Halifax Restaurants Take National Spotlight with Top 100 Ranking
Halifax is making waves on the national culinary stage as two of its standout eateries, Bar Kismet and Mystic, have secured coveted places on the prestigious Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2025. Bar Kismet claimed an impressive 21st spot, while Mystic ranked 71st, marking a significant achievement for the city’s dining scene.
Bar Kismet and Mystic: Distinct Flavours, Shared Success
Located on Agricola Street, Bar Kismet offers guests a “refined, relaxed, and a little bit retro” ambiance, with a menu inspired by Mediterranean and French regional cuisine. Meanwhile, Mystic on Lower Water Street invites diners on a “journey through land and sea” with its two eight-course tasting menus, delivering a bold and immersive culinary experience.
Industry Experts Celebrate Halifax’s Growing Culinary Influence
Janick Cormier, vice president of Restaurants Canada, praised Halifax’s breakthrough, noting that the list usually highlights major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. “Having not just one but two Halifax restaurants on the list is fantastic news for the industry and a big boost for these establishments,” she said.
Mystic’s Rapid Rise: A Newcomer’s Triumph
Mystic’s general manager Andrew Flynn expressed pride in their achievement, especially since the restaurant was only open for three months during the judging period. “Being included alongside some of the country’s most influential and long-standing restaurants is a huge honor for us,” Flynn shared. He credited the team’s passion and dedication for their early success.
Canada’s 100 Best: A Trusted Guide to Culinary Excellence
The 2025 list was compiled by 160 judges-including food writers, chefs, and restaurateurs-who each submitted their top dining experiences from 2024. The list aims to reflect the best places to eat across Canada, helping food lovers discover exceptional restaurants nationwide.
Halifax’s culinary scene continues to rise, with Bar Kismet and Mystic proving the city’s restaurants can compete with Canada’s finest.
