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  5. Halifax

The Press Gang

4.7
4.7
1908 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Global, International
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 17 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Global, International, Seafood, Steak

  • Hours of Operation

    Dinner Wed 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (902) 423-8816

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive Chef

    Bryan Corkery

  • Catering

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

  • Private party facilities

    Our 18th century Private Dinning Room comfortably accommodates 15 guests. In addition we offer one-semi private space, suitable for group of 28 guests.

  • Private party contact

    Saundra Heaslip: (902) 423-8816

  • Neighbourhood

    Halifax

  • Cross Street

    Grand Parade & City Hall

  • Parking Details

    Street parking is FREE between 6pm and 8am and on weekends & holidays

  • Entertainment

    A proud supporter of local live music, The Press Gang hosts the immensely talented Mike Cowie every Friday and Saturday night. Acclaimed trumpet player, singer and songwriter, Mike Cowie along with top Halifax musician, Gerry Carruthers on piano perform popular pop songs from the 70’s to present day. Enjoy this talented trio's uniquely arranged versions of songs by Sting, Prince, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, The Beatles and more.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wine

What 1,908 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Atlantic Canada

    Best Ambience

  • Atlantic Canada

    Great for live music

  • Atlantic Canada

    Great for fine wines

  • Atlantic Canada

    Romantic

  • Nova Scotia

    Best Ambience

  • Nova Scotia

    Great for fine wines

  • Nova Scotia

    Romantic

  • Nova Scotia

    Good for special occasions

  1. PeterS

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service, food and ambiance were all great. We really enjoyed our dinner and the conversations with Rich our waiter. I have already recommended The Press Gang to a friend.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, amazing service, awesome venue, and live music. Loved this place

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  3. DanMA

    Montreal

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful experience; perfect ambiance, excellent food. Blaise our waiter was very welcoming, professional and gave us the best service

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  4. SoniaV

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous experience. Our service was amazing and the food is phenomenal. The seafood risotto incredible and the scallops, lamb and ribs eye were to live for! The oysters are a mast have too.

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  5. SheilaC

    Calgary

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The chowder at Press Gang was AMAZING. I made the mistake of ordering the chowder AND a salad but honestly I should have stopped at the chowder. The salad was delicious but I was simply too full to enjoy it. I was a solo diner and didn't feel awkward - service was lovely.

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  6. KarenK

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wait staff were friendly and very helpful. Food was amazing. The calamari was good but the oysters and risotto were amazing. Would definitely recommend and go back next time I visit Halifax. Wonderful experience and cute restaurant.

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  7. Keera

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The staff were friendly & the food was delicious.

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  8. SeanoNYC

    New York Area

    104 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    104 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Such a fun stop! From the cool pianist at the entrance to the many intimate seating areas, it was a great experience. The seafood risotto and torched oysters were great. And the service is out of this 🌎!!

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  9. GrantW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We shared the Henry’s feast and it was so delicious! Would definitely come back to try the Drill one day.

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  10. Brodie

    Palm Springs

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    If you like oysters they have them. If you like steak- they got it, athis restaurant wouldn't be so highly recommended if the food was crap! Everything they serve is fabulous and I highly recommend visiting The Press Gang when in Halifax. You will soon be PRESSING all your friends to eat there. Great restaurant! Cheers

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  11. John

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Loved the torched oyster appetizer, yellow fin tuna main and flourless chocolate cake dessert. Enjoy!

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  12. PatG

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    I love celebrating my birthday with fine dining, & the online menu coupled with favourable reviews suggested The Press Gang would be a really good choice. It was our first time here: we had a 6:15 pm reservation on a Tuesday, so the restaurant was nowhere near full, or even half full. I seldom order wine with dinner because I am wine-inept, but the wine list certainly appeared comprehensive, with a wide range of bottle affordability plus a solid selection of wines by the glass. If you like cocktails, there are some very creative-sounding mixed drinks on the menu. Beer is more my speed, so we started the meal by splitting a pint. The beers are all local craft-brews, and all were on tap. (BTW, there is a really nice bar, and I recommend checking out the formidable scotch list). Dinner was The Drill, a 4-course dinner-for-two, ENTIRELY the chef’s creation: no stipulations/substitutions/notion of what chef is going to offer up. The Drill reportedly varies with every order. Ours followed a standard format of appetizer/fish/palate cleanser/main/dessert, & showcased seafood with a tuna tartare appetizer, salmon fish course, and seared scallops alongside the beef tenderloin main. Every dish was an utterly delicious and gorgeously-presented abundance of imaginative flavours and textures. Can’t fault a single thing. Even the palate cleanser — the ubiquitous sorbet — was an unexpected delight of red beet & lime. Dessert came with a sparkler and a sincere birthday greeting from the server. Aw, shucks! The service was perfect: prompt, friendly, & attentive without being obtrusive. The only reason The Press Gang lost a rating star: initially seated in a small room at an unlit table under the sound system speaker within arm’s reach of a LOUD large party, we asked to be relocated. The Maître d’ hesitated (why?????). We convinced them to move us to a quieter window table in another room. Amazing dinner! Will return, order The Drill again, & request the window table.

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  13. AnneMarieandDaveW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a lovely, celebratory dinner at the Press Gang. Staff were attentive and the quality of the food and drink - very good. Well done and would definitely recommend to others.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The food was great. Had oysters to start followed by the beef tenderloin and halibut. Both were delicious. Finished with the peanut butter pie which tastes like a Reese peanut butter cup. Service was excellent and the ambiance is amazing. What a great historic building. So far the best dinner in Halifax!

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  15. WayneR

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The meal was fabulous, service was excellent . The best meal I had in Halifax ever and there are many excellent places to eat in Halifax.

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  16. TimothyB

    Atlantic Canada

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful meal with a wonderful companion last night. The ambience is always great is this superb restaurant. The food was superb. Steak for her and seared tuna for me, after a dozen of the finest oysters I have ever had. Our server was also top notch. Engaged, amusing and conversational without being close to over-attentive. Just the most perfect night out in a long time. This will always be my go-to when wanting to really treat someone, and myself of course.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The warcake is more than worth the struggle of parking downtown Halifax! Our food was fantastic and my dietary requests where welcomed. I really enjoyed my meals.

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  18. Metalsmith

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    Heard so much about this place and put it on my must try. Seafood chowder was 10/10 Other apps were excellent taste, but only lukewarm. I had a very disappointing ribeye steak. Kinda overcooked, but only at most 1/2" thick and tough. For a $50.00 steak, I did expect much more. Service was good.

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  19. KimG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and atmosphere are incredible! This is our new favourite restaurant in Halifax.

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  20. Lizzy

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great ambience in the second oldest building in Halifax. Food was superb and service by Blaze was fantastic - attentive and friendly. I would definitely go back!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Good food but really overpriced for what you get. Seafood paparadelle for $42 boasted a mere 2 shrimps, 2 scallops and 4 tiny clams. Halibut for $48 was a half-filet.

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  22. Annie

    Atlantic Canada

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing, incredible ambiance and food was absolutely delicious! Our new favourite spot in the city:)

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef’s pick did not disappoint. Delicious! Friendly service too.

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  24. Wayne

    Atlantic Canada

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Appetizers and meals were great, main courses lamb, seafood risotto and steak, appetizers, oysters, and calamari.

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  25. Mary

    Atlantic Canada

    47 reviews

    4.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    A restaurant with a fabulous historic Halifax vibe. Always a great choice for a quiet dinner where food and conversation are front and centre. The small rooms increase the intimacy if romance is on your mind.

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  26. DavidS

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Food was presented well, I found risotto taste bland.

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  27. NG604

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Amazing space if you like old buildings Great food live music Our tiem between appy and dinner being served was quite long but otherwise great night

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  28. EeFf

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service, in an amazing semi-private room.

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  29. RonaldH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal with attentive service when required. Appreciated the little extra for our anniversary night out.

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  30. Josh

    Atlantic Canada

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Press Gang is our favourite spot. The food is always excellent. The staff are always friendly and helpful. And the Ambiance in the restaurant is unrivalled in Halifax.

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  31. KC2023

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Excellent service. Perfect noise/ ambiance. Nice choice appetizers Nice balance of entree choice. Desert: could benefit with lighter finishes i.e. Fruit, sorbet, madeline or light lemon palette refreshers.

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  32. DianneP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful - over the top. Food was superb - cooked to perfection, waiter was excellent and attentive!

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  33. CarolM

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an excellent 3 course meal. Each course was beautifully presented and had wonderful flavour. We had a pleasant and efficient waitress. I highly recommend the Press Gang for fine dining in an authentic historic setting.

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  34. Luncher

    Exclusive

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Servers were very good and also friendly. The oysters were great.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinning experience! The history of the building, atmosphere, and service are second to none.

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  36. Lynne

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Oysters excellent. Beef tenderloin superb. Ambience unique old building.

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  37. SethD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was awesome food and atmosphere! Would definitely go again

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  38. BryanM

    Exclusive

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dinner, the drill was incredible. 10/10 plan to go again soon.

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  39. JeanMichelP

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great time. Requested bar seating in our reservation and it was waiting for us when we got there. The staff behind the bar were extremely personable and helpful with the menu items and the wine selection. Would definitely go back.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love doing The Drill! It’s more than a meal, it’s an experience! Top notch quality!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

The Press Gang is rated 4.7 stars by 1908 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 17 times today
Google Map for The Press Gang

5218 Prince St., Halifax, NS B3J 3X4

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Grand Parade & City Hall

  • Neighbourhood

    Halifax

  • Hours of Operation

    Dinner Wed 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Global, International, Seafood, Steak

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Street parking is FREE between 6pm and 8am and on weekends & holidays

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Bryan Corkery

  • Entertainment

    A proud supporter of local live music, The Press Gang hosts the immensely talented Mike Cowie every Friday and Saturday night. Acclaimed trumpet player, singer and songwriter, Mike Cowie along with top Halifax musician, Gerry Carruthers on piano perform popular pop songs from the 70’s to present day. Enjoy this talented trio's uniquely arranged versions of songs by Sting, Prince, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, The Beatles and more.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Wine

  • Phone number

    (902) 423-8816

  • Catering

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

  • Private party facilities

    Our 18th century Private Dinning Room comfortably accommodates 15 guests. In addition we offer one-semi private space, suitable for group of 28 guests.

  • Private party contact

    Saundra Heaslip: (902) 423-8816

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  • Terms of Use
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