Best Seafood Restaurants in Halifax: 12 Spots for Lobster, Oysters & Fresh Catches

Halifax sits at the edge of the Atlantic, and our seafood shows it. Lobster boats unload at the docks every morning. Digby scallops arrive sweet and plump. Oysters come from beds scattered across Nova Scotia’s coastline. This isn’t seafood that’s been sitting on a truck for three days—it’s the real thing, often caught within sight of where you’re eating it.

Whether you want white tablecloths and wine pairings or a paper-lined basket of fish and chips on the waterfront, Halifax delivers. Here’s where to find the best of it.

What Makes Halifax Seafood Special?

Before we dive in, it’s worth understanding why Halifax seafood hits different. The cold North Atlantic waters produce shellfish with exceptional flavor density. Our lobster season runs from late November through May on the South Shore, meaning fresh, in-season lobster is available most of the year somewhere in Nova Scotia. Digby scallops—harvested from the Bay of Fundy—are considered among the best in the world. And our oyster varieties (Malagash, Raspberry Point, Beausoleil) each carry distinct terroir from their growing waters.

The best restaurants here know their fishermen by name. That connection matters.

Fine Dining Seafood

The Five Fishermen Restaurant

The Five Fishermen has been Halifax’s premier seafood destination for over four decades. Housed in a stunning heritage building that once served as a Victorian schoolhouse, the restaurant delivers an elegant dining experience across multiple floors.

Must-Try: The Five Fish Experience—a tasting of five different preparations showcasing the kitchen’s range. The lobster dinner with drawn butter is classic for a reason, and their Digby scallops are consistently perfect.

Price Range: $$$$

Best For: Special occasions, anniversaries, impressing out-of-town guests

“Very elegant inside with multiple floors and a classy yet maritime aesthetic. This was our first choice for Halifax dining.” — Recent Visitor

The Press Gang Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Tucked into a historic stone building dating to 1759, The Press Gang offers one of the most atmospheric seafood experiences in the city. The raw bar is legendary, featuring rotating selections of Maritime oysters alongside expertly prepared seafood dishes.

Must-Try: Start with a dozen oysters from their raw bar—they’ll walk you through the day’s selection from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI. Follow with the halibut or lobster, both prepared with refined technique.

Price Range: $$$$

Best For: Oyster lovers, romantic dinners, history buffs

Bar Kismet

Voted one of the best restaurants in Canada, Bar Kismet brings Mediterranean and French influences to Nova Scotian ingredients. This family-owned spot sources obsessively and changes the menu to match what’s coming off the boats.

Must-Try: Whatever seafood pasta is on the menu—the kitchen has a gift for combining local catches with handmade noodles. The wine list is thoughtfully curated to complement the ocean-forward menu.

Price Range: $$$

Best For: Foodies, wine enthusiasts, adventurous eaters

Oyster Bars & Raw Bars

SHUCK Seafood + Raw Bar

SHUCK has earned its reputation as Halifax’s go-to spot for oysters in a lively, approachable setting. The energy is high, the oysters are impeccably fresh, and the seafood platters are built for sharing.

Must-Try: The seafood tower if you’re with a group—it’s a showstopper piled with oysters, shrimp, crab, and lobster. Solo diners should grab a seat at the bar and work through the oyster menu.

Price Range: $$-$$$

Best For: Groups, casual celebrations, after-work oysters

“An absolute gem for seafood in Halifax. The lively atmosphere and creative menu make it a must-visit.” — Local Review

The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

Don’t let the steakhouse name fool you—The Barrington serves some of the best raw oysters on the East Coast. Their oyster program is serious, with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through flavor profiles and origins.

Must-Try: The Oysters Rockefeller is a classic done right. For raw oysters, ask what’s freshest that day and trust the shucker’s recommendation.

Price Range: $$$-$$$$

Best For: Oyster aficionados, business dinners, steak-and-seafood combos

Casual Seafood Spots

McKelvie’s Restaurant

Operating for over 30 years in a historic 1906 building, McKelvie’s delivers consistently excellent seafood in a warm, welcoming environment. It’s the kind of place where regulars have their favorite tables and servers remember your name.

Must-Try: The lobster roll is a local favorite—generous chunks of fresh lobster with just enough mayo. The pan-seared scallops and shellfish linguini also deliver.

Price Range: $$-$$$

Best For: Families, casual dinners, reliable quality

Evan’s Fresh Seafoods

Set along the water on the Dartmouth side of the harbour, Evan’s is worth the ferry ride. Owned and operated by a local fisherman family, they source directly from their own boats—you literally cannot get fresher seafood without catching it yourself.

Must-Try: Whatever they caught that morning. The fish and chips use fish that was swimming hours earlier. The chowder is rich and loaded with seafood.

Price Range: $-$$

Best For: Authenticity seekers, families, waterfront dining on a budget

Bluenose II Restaurant

A Halifax institution since 1964, the Bluenose II delivers no-frills seafood in generous portions. The cozy atmosphere feels like stepping into maritime history, and the kitchen hasn’t messed with what works.

Must-Try: The lobster dinner is why people keep coming back—simple preparation that lets the lobster shine. Their fish and chips are also excellent.

Price Range: $$

Best For: Classic East Coast experience, tourists wanting authentic Halifax

Fish & Chips Specialists

John’s Lunch

When locals argue about the best fish and chips in Halifax, John’s Lunch is always in the conversation. This Dartmouth institution has been battering haddock since 1969, and the lines out the door prove they’re still doing it right.

Must-Try: The haddock fish and chips—crispy batter, flaky fish, proper chips. Don’t overthink it. Add gravy if you’re feeling Nova Scotian.

Price Range: $

Best For: Budget-friendly seafood, takeout, no-frills excellence

Sea Smoke Restaurant

For something more refined, Sea Smoke specializes in wood-fired seafood. The smoky char adds dimension to fish that’s already exceptional, creating flavors you won’t find elsewhere in the city.

Must-Try: The smoked salmon appetizer and any wood-grilled fish of the day. The technique here elevates simple preparations.

Price Range: $$$

Best For: Food enthusiasts, unique preparations, date nights

Tips for Ordering Seafood in Halifax

Ask about the source. Good restaurants know where their fish comes from. If they can’t tell you, that’s information.

Understand lobster season. Nova Scotia has different lobster seasons by region. From late fall through spring, you’re getting the freshest local lobster. Summer lobster is still good but may come from different waters.

Don’t skip the oysters. Maritime oysters are legitimately world-class. Try a few varieties to taste the difference between growing regions.

Digby scallops are special. If they’re on the menu, order them. Bay of Fundy scallops have a sweetness and texture that farmed scallops can’t match.

Chowder varies wildly. Halifax-style seafood chowder is typically cream-based and loaded with fish, scallops, and sometimes lobster. Every restaurant has their own recipe—sampling a few is research, not indulgence.

Red Flags at Seafood Restaurants

• Frozen lobster in a coastal city (unless clearly noted)
• Staff who can’t answer basic questions about sourcing
• Fishy smells—fresh seafood smells like the ocean, not like fish
• Prices that seem too good to be true (quality seafood costs money)
• Menus that haven’t changed in years despite seasonal availability

Our Verdict

For the full Halifax seafood experience, you need multiple stops. The Five Fishermen delivers the definitive fine dining seafood dinner—special occasion worthy and consistently excellent. SHUCK wins for oysters in a fun atmosphere. Evan’s Fresh Seafoods offers the most authentic boat-to-table experience. And for fish and chips, John’s Lunch has earned its legendary status.

Halifax does seafood as well as anywhere in North America. The cold waters, the fishing heritage, and the restaurants that take sourcing seriously create something special. Come hungry.

Seafood availability is seasonal. Call ahead for specific items, especially lobster and Digby scallops. Many spots don’t take reservations—plan for waits during peak times.