Budget
Your Father's Moustache
Spring garden road, +1 902 423-6766, (http://www.yourfathersmou...). pub.
Hala's Pizza and Donair
117 kearney lake rd. wedgewood plaza, +1 902 455-5300, (http://www.halaspizza.com/). a charming and cozy pizza restaurant - takes pride in its homemade dishes.
Pizza Corner
3 different pizza restaurants at corner of blowers and grafton. good cheap pizza and donairs gyro-type wraps, often overflowing with meat and sauce. however, this area can descend into anarchy when the bars let out, and the restaurants often lock their bathrooms, even to customers. if you are looking for a more authentic pizza taste head up gottingen or agricola into little italy, where numerous "mom and pop" places abound.
Split Crow
1855 granville, +1 902 422-4366, (http://www.splitcrow.com/...). long-standing pub with late week and weekend entertainment and cheap food. "power hour" brings in the crowds for cheaps drinks 2 middies for $5.
The Coastal Cafe
2731 robie street, +1 902 405-4022, (http://www.thecoastal.ca). chef/owner mark giffin prepares unbelievable breakfasts, lunches and bake goods for you to enjoy with a complete selection of coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages. north end halifax
Trident Cafe
1256 hollis, +1 902 423-7100, (http://www.tridenthalifax.com/). pick up any book to read in this bookshop cafe, then either purchase it or put it back. beans are roasted in store twice a week.
Bud The Spud
Spring garden road. a favourite local chip fry wagon parked in front of the main library branch on spring garden during the spring and summer. try them with the malt vinegar. after you've had your fill, donate the rest of your chips to the city's ever-hungry pigeon population. try to get there early, as they've been known to run out quickly.
Bash Toulany's Fine Foods
5553 duffus street, +1 902 455-5120, (http://www.toulanys.com/). voted best donairs in halifax.
Midrange
The Wooden Monkey
Grafton st, +1 902 444-3844, (http://www.thewoodenmonkey.ca/). veggie & vegan friendly bistro featuring local, organic and macrobiotic food and drink. kid's menu available. su-th 11:30am-10pm, f-sa 11:30am-11pm.
Il Mercato
5650 spring garden rd, +1 902 422-2866, (http://www.il-mercato.ca/...). good pasta. have the lemon tart for dessert. m-sa 11am-11pm.
Salty's
1869 upper water st privateers wharf, +1 902 423-6818, (http://www.saltys.ca/). seafood restaurant on the waterfront. casual patio dining downstairs, fancier setting upstairs. can get very busy on summer evenings. reservations recommended.
Economy Shoe Shop
1661-1663 argyle st, (http://www.economyshoeshop.ca/). behind the bizarre name lies a stunningly decorated and sprawing complex incorporating everything from chandeliers to lush indoor gardens. extensive menu. go on jazz night usually monday and eat nachos.
Elements
1181 hollis st,+1 902 421-1000 (http://www.thewestinnovas...). located within the westin nova scotian hotel, elements is the winner of a wine spectator 2010 award of excellence and features contemporary global cuisine. elements offers many seasonal menus with fresh, local ingredients.
The Paperchase
Is a news outlet with a cafe on top which serves massive lattes and delicious samosas and sandwiches. prices usually range between $5-$10 for everything. vegetarian and vegan selections are abundant. enjoy their computers, free wi-fi and garage-style windows which open to a full view of argyle on warm days.
Heartwood Bakery & Cafe
6250 quinpool road, (http://www.heartwoodbaker...). vegetarian, organic and extremely good. lunch and dinner menu, soups, salads, entrees, desserts. m-sa 10am-8pm.
Top end
There isn't really such a thing as "Nova Scotia cuisine", but there are a few things that are worth seeking out. Seafood is generally not much cheaper in the Maritimes than elsewhere, however many restaurants specialize in this cuisine. The exception to this rule is mussels. They are generally good quality, cheap and found on many appetizer menus. Another seafood worth having is scallops, as they are generally higher quality than the ones you get in many parts of North America note that good scallops are the size of a golf ball or larger, and do not taste fishy. "Sea pie" is often a good deal when available, as are hearty eats like fish and chips or seafood chowder. Lobster in a restaurant will be expensive, so your best cheap bets are to buy one at the store and cook one yourself, or attend any of the numerous lobster dinners that are hosted by churches and community groups throughout the warmer months. Buying lobster from the various fishermans markets or directly from the fisherman themselves who will often sell street side out of a car will get you the best deal.