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Chives Canadian Bistro

4.5
4.5
842 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian
Top Tags:
Chives Canadian Bistro offers contemporary Canadian cuisine, in a unique casual atmosphere, in the heart of downtown Halifax. The key to Chives' success over the years has been cooking with the use of local, in-season ingredients offering our twist on Canadian cuisine, creating menus using the best and the freshest from the farms and waters of Nova Scotia. Combining a relaxed atmosphere and attentive service both Haligonians and guests from afar love our bistro.
The main dining room balances a cozy and private mood, as does the Private Dining Room for larger groups, but for a special occasion, arrange for seating in the bank vault-turned-wine cellar. Awarded Two Stars out of three Where to Eat in Canada 2004-Present ;Top 100 Restaurants in Canada Wine Access magazine2006 to Present; Best Chef The Coast 2009-2010; Best Fine Dining restaurant the Coast 2010

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Canadian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Nightly: 5:00pm - 9:30pm
  • Phone number
    (902) 420-9626
  • Website
    http://www.chives.ca/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Craig Flinn
  • Private party facilities
    Private room with windows over looking both the main floor of the restaurant and historic Barrington street. Perfect for family occasions, corporate or business settings. Seating for up to 18 people
  • Private party contact
    George Davis: (902) 420-9626
  • Location
    1537 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3j 1Z4
  • Neighborhood
    Halifax
  • Cross street
    Blowers and Salter
  • Parking details
    5 level park and pay one street down from Barrington on Ganville as well as street parking outside of the restaurant.
  • Additional
    BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wine

What 842 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5
4.5 based on all time ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.3Value

Noise • Moderate

638 Reviews

  1. BarbW

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    All the food that our group of 4 enjoyed was prepared very thoughfully and expertly prepared. I would hightly recommend this restaurant. I will say though that if you are looking for seafood, as we were, it only has a few seafood options. But all the food is is locally sourced and they take great pride in their creative expression of all the meals.

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  2. DogT

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never been let down on any of our visits to Chives. The service is great and the food is even better. Best of all you get to see and taste the best produce of NS transformed to mouthwatering dishes by the Chives team

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  3. MrsDavos

    Manitoba

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We chose Chives for our 38th anniversary dinner while vacationing in Halifax. Because of the special occasion, we asked for the private dining in the vault. We were welcomed warmly and advised that the vault was ours for the evening. The service was excellent, very balanced between privacy and service. I had the Beef Wellington and my husband had their seared peach salad and lamb pot roast. A suggested wine, only available at this restaurant, perfectly complimented the dinners. The Beef Wellington was different from others I have had, but delicious, none the less. My husband loved his salad and entree. A homemade honey vanilla ice cream finished the meal perfectly along with a glass of ice wine. It was a wonderful, relaxing evening, perfect for our celebration. My only small complaint was that there is not much ventilation in a bank vault, so it got a little too warm by the end of our experience.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience1
    We had a pleasant meal and the chef tried to accommodate my dietary needs. However, our table was not great...squished in a corner upstairs with a portable heater. We'd like to see more gluten free, dairy and egg free choices. We will be back sometime soon. LeRoy & Marilyn Riggs

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  5. MSF13

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2015

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    The food makes the experience outstanding! My wife and I are big time foodies and we are always happy when we leave Chives!

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  6. Blueocean

    Hawaii

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite restaurant in Halifax!!!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Using "Where to eat in Halifax" as a guide my wife and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary with dinner at Chives. The food was fresh and very flavourful. Top notch cocktails and the server was very attentive and knowledgable about the menu. We will be back and have spread the word about this downtown gem

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  8. HeatherP

    Phoenix

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner was fresh food prepared really well. Their gluten free options are very good, as was the service. Our foursome had a table in their upstairs level, so the noise level was much quieter than the lower level. We all enjoyed the food and atmosphere.

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  9. LoveLocal

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chives is our go to when we have visitors or special occasions. The food and service are always wonderful!

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  10. KarenP

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Next time I am back in Halifax, I will certainly make a point of going back to chives. While we were here, we also went to their other, more casual, restaurant "two doors down"...also fantastic.

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  11. Brandon

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2015

    overall4food5service1ambience3
    As tribute to the end of the summer, myself and two friends decided to try Chives Bistro. We found the food to be lovely, but found our waiter to be terrible. He didn't say a word to us, ask us how our food was, or explain the specials of the day. We found ourselves to be attentive and were wondering why he chose to not be courteous to us. Between the 3 of us, we spent over $150 and wish our customer service was just a little bit better.

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  12. Sarahgray22

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've been going to chives for our anniversary over the last 6 years. We reserve the vault and it makes our evening so romantic. The food is always amazing. Every time we dine, the menu is different. Highly recommend this restaurant!

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  13. Anthony

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We (a party of 6) ate at Chives on the 5 August 2015 to celebrate an academic milestone and to treat out of town guests. The food was great and the theme of fresh, seasonal and local came through loud and clear with local mushrooms and local fish taking center stage. The star this evening though was our server who was attentive without being obtrusive , always appearing just as one was completing a thought about what would be nice (like a refill of the glass). An interesting selection of beers and wines complete the menu and the relaxed atmosphere which encourages lingering (and of course ordering desert and coffees) made us think we were back in Europe again. A refreshing change from so many Halifax establishments who seem to try and shovel food at you to get you out the door quickly. The price is moderate but the service and both the quality and the presentation of the food is top notch, we will definitely be back and look forward to bringing other out of town guests.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This restaurant is excellent. Fresh local sourced ingredients.

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  15. HalifaxNewbie

    Ottawa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2015

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    I had heard a great deal about Chives and how good it is so I was really looking forward to trying it out. The food is good - no question - and locally-sourced. But for me it was lacking that extra "delicious" factor that makes a dining experience special. There was no "wow" factor. And my impression was influenced by the slow service. We waited an inordinate amount of time for anyone to even notice us and once we put in our order - which included a main appetizer to be shared by the table as we were all hungry and wanted something quickly to take the edge off - we had a 40-45 minute wait for the appetizer to arrive. Nothing was offered to tied us over and one got the feeling they just hoped we would order more wine for the main course, (which was also slow to arrive). The restaurant wasn't busy, so the slow pace was a mystery. Disappointing.

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  16. Gigi

    Atlantic Canada

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our evening at Chives was truly enjoyable. The food was innovative and prepared with local ingredients. The beef Wellington was incredible, so savory. Service was exceptional and informative. Will definitely be going back.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We requested and received private seating in the "vault" of the restaurant, and were treated to warm, personal customer service from beginning to end. We enjoyed the emphasis on the quality of the dishes, which were primarily sourced locally in Nova Scotia. The restaurant is conveniently located downtown, a short walk from the hotels.

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  18. Smorehalifax20

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2015

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    First time at Chives for my birthday dinner. Something for everyone on the menu and the food was delcicious and fresh. Would highly recommend this place to anyone especially for a romantic date.

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  19. TDBrodie

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chives is a huge favourite of my wife and I. For this visit we brought my brother and his family, including two boys under 12. Typically this is the place where Heather and I enjoy an intimate evening together so we knew that we would be seeing Chives in a different light. It did not disappoint. Maggie (our server) surpassed the impeccable service that we've become accustomed to. She elevated the boys, treating them as honoured guests and, in doing so, they were delighted to enjoy something so different from their usual fare. We all had appetizers. I think just about everything on the menu was explored. The highlight for this course proved to be the oysters with the smear of sweet potato chipotle that one of the boys ordered. Heather stayed with her ever-favourite onion tart and was happy to do so. I must say though, those oysters were a hit. The salty brine was perfectly offsite by the sweet and hot dab on the end of the shell. Whoever came up with that really deserves an "attaboy"! The mains were fantastic, as always. One of the boys had the burger and the other had the seafood pasta. Both of them wolfed down their dish with huge delight. I had the scallops. They were truly good. I must say though that I was sorry to see that the scallops had been discontinued in the apps because they were always a favourite of mine and they didn't seem to measure up as a main. Heather had the vegetarian curry and was really thrilled with the dish. I think she'll be trying it again when we go back. Desert was wonderful. The boys had ice cream while I had the chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream. The cake was hot and gooey, the ice cream a perfect match and there was a salty caramel drizzle that tied the two together perfectly. When paired with the Pomme D'Or ice wine it was simply extraordinary. Outstanding food, coupled with impeccable service made for a night to be remembered. Thanks again to the folks at Chives for hitting it outta the park.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Highly recommend trying this place. Best to make a reservation as it fills up quickly. Menu is seasonal and locally sourced. For an extra romantic night out ask for the table for 2 in the vault!

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  21. PurpleH

    Leicestershire

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Visiting Halifax from the UK we chose Chives from various review sites and were not disappointed. Service was excellent - menus already on our table when we arrived, waitress knew her wines and the food very well, and we were delighted by the brown paper bag of buttermilk biscuits with molasses and butter which arrived before the food. As Brits we had always wondered about N American “biscuits” – and now we know they are what we call scones! Food very good, would definitely go again. A little noisy for our tastes, so Stories scores very slightly higher.

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  22. Lyndsay

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the best time ever ! Our server was amazing and the food was exceptional, loved the pork

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  23. Anniversary

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    We chose Chives for our wedding anniversary dinner and had an excellent experience. Most of the staff wished us a happy anniversary and even provided a complimentary glass of champagne for each of us. Service was pleasant and present but not intrusive and our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu even describing the ingredients in each dish. As a former bank branch, the restaurant is not spectacular but the food and service more than make up for it. Thank you to the staff for a wonderful, memorable anniversary dinner.

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  24. KKid98

    Coastal Georgia

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed the meal and service for our final night in Halifax. The "blackened" cod special was fantastic and the fried potato cake was really good. The cheese board was the star, however, from the cheese to the pairings. Loved the local wines on the list, too. The only slight negative was that we prefer our pork a little closer to medium than well done, which would have set the mushroom dusted pork loin from good to fantastic. Would definitely recommend this.

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  25. MikeR

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 5, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service by our waiter Nick, crab cakes , Tuna tartare and oysters were wonderful , pork and beef Wellington were amazing. Nice cocktails and wine highly recommended!

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  26. Olly

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Dined for 2.. 3 course and a cocktails. Cocktails menu was okay, food menu would appeal to anyone. Waiters/ess very attentive and friendly. Would recommend to anyone!

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  27. PearlyQueen

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2015

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    I have eaten at Chives many times and it is one of my favourite restaurants in Halifax. However, on Saturday the food was not up to the usual high standard. The Beef Wellington was dry and the plate looked as if it had been kept warm as the sauce was dry around the edge. Also the blueberry sorbet was underwhelming. It had little flavour and the texture was not pleasant. On the positive side, the appetiser, crispy zucchini flowers, was very enjoyable as was my date's cheese board. Also, the service was as excellent as I have come to expect from Chives.

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  28. 1958jeg

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    my first time dining at Chives and I will be back again! From enjoying a great glass of Nova Scotia to my entree of cod, it was truly magnificent!! The service was excellent! The attentiveness was there without being intrusive. Thank you Chives for making a newbie welcomed!!

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  29. Anuvien

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We have been to Chives several times and it is always our first choice for family celebrations, and to take out of town guests to for dinner. No matter what is chosen from the menu, it comes promptly, is beautifully presented and is delicious. The servers are always courteous and attentive. It feels like a special meal every time. I like too that as much as possible quality local produce is used.

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  30. Hungrytraveller

    Las Vegas

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good menu, great selection and the drink list was both creative and fun!

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  31. kimm11

    Northern MI

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 28, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From start to finish our dinner was absolutely delicious. Our server was informed, attentive and extremely helpful. We will definitely be returning to Chives during our next visit to Halifax.

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  32. MegLady

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 26, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and atmosphere. The service was also excellent. This place served some of the best food I have eaten, and I have frequented many fine dining restaurants. Prices were also good.

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  33. Ljgreene84

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chives is a fantastic restaurant and offers and all around great experience. I have yet to leave disappointed, the staff offer great service and aim to please. Highly recommend this restaurant

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  34. GilbertM23

    Toronto

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2015

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    We'll, what can I say me and my partner are regulars here for special occasions, and admittedly just a good any other night, the food is always delicious though I confess the cocktails from the bar this time we're just terrible we sent back the first round and came back with two equally bad. Hopefully just an off night but- when your buying a 11/13 dollar drink it should be good, well stick with wine next time. Else wise good as always!

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  35. AtlanticReview

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2015

    overall4food2service3ambience3
    Having eaten at Chives a couple of years ago and experiencing a five star meal, our most recent visit fell short of our expectations. We started our meal with the crab cakes and perogies & bacon. In our foursome, our meals consisted of two lobster & sweet pea tagliatelle, one braised beef Wellington, and one order of Thousand Acre Farms a free Range Chicken. The starters taste & presentation was excellent, albeit small they were still worth the price. The chicken main course was rated excellent by everyone in our foursome. The beef main was enjoyable but over seasoned with salt & I noticed that two others in the restaurant sent there beef Wellington back to the kitchen. To be fair, we don't know the reason why sent their plates back. The lobster main course, ordered by two of our four, received similar comments by our group. The flavour was unexpected and didn't work for this type of meal. Savoury flavour profile with peas and seafood did not work. It is described as lobster bisque Alfredo & it tasted nothing like either flavour. The lobster was over cooked or previously frozen, it was the most rubberized lobster we had ever endured. If the Alfredo had been good, the lobster would have ruined the meal anyway. The pasta was home made, but undercooked and clumped in one of the portions. Two doors down, a restaurant aptly named, was a better choice the night before, and will still receive our patronage in the future.

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  36. Buster

    Manitoba

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are from the prairies with family in Halifax that we visit frequently. This was our 4th visit to Chives. The menu has something for everyone and it is all local maritime fare. The food has been predictably outstanding, as has the service. This restaurant is a must for those who want quality and value.

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  37. JohntheCoxn

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Went with close friends to celebrate a career milestone. All of our dishes were exquisite and the service outstanding. We will return.

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  38. Love2eat

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2015

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our third trip to Chives was just like the others.You feel very welcomed from the time you walk in until you leave.Some restaurant hosts start off with a very cold"do you have a reservation".At Chives it's a warm hello.Our server was excellent showing just enough interest in our view on the food served. Appetizer was a lovely crab cake.I chose the chicken breast and my husband the roast pork.The risotto was perfectly creamy and the chicken was perfect- crispy bacon on the outside- moist inside.My husband loved his roast pork with ravioli.I would warn people away from the pork if they have an aversion to a fatty layer on meat( my husband doesn't but I do :)Feeling rather full we opted to have a scoop of Chives house made peanut butter ice cream rather than full dessert serving.Needless to say we left smiling.

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  39. SpeakerTeacher

    Atlantic Canada

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2015

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is a gem among the burgeoning Halifax food scene. A solid performance on all counts. We happened upon Chive during The Canadian Fun- de- lentil competition and the featured appetizer rocked. Enjoyed a duck confit strudel comprised of perfectly grilled foie gras with slices of rare duck breast...amazing. Everything was beautiful and delicious. Attentive service without being overbearing. Highly recommended.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Brisbane

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good quality meal, well presented. Attentive service. Not fine dining but a solid bistro meal

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FAQs

Chives Canadian Bistro is rated 4.5 stars by 842 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Chives Canadian Bistro

1537 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3j 1Z4

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Blowers and Salter
  • Neighborhood
    Halifax
  • Hours of operation
    Nightly: 5:00pm - 9:30pm
  • Cuisines
    Canadian, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    5 level park and pay one street down from Barrington on Ganville as well as street parking outside of the restaurant.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Craig Flinn
  • Additional
    BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.chives.ca/
  • Phone number
    (902) 420-9626
  • Private party facilities
    Private room with windows over looking both the main floor of the restaurant and historic Barrington street. Perfect for family occasions, corporate or business settings. Seating for up to 18 people
  • Private party contact
    George Davis: (902) 420-9626
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