"When my 90-year-old grandfather came by train from Ontario for his first-ever visit, my top priority was to bring him to The Narrows. This is the kind of East Coast dining and drinking experience you may have only once in a lifetime. When I romanticize a day off, I include their kegged cocktail, housemade bologna, and a game of cribb—all in a space that's a cross between nostalgic Nova Scotian, locally owned hospitality, chef-curated food, and the absolute perfect amount of pub."

"If ever there was a hashtag that resonates in this city, its #fieldguideforever. Okay, I am biased because my incredibly skilled partner helps run the bar program, and you can find me there most Tuesdays. But truly, this north end spot pumps out—bar none—some of the best cocktails, hand-picked wine, and locally inspired food in the city. It's the kind of place that has an early-'90s-rom-com aura glow year round, creating a vibe that you'll never forget."

"Local Source inspires me the moment I walk through its doors, with shelves stocked with fresh bread, local produce and products, and a few things in between. They are fiercely local in every way they can be, and it's something I hugely admire. They believe in a better system, and with two thriving locations, they've proven it can work. It's the local market you've been fantasizing about and the perfect opportunity to support our incredible farmers and purveyors when visiting Halifax."

"If I am choosing a spot in Halifax that doesn't get the clout it deserves, it's Verano's, serving up absolutely incredible and fresh Latin food that's not only made from scratch, but clearly also from the heart. Verano's is to me the epitome of a hole-in-the-wall, located on the main level of an office building. It can be easy to miss, but they deserve a line out the door and around the corner. You'd be missing out to not add Verano's to your must-try list for breakfast or lunch."

"Imagine traveling back in time to the '80s and landing in the dark basement of a brewery, surrounded by dozens of lit-up pinball machines, cold beer, punk music, and every vintage arcade game you could desire: You've just found yourself at Propeller Arcade. Depending on the night, you might catch cheap free play, a wrestling match, or a concert. Don't sleep on the Dream Stealer, a perfectly crafted neon drink they're pouring by the pint that pairs with the experience like wine with cheese."

"Two words: The Smashie. Hands down my favorite burger of all time, the Side Hustle smash burger is the soft-bun-melty-cheese-saucy-beefy burger of everyone's dreams. This spot is a reason to hop on the ferry, let the wind blow through your hair on the top deck, and travel to Dartmouth. The city not only boasts Side Hustle but has a thriving food and drink scene that runs parallel to Halifax but fully has its own identity and vibe."

"If you're in Nova Scotia, you should be drinking wine, and if you're going to drink wine, you should do it at Obladee. It's one of our favorite date-night spots because of the beyond-impressive wine list; staff that know everything about the product; really, really good food; and alllll the vibes. Jazz night on Wednesday is life-changing and quite possibly one of the best experiences in the city."

"The public gardens are in the heart of our city and stunning to stroll through in any season. It doesn't cost anything to go, and you can spend a good hour or two strolling around and taking in all of the amazing flowers, shrubs, ponds, and architecture. It's just so sweet."

"If you're lucky enough to be here in the late-spring through mid-autumn months, run across the street from the Public Gardens to Dairy Bar for the most incredible ice cream in this city. They're always rocking super unique and seasonal flavors and have the most incredible Salted Caramel Crunch Sundae. If taking your ice cream to the Public Gardens isn't your thing, Dairy Bar also backs onto a beer garden."

"I couldn't possibly tell you my favorite places in the city without including my own baby: Anemone. I'm the owner and head chef, and my super-talented partner, Stephane, is behind the bar. We do private dining focused on local dishes, big plates, and a cocktail and wine list to match. We're on the waterfront in the Alexander Keith's Brewery, in a super cozy space. We offer a monthly prix-fixe dinner you should totally check out, and we have a super cute café, Terra, that shares our space."