Looking for non-pub fare, we decided to take a chance on Toridori which is located a stone's throw…read moreaway from the waterfront. We were greeted warmly by Leslie who gave us "front-view" seats to the open kitchen. What a treat to see dish-after-dish of sumptuous looking food. We were assisted by Opal (appropriately named because she was a gem!) who was friendly, patient and knowledgeable about the menu. We decided to share two dishes. The pound of red Thai curry mussels was sooo good. It was served with 5 pieces of toasted bread for dipping into the mildly spicy curry soup/sauce. The generous Hanoi bun cha platter was a combination of rice noodles, tender, perfectly seasoned thin pork slices, 4 pork patties, and 4 pieces of spring rolls. It came with a basket of lettuce, cilantro and that delicious Vietnamese dipping sauce that was made even tastier by what I think were cloves of pickled ginger. Throughout the meal, Opal came by just the right number of times to check if we were satisfied or needed something. We loved our experience here and highly suggest you try it out. You'll be very happy.

Located amongst the swath of restaurants at the Queen's Marque, the intriguing pan-Asian offerings…read moreat Tori Dori (including a surprising handful of gluten-free dishes) caught my eye for a pre-concert dinner with friends. It's a moderately-sized space, certainly smaller than many of its Freehand Hospitality peers at Queens Marque, but the closer, almost communal seating allows for a good number of people to dine here. The decor is quite reserved, with the ceiling actually being the show piece, as the layers of boards giving a scaled effect and a gradient of charring lending a really cool (hot?) look to the space. The menu is comprised of fancied-up twists on familiar cuisines from across East Asia, with dishes giving nods or deeply tied to countries like Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, and China to just name a few. Some of their smaller dishes were catching my eye, so I ordered the chicken and black garlic dumplings, and the mango salad, while my wife got the pho with spent hen broth. Ever since I first tried one, I've been a big fan of mango salads. The mix of flavours, colours and textures is top tier, and all in one, easily-chopsticked salad! Tori Dori's doesn't stray far from the template, with julienned mango, carrot and red onion that got a mix of heat, freshness, and savoury sweetness from chilis, mint, cilantro and a tamarind sauce. Anything with black garlic in it is bound to get me to order it, and while that unique preparation of garlic didn't feature as prominently on my taste buds as I would have liked, it did lend to a more savoury depth than chicken dumplings usually have. The tender and pleasantly toothsome wrappers held up well to their soy and vinegar dressing. The pho had a slightly more subtle broth than the beef ones that tend to be more common, but it was just as aromatic and satisfying as a good pho should be. Tender slices of chicken breast accompanied the typical pho accoutrements. The understated Tori Dori avoids the Instagram-bait vibe of some of its siblings, and delivers flavourful East Asian dishes with splashes of contemporary flair.

Kind of a hole in the wall little place. Three or four stools at a shelf by the window, otherwise…read moreit's mostly a take-out establishment. I went for a noodle bowl with shrimp and spring roll. All fine, flavours were good, but the dish was heavy on the salad and pretty light on the noodles. The shrimp were good, but the cut up roll was kind of ordinary. At $15 a pop it's probably rather on the high side, but given its location that's to be expected.

Had a smoothie bubble tea ($5.50) at Indochine Banh Mi and it was pretty good. You can choose up to…read more3 flavours for your smoothie, so I got mango, coconut and pineapple. The tapioca pearls were soft and chewy and didn't get all hard because of the coldness of the drink (which sometimes happens at some places). The smoothies are dairy-free, so it wasn't as creamy, but it was blended smooth and tasted good (although a scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt in it would have made it better, lol). Service was friendly and efficient. I was tempted by their lobster roll special for $8, maybe next time :) Their Banh Mi looked good too.

It was open until 9 as stated on the sign even though online it said 8 PM…read more The service was super friendly and speedy. It was much bigger inside than expand and comfy casual. They offered different sizes for pho so that was great. The food just hit the spot on a cold foggy day.

After days of lobster rolls and lobster everything, I was ready to throw myself into the ocean just…read moreto feel something spicy. Halifax is beautiful, no doubt--but if you're someone who needs a kick of chili in your food (and your soul), the city can feel like a spice desert. Enter Pho Maniac. We spotted it thanks to the red chili-laced photos plastered on the window. That alone was enough to pull us in. And thank god we did--because this place delivers on heat. Not the mild, tamed-down-for-tourists kind either. Real spice. Actual flavor. The food scene in Halifax is trying to grow, but let's be honest--it's mostly tailored for white folks and cruise ship passersby. If your palate grew up on sambal, Sichuan, or scotch bonnets, most of this city will leave you unbothered and unsalted. But Pho Maniac? A mirage turned real. The place was packed with Asian diners and the one off-white wanderer who knew what's up. That's always a good sign. The broth? Deep, rich, and fiery. It hits the spot you forgot Halifax had. I still couldn't see myself living here long-term--because spicy food is non-negotiable--but at least Pho Maniac made the week feel less bland. In a city of boiled lobster and beige seasoning, this little joint reminded me my taste buds were still alive.

I've been coming here for years and they are consistently a delicious bowl of love…read more I am a pho ho I would have liked to take a better picture but it was so delicious looking I jumped right in and then remembered to take a picture I can't speak to anything else on the menu because I've been getting this one for years. Family run locally run supporting small businesses in Dartmouth Nova Scotia Highly recommend if you're needing a little extra love

I was excited to eat some pho after eating lots seafood but I was disappointed. Our waitress was…read morethe highlight. She was super nice and when some lady yelled at her for something that was probably not her fault, she stayed kind and under standing. Ok so the bad part. I ordered (as seen in the photo) a beef pho with no bean sprouts in it and I understand that the broth probably had it pre mixed in but I received my soup with the bean sprouts everywhere. Also to the noodles were the same you could buy at the store so that was a little disappointing. The restaurant looked nice enough but in my opinion I'd rather have good food than nice decor.

We officially begin our three-week Canadian adventure in Halifax, Nova Scotia with lunch at Side…read moreHustle, an Asian fusion restaurant that turned out to be the perfect way to kick off our trip. The Asian fusion entrées looked outstanding, but we had come to Nova Scotia Hoping for fresh seafood. Then my eyes landed on "Fish Tacos". My heart skipped a beat. When our server told us they were prepared with haddock, the Hallelujah Chorus immediately began playing in my head. Haddock is native to the cold waters off Nova Scotia, so it simply doesn't get any fresher than that. As an added bonus, we ordered the garlic aioli fries, generously sprinkled with Parmesan and Romano cheese. While our meals were being prepared, our server, Jacob, completely won us over with his warm personality, attentive service, and fascinating insights into life in Nova Scotia. At the time, we were the only guests in the restaurant, and he laughed as he explained that 32°C was considered a bit on the warm side for the locals. If they weren't working, he said, they were probably at home enjoying the air-conditioning! Then our food arrived. It was beautifully plated, but the presentation was only the opening act. When I took my first bite ... oh my goodness! It was without question, the most delicious fish taco I have ever eaten. Even my 74-year-old taste buds perked up like my kitty when she hears the rustling of her treat bag. Every bite delivered a delicate crunch, followed by moist, flaky, haddock, complemented by sweet, pineapple bits, pickled jalapeños, avocado aïoli, and a light dusting red pepper flakes. The balance of flavors were simply extraordinary. Honestly, I can't imagine a better fish taco. The restaurant itself is equally inviting. Natural wood finishes create a warm relaxed atmosphere. that makes you want to linger. The portions were generous. The prices are reasonable and Jacob's outstanding hospitality elevated the entire dining experience. If your travels bring you anywhere near Halifax, do yourself a favor and stop by Side Hustle in Dartmouth on the other side of the bay. It's one of those delightful culinary gems that you'll remember long after the last bite and one we will enthusiastically recommend to anyone visiting the Halifax/Dartmouth area of Nova Scotia.

One of the hipster restaurants in downtown Dartmouth on Portland Street. Huge interior with plenty…read moreof table and bar seating. Wasn't terribly busy the Saturday night I went - probably because between Christmas and New Years. Tried a variety of appetizers and shareable. The chicharron and Brussels sprouts were stars. The Mac fries weren't bad. Had the Hustle Fried Ride with pork belly. Beautifully presented with good flavour - rice was a bit saucier than I would have liked. Great service, nice ambience. Will go back to try their Sunday brunch!!!

Kung Po Chicken and beef with broccoli was excellent. Even thou they were busy the food came very…read morequickly. Great service and a nice ambiance. We usually go to the other location and the other location has a Chinese menu. The Chinese menu has a cabbage dish that's beyond amazing! So both locations are excellent!

I ordered their Wednesday special. I got 4 small pieces of chicken and half of it is bean sprout!…read morethat's pretty special! (NOT coming back!)

If you've got a little extra money to spend, then this is definitely a top 3 in Halifax…read more Service is here is impeccable which is appreciated because the price is higher than your average Indian restaurant. Being right on Spring Garden means you're likely paying for the location, but food and service more than make up for it. There are great seating options - lots of romantic, private options. Great for groups or a date. Don't expect to park out front - it's Garden Rd, so expect to walk or grab a bus that stops outside. Food is authentic and spicy; the way you'd expect of good Indian food. Dishes come out piping hot and portions are good. You will definitely be packing some up to go if you share three dishes and an appetizer. Only downside here is that this is on the second floor and there are quite a few stairs so this is not accessible if you can't do stairs. Great food, great staff, a little pricey, but you get your money's worth!

Went for dinner tonight after getting a recommendation from the cabby who drove us from the…read moreairport. The staff were friendly and attentive to all our questions and requests and the food was top tier. I've been to many Indian restaurants in NYC and Philadelphia PA in my time and this was some of the best I've tasted. Mango Lassi, butter chicken and lamb curry. All delicious

The decor is spartan, but the food was good…read more The chicken wings were wonderfully crispy, but not seasoned. A dipping sauce should be an enhancement, not the sole source of flavour. However, the pho was very tasty!

Great place for a pho...price is right ...fast....service was great…read more Perfect for a quick lunch