Steve-o-Reno's is a haven for coffee junkies.

JAVA JIVE

• If you’re serious about your caffeine, check out Uncommon Grounds—its four Halifax locations include Hollis and South Park streets. The coffeehouses rival anything their big chain competitors offer, with locally roasted, small-batch coffee from Nova Coffee in Lower Sackville.

• Steve-o-Reno’s on Brunswick Street is a Halifax institution. The café is casual and relaxed, with a loyal clientele. Its coffee comes from the Maritimes, prepared at Down East Roasteries in Moncton.

• Smiling Goat Organic Espresso Bar on South Park Street is one of the city’s newest cafes and has really raised the bar when it comes to coffee technology. Baristas pull their espresso shots using a $10,000 Clover machine that boasts a denser, thicker, more flavourful drink.

The baked treats at Julien's are the stuff of local legend.

COMFORT FOOD

Does autumn’s chilly turn have you looking for comfort food? Check out Julien’s Patisserie Bakery & Café in The Hydrostone neighbourhood on Young Street. A dozen varieties of fresh-baked bread and decadent almond croissants make this spot a local legend.

Chef Alan Johnston works wonders with fresh seafood at MacAskill's.

SEAFOOD SENSATION

In Dartmouth’s Alderney Landing—where the Metro Transit ferry docks—MacAskill’s boasts panoramic views of Halifax Harbour. In the kitchen, chef Alan Johnston creates a continental menu, specializing in seafood, including lobster fresh from the tank.

Chef Dennis Johnston and partner Monica Bauche, at Fid.

BRUNCH BUNCH

Few meals are more enjoyable than a lazy Saturday brunch—and at Fid on Dresden Row, chef Dennis Johnston is offering his own take on the meal on November 16 and December 21. He and partner Monica Bauche are serving brunch those days only (11am to 2pm), showcasing local flavours from the Halifax City Farmers’ Market in “traditional brunch comfort foods.”

Relax on the patio at the Bitter End.

DINNER & A DRINK

• The Bitter End on Argyle Street: Award-winning martinis and bloody caesars; popular sidewalk patio.

• Onyx on Spring Garden Road: House specialty Cuban mojito; chef Tahir Salamat is constantly tweaking his globally influenced menu.

• Economy Shoe Shop on Argyle Street: One of the downtown’s most popular nightspots; famous martinis.

• Mercury Bar & Restaurant on Sackville Street: Stylish lounge; creative cocktails; popular seafood and Italian dishes.

• Niche on Barrington Street: Supper club/lounge; tapas and international flavours; broad wine list.

Nova Scotian cuisine wowed diners at New York's James Beard House.

Image © Ryan Brenizer

BITING THE BIG APPLE

New York’s exclusive James Beard House recently invited five Nova Scotian chefs to showcase the province’s flavours at a special dinner. Manhattan diners raved about the creative menu—now see for yourself what the fuss is about: the team included chefs from two of Halifax’s finest restaurants. At Fid on Dresden Row, chef Dennis Johnston is always trying new things with a constantly evolving Franco-Asian menu. Downtown on Barrington Street, Chives Canadian Bistro chef Craig Flinn marries local ingredients with classical training.

Japanese fusion dining at Sushi Nami Royale on Dresden Row.

EAST MEETS WEST

From unforgettable sushi to fusion fine-dining, you’ll find a variety of Japanese flavours at Sushi Nami Royale on Dresden Row. The menu marries traditional cuisine with innovative new flavours, offering diners some exciting new experiences.

Cut recently garnered AAA's coveted four-diamond award.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

The accolades keep rolling in for Cut Urban Grill & Contemporary Steakhouse on the corner of Salter and Lower Water streets. AAA recently honoured it with its coveted four-diamond award. And it’s little wonder why: with USDA Prime beef dry-aged on site, the menu emphasizes world-class cuisine. Valet parking, stylish décor and private dining areas round out the experience.

Create your own unique stir-fry at the Mongolie Grill.

Image © Gwen North

STIR IT UP

Create your own unique stir-fry at the Mongolie Grill on Granville Street. Choose from 17 different vegetables, plus shrimp, scallops, beef, pork and chicken. Accompanying them are 18 different made-from-scratch sauces, ranging from basics like honey garlic to fiery Mongolian varieties. After you’ve filled your bowl, take it to the fry station to be cooked. It’s a pay-by-weight concept, with a discount for vegetarian creations.

Chef Kent Thibault at Rhubarb Grill & Café.

ROAD TRIP

• Perched on the rocks above picturesque Peggy’s Cove, the Sou’wester specializes in Maritime favourites like fish n’ chips and seafood chowder.

• If you’re visiting before October 12, head west to the seaside village of Hubbards to experience a traditional community lobster supper. Served Wednesday to Sunday in a historic community hall, the Shore Club Lobster Supper features mussels, a salad bar, a l.5-pound lobster and dessert.

• Chef Kent Thibault works his magic at the Rhubarb Grill & Café on Peggy’s Cove Road. Sourcing local ingredients wherever possible, he showcases Maritime flavours with dishes like rhubarb-glazed scallops and halibut with mango-strawberry salsa.

Chef Craig Flinn at Chives Canadian Bistro on Barrington Street.

EAT WELL

Chefs Craig Flinn and Darren Lewis have built Chives Canadian Bistro on Barrington Street into one of the city’s most respect restaurants, thanks to their dynamic, seasonal menus that emphasize Maritime ingredients. This season’s highlights include organic Nova Scotia chicken and sweet corn fricassee, three dishes of harvest vegetables and pan-roasted Digby sea scallops.

Sample pairings of game and beer at Stories on Morris Street.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Autumn is the prime time to explore the rich flavours of Nova Scotian game at Stories in The Halliburton Hotel on Morris Street. Until November 30, chef Scott Vail is pairing game dishes such as boar, bison and guinea hen with a selection of local and international craft ales. You can try the five-course tasting menu with beer pairings for $79 per person.