Gio is a must visit place in Halifax for foodies! For my app, I got their bone marrow & snow crb and it did not disappoint. It's a must try for picky foodies. While I typically do not order a burger for a dinner meal, I had to have their foie gras burger when I read its description and it did not disappoint! The icing on top was my server Terri: she has an innate gift to be a server and I would not have wanted anyone else serving me for this meal experience. I would be remiss if I did not mention that their red wine and manhattan cocktail were both superb. Oh and their dessert, "It's always best to eat in layers," is one of the best ones I have had! read more

See all

I had the oysters, Foie Gras and lobster spaghetti with a bottle ofcwhite wine and a specially ordered cappuccino drink after dinner. The Asian bartender/waiter, Oscar, was particularly helpful and helped make for a special evening. My only criticism, which is significant, is that I gave a 20% tip and their software charged it after tax. No one should ever be forced to tip on tax or other imposed fees. The business has a choice and it's simply not right. read more

See all

Upscale dining place in the Prince George Hotel. I'm usually not that impressed by hotel restaurants, but Gio is an exception. We stopped by for dinner and got: - Luke's Sourdough Bread: Not sure who Luke is, but his bread is pretty good. Firm on the crust, chewy in the middle. - Foie Gras Two Ways: I love how this had so many sweet elements on it (pressed apples, hazelnut crumbs, rosemary jam) that balanced out the fatty oiliness of the foie gras. - Squash: My favourite dish of the night. The orange vinaigrette complemented the sweetness of the squash really well. The pecorino cheese cut through the veggie taste, and the dash of honey took it over the top. - Arctic Char: Great char on the fish, though a bit too salty for me. Make sure to use the side lemon to dilute the saltiness. - Smoked Scallop: Whoa, this was almost a truly mindblowing dish. The smoke was perfect, but the scallop was just a bit on the rubbery side. The garlic cream sauce it was bathed in was chef's-kiss tasty. - Oh My That's Delicious: A dessert that lived up to its name. Delicate, not overly sweet chocolate mousse elements. But the undisputed star was the homemade blueberry icecream. From the good food, the great service (thanks Rachael for being so efficient, attentive and having a great disposition!), and the cool vibe, Gio is definitely a great place to wine and dine the night away. read more

See all

The food is expensive but worth it. Can't say that for the wine, though. It's way overpriced and there's not a great selection.

We went here as part of our anniversary trip. We couldn't have been happier with our food. I got the scallops and shrimp, and my wife got the Spanish mackerel. We also got the citrus salad and some oysters. Every bite was delicious. Although we are not vegan, our kids (not with us) are, so we appreciated the vegan options available, including the amazing dessert with homemade vegan ice cream (among the best vegan ice creams we have ever had). Only warning is that when we checked the menu online, it was out of date, so the menu was different when we got there. read more

Gio Restaurant - Dessert for our anniversary. - Canadian (New) Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

A hard driving rain and wind led us to look for a nice restaurant closer to our hotel: a series of underground tunnels and connected buildings allowed us to make our way to Gio, one of the top rated restaurants (thanks fellow Yelpers!) Wow, I have to say, every single choice was a huge hit. We started with handmade mozzarella wrapped around ricotta cheese with shredded asparagus and toast: *adorable* and absolutely beyond delectable. I had the halibut with carrot puréed with coconut cream with arugula, two others in the party ordered the vegetarian entree, and the fourth ordered the lamb. There was a lot of sharing of bites - and each dish was exceptional - four clean plates made their way back to the kitchen, not a morsel left on any of them. Dessert? Oh dear friends, we were so full but how could we resist? We had Gino's take on tiramisu, a small chocolate cake, and lemon curd with limoncello encased in torched meringue with mixed berries, caramelized cashews, and candied ginger. Soooooo good. We rolled out the door, swearing we wouldn't eat for another week. If you're in Halifax and are looking for an excellent dinner (and you're not on a budget), Gio is well worth a visit, with or without the rain. read more

See all

Four stars is a very good rating. Five stars is for truly once-in-a-lifetime food experience. Le Bernardin in NYC is, Charlie Trotter in Chicago was, Arzak in San Sebastián is. We like the originality of the menu, so we decided to give it a try. Wise decision. First, oysters. From Fortune,NS. Not big and not small; from cold water, yet not too briny. Fresh like no oysters we've ever had. Well, we're off to a good start! My wife had two appetizer, she has a small appetite and likes to try stuff. First, a dish made essentially of carrots: roasted, tempura, moussed, and more. Ok, carrots is what your mother insisted you eat if you had a shot at desert, right? Well, start apologizing, because carrots now deserve a lot more respect. This dish was simply amazing! She also had the branzino ceviche. That was also quite memorable. Not overly citrusy, delicate, refined. I had the shrimps and scallops plate. They were served on a generous bed of farro and greens. Now scallops, anybody can overcook them effortlessly. Not so here: a thin layer of crispiness enveloping a delicate and sweet scallop. Divine! The shrimps were cuddle in philo dough, fried just long enough to cook them to perfection! Our server was really one of a kind. Knowledgeable with wine (and Viognier aficionado), the food, the geography of oysters, and life in Nova Scotia. She made us feel welcome! The best food experience we've had in Halifax. read more

Flawless dinner- quiet and upscale atmosphere; friendly and attentive service; delicious meal from start to finish; absolutely reasonable pricing. Our meal started with complimentary prosucco (for my boyfriends birthday), followed by complimentary bread and olive oil (delicious and generous!) And a complimentary "amuse bouche" (kind of a bite sized appetizer). Our meal was paced out well, the waitress was so sweet and friendly, she made excellent recommendations and was extremely knowledgeable about the wine and dinner menu. We were so impressed with her service. Dinner was amazing, the servings were huge and the flavors were fantastic. The food is extremely high quality: fresh ingredients, beautiful plating, well balanced flavors, and carefully/uniquely designed meals, really well done. Our meal ended with the "nibble or a bite" $3 for 3 small but exquisite desserts (ours were chocolate fudge, a mini red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting, and a chocolate peanutbutter cup) with two complimentary chocolate macarons. Our dinner was above and beyond perfect, I highly recommend Gio and can't wait to go back! read more

Gio Restaurant - Sea Bass dinner - Canadian (New) Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

See all

I was at Halifax for work and I always go online to look for restaurants recommends in a new place. At first, I thought Gio would be really pricy being housed in a high end hotel. Turns out the lunch menu is totally affordable. Thus I gave it a try. Had the Scallops risotto on the lunch menu paired with a glass of white wine. The food was awesome. The scallops are HUGE and plenty. The risotto tasted really good. For $16, that is a steal. Then I went for lunch a second time that week. Had the lunch haddock and chowder. I still think the scallops risotto is the best. The decorations there is lovely and modern. Waitresses were friendly and helpful with the menu. I wanted to take a friend there in the following Sunday but they close on Sunday. That would be the only complain I have. Otherwise, food, atmosphere, services are all excellent. read more

See all

I wish I had the chance to eat at this Market Street dining room more often. After an especially delicious meal of BBQ pulled pork, cornbread, guac and sweet potato fries I found myself comparing other restaurants meals to their standard. Prices fit my mark for a special night out but are a little too pricey for a casual dinner. Gio offers a yum yum and z's package that at around $300 will get you a 3 course meal and room at the Prince George Hotel. Sounds like an anniversary package to me! Although few and far between, my visits to Gio have always left me satisfied. Yes, this restaurant does exude a certain flare for the flashy, even the food is arranged perfectly on the plates when served. It can make for a bit of a stiff atmosphere, but you can rest assured that your meal is top notch. read more

Gio Restaurant - Taken from the Gio website - Canadian (New) Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

This year for our anniversary, my wife and I agonized over going with a known favourite restaurant--like Press Gang or Bicycle Thief--or trying somewhere new. We chose somewhere new--Gio--last night, and are so very glad we did. From beginning to end, our dinner experience was something to be savoured. We went to eat, and eat well, and were not disappointed in the least. From the amuse bouche, through the appys and soup (sooooo good) to the palate cleanser and entree, we were impressed with every aspect of our meal. Dessert was on another level. Two words: rum cake. Our servers, and really all the staff, were friendly, engaging, knowledgeable, and there when needed without seeming like they were hovering. In summation, Gio is a small, intimate, cozy restaurant that knows how to treat its guests to make them want to return over and over again. Our thanks to them for helping make our night better. Cheers! read more

I was thinking about trying this place since I've yet to venture there and do go out quite often to eat in the city. Major reason I probably won't be going here for dinner though, is the poor selection of wines by the glass. I see it time and time again with fine dining restaurants. Great fare, vast selection of wines by the bottle, but nothing by the glass (aside from the Moet & Chandon Champagne @ $16) worthy of a fine dining experience. I've tried most of these wines and wouldn't pair them with a burger and fries, let alone steak and lobster. If you can't come up with some interesting wines by the glass, invest in an Enomatic and offer some of your more premium wines by the oz for those who don't want to get blitzed at dinner. Many other restaurants have done it with great success. I won't dine at a "fine dining" restaurant if I can't get a decent glass of wine. read more

With tickets to Neptune Theatre and reason to celebrate, a gorgeous dinner for four at Gio was a bit of a no-brainer. Unknowingly set for one of the busiest mid-winter nights for the downtown core, we stumbled through the driving and parking situation and were more than happy to land in this oasis of amazing eats and impeccable service. After a bit of an uncomfortable start (we were shamed a bit by the hostess for arriving ten minutes late and assured that our sitting would be cut off at two hours), a server of the absolute highest caliber made everything else melt away. Complimentary sample-sized tequila and cucumber cocktails to kick things off, expert advice on drink and meal orders, and a flexibility that really made us feel valued - she really hit it out of the ballpark. I won't go through every plate that hit the table but rest assured that every bite was a highlight from seafood chowders to beet salads to gnocchi and beyond. We also received delectable amuse-bouches in between courses that they intuitively swapped for vegetarian versions in my case. Pro service. In the end, we had a fantastic stay with Gio. It's definitely on the more expensive end if you're going to go for multiple courses and drinks like us, but you'll still feel good about the price you paid. For the four of us in the end, it was about $300 including tax and tip for two courses and two drinks each (variety of cocktails and wine) with not a single disappointment among us. read more

"Make It Rich." If Gio was to have a motto, this may just be it. Everything about this establishment oozes heavy heaps of RICH. In my first encounter with this downtown dining spot, I find myself surrounded in luxury. Service, Food, Esthetic-- a flux of luxe. Simply put, its a lovely place to dine if you aren't a veggie. High class all the way with its carefully cultivated menu of fresh foods and exotic meats. (duck, rabbit, octopus, etc.) The fact that they serve Foie Gras was discouraging for me; however, many foodies consider this dish a delicacy. The menu is certainly not for everyone. I opted for the Seared Tuna Salad, which was succulent to say the least. Sesame encrusted avocado, smoked jalepeno, and pineapple droppings? It was inventive and well fused. Not sure if I'd make this a regular spot. The meal and atmosphere were lovely, but the bulk of the menu just isn't up my alley. read more

Initially, our intention wasn't to go to Gio. After deciding to go out for supper on a whim,we headed out in search for sustenance. After leaving three restaurants due to wait times and lack of reservations, we decided to head to Gio. We had heard favourable reviews and figured why not. We headed on in and were greeted by the hostess who informed us that the only seating was in the lounge-it was comfortable and we were happy to have a place to eat. We had intended to just order an entree and a few drinks-this is where everything takes a turn for the better. Immediately, we were greeted by the bartender Jared.I had heard the Old Fashioned was worth the trip-it lived up to its reputation. My date ordered the Elderflower Tom Collins. Fantastic. I would head there for these alone. Our server Jessica was amazing from start to finish. Friendly, funny and her recommendations were spot on. The kitchen had over prepared some appetizers, so our table was treated to a complimentary amuse bouche of pumpkin soup with trouffle oil and an order of gnocchi. The gnocchi is to die for-loaded with cremini, portobello and oyster mushrooms. My partner who doesn't care for mushrooms thought that the dish was amazing. There was nothing left on the plate. After we finished our surprise appetizers, we were given a grapefruit sorbet with blackberry to help cleanse the pallet. For the entries, I chose the striploin of Angus black-polled beef cattle, seared and served with cauliflower and horseradish purée, smoked pomme dauphine, red wine jus, basil emulsion and smoked beef powder. Words cannot describe how amazing this dish was. They prepared it perfectly-blue rare for me. My date ordered the pistachio crusted sea bass.Seared with warm roasted vegetable salad, olive oil poached fingerling potatoes, peperonata and lemon vinaigrette. Both of the wine recommendations by Jessica suited our meal perfectly. We ended our meal with "We'd like to make you an offer you can't refuse" - cannoli with citrus, ricotta and mascarpone cream, dome of tiramisu and Italian soda of fresh raspberries and basil. This desert delivers on a variety of levels. Typically, I don't care for cannolis, but I'd return for this. Delicious. No night is complete without a few post dinner cocktails. I ordered a gin martini-the olives came stuffed with blue cheese. It was like they read my mind. A combination of my three favoruite things. My date opted for the Bitter Melon- aperol, limoncello, rhubarb bitters, X-rated splash, fresh watermelon and lime. Incredibly refreshing and it would make a wonderful summer drink. Add the Chocolate coffee(kahlúa, bailey's, crème de cacao, grand marnier and belgium chocolate) and you have a perfect night out. Jessica and Jared truly made our evening special. We never had to wait or wonder when they would return. Our plates were taken promptly and the courses were timed perfectly. Gio hits it home. If you're looking for a place where you want to feel like a million bucks , then look no further. read more

See all

What can be said about Gio that hasn't already been said? I came in today after a horrible day at work for some much needed decompression with a friend, accompanied by some great cocktails and even better food. We started with a Lemon drop that I ordered, and my friend ordered a cucumber gimlet. They were fantastic. I have to say with my lemon drop, it was the best I've ever had. I find so many bartenders try to get all the lemon flavor from Lemoncello, which normally makes the drink a little sweet for my taste. Here they use mostly fresh lemons, and a hit of black pepper (??!!). It was actually divine with the rock sugar on the rim. perfect for a hot day. My friends gimlet was equally satisfying ( we had to try each others drinks), with elderflower liquor it was perfect for a hot day! On to the food... we split three appetizers and left so satisfied that I forgot I even had a bad day. They started us off with this tiny dish of scallop Ceviche that honestly if they just have given me a bowl of that and some crackers I would have been happy. We tried the gnocchi, that had king and cremini mushrooms and a lovely glaze of truffle oil, with ricotta cheese on top, which was to die for. They actually sear the gnocchi after its been cooked and it was perfect. It was fluffy, and not doughy at all. The Crab cake which was to die for, and Im not entirely sure what the sauce was under it, but it had hints of lemon that just made the dish, along with a fun little shot glass of passionfruit and cucumber soda to sip between bites. So whimsy and it went perfect. After the wonderful apps we decided on the Charcuterie for 2 and a bottle of wine. This would rival anyone's in the city. House smoked duck, duck and pistachio terrine, rabbit mousse, fig jam. What can I say? It was a foodgasm... All of this coupled with fantastic decor and friendly attentive service, without being made to feel that you need to be "seen" or "important" there. I feel like Gio is one of those places that people look at and feel that it isn't accessible, which is quite the opposite. Its by far one of my favorite fine dining spots in the city, even if only for a few drinks and appetizers. read more

Gio Restaurant - The charcuterie.... To die for - Canadian (New) Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Holy amazing experience Batman. This was the best dining experience I've ever had. The in-laws reserved a private room at the Prince George for a family celebration. The room itself (the Hanover Room) was beautiful and the perfect size for our party. The menu is small but varied with something for everyone, from the play-it-safes (chicken, salmon) to the more adventurous (swordfish, elk). We had a host of hors d'oeuvres and the wine flowed freely. Our group tried just about everything on the menu and it was all amazing. I had the swordfish and I can honestly say it was probably the best seafood dish I've eaten in my life. The ghocchi was ridiculous and the chocolate junkie for dessert was to die for. I can't rave enough about the high quality, creativity and care taken with the food. The service? Was impeccable. We had one "main" server and another two who helped clear the table. Our glasses were never empty, the stream of food from the kitchen was steady, and she was ever-present while inconspicuous. The most professional server I've ever had. Do yourself a favour, save your pennies and go to Gio. Our visit was an all-around exceptional experience. read more

I have never been in Gio before their renovation and menu revamp but I must say, I am very impressed with the restaurant overall! The decor is perfect! It owns the feeling of a high-end restaurant without being over stuffy or pretentious. I'm in love with the vibrant colored fabric in their booths and the variety of light fixtures. I got the scoop on the beautiful big lamps hanging over the booths and they are a colleague of questions asked on 'Inside the Actors Studio'. A great conversation piece! The menu was a little overwhelming for me - but not in a bad way. After a long debate I decided to go for the Thai Salad with Grilled Shrimp. The salad came with vibrant colors, crisp fresh vegetables and the perfect amount of cilantro. My lunch guest had the burger (which the server claimed to be one of the best in the city) and I did look the part. Without the traditional bun that usually fills you up, the burger is served with onion rings on a small piece of flatbread with the perfect portion of frities. A guilt free way to enjoy a burger at lunch. Our server was super friendly and very helpful when it came to making menu decisions. She knew the details of ingredients in each item and offered up suggestions when asked. Now... who wants to take me there for dinner?! read more

Last night I had dinner for the first time at Gio. Gio was a second choice because we couldn't get a reservation at our first choice and it turns out it should have been our first pick. Lucky us! I should have come here years ago. Yes, it's located in a hotel means it could be generic and stiff, but instead the dining room has a modern, relaxed feel. And it is fine dining which I thought meant the prices would be uberexpensive. My friends and I were surprised to discover the value-priced prix fixe menu--$45 for three courses. Needless to say all four of us went for that. The menu had a wide range of meat and seafood choices including lobster. All the dishes were creative and intriguing. No stuffy same old, conventional dishes here. I had the pork belly slider as my app. This high-end version of dim sum, tender pork belly on a steamed bun, was delicious. For my main, I had pheasant which our server accurately described as being similar to chicken (I had been thinking duck), but with a richer taste. The pheasant breast was stuffed with pear & pheasant confit, fois gras torchon, seared mushroom and served with onion cardamom purée, potato gnocchi, blueberry jus, and green beans. I'd never cook this myself so I enjoyed every bite and added pheasant to my favourite meat list. Often with a prix fixe menu, you have limited choices for dessert. We were surprised to be able to order off the regular dessert menu. Everything looked good, but I chose the Bee's Knees (burnt honey ice cream, crunchy honeycomb, angel food cake berry compote in lavender honey syrup, lemon curd) and now I have a new favourite dessert here in Hali. My friends ordered the crisps which also looked amazing and was served with a small glass of Jost ice wine. The service was attentive if not a little slow paced. Our server was helpful with directions as well. For example, when the palate cleansing sorbet arrived on a small disc-like plate and we were glancing around for our cutlery, she informed us it was meant to be tipped back. The only disappointment of the evening was a lemondrop martinin I ordered that didn't come with a sugared rim. The wine list had a wide variety of choices and we enjoyed a nice Spy Valley pinot noir with our meals. We closed the place down near midnight but didn't feel any pressure to leave. The whole experience was refreshing and a nice change from the typical Halifax dining scene. I'll definitely be back! read more

WIthout any ado, gio was awesome. The first special thing I'd like to mention is that their water jug, instead of the usual lemon slices, holds a whole ring of canteloupe. It never occured to me to flavour water with canteloupe, but it sure is tasty! Aromatic and smooth on the palate, a better alternative to the usual lemon. And so the amuse bouche: Seared swordfish with beet puree and dill cream The swordfish itself was slightly on the salty side, but combined with the sweet beets and tangy dill everything came together nicely for a tasty bite. Bread service: Sourdough loaf with flax and dates Is there anything better than the smell of fresh sourdough bread? I'd say not. Beautiful aroma, great crust, chewy, dense and most crumb; one of the best breads I've had the opportunity to sink my teeth into for a long time. Appetizer: Curried scallops - hand made curry, red onion raita, baba ghanoush, zucchini, aloo gobi, crispy chickpeas Perfectly seared medium rare, sweet as can be scallops were best friends with the curry. The aloo gobi and baba ghanoush "fritter ball" was a neat concept too and had a wonderful and warm savoury touch. Bright red onion raita and zucchini gave the dish nice lift. Gio soup - roasted califlower and fresh horseradish soup with arugula The horseradish in this was was great, the zing it gives is perfect for this chowdery type puree. The bitter fresh arugula also went very well with this warm, toasty, definitely comforting, Autumny soup Intermezzo/Palate cleanser: A spoon of raspberry and gooseberry frozen yoghurt with a strawberry slice. It was weird they didn't de-stem the strawberry for us, I was wondering if I was supposed to eat it or not, but I picked it off myself in the end. The frozen yoghurt was nice and tangy. I wanted to let the server know my palate was still dirty... =/ Entree: elk - elk tenderloin, gnocchi gallette, braised short rib, eggplant, oyster mushrooms, baby carrot, french beans Amazingly tender and soft as a pillow, the perfectly cooked medium rare elk had a great gamey flavour. Braised ribs inside a pocket of roasted gnocchi was a bit on the heavy side but definitely packed all the flavours of a rich, hearty stew in a little package. The veggie sides along with some beets and what we think was a parsnip based puree were great compliments and enhanced the already scrumptious dish. giant shrimp - dulce de leche, miso, sesame seeds, on top of cilantro pesto and sweet & spicy pineapple with a side of black forbidden rice, snow peas & baby bok choy Three, yes they were giant, shrimp split into 6 sweet and savoury morsels that sat on a sweet and spicy pineapple along with an earthy, herby, and bright cilantro pesto. The shrimp, succulent and juicy, perfectly cooked, matched nicely with the southwestern and Asian flavours. The forbidden black rice, yum yum! Al dente, these amazingly chewy, to the teeth, gummy (in the best and most tastiest way) grains of rice that I adore in Chinese sweet "tong sui" taste GREAT served as a side. They lend such an aromatic and earthy flavour to the dish. I can't wait to try making them this way when I get home. Dessert: eh - vanilla crème brûlée - date purée - cranberry gelée - apple cider sorbet - pear brioche charlotte kudos to the creative idea and name! Everything was beautiful and oh so delicious. The canelle of apple cider sorbet was my fav, cold, tangy, cider-y, sour apple that wasn't too sweet is one of the best frozen desserts I've had. The pear brioche charlotte was wonderful too. The soft and sweet pears were warm and wrapped in afragrant, eggy brioche. The creme brulee was smooth, nice crisp top,and a hint of something citrusy, I think the pastry chef must have snuck something in there. Not sure what it was, but it was good! Half baked - blueberry & white chocolate iced souffle - dulce de leche blueberry tart - frozen lemon curd Beautiful presentation again. Breaking open the frozen cone of iced blueberry souffle with a white chocolate shell oozed out a center of blueberries and gooey blueberry jam. Smooth and creamy with the occasional burst of juice when biting into a blueberry. Next, the dulce de leche and blueberry tart. Deep caramel flavour, a tasty tart on its own, but with the frozen lemon curd (the menu actually makes note that ``this is awesome`` and it IS awesome), it is truly magnificient. Lemony, creamy, and smooth, the lemon curd is like gelato and mascarpone, tangy and sweet, and light. Normally we never order two desserts, but since we`re all the way out here in Halifax, why not, and good thing we did because these were to die for and the perfect end to a perfect meal. Much like the Wildflower Grill in Edmonton, Gio offers a customer oriented, perfectly paced meal that certainly shows their thoughtfulness, planning, and consideration in every preparation that aims to please.Great atmosphere and great, fresh, creative food. A most memorable occasion read more

See all

Ended up here on a whim; we are staying at the Prince George and when our first choice restaurant had no availability, we decided to eat at Gio, as it is attached to the hotel. We were so pleasantly surprised- I believe this restaurant is highly underrated! Firstly, the atmosphere is perfect, with abundance of nice, soft lighting, stylish finishings, beautiful hand blown glass art and serving dishes from Chester, Nova Scotia, and lots of tucked away tables and booths to give a cozy feeling. The service was also excellent. Our server was friendly and warm, and very attentive. Several times my water glass was refilled without my even noticing she was there. As much as we enjoyed the overall experience, the food is what really stands out. From the amuse-bouche to the dessert, everything our party of 4 tried was incredible. From seafood to beef to cheesecake, every dish was perfectly prepared and expertly presented. They also have a nice selection of wine and drinks, which is a bonus! Gio will now be my go-to fine-dining restaurant in downtown Halifax, do yourself a favour and check it out! read more

When you say Gio restaurant to me, I think upscale, expensive and slightly out of my budget. (Not that that's stopped me before) So when it was proposed to go for lunch, I hesitated slightly. But BOYYYY am I happy I went! The atmosphere was cozy luxurious and it was not too crowded so you felt like you were having a private lunch, plus the booths were so comfortable and you could probably fit 6 people in them comfortably! Located in the Prince George Hotel, it really is an excellent location for any night out or date! Then comes the menu. I opened it and was shocked at how reasonably priced the lunch menu was. Granted lunch is always a cheaper version of the dinner menu, but still at higher end places they can get away with ludicrous prices. It was a cold, rainy day, so soup was a natural choice. I had the Cauliflower soup with horseradish and some blue cheese...um...SOOOOO GOOD! Soup is something that, although simple, can easily be messed up. This was delicious and the portion size was HUGE! Because we had expected a slightly smaller portions, we also ordered side salads, caesar for me. This was also a fantastic classic caesar, and the portion of the side salad was close to a regular size anywhere else! I appreciate the fact they don't skimp on the goods. I go to eat places because I love food, but sometimes it feels like they just want to tease you with it. I want the full meal, not just a taste test, and Gio's delivered! The girl serving us was sweet and non intrusive. I love when servers offer their opinion and suggestions but then know when to approach and when to allow space for conversations and to enjoy the food. That is another reason I don't mind paying a bit more to have the full experience and service factor to the meal. The only reason I have not given the full 5 star ratings, yet, is because it is giving me the excuse to return for dinner. I expect to be nothing short of blown away with that meal...but I am reserving that last star for that incredible experience. I am just hoping I can get there soon!! read more

Gio Restaurant - Huge soup, huge salad, huge smile!! - Canadian (New) Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

One of Halifax's best dining options. Started off with a really good cocktail, a citrusy gin-based concoction a bit like an alcoholic iced tea, very refreshing and not too sweet. For starters had the octopus, followed by the scallops, both cooked to perfection. Some sort of strawberry merengue goodness for dessert to round off the night, all washed down with a very nice rose. Service was great, a very minor gripe was that the courses were served a little too fast, as we wanted to linger over the meal. Great spot for a special occasion dinner. Lucky for me I had a gift certificate from my dad, so we got to splurge on a great night! read more

See all

Can we say pretty? This place is the definition of modern and sleek. Everything flows and has it's place which leaves you feeling calm and relaxed--even though this place screams fine dining. Bar none best Martini's in Halifax. They are prepared with nothing but fresh ingredients, and with such precision you feel like you're holding your first born when it's in your hands. I had the espresso martini which left me speechless and in love with an innate object. Don't judge me until you're cradling this in your hands. Their food is quite good, and they included a palate cleanser and an amuse bouche which is always an eloquent touch. Just gives you that, "I'm valued" feeling. The service is great, and they have more than enough staff around that you are able to get prompt attention. The price tag is high, and in my opinion Halifax offers better high end meals elsewhere. With that said, the martini's will have me back several times. read more

I celebrated my mother's birthday recently at Gio, and the experience was as lovely as it has been for lunch. I liked that while there was music playing, it was at a low enough level that I could still clearly hear what my dining companions had to say. At dinner they also include an Amuse Bouche which was a small piece of elk with a mole rub and an asparagus salad, and after the first course they also serve a palate cleanser sorbet. I had the curried scallops for my appetizer and the duck for my main. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and the presentation was thoughtful and beautiful without being overly pretentious. Dessert was the highlight of the night, our table ordered three desserts and all were amazing, and were beautifully plated. For $10, these desserts are a steal. As a person who sometimes dines solo, I noticed that the server offered the single diner next to us, the use of an iPad while he waited for his food. I thought that was really nice touch. Gio is definitely at the top of my list for a celebratory night out, or for a good lunch. read more

I was recommended this restaurant by people I know. So my friend and I had dinner here tonight. it was amazing~ wonderful service and delectable dishes. I ordered sea bass as the main dish. It was really good. Each dessert has a long and interesting name. The sweetness of the dessert is just perfect for me (I had the first one on the menu. ) read more

Gio Restaurant - Sea Bass Dinner (thumbs up) - Canadian (New) Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

See all

I took my fiance here or the a 'day after' valentines dinner to avoid the rush. I wanted to treat her to a nice meal and read several reviews about Gio and have been wanting to try it out so I figured it was a great time. Food - The food was was good, but in my opinion the menu is over priced. The portions were bigger than I expected from a fine dining fancy restaurant which was a surprise, but unfortunately I wasn't blown away by the taste/quality of the food and have had better meals for same price or lower. Don't get me wrong the food tasted good and some of the reviews are justified, just not my taste. And I have no problem spending money on food, as long as it's good. I had the artic char, which wasn't my first pick, however I ended up enjoying my meal. My finance had the steak, which was my first choice but opted for her to have it, and she wasn't too impressed. It had an overpowering olive oil flavor, which I agreed. Service - impeccable. Many reviews commented on the service and I have to fully agree, they were very attentive, engaged you in ordering and helping to explain the dishes. In the end we enjoyed our meal and the evening, glad I tried it, but a little too pricey for the meal we had. read more

My partner and I had a gift card for the Keg on the first Saturday night of the new year, but when we arrived there, it was going to be a good hour's wait in line. No thanks! So we decided to walk across the street and try Gio instead. I had read good things about it previously anyway. Upon entering, I was immediately impressed with the nice, dark atmosphere. About a dozen tables and handful of booths run the length of the restaurant, which I'm sure has much natural lighting during the day. Large bar to your immediate right. Contemporary, stylish but simple décor. Very friendly service from our waitress Terry. The free bread was served as two fresh, soft pieces of focaccia bread with oil and vinegar. Also, the server brought over two 'baby' salads before our order, which I thought at first was a mistake. But apparently the chef likes to give samples to customers of different dishes, so I had a teensy portion of caprese salad, which was tasty, and my partner received a dollop of the pancetta stuffed potato rosti, which came with his entrée anyway, but still a nice idea). My 'vegetable' entrée was amazing (tempura tofu, quinoa inarizushi, seaweed salad, avocado wasabi, shiitake, chips, and kimchi aioli. 22) Not a huge portion, but I was satisfied, and just very impressed with the flavor and presentation. My partner's 'beef' entrée (seared tenderloin and tempura cheek, with pancetta stuffed potato rösti, brussels sprouts, and sauce chasseur. 38) was very good as well, although he didn't seem to have the enthusiasm for his that I did mine. This was the first dinner out I have had in a long time where I didn't order any alcohol, so perhaps that added to the enjoyment of the food, but who's to say? For dessert we decided to split the chocolate raspberry truffle wrapped in burnt honey mousse, raspberry coulis, honeycomb, raspberry meringues, honey tuile. 10. It was also delicious and the presentation again, made it excellent. Along with the bill, we received two complimentary mini pink macaron sandwiches. (sorry, can't describe them any better than that...lol). I look forward to trying here for lunch someday! The only downfall is for vegetarians like myself, the menu is limited to a few items, and they offer foie gras (I never normally support businesses that sell this, but since we came here as an alternative to the Keg, I didn't know in advance that they had it.) Regardless, overall, was a great meal. 2nd visit: an overcast Wednesday in January. Arrived at noon with a friend and we were the only customers. By the time we left around 12:25, only two other tables were taken. Sat in one of their nice bigger booths this time. Friendly service. I tried the Noodle Salad ($14. carrot and zucchini, green onion, miso and sesame dressing, salted peanuts on soba noodles topped with 3 cilantro garlic shrimp crusted in peanuts.) which was flavorful and the shrimp were delicious/cooked very well. I also had the Cauliflower appetizer ($10 tempura cauliflower on black garlic alioli, roasted peanuts, scallion and red pepper sauce on the side for dipping). Also tasty. Both of these small dishes combined to make me quite full by the end, so I didn't get a dessert as I originally was considering. My friend had the Gio club ($14 smoked chicken breast, goasted garlic alioli, crispy pancetta, rocket, caramelized onion and tomatoes) which he said was quite decent and the smokey flavor noticeable. Standard fries on the side. read more

See all

For a culinary experience in Halifax... I'd recommend Gio to just about anyone who's looking for that upscale refined dressy place to dine. . The food is spectacular, the service is wonderful and servers knowledgeable. Atmosphere and menu change I'd say about 3 times a year and it's always a surprise when dining at Gio. read more

Perfect place for a date. Beautiful foods and environment with nice severs. There are not too many choices in the menu, but it makes me can try everything. High recommended!! read more

Gio Restaurant - Canadian (New) Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Super fancy awesome. I'm a fan of inspired food. I'm also a big fan of presentation. I'm a big fan of unique food experiences. Bee Choo may be my new fave chef in the city. What I had: Appie Boar cracked pepper & fennel crusted tenderloin - celeriac & pommery mustard - tamarind gastrique - quail egg - arugula, blue cheese, walnuts - buttermilk onion rings - NEED I SAY MORE? Main Pheasant breast stuffed with pear & pheasant confit - sweet potato gnocchi - onion & parsley purée - foie gras torchon - green beans - blackberry jus - NEED I SAY MORE? In all seriousness, the food was incredible. Truly. In fact I would say it was as close as I've come to a Susur Lee experience in Halifax. Service - started off incredible.. we were forgotten by the end of the night - which was a shame. We were all ready and willing to booze it up. So for that reason they don't get the extra star. The only other complaint (from a friend) was that their steak was extremely rare / bloody - even though they specifically asked for Med. Just something to note. read more

There really should be more stars for this restaurant. Of all the restaurants in Halifax, I have 2 top and this is one. Right from the beginning as you enter and right to the end of your meal, this is an experience you must try. The quality of service, meal, and care from the staff are tops. The price for a high class and high quality meal is darn good too. If you are looking for a high end restaurant without paying an arm a leg and your first born, then this is the place to eat. I also love a restaurant that I can dine with my honey or business associates and not be interrupted by children crawling on the foor, this is important to me. I HIGHLY recommend this and give it top marks as a place to eat when you live or are coming for a visit to Halifax. read more

Very much enjoy this resto. Love the space and the upscale atmosphere. If you want a place to get fancied up, this would be the place to go. The menu offers great selections, and their drink list is super inspired. I really enjoyed the private dining room in the back and the fantastic wait staff and service. Food was delicious. Great ingredients, cooked perfectly, with amazing complimentary sauces. Definitely a must try for upscale food and dining experience. read more

I had the pleasure of dining at Gio's, May 7, 2012. The decor is nice, pleasant and comfortable. The service was friendly and personable. And the food, wonderfully delicious! I started with a6 oysters. The sauce choices were creative and went very well with the Fresh oyster. Then I had the "Game" - a smoked venison tenderloin served blue rare with pickled vegetables, wild mushroom terrine, foie gras crépinette, potato espresso purée, coffee salt and a side of Cumberland sauce. I am not a fan of foie gras, but OMG, it was almost the best part. They also served a complementary bite of pan seared Halibut. We had a great bottle of wine, the Coppola Zin, Directors Cut. Great food, and yes, it was pricey. But worth it for a special time. Visited May 2012 read more

My goodness! What an amazing place. Fine dining with zero pretense. We had a later reservation so I was somewhat concerned that we would be rushed but that was so not the case. The wait staff was fun and engaging and the food was delish! So much so that when I complimented one of the items on our charcuterie board, I was told I could get the recipe. Not only did I get it, it came hand delivered by the chef! FYI, I had the scallops and would do it again! Such a pretty and comfortable restaurant that I highly recommend. read more

I'll just expand on CC's comments. We have been to Gio on several occasions, for lunch and dinner. On the whole, the food is usually perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. I thought Gio would be doomed after Ray Bear left, but not so. The food reads well on the menu and delivers on taste - most times. The current Chef knows their stuff. The real issue in my mind is the disconnect between back of the house and front of the house. And New Years was not the exception. Service always tends to be a bit slow. Our apps arrived cool to cold, 45 minutes after being seated. That suggests that the server is at fault. She didn't get the food to us when it came up at the pass. But it was another hour before our mains came. So that suggests the kitchen was not on their game. Whatever the problem is was an awful experience. Especially for a New Years. We were seated at 9PM and left at 11:30. Just in time to get to the outdoor festivities. There were six of us. Two enjoyed their meals. Two were so-so. My wife and I were just plain pissed off. To Gio's credit, they didn't charge for the apps or the salmon mains as it was absolutely flavourless. But that didn't make up for the sour taste it left afterwards. That said, I wouldn't write Gio off. Much of what has been written in these reviews rings true. We will go back, but another experience like New Years and it's a no go to Gio. read more

My wife and I agreed that this restaurant was absolutely amazing and well worth the visit. We always know when we visit a dining location with a skilled chef due to my wife's garlic allergy. The service was great, the food was amazing, and the ambiance of the restaurant certainly makes for the perfect evening. If we lived in Halifax, or if we ever return on another vacation, we will definitely be returning! read more

Gio, attached to the Great George, is a study in contrasts. The bar is very good with some interesting martini's and mixed drinks. The service is differential. Wear a coat since they keep the place frigid. We went there for late afternoon drinks on Canada Day, after exploring the Halifax pedway circuit from the wharf to uptown. Gad Scotia Square is run down. The place has a dank odor. The Great George used to be a haunt in the 90s so I wanted to see if it had kept its glory. The lobby at least was nice but very quiet. The Gio is accessible from the street and from the lobby. My wife says the menu is weird, but sometimes wonderfully so. She had a red wine and I had some kind of a gin drink with called One Ting. Interesting. We shared a tray of meats, sauces and pate (logical eh?) which was very good to excellent and surprisingly filling. The name is like all menu items something cute and perhaps "Charcuterie" - for you to discover and correct me. Service was friendly but you would not call them overly attentive. With only 3 tables to serve, the staff busied themselves with setting tables, candles and squeezing lemons. Oh well. read more

Phenomenal! Chef completely.accomidating.ro my stupidfood allergies. Beautiful food- great taste. Nice wines. Excellent service!!! You should eat here!!! read more

I rate this as one of the best places to dine in Halifax - excellent wait staff and very knowledgeable, superb atmosphere, reasonably priced and excellent selection on the menu. I do really like it and anyone who we have brought to or introduced to the restaurant will say the same. The only five star rating I have ever given. read more