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 7:30pm.
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.
"My partner and I travel across the world frequently, and always look for healthy options in fine dining. We are both huge fans of simple in their nature, but refined seafood, and to be honest, we are quite picky with our diets and choices. The Press Gang Restaurant made a *huge* impression on both of us. Not only dishes to die for (fresh, well chosen and simply delicious), but the decor of the place, the friendly service and the atmosphere in general... Eleven out of ten; at least. Compliments to the chef; the lobster and halibut are to die for! First time in my life really enjoyed oysters as well... Very well chosen! Compliments to the waiters - amazing entertainers, great service. 1800s decor - impressing! We will be back, definitely!"
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Press Gang
Overall rating
(Very Good)4/5
Enjoyable Dinner
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/22/2013
Food
(Very Good)4/5
Service
(Good)3/5
Ambiance
(Very Good)4/5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious and well presented food. Service could have been a bit more congenial and attentive. We enjoyed our evening and would recommend this restaurant to others."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The evening we visited The Press Gang for a special occasion was delightful by all accounts. Loved our table by the window and the relaxed atmosphere in general. We shared The Drill, which opened our eyes, our senses, and taste buds to at least one food item we might never have tried - the ostrich. It was really tasty. The lobster was the tastiest, most mouth-watering lobster we have ever tasted, and each dessert was as delicious as the next!
It is an expensive night out for many, but well worth saving up for a special treat and a truly excellent, fun, dining experience."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, special occasion
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"Stumbled across this place while looking for another restaurant. So glad we did, the food was amazing and the service was brilliant. Amazing food at a price that doesn't have to be saved for special occasions."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"I was in Halifax for a week and have to say that even if you spend little time in the city, knowing this restaurant should be mandatory. Food is outstanding, full of delicate flavours, impressive presentation and quality, all cooked to perfection!! In many places you expecting the service and general ambiance to be a bit "snooty" and "serious", but we were really pleasantly surprised by the friendly but extremely professional service from all the staff. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming making it an extremely enjoyable experience overall."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Me and my boyfriend went here for our anniversary dinner and we had an amazing time. The food was lovely, with really good wine selection and service. The atmosphere was very nice, good balance between casual and high-end restaurants."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This the second time we have been to the Press Gang recent months on a weekend night and the Cowie band is fantastic....what a vibe in this room. Food and service was excelllent as always. You must check this room out on the weekend."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"Group of 3, my wife and my son. My son and I ordered the four course drill and we were amazed. Each course consisted of a trio of items on a single plate. Essentially you are sampling the best selections of each course on the menu. At $150 for two it isn't cheap, but it is reasonable. As expected beverages are extra. James Bond would be pleased with the Press Gang Vesper. Press Gang and Gio, just around the corner, are the two best restaurants in Halifax, in my opinion. Live Jazz trio added to the mood of the cellar."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"Great room....the jazz trio really adds atmosphere. Wine list could use refreshing and entree price points and plates Don't match....food wow needs to go up or price down. I would return"
Dined on 19/04/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion, hot spot
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"Amazing experience. This is always our first choice for a night out for a special occasion. The only recommendation I would make is the sandwich/deli sign used out front kind of takes away from the reputation the Press Gang has established. It looks a bit tacky for such an upscale, classy restaurant. Just a suggestion. Had The Drill, and no disappointment what-so-ever! Great job."
Dined on 19/04/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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"The Press Gang Restaurant provided a great evening setting along with very easy listening music. It was a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. We ordered the beef and it was very tasty - overall good experience - thank you :0)"
Dined on 06/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We have a great experience at The Press Gang. Food was to die for, try the Beef Tartar. The service was wondering - not overbearing while still attentive. He a special table set aside for us which was a nice surprise. Highly recommend."
Dined on 06/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This was the 3rd or 4th time I've eaten at The Press Gang and I have never been disappointed. This time I ordered the baked Oysters to start, and they were beyond fabulous. I would go back just for those and a glass of wine."
Dined on 06/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We enjoyed our evening. The food was delicious. Lovely room. When we finished eating we moved to the bar to enjoy the funk/jazz band. Great vibe, great to see this offering in Halifax."
Dined on 05/04/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Very solid and upscale Halifax restaurant in an unique and historic building in a prime downtown location. Ambiance tends to be on the quieter side but varies by seating location. Diners may want to specify their preference when making reservations. Food is very consistent and of high quality with many dishes having some asian influence without trying to be too innovative. I very much enjoyed the seafood broth and mole lamb shank. Wine seems overpriced, tending to be 2.5-3X retail. I didn't check the corkage fees but bringing your own wine may be a worthwhile strategy. I was a little surprised we were not immediately greeted at the door and had to wait a few minutes."
Dined on 30/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We very much enjoyed our experience on Saturday night. The live music was outstanding and the type of music (jazz) and the sound level (appropiate) very much added to the experience. The food ( the oysters especially ) was outstanding. Though I only have the opportunity to visit once or twice a year this is my favorite restaurant in Halifax."
Dined on 23/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Ambiance was excellent with old wood beams and stone walls. The food was very good to excellent and the oysters were outstanding. However, the wine list was surprisingly mediocre for a restaurant of this quality."
Dined on 13/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"A very enjoyable evening at The Press Gang! Atmosphere was fantastic - quiet, relaxed and romantic. Service was attentive and friendly and our server provided great recommendations. We began with a selection of local Oyster's which were fresh and came with all the trimmings. "Salt Cod" Cakes were a great local take on traditional Crab Cakes. We were only in Halifax for the one evening, so the Steamed and Grilled Lobster seemed the obvious choice. The grilling added wonderful flavour to the perfectly steamed lobster. My only wish would have been a slightly larger lobster. The 1lb - 1 1/4lb serving was a bit small. My wife ordered the Brome Lake Duck - very nicely done also! For Dessert - The Spiced Apple Cake is a must!"
Dined on 05/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"We had the drill accompanied by a bottle of Don Peringion and some lovely desert wine with desert. The food was very good although not as good as the first time we went. Atmosphere is great very private and romantic. Staff and service is outstanding the barman remembered us from our first visit over 6 months ago! Will definitely be going back for the drill again."
Dined on 13/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"The restaurant has a lovely ambience. I love the stone walls and the candles. the music however was a little on the loud side. The food was good but the halibut was overcooked and overseasoned for my liking. To my mind there is no reason to coat it in salt and pepper. It has a lovely flavor on it's own. a simple reduction or a meal or nut crust (especially hazelnut)always works. The presentation was lacking...some color/ veg may have been helpful. overall, It was a nice meal in a lovely environment."
Dined on 17/02/2013
2012
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"Both my girlfriend and I had a fantastic night, service was great, band was fantastic and of course top quality food. Would recommend to a friend for a special ocassion."
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Usually great service but not that night! Food was fantastic as usual but the poor, poor service left a bad after taste to our experience. Waited about 10 minutes before our server showed up. Not even a good evening or nothing. We were not informed of the special and I had to inquire! He was casually leaning against the railing while talking to us! As for the bill, I had to get up to get it myself after our desserts and coffee were long gone, as our waiter was chatting away at the bar...When asked how long he had been working there I was shocked when he said 3 years! There also was a new face at the piano (who was excellent, almost as good as Holly)!but no one could tell us her name! The musicians are not furniture!"
Dined on 16/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"by far one of the best restaurants my fiance and I have ever been to. We travel a lot, and have had a wide variety of cuisines, but the overall atmosphere, food and service were spectacular. We will 100% be going back to The Press Gang! Highly recommended."
Dined on 17/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The Press Gang has always been a favourite restuarant for us. WE have always enjoyed the ambiance and in the past the food has been exceptional. On this past occassion the experience, while still good was below the standard we expect from the Press Gang. The location of out table, close to the front of restaurant and next to the window was not nearly as intimate as our usual tables in the rear section of the restaurant. In the future I shall be sure to request table in the rear section. The food was certainally good, but not exceptional. I shall continue to go back to The Press Gang, but this restaurant has dropped from first place on my favourite list."
Dined on 16/02/2013
2012
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"We took a chance and ordered "The Drill" which is the Chef's choice/surprise. We were pleasantly surprise with the variety of items presented over four full courses. It is well worth the experience for any special occasion."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The service was pleasant, the space is very interesting. I was expecting a much more interesting meal for a relatively high end Halifax restaurant. The value for money is poor and I don't plan to go back to Press Gang any time soon."
Dined on 26/01/2013
2009
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