Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Atlantic Canada

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Atlantic Canada? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Tribute

4.9

4.9 (36)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Halifax

About the restaurant

Tribute is a unique restaurant located on the Halifax Waterfront. Defined not by a specific cuisine, but by a place - Nova Scotia - Tribute sources the best local ingredients to pay homage to authentic, impactful dishes with international influences, showcased through live fire and charcoal cookery in an open kitchen-to-dining room. With a fun and elevated approach to East Coast hospitality, Tribute is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, offering a chef’s tasting menu and wider options a la carte, paired with nimble wine and cocktail lists. Menus will change often to highlight seasonal ingredients from Nova Scotian farmers and producers.

Top review

Natalie

Dined on 11 Dec 2024

Wow, just wow! This was my first time trying Chef Colin’s food and it certainly won’t be my last!! The steak cooked on the open fire had such a depth of flavour, and the handmade pasta was a highlight of the meal! Finally, finished off the meal with the ooey gooey cake, that truly couldn’t believe was gluten free. Fabulous service, lovely atmosphere and overall fantastic meal. We will be back!

The Press Gang

4.7

4.7 (2260)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Global, International

Halifax

About the restaurant

The Press Gang, located in the heart of downtown Halifax, occupies one of the city’s oldest historic stone structures which dates back to 1759. Boasting a formal dining experience like no other in the city, The Press Gang features an extensive menu with a rich array of exquisite seafood, meat and poultry dishes to satisfy every palate.
Visit our famous Oyster Bar for a selection of Maritime oysters, succulent appetizers and an extensive list of wines and martinis. Enjoy one of Nova Scotia's largest scotch selections, featuring over 75 single malts and listen to our grand piano played by some of Halifax's finest musicians every Friday and Saturday night, beginning at 8:30pm.

The Henry Room
Our 18th century private dining room comfortably accommodates 15 guests. In addition, we offer one semi-private space, suitable for up to 28 guests.

Top review

Chris

Dined 2 days ago

The service was excellent. This is by far one of the best restaurants in Halifax.

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Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake

Italian by Night

4.7

4.7 (3284)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Saint John

About the restaurant

Italian by Night is an urban Italian restaurant and bar with a cuisine focused on old world techniques in a modern kitchen.

A romantic Italian restaurant in Uptown Saint John with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is a mix of rustic exposed brick and wood beams, as well as elegant touches like linen tablecloths, fresh flowers and candles on the tables.

The menu offers a wide variety of Italian dishes, ranging from classic favorites like pizza and pasta to more upscale options like seafood, steaks, and excellent wine list. We use fresh ingredients, with a focus on high-quality flavors and presentation.

We offer corporate and wedding buyouts in a gorgeous venue with ample seating and layout, excellent food, attentive service, and a memorable atmosphere that is perfect for any special occasion. A personalized menu and experience will reflect your unique tastes and preferences.

We offer a private dining room for smaller groups.

Top review

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Incredible service from Michael at the table and Jesse at the bar. Food was delicious as always. Definitely our go to restaurant in Saint John. Thank yiu IBN!

Seaport Social

4.7

4.7 (126)

CAN$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Halifax

About the restaurant

Seaport Social features a diverse food & drink menu showcasing some of the best products Nova Scotia has to offer. Fresh, local and sure to satisfy any craving, day or night, enjoy creative food & cocktails that will definitely please your palate!

Top review

Camille

Dined on 1 Dec 2024

I took my kids to an early dinner at 4:30 so the restaurant wasn’t busy. The food was delicious particularly the onion rings! Our server was fantastic and the ambience was lovely!

Sip Bar & Fare

4.7

4.7 (97)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Dartmouth

About the restaurant

Centred around a roaring hearth with an airy atrium and terrace above, Sip offers food and drink with character. Our menu features upscale cocktails — including curated classics and custom concoctions — and shareable plates cooked over an open flame.

Join us for a bite or a bevvy. We’ll keep the fire going.

Top review

ArefVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Great food, great service! Definitely coming back!

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Experience

Sip & Savor: A Wine Tasting Happy Hour

Sims Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

4.6

4.6 (11)

CAN$51 and over

Steakhouse

Charlottetown

About the restaurant

Donald McIsaac erected this beautiful three storey brick building in 1862-1864 on Sims Corner, so called because the property had been in the possession of Thomas and Charlotte Alchorn Sims from 1806.

The most colourful owner and occupant of the building was Mr. P.P. Gillis, who ran the “Red Pharmacy” between 1895 and 1910.

A drug-store in the front half of the building and a reputed conviviality shop in the rear, proved very popular with local businessmen while prohibition was in effect. This location has also been a large family home, apartments and a barber shop.

In the fall of 2005 local restaurateur Murphy's purchased the building and began the process of renovating to create what you are experiencing today.

Murphy Hospitality Group is proud to present you with Prince Edward Island’s first authentic Steakhouse, and “Atlantic Canada’s Premier Steakhouse Experience”.

Top review

Daniel

Dined on 26 Nov 2024

A fantastic restaurant in downtown Charlottetown. Relatively pricey but worth it.

da Maurizio

4.5

4.5 (2501)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Halifax

About the restaurant

Da Maurizio offers a premiere dining experience on Halifax's historical waterfront. For over thirty years this fine dining Italian restaurant has been considered Halifax's favorite by locals and travelers alike. It is no wonder Da Maurizio has earned National and International awards; one visit and you will understand why. The exquisite sauces and handmade pastas, the mouth-watering seafood and grilled-to-perfection meats, the exceptional service and beautiful decor, the comprehensive wine list and romantic setting all combine to make Da Maurizio and unforgettable experience. Whether you are seeking a romantic dinner for two, a celebratory family gathering, a lighthearted evening with good friends on the patio or a business discussion over dinner, Da Maurizio is the perfect destination.

Top review

Matt

Dined 1 day ago

Halifax has many dining establishments but da Maurizio was one of the best service experiences we’ve had. The staff was extremely friendly and service was great! The noise level was up a little but that was due to a private function in the private room off of the dining area. Wonderful experience and we would certainly go again!

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Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar - Halifax

4.5

4.5 (1502)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Grill

Halifax

About the restaurant

Located in the historic Morse’s Tea Building, enjoy a delicious meal in Halifax with family and friends, choose from our succulent steaks, signature ribs or go for the lobster at the only Bâton Rouge Grillhouse within Nova Scotia.

Top review

Brian

Dined 7 days ago

Nathan thank you for the amazing meal an service we where very impressed Brian Cashen

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Pazzo Ristorante & Enoteca

4.5

4.5 (146)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Halifax

About the restaurant

Benvenuto and welcome to Pazzo, a new Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Halifax. Inspired by our love affair with Italian cuisine, we’ve beautifully transformed two floors of a Barrington Street heritage building into a cozy bar on the lower level and a gorgeous dining area upstairs. With a focus on fresh handmade pasta, meats and cheeses cured in-house, and wines that flow as freely as laughter around a family dinner table, we invite you to join us on a journey of Italy’s rich food culture and la dolce vita!

Top review

Kelly

Dined 2 days ago

Great service, food, drinks and atmosphere! Add this one to your list!

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Popular dish

RAVIOLI

Dessert Yard

4.4

4.4 (15)

CAN$30 and under

Dessert

Downtown

About the restaurant

We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours!

Top review

Ann

Dined on 7 Dec 2024

Was my first time here. The restaurant is beautiful, and the serv Food delicious. The service was OK, but very slow despite a few people in the restaurant.

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