The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar image

The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Restaurant Bar Seafood restaurant

One of the Top rated Seafood restaurants in Halifax


Address

5218 Prince St, Halifax, NS B3J 3X4, Canada

Website

thepressgang.net

Contact

+1 902-423-8816

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (785 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 5 to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 5 to 11 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 to 10 pm
  • Wednesday: 5 to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 5 to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (20) oysters (19) experience (18) restaurant (13) amazing (13) Halifax (11) time (10) seafood (10) server (9) menu (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Gail H. 2 years ago on Google
    We had such a wonderful time at the Press Gang. I highly recomment thier charcuterie board. Theirs was the best I've ever had! Of, course, we had some raw oysters and roasted oysters too. 😉
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Delightful and delicious experience. We went here for our anniversary and from the moment we entered, we were very well taken care of. The tasting menu was our main draw here, as it seems to change daily based on the chef’s whims. It was very close to perfect. It almost feels cruel to upload the pictures when there’s no guarantee that you’ll get to try these dishes - but then again, that just means you’ll get a shot at something completely different and equally extraordinary. If you’re a total omnivore, this is a spot you cannot miss!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kuo-Hsien C. 1 year ago on Google
    Having a chance to explore this beautiful city after a long day meeting, it is the place to chill and to relax with friends and family. Based on the recommendations in the bar area, I start with their four local oysters. I can tell they are really fresh and really good! It really opens my appetite! Then, followed the instructions, I try the famous Press Gang Seafood Chowder. This hot creamy soup elevates my expectation about seafood in Halifax to the whole new level. The soup allows me to taste halibut, mussels, salmon and shrimp. It just bring me to enjoy the delicious seafood! With the good food combination the local wine, I have the smoked salmon wrapped Atlantic scallops seared. I am surprised by the salmon wrapping and the fried capers. Overall, I am glad I visit this restaurant before leaving Halifax! I will come here again with my family next time!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Cory B. 2 years ago on Google
    There were no reservations available, but we were able to get a table. The location is convenient and the ambiance was nice. We ordered seafood dishes, obviously. The oysters to start were fantastic. My halibut was a little overdone. My partner's fettuccine was a little salty. We still enjoyed the meal and evening.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa L. 1 year ago on Google
    The Press Gang has been one of our favourite restaurants for almost 2 decades. It’s always a go to choice for a special occasion and/or to stop by for a cocktail & some oysters. We were recently there for my birthday and they did not disappoint. Service & food were amazing! We always tend to choose the drill rather than ordering selections from the menu. This is where the chef designs a 4-course dining experience for two. No two drill’s are ever the same. It’s a great choice if you want to be surprised and try something new. We recommend doing the wine parings as well. Each course is delivered with an excellent explanation from the server or executive chef detailing what you will experience. This dining experience was our best one yet! Below are pictures of our dining experience from February 24.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt Z. 4 months ago on Google
    My partner and I serendipitously found The Press Gang while on holiday in Nova Scotia. Boy were we glad to find this place. The first thing we noticed about this restaurant was it's atmosphere. We were greeted with live music from a guitarist and violinist. The lighting and decor matched the aesthetic of this historical building. The restaurant was posh, but casual, and not at all stuffy. Our server, Mick, was quite knowledgeable and helpful with highlighting some of the standout items on the menu. Mick was sociable and made it a great experience for us. Our food was outstanding. Oysters came with lots of optional fixin's. The risotto was loaded with a medley of seafood. The seafood chowder was the standout of it all - definitely the best I had while in Nova Scotia. Prices were a little more elevated than other restaurants, but I think the quality of the food and service justifies the cost.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hava H. 5 months ago on Google
    My group did “The Drill” and it was easily one of the best meals I’ve had in my life. The food was over the top delicious and the drinks were just right. Our waiter was wonderful and the whole group had an amazing experience. Fantastic price for a 4 course meal! This will be a must anytime I’m in Halifax!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glen W. 7 months ago on Google
    Very nice old school seafood spot with real candles on the table. Lobster was great. So were the oysters. Calamari was the best I’ve ever had. Service on poiint. They don’t serve too many at once it seems, which is smart. Prices reasonable for high quality.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brett M. 10 months ago on Google
    My wife and I decided to pop in here for dinner a bit late (10:30) on a Friday. Our first server, was amazing. She had to leave for some type of appointment quite late, which was disappointing. We started with calamari and 'beef, bacon and blue'. Both appetizers were cooked and seasoned to perfection. For mains, we had the seafood risotto and the halibut. Both meals were cooked beautifully, but unfortunately lacked almost any seasoning. Our guess is that a more junior cook had taken over the cooking and was tentative about using salt and pepper. We asked and they brought us two grinders, which helped tremendously. We would have liked to enjoy a dessert and some he finish of our meal, but our new server came with the bill....without an offer of even a coffee. When we asked about dessert she said 'I can see if I can find a cook to come back and do something for you'. We passed on the offer. Disappointing way to end a wonderful time. So, the tale of two servers, one great and one that didn't really care. We are still giving the place a 4-star review, but it's because of our first server and the quality of the food (even with the lack of any seasoning on the mains).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Giggity G. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was great, the ambiance and lighting is amazing. They have live music, oysters and cocktails. You can’t go wrong if you want to have a night out for dinner in Halifax.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Len W. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic service and quaint seafaring atmosphere. We enjoyed tasty oysters for our apps and the four course Drill was awesome. We were entertained all evening by a very talented guitarist. Highly recommend this establishment. The Press Gang never disappoints.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Y T. 1 year ago on Google
    Quite disappointing experience all in all at the Press Gang. Would not come back nor recommend this to anyone visiting Halifax, it was a literal waste of our time and money. No portion of our meal was enjoyable - from the non-existent welcome when we entered, to introducing us to a table that was pitch black without the candles lit, to the rubbery lobster; I cannot fathom the high ratings of the restaurant. Perhaps the press gang has given up and is taking for granted the fact that tourists will continuously show up. The oysters we had here were the worst out of all the restaurants we went to in Halifax (including Black Sheep, Lot 6 bar, Bicycle Thief, Five Fisherman), fishy and not fresh. Boiled lobster was over cooked and rubbery even after being sent back to the kitchen. The drinks were watered down and basically 80% ice. Also we found it odd that all sauces were 25% of the container they came in, and no lemon slices accompanying the oysters?? Just an odd and disappointing experience altogether. I’ll actually go on to say that the single best person at your restaurant was the lady cleaning up the plates - she was the only person who greeted us with a smile, and who was prompt in clearing the dishes after every course. She was probably also the only reason we left a normal tip and that we are even giving a three star rating.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hayden S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beat food you can get downtown. Our last day in NS so we went all out and ordered two lobsters which was cooked very well, though could have pulled it out of the pot 30 seconds less, but nonetheless great. Meat was sweet and silky paired with hot butter and lemon juice made it quite the dish. We also ordered the salmon which was cooked perfectly to med-rare. Appetizers were great, the cooked oysters were salty and meaty, calamari was fried Inna tempura batter for a bit different texture, and the chowder was decent though could have been slightly thicker and creamier. Desert was so so, just walk down to Cow's ice cream instead. Overall great spot, make sure to make a reservation early or sit at the bar when you walk in.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivia B. 8 months ago on Google
    My colleagues and I went for a late dinner here and had a great time. The oysters were some of the best (and largest) that I have ever had and the seafood risotto was delicious. I think the atmosphere is great for a date or for business. I’d love to come back in the winter because I think it would be more romantic and cozy, given the restaurant is somewhat underground and dark.

  • 5/5 Travis M. 2 years ago on Google
    A fancy spot in one of the oldest buildings of Halifax, with great decor, and of course the widest selection of whiskey I’ve seen. we came for the burger week burger and it did not disappoint. And neither did the whiskey :)

  • 5/5 Krista J. 4 months ago on Google
    My boyfriend and I came to this establishment looking to try something new and worth our money. This place did NOT disappoint. The food was amazing. We did “the drill” which was absolutely perfect. It came with an appetizer, two main entrees, and desert. All these items were picked out by the chefs were perfect, truly the best food we have ever had. Although most of all we were amazed with the services, despite it being an exceptionally busy night all the staff were pleasant, accommodating, and helpful. Specifically Mick our server deserves some extra credit, his drink pairings, small talk, and even taking the time to explain the history of the building as well as surrounding areas did not go unnoticed. Mick had us feeling like friends instead of customers. He truly was the best server. We attempt to try new places every time we go out and have kept this routine for 3 years. However the press gang may have just broken this tradition as we plan to continue to return time and time again. Bravo to the entire staff, the owners and management should be proud.

  • 5/5 Candice D. 9 months ago on Google
    This restaurant is amazing! Small town pub feel with a 5 star fine dining menu. I recommend The Drill from the dinner menu. It's a 4 course experience giving the kitchen the chance to impress you with non menu items. It's a definite palate pleasing experience! They have an array of fine Scotch, brandy, and wine. I highly recommend checking it out and joining the oyster cult while you are there. They have oysters from 13 different places.

  • 5/5 Dave M. 2 years ago on Google
    Had my daughters birthday here and the service from the waitress and waiter was exceptional... food was great portion was exact, mostly my daughter has a nut allergy and they catered to that. Thank you press gang .

  • 5/5 Steeven V. 9 months ago on Google
    Awesome restaurant in Halifax! I went there with colleagues and we all enjoyed our meals. Most of us had the rib eye or the seafood risotto. Ambiance is very cool and I also see myself going back with my significant other. I recommend!

  • 5/5 Breanne C. 7 months ago on Google
    Exceptional food! We ordered The Drill which is a four course surprise from the kitchen. It was incredible! Our server Blaze was great. 10/10 experience

  • 5/5 Daniel T. 8 months ago on Google
    Ordered The Drill. It was great. I love not knowing what I'm in for. I also love four course meals. Everything was amazing. If I am being hyper chef critical, each plate seemed like it was trying very hard to be amazing. It came off as a bit busy. Maybe more than a bit. When you have all the amazing ingredients you can use them all, but do you need to? There were no less than seven amazing flavors in the desert. The beef tenderloin w/demi-glace was truly great. 4.87 ⭐️

  • 5/5 shakeria S. 9 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved everything about this place. The location was in mid downtown core, so it was easy to find. They had live music, which was a great touch to my dinner. The fresh oysters was to die, for I would fly all the way back from Toronto just to try these oysters again. Would definitely recommend and would definitely go back.

  • 5/5 Jack O. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing seafood and atmosphere. Really nice historic restaurant. The oysters are presented perfectly; they taste so good and so fresh. I had the lobster boil; the meat was perfect and especially tasty when dipped in butter. Great experience all around!

  • 5/5 Jared W. 2 years ago on Google
    This is my favorite spot in Halifax. Always the freshest and best oysters and an incredible whiskey selection with fine dining in an amazing historical building. There's many great options in Halifax but go eat and drink here.

  • 5/5 Christine 1 year ago on Google
    The food here is phenomenal. We started with oysters which were briny, salty, and full of flavour. We also got the calamari and the scallops. The scallops were definitely the star of the show. The restaurant itself is very cozy. The stone walls and the ambience make it a great spot for a date. We also got to enjoy live music.

  • 5/5 Alice M. 11 months ago on Google
    Visited here for the fresh Oysters which were really good! We stayed for some cocktails which were also excellent (although a little pricey!) Our server was very knowledgeable, explaining where the oysters were from and then explaining every item on our charcuterie board. The service was fantastic and I would definitely go back when in Halifax!

  • 5/5 George L. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic experience, superb service & wonderful food. Neil & Laura were exceptional. We sat at the bar as we didn’t have a reservation. Oysters & shrimp were awesome, steak sublime with the chocolate parfait to die for. Neil was the entertainment, giving a history lesson & never breaking a sweat while shucking & serving. On our top 5 dining experiences ever . George n Toni Lewis North Vancouver.

  • 5/5 t n. 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing restaurant, amazing food, amazing service!! What a fantastic experience and Dean took such good care of us. His personality and detailed attention to us made this a memorable time we won’t soon forget! Hate that we are all the way in South Carolina because I would frequent this restaurant often! I give it my highest recommendation!!

  • 5/5 Laurent-Philippe V. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience. Phenomenal and knowledgeable servers, yet an unpretentious atmosphere. The food was fantastic as well, with the creativity expressed in "The Drill" making the experience totally worth it.

  • 5/5 TREVOR T. 2 years ago on Google
    We found this place by accident and it was fabulous. Thank you for being such a great place. We have only been here once and I think I’m now friends with the executive chef. We sat by the open kitchen and all the chefs were operating like a Rolex watch, as a mater of fact they were so smooth I barely noticed them.

  • 5/5 Emily M. 2 years ago on Google
    An incredible dinner & incredible cocktails! The food was exceptional, such a cozy, warm, and intimate environment! The food was all delivered & explained by the chef, such a great touch!

  • 5/5 Robert L. 1 year ago on Google
    An awesome location full of character. We went with the surprise tasting menu - and the chef nailed it! A wonderful experience.

  • 5/5 Roman 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the restaurant! The ambiance is fantastic! There was even a live music. Food was good too, though calamari were a bit too salty and pasta a bit too oily. Staff was very nice and knowledgeable. They told us that this place was a former manor, 1759, Second oldest building in the city.


Call +1 902-423-8816 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Paid multi-storey car park
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery

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