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  5. Halifax
Cafe Chianti, Halifax, NS

Cafe Chianti

4.3
4.3
766 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Italian
Top tags:
Join us on the Halifax Waterfront in our relaxing dining room or waterside patio decks. Panoramic views of the Halifax Harbor, George's Island and an abundance of local sail boating enthusiasts passing by. It is simply breathtaking, Nova Scotia at its best.
We offer a large selection of fresh local seafood including lobster, halibut, haddock and mussels infused in our pasta dishes. We source only Canada's top prime and choice steak cuts which are from Alberta Beef Farmers with a reputation of the World second best beef provider. Now Pizza Pizza Pizza ! We use only 00 flour sourced from Italy, which offers our guests the cleanest flour available. Delivering a light thin crust with bursts of flavour made in house daily. Our wine list pairs well with our cuisine, representing the best vineyards in Italy, California and our local wine offerings suggested by our staff sommelier. Our award winning Chef Ben Banks and his scratch kitchen is excited to serve you.

34 years at your service!

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Steakhouse
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (902) 423-7471
  • Website
    http://www.cafechianti.ca/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We offer a number of feature menus, and are able to specially design one for you and your guests to enjoy. (We do our absolute best to accommodate any and all dietary needs!)
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends, planning a wedding or hosting a corporate event, Cafe Chianti can provide you with the perfect atmosphere for all of your special event needs. The restaurant features a full bar area, and two beautiful dining rooms filled with paintings and designs that will transport you into old-world Italy without even leaving the city!
  • Location
    1209 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4A9
  • Neighbourhood
    Halifax
  • Cross Street
    Marginal Road The Pier Building
  • Parking Details
    There are approximately 50 parking-meters within one minute walking distance of the restaurant. Under special circumstances, we can offer limited underground parking.
  • Public Transit
    There is a bus stop conveniently located at the end of our block restaurant
  • Entertainment
    On special days / private parties
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 766 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.9Value

Noise • Quiet

Loved For

  • Atlantic Canada

    Great for fine wines

  • Atlantic Canada

    Romantic

  • Atlantic Canada

    Great for scenic views

  • Atlantic Canada

    Good for special occasions

  • Atlantic Canada

    Italian

  • Nova Scotia

    Great for fine wines

  • Nova Scotia

    Romantic

  • Nova Scotia

    Great for scenic views

  • Nova Scotia

    Good for special occasions

766 Reviews

  1. NancyC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Was looking forward to eating at the new location but we were disappointed in our meals. I had the seafood pasta which had 2 scallops (not seared), three shrimp, four mussels ( small meats), and a few small bits of lobster in a scant sauce that really did not have any depth of favour. My sister asked for extra Parmesan for her raviolis which were also bland and a very small sized portion, so I added this to my linguine to get a bit more flavour but for the price point ($38) we expected much better. Our husbands had the steak and said it was ok but needing extra seasoning as well. The house white wine was brought out in individual small carafes was also not stellar. Compared to a meal we had the week before at a different waterfront restaurant with same price point, we were left wanting! I’m hoping things will improve as it is a lovely space and pretty good location in the waterfront and opposite the Westin. I’m thinking they are holding their own owing to the cruise ship traffic at lunch.

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  2. DarleneP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and Service was excellent. Will be back again next time we are in Halifax.

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  3. MissMaritime

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Nice location on the water and our server was excellent

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  4. ShirleyG

    Devon

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Unfriendly greeting and told we must wait although booked for that time. Waited at bar but drinks didn’t arrive until we sat at our table. 2items ordered but after 20 mins told they were not available so waited a further 30 mins for food which was extremely average Would not return snd would not recommend

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  5. SFG2

    Atlantic Canada

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We brought our family here to celebrate our daughter's graduation. The staff were wonderful and the food was delicious! I would highly recommend.

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  6. TerryO

    Atlantic Canada

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Lovely atmosphere Great food at reasonable prices for the waterfront Friendly staff

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  7. SFG2

    Atlantic Canada

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This is one of the best restaurants in Halifax in my opinion. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is lovely and the service is excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal. All four of us dining there enjoyed our meal and experience. We all had different meals, and shared appetizers. All were above expectations. I was especially impressed with my seafood pasta... fresh and tasty.

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  9. Sigh

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    How many problems should you have to forgive? We had a reservation (that was confirmed by the restaurant who called us the day before). When we arrived our table wasn't ready (it was Mother's Day though so okay). We were seated in the bar but not offered water, a drink or anything "Oh, your table will be ready soon". It was about 10 minutes before we were seated. Then we were completely forgotten. After 10-15 minutes without water or ANY kind of service I had to flag someone down. They admitted they completely forgot about the table (some kind of miscommunication). It still took another 5 minutes to get someone to our table. Shortly after someone (manager/owner?) came over to apologize (they did apologize a lot) and said the first round of drinks would be free. That's nice so maybe the playing field is reset, right? Well, no because when the bill arrived, and thank God I looked, the drinks were still on it! So once again I had to say something and wait, wait, some more so those drinks could be taken off. By this point the meal should have been free. I mean why would you go back if this is the type of experience you'll have?

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  10. RayM

    Atlantic Canada

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had reservations for Mother’s Day and the special was the absolute best pasta I’ve had! I am a whiskey or amaretto sour big fan and one of the best amaretto sours I have had. A+ customer service as well.

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  11. NickiT

    Atlantic Canada

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dinner with my mom. We both walked away thinking one of the best dining experiences.

    1 person found this helpful

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Second time at the new location. Great service and the food.

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  13. DebbieW

    Manitoba

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely little spot - food was well prepared and delicious. Will definitely be back :)

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  14. MariB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Make sure you have the right address. It was challenging to find.

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  15. SeaK

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall3food1service4ambience4
    Lovely space, great views, great staff. I will preface this by saying my girlfriend's ravioli was delicious. Unfortunately, my halibut with risotto was just not very good. The rise was quite undercooked - crunchy in the middle - and not that flavourful. The fish, while cooked well, had very little seasoning or taste. It was not a great dish. I don't generally write reviews and feel bad writing such a negative one (and I understand it was probably just an off-night), but there's a certain quality that is expected at this price point.

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  16. KevinP

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was New Years Eve and the restaurant was full as expected. The service was friendly and well passed between drinks, appetizer, and entree. We had Caesar salad, Calamari for the starters and then the Italian Polpette and the Seafood Linguine for the mains. My only criticism is that for my taste, the Calamari could have been a little more crisp. The roasted garlic cream sauce in the linguine was so flavourful and had a bit of heat to it. The mains arrived at the table piping hot. On the whole, everything was excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant and we will for sure be returning soon. It has been far too many years since our last visit and that was two locations ago and when it was run by a previous owner. The new location is excellent with plenty of parking and full of large bright windows overlooking the harbour.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall1food1service5ambience4
    After hearing many recommendations we tried this restaurant, it doesn’t live up to the hype. Calamari and beef tenderloin were very disappointing. Terribly small portion of beef, and the mashed potatoes tasted overwhelmingly like raw garlic and salt. You can get better at any other restaurant in Halifax. Left feeling ripped off and hungry. Pros: Delicious old fashioned Bread Service

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  18. Cookie

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The new location is beautiful. Concise menu with reasonable prices. Food was hot, flavorful and nicely presented. We will be back.

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  19. NatashaA

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    The atmosphere was great. Service was slow but she was very friendly. I was a server for many years and I wish that restaurants would get one thing correct. Greet your table within 30 seconds and have a drink on the table within 2 mins of them being sat. This goes a long way.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    This was our first time experiencing the new location. While it is bright because of the large windows it is noticeably smaller and louder. The entry way seems I’ll conceived since our party of 4 could not get fully in the door before the reservation desk. With people coming and going it was awkward. The food and service were great. The menu is a little narrower than the old location. We missed a couple of our usual items. However what we had was outstanding and will bring us back again.

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  21. KenM

    Atlantic Canada

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the new location! Food was delicious and service was fantastic.

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  22. LisaRF

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Finally made it to Chianti’s new location. It does not disappoint. Great food and service. We’ll be back.

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  23. ShowingOffNYC

    New York Area

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday dinner. Everything was perfect.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the new location!

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  25. JackM

    Tampa

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Unfortunately no veal on the menu but everything the 4 of us had to eat was tasty and well presented.

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  26. BKatW

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was really good, service was slow (just because there wasn’t that many staff on when we arrived). Didn’t love being sat right next to the door but the space is small so it wasn’t a deal breaker. Overall, a bit expensive for the offering but wasn’t disappointed with the experience. I would return again.

    1 person found this helpful

  27. Pdiaz

    Atlantic Canada

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Nice spot . Quiet and the food was very good

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  28. JayneW

    Toronto

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for a great meal. All 3 of us loved the food and your new location.

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  29. Hungrygak

    Edmonton

    162 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    162 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Much better ambience than their last spot!!! Love the decor and brightness. Its NOT their fault, everyone is having issues hiring wait and kitchen staff. And once we did get a server it was great. Food is very good. Would go back.

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  30. Chris

    Naples

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First visit to Cafe Chianti. Wonderful experience. The food was excellent. The service was relaxed, yet attentive. Kathy and I shared the crab cakes appetizer and also the warm vegetable salad. Both were delicious. Kathy then had the seafood linguini pasta and I had the mushroom parppadelle. We both really enjoyed our meals. The new location at the harbourfront is excellent and the decor is perfect. Congratulations on your reinvention post pandemic.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The new location ambiance is wonderful. Easy access to parking for downtown Halifax . The food and wine was just as good as old location if not better the seafood linguine never disappoints! Wonderful service and the noise level was perfect. Highly recommend this gem of a restaurant at Halifax Pier! ❤️

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The new dining room at Cafe Chianti is stunning. We were dining with friends from out of town, they particularly enjoyed the view of Halifax Harbour and the ships going past. Of course the food was delicious too!

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  33. MichaelW

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2022

    overall3food1service4ambience2
    Entrée Seafood Linguine was not very good. Sauce was excellent and it came out very hot but the ingredients were sub par. Mussels were minuscule, two scallops were tough and over cooked and shrimp were small. Priced at $38.00 I expected more. Definitely not as good as previous visits in old location.

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  34. BevS

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful meal and the service was superb! Special thanks to Christie (Manager) and Halle, our server , who did an excellent job.

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  35. Spago27

    Atlantic Canada

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The new location is awesome. The best harbor view in the city. Their new tables and chairs are really high quality. White table clothes, fresh flowers and candle. I will be back soon. Highly recommend this new location.

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  36. BepD

    Atlantic Canada

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always have a great meal there, with outstanding service.

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  37. PamG

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service. Extremely loud though. Couldn’t hear anyone at our table. I try the calamari everywhere I go… and theirs was underwhelming and not what I expected. The steak I ordered was great.

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  38. LizH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always a classic! Enjoyed our meal, service was wonderful, friendly and efficient even surrounded by Christmas parties!

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  39. Tinker

    London

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favourite dining place Love this restaurant and have been back a few times now when in Halifax. Been to others but this comes out top for food, ambiance, service, position, parking.

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  40. MissySze

    Toronto

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2021

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    To start the night off, the restaurant didn’t see our reservation for 10 people. They were quite busy but luckily, they had space in their lounge area for our group. Our group was also late getting together so we didn’t mind that we had to wait until almost 8:00pm to get our table. After sifting down, we had ordered a drinks, it took a little while to get our first round. Although, we were a large group (total 8 people showed up for dinner) we had ordered our food, some had appetizers before their mains but our mains took over an hour before it was served. A few of us ordered the ‘special’ of that evening, turns out there was only two ‘left’ and three of us ordered. Still, we waited quite a while to get our food. Finally, when the food came out, the food was PURE salt. I changed my ‘special’ which was a striploin into a tenderloin meal, added the side of shrimps and scallops and everything - the steak, shrimps and scallops was SO salty, it literally left a bitter aftertaste. This was common between everyone else’s dish - just salty. Also, my steak was cooked to a medium instead of a medium rare but after waiting so long - just not worth it to complain. The cut of the tenderloin wasn’t great either - pretty gritty. The restaurant ‘normally’ closes at 9:00pm but we were there until past 10:00pm so even when we were finished eating, none of our group wanted dessert but there wasn’t an option for another round of drinks because they were already closed. The only person who had dessert was the one who complained about the saltiness of her lasagna and had the dessert as her main over getting any other main dish replacement. I’ve dined here before a month prior for a business meeting and it was good, so I recommended it to my out of town friends since it was a special occasion for us to get together again after 10 years, but this experience was just a disappointment and the food expectation was terrible. Only good thing was our server was very friendly and professional.

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FAQs

Cafe Chianti does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Cafe Chianti is rated 4.3 stars by 766 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 p.m.
Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Chianti

1209 Marginal Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4A9

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Marginal Road The Pier Building
  • Neighbourhood
    Halifax
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Steakhouse
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    There are approximately 50 parking-meters within one minute walking distance of the restaurant. Under special circumstances, we can offer limited underground parking.
  • Public Transit
    There is a bus stop conveniently located at the end of our block restaurant
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    On special days / private parties
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.cafechianti.ca/
  • Phone number
    (902) 423-7471
  • Catering
    We offer a number of feature menus, and are able to specially design one for you and your guests to enjoy. (We do our absolute best to accommodate any and all dietary needs!)
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends, planning a wedding or hosting a corporate event, Cafe Chianti can provide you with the perfect atmosphere for all of your special event needs. The restaurant features a full bar area, and two beautiful dining rooms filled with paintings and designs that will transport you into old-world Italy without even leaving the city!
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