by co-owner and sommelier Heather Rankin, is focused on sustainability and low intervention winemaking practices, many of which are sourced from Nova Scotia producers.
The menu features artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal small plates, all designed to complement the wines and sourced from trusted local suppliers.
Lupin Dining & Pantry
In scenic Musquodoboit Harbour, not far from Downtown Halifax, you’ll discover a charming, rustic restaurant that provides a true farm-to-table experience. Lupin offers an ever-changing 7-course tasting menu featuring dishes that that prioritize seasonal and local ingredients, most of which are sourced directly from their own garden. This garden is a main draw of the restaurant, which guests are invited to dine in throughout the summer.
Expect authentic maritime cuisine with Italian and French influences, for a refined yet approachable culinary journey.
SEASONAL: Lupin Dining is open for in-person dining during the summer month’s, but offers Chef’s To-Go boxes so you can enjoy your meal at home, or in your home away from home.
The Canteen
On downtown Dartmouth’s main street you’ll find The Canteen, a beloved, casual neighbourhood destination known for its fresh, locally-sourced fare. Emphasizing Nova Scotian ingredients, its menu features elevated comfort food, from seafood chowder to gourmet sandwiches.
With a welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to supporting local farmers and suppliers, The Canteen is a bright and cheerful “home away from home”.
Dear Friend Bar
Dear Friend is a cocktail bar in Downtown Dartmouth, known for their award-winning cocktails and oysters. They pride themselves in sourcing their ingredients locally, and also ensure their oysters are fresh. One of their fun menu features is their sharable tasting menu for just $50!
Local tip: There is a Oyster Happy Hour everyday from 4pm-5pm
The Rose & Kettle Tea Room
The Rose and Kettle Tearoom is the rustic, charming centrepiece of the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum. It’s a warm and welcoming spot where neighbours and visitors gather to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. The menu is inspired by Nova Scotian favourites and international flavours, featuring seasonal, small-batch dishes using locally-sourced ingredients and foraged items like lilacs and nettles.
SEASONAL: The Tea Room operates from May 15 to October 15, Wednesday to Sunday.
