The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Come to The Old Apothecary Bakery & Cafe for the best iced coffees and croissants in the city. All the mouthwatering pastries and loaves of bread are made on-site with high-quality ingredients, and there isn’t a single treat here that you won’t fall madly in love with.

There is never a time of day when the North End’s Lion & Bright isn’t busy. With exposed brick walls, loud music, and communal work spaces, this is definitely one of the coolest cafés in the city. Come here for a great cup of coffee (or a cocktail) and a cool ambiance. At night, it transitions into a bar and is a popular date spot and hangout for locals.

Attached to the Seven Bays bouldering gym is their laid-back, minimalist café. Spacious and bright, this is a perfect place to grab a coffee and hang out for a few hours. They also offer a small food menu, pastries, and a large drink menu.

Julien’s bread is practically famous in the city, and on Saturday mornings, you’ll have to brave long lines as locals come by to get freshly baked bread. It’s worth it. Enjoy a coffee and pastry inside or in their charming outdoor garden.

Colorful and cheery, Steve-O-Reno’s is guaranteed to put you in a good mood. The staff is friendly; the atmosphere is warm, and the coffee and food are delicious (including the best carrot cake you’ll ever have). If you miss their downtown spot, be sure to hit up their stall in the Halifax Seaport Market.

On both the first and top floors of the Halifax Central Library and in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, you’ll find Pavia, a European-inspired espresso bar. Its small selection of tasty espresso-based drinks, teas, and light fare attracts locals and tourists alike. At the library locations, enjoy your food and beverage on the library’s rooftop terrace. If you’re heading outside of the city, check out Pavia’s original location in Herring Cove.

The tiny Weird Harbour Espresso Bar in the heart of downtown looks more suited to Brooklyn than Halifax, with its bright, minimal, and slightly industrial elements, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. The owner here is one of the friendliest you’ll ever meet, and the drinks and snacks are delicious.

One of the cutest spots you’ll ever see, Dilly Dally is a new place in the city’s West End that instantly became a neighborhood favorite. Whether you’re there for coffee, lunch, or an after-work drink, you’ll love the slightly kitschy décor and friendly service.

Just Us! Coffee, a cozy yet spacious downtown spot located inside an old house, is especially popular among students. They are passionate about fair trade products, and you’ll find information about their initiatives around the café.

A trip across the harbor to Dartmouth is more than worth it for a trip to Two If By Sea (or TIBS as the locals call it). Just mention the name, and you’ll have people talking about their outrageously large and delicious croissants. The spot’s cool hipster vibe makes it a great place to hang out for a few hours.