Whether you're the kind who prefers theirs eggs Benedict standard with ham and spinach, or the adventurous type who piles on the trout gravlax, Halifax is the city for you. There is no shortage of hollandaise sauce in these parts, whether you're North End, West End or downtown. Any time of day, eggs benny is always within your reach.
In the downtown core, you will be hard-pressed to find a more classic old Halifax spot than the Bluenose II, located only a block from the harbour itself. Slide into one of the old booths, get yourself some black coffee, watch the fog roll in and enjoy an unpretentious plate of lobster eggs Benedict. That's right – in Nova Scotia, lobster eggs Benedict is the unpretentious option.
Why can't every restaurant have seven types of eggs Benedict on its menu? This is the question you will ask after eating at The Armview, a delicious spot in West End Halifax. From the paprika simplicity of the Original, to the Muchacho with its Sweet Williams chorizo sausage with a hint of cilantro, you will be racking your brain over which one to choose. Did you know they have a Feature Weekend Benny that changes depending on market conditions?
They never stop serving breakfast at Elle's Bistro, which means you'll always be able to satisfy that craving for eggs benny. Located on a rejuvenating block of Barrington Street, this place functions in classic diner style: the menu is chock-full, the prices are reasonable, the staff are friendly and the food comes quick and hot. Ever had shrimp and scallops on your Benedict? If not, this place is a must for you.
The food is traditional, simple and high quality. While there is only one variety of eggs Benedict on the menu, it comes complete with slices of impeccable peameal bacon atop an English muffin. Nestled inside the Westin Hotel, it's convenient for business travelers, but locals know that it's tasty as well.
A lovely creperie just off the Agricola Street strip in North End Halifax, Tess is known throughout the city for their crepes Benedict. That's right, they wrap up the eggs in a crepe and put it all on a delicious lake of hollandaise sauce. Try it with smoked bacon and brie. Get there fast: the dining room isn't huge and there's competition for these delicious creations.
This is a venerable institution in Halifax: its blue awning and white sign offering "Chicken + Spaghetti" has been a fixture on Quinpool Rd. for decades. "Gourmet" is not the operative word here: You'll find traditional eggs Benedict on the menu – no fancy variations – and you'll get it at a good price. On a Saturday morning, when your head is throbbing and your stomach is screaming for grease, what else will do?
For a sophisticated Sunday brunch in downtown Halifax, there's the Terrace Restaurant at the Prince George Hotel. Served on Sundays from noon until 2 p.m. inside and, in pleasant weather, outside, this is dependably delicious food and all-you-can-eat to boot. Come get those eggs and douse them in that thick, fragrant hollandaise. You know you want to.