1709 Lower Water St #110, Halifax, NS B3J 1S3, Canada
A refined yet earthy dining destination on the Halifax waterfront, Daryâ offers a fresh, bright take on Eastern Mediterranean cooking with a spirited, relaxed atmosphere ideal for family-style dining.
The weekend brunch buffet is, IMHO, the best buffet in Halifax. The flavours are varied and spectacular. I had cheese and olives and dates, roasted lamb, fresh baked flatbread, house smoked salmon. House. Smoked. Salmon. Not to even mention the vegetable and egg dishes that could make you want to be a vegetarian. If you have an anniversary, a date, your Mum's birthday, or just want an impressive and fun brunch, come to Darya. The flavours are incredible AND you can eat until you drop. The servers are attentive and nice, and the interior and atmosphere is really well designed.
Impressed with authentic Turkish coffee that is served here. They use authentic copper mug for the brewing in sand, lit red from warming light. It’s an acquired taste like a very strong espresso, with the fine grounds settling to the bottom. Usually brewed with sugar but that’s optional.
Darya Restaurant in Nova Scotia is a hidden gem that redefines culinary excellence. Nestled in a charming locale, it offers a mesmerizing blend of Persian and Mediterranean cuisine that delights the senses. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance envelops you in warmth and elegance, with beautifully appointed decor that evokes a sense of luxury. The staff is exceptionally attentive, providing service that is both professional and personal. The menu is a journey through rich flavors, featuring dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. The saffron-infused rice dishes are a must-try, perfectly complementing the tender, marinated meats grilled to perfection. Don’t miss the exquisite appetizers, like the vibrant mezze platter, which showcases a variety of textures and tastes. Each dish is a masterpiece, artfully presented and bursting with flavor. The wine selection is equally impressive, with expertly curated options that enhance the dining experience. Whether for a special occasion or a casual dinner, Darya is a culinary sanctuary that promises an unforgettable evening. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavor and hospitality that leaves you longing for your next visit.
Very spacious uniquely decorated interior with large waterfront patio dining. The brunch buffet cost 40 CAD and choices of food are quite unique which is good. Nothing like the usual North American brunch. The coffee and tea are included but you can also pay extra for some special drinks. The staff were very nice and welcoming, and very attentive to your needs. The only thing is that I felt rush with one staff who kept on asking me if I am done already when obviously I am still eating. Made me feel like he cannot wait to make me leave when I’ve only been there for 1 hr and the buffet is from 11:30AM - 2:30PM. Aside from that, all is good. Definitely recommended if you are looking for something different for a brunch buffet.
Had an amazing experience at Darya this past weekend. We got all veg/vegan dishes and they were some of the tastiest meals I’ve ever had. Do not skip out on the fried eggplant (side dish) when you go—it was literally melt in your mouth delicious. Our server, Sunny, was welcoming, sweet, and helpful. Our drinks were beautiful and tasty, and the restaurant space itself is stunning. Honestly cannot recommend Darya enough!
An amazing experience! The decor is everything! I felt transported to somewhere far and exotic. I selected the Grilled Octopus, recommended by the waiter, it was absolutely delicious, prepared to perfection. For cocktails, another recommendation of the waiter was the Gaia Spritz, flavorful, crisp perfect for a warm day. I ended this gastronomic experience with cappuccino 💫
Really enjoyed this restaurant. Vibe is amazing with the waterfront views... food quality and selection are all on point. Our server was very tentative, but we missed the rush timing also. Overall, Darya should be on your list of stops when in Halifax!!
I have dined here many times. This was the first time it disappointed. The food was fine as always, but this service was a train wreck last Monday night. I’m wondering if the service staff on the patio even talk to each other. The highlight was the Filipino busboy who is wonderful. Make him a server and you’ll get my five stars back.
The food and service were wonderful. They make the best truffle fries in Halifax!
The lamb tangine was divine. Service was outstanding, I couldn t take two sips out of my water without having the attentive staff refilling it. Well worth the visit and every dollar.
We returned few times this fall to repeat the gourmet experience of Moroccan tagine. My puppy received so much love on the deck from the staff. They protected us from a sudden rain and made sure we enjoyed our meals. Your care is appreciated.
Have been here several times. Every time is a step above the last vist. Max is a great cocktail mixologist and chef Wesley went beyond in my last visit. Highly recommend this restaurant. Have never been disappointed in any single visit. I keep coming back because of the people and the overall quality.
Wonderful place to go. Chef Felipe is really a good conaisseur. I love to go to Darya and know the Mediterranean taste. Five stars.I love it.
The octopus is very good.
As someone from Yarmouth.(Which mostly just has fast food) This place is amazing
Gone down in quality recently, i enjoyed the old menu better and felt like the food had better flavour. Everything was pretty overpriced and not flavourful enough for me and my group and I felt like the portion sizes werent big enough for sharing which they encouraged. It was really pretty inside but theres better options downtown.
We dined at Darya s last night and our experience was amazing. Our server Munish went above and beyond to make excellent recommendations. He was genuine, friendly and made us feel very welcome and never rushed. We tried the Rockefeller oysters and flaming style halloumi to start. For mains we chose the lamb tagine and grilled octopus. Everything was delicious and well presented. We will definitely go back!
Darya is a fantastic restaurant on the Halifax boardwalk/harbourfront!! Particularly for a vegan person visiting Halifax visiting from another city where vegan fare is more accessible, this is THE place to go for amazing vegan food on the waterfront! There are multiple vegan options on the menu, including in the weekend buffet, and it was such a treat for me to enjoy their beautiful food! And it has a great patio on the waterfront and even the inside atmosphere is great! I went more than once while Ive been in Halifax and any time I come again, I will come to enjoy another meal at Darya! Vegetarian options: Multiple vegan and vegetarian options - the best on the Halifax boardwalk/harbourfront! Dietary restrictions: Great place for vegans to enjoy a beautiful meal!
Awesome spot! Best grilled octopus I ve ever had!
A very pleasant, stylish, atmospheric restaurant with very tasty food, I recommend it.
Beautiful spot, great service. Food was cooked well and tasty. The music was unpleasant, and did take away from being able to fully enjoy the restaurant. Food
The host was very unwelcoming. For food I ordered the chicken skewers and it was essentially 4 small pieces of chicken with lots of onions in between. The rice had barely any flavour and the chicken was heavily charred and flavourless. Overall I will not come back. The drink was very tiny with a LARGE block of ice. Not worth it at all.
Great date night location on the harbour. Food and service were great. Portions on the lighter side.
Lots of gluten free and vegetarian options. Everything we tried was excellent ! Our server was really nice, and we had a great time at Darya. I will come back when I visit Halifax again. Vegetarian options: Courgette fritter, falafel, cauliflower salad, garden kebab etc.
Food is good ( rating are great, may be for ambience and service) but not something great, the much hyped fried octopus was good, I must admit the ambience with stunning waterfront views and prime location makes this a great experience.., food is just an element of your dining Vegetarian options: Limited salads and appetizers Parking: Good luck with street parking or find something expensive Kid-friendliness: Not many options to chose from .. and they don t let kids after 9 PM
Stopped in today for a drink, first time. Sat at the bar and Bailey was our bartender. First off, the food was top notch. We had a hummus type dip which isnt even something Id normally order but Bailey suggested and it was divine and only 13 bucks! Second, the service was 10 times above top notch. Bailey was not only knowledgeable and helpful, but he made us feel like it wasnt his job to be nice to us, it was his pleasure. My wife has been a bartender/server for over 30 years and she was impressed by his level of service. Weve just moved to Halifax, and, because of Bailey, weve found our hangout spot. Kudos Bailey, and we wish you success ( and have no doubt that youll find it) in any every future endeavor that comes your way. Colin and Amanda
Nice service, the food is amazing! The mix of flavors is super interesting! Congratulations to the chef! The view is oustanding ! Thank you guys for this amazing lunch
Spectacular view!
I only I could give more stars for the vibe! The atmosphere is amazing. It is just by the waterfront with an amazing view of the bay! Bonus point if you can get a patio seat. The food and drinks were point on! I had the Muhammara and the Perfumery drink. The cauliflower main course was very good too. The Coconut milk pudding stole the show though! So creamy, light and simply scrumptious! The staff was super friendly!
They close from 3-5. Not good business for summertime crowds. My rating is based on my experience before. This past weekend, I went there with a crowd of people I brought and was turned away because they said they were closed from 3 to 5. Not very good business. Atmosphere is actually good when I was there last but this time we were turned away and bus person was stressed and unapologetic about turning us away, thus low Atmosphere rating.
I had the calamari dinner plate. It was not what I was expecting, it exceeded my expectation. This serving is not to be confused with the fried appetiser of tiny pieces. This was a large section properly prepared with great flavore and great texture. It was a tad cool this July evening, so they supplied blankets for us. It was a beautiful sunset, ad lovely location and terrific food!
Family dinner with kids, walked in with no reservation. Food was amazing and enjoyed by all. Great service and atmosphere.
Excellant and unique Mediterranean fare. Beautiful waterfront patio seating on the harbor.
Incredible food and service. Tons of flavor! New favorite in town.
Very poor customer service, we waited for 10 mins for someone to come and greet us, food is so expensive overall the service is very bad, customer service is zero
Beautiful place, great waterfront patio, blankets for chilly nights, and friendly service. Was there twice. The first time just for drinks and an appetizer. Drinks and the red pepper dip were just ok. Second time was for dinner with two people, and I was hesitant to go. But the main courses that all of us had were delicious!! Will definitely go back! (But will stick with Au Liban for the best red pepper dip!) Dietary restrictions: Excellent gluten-free options!
Price was too much, food was not enough, service was good people were awesome to take the order, but if you want to eat big portion go somewhere else not here because u pay a lot for what u eat!! I love the place and server Food
Food was good but not great, there was a lot of smoke where we were seated and quite a few fruit flies (this was all indoors), and a couple of bigger flies that kept annoying us while we ate to the point that a fly actually ended up in my friend s glass of water. They had run out of chicken kebabs so ended up trying the beef ones instead. Service was friendly and very good. Overall priced quite high for the experience.
Overall, we had a good experience, but were not impressed enough to hurry back. I tried the bifteki kebab. The beef was very good and the rice was okay. The portions are small for the prices. What really threw me off was the halloumi. I have made halloumi myself and also had it at other restaurants, so have an idea of what to expect. First, there was no pita or naan served with it, so it s a little bit of a strange experience eating just cheese with no bread or anything to accompany it. Next, the halloumi tasted like fish. No one at my table liked seafood so we were all very put off by this. It was bizarre to have fish-tasting cheese. That was a first experience (and hopefully last). Thankfully, our server was mostly understanding and we were not charged for it. The mocktails were excellent.
The meal was excellent. The fusion of flavours and opportunities to expand the palate through the unique combinations of ingredients was a pleasure and I will return without hesitation. Knowledgeable, pleasant and accommodating staff helped to complete what was excellent experience throughout.
While the waitress who served us was absolutely lovely and attentive, I was very disappointed with my overall experience. The manager was incredibly impolite, which really put a damper on our visit. It s unfortunate that such poor management overshadowed the excellent service we received from the rest of the staff.
You dont think Mediterranean food when you think of Halifax. But this food is soooo good. Sat outside and enjoyed the view.
This place is magical!! Food is amazingly flavorful and TONS of vegetarian/vegan options !! I had ordered the grilled cauliflower and it was out of this world !
Beautiful setting, especially the outdoor deck on a summer night where you can watch the boats go by. The food was fresh and delicious.
I love the food, so delicious
We had a wonderful dinner with a very varied selection of dishes which were ALL exceptionally delicious! Vegetarian options: Most of the dishes are vegan
Four adults shared three appetizers, two servings of vege kebobs and two cauliflower mains. All of the food was bland to the point of none of us taking any leftovers home. Bus boys lurched in the background and as soon as it looked like we were done they descended like flies to clear the table. Very expensive meal for feeling rushed and the food being terrible.
Best food and service. Its a reasonable price, too.
Loved the decor down to the wall paper in the bathroom. You can t come here and not order the falafel or the zucchini fritters. Same goes for the tabbouleh.. who knew you could make it with cauliflower and it would taste even better. Calamari in tomato sauce is the best I ve ever had. As much as I love bread and olives, theirs was good not great. Mains; chicken kebabs 10/10.. I can t think of anything that would make the dish better. Same goes for the eggplant side. Great place to go with a big group. Definite crowd pleaser!
Went there for the first time with our three kids. We had no expectation. Food was really good and full of flavors. Service was exceptional. The server made sure that my kids allergies were not an issue with each plates we ordered. We did order plates to share and it was great. Dietary restrictions: Peanut allergies Wheelchair accessibility: On the main floor. New building
Great decor, service and location. Food attempting to be a fusion of Lebanese, Greek, Spanish, and more. While the concept is interesting, just doesn t hit the mark. Appetizers were a bit small and over sauced, mains were bland, and provided sauces were far from authentic. Focusing more on the traditional flavours of the various menu items would help for sure. Atmosphere was great for dinner, with middle eastern beats, but then a Dj started playing around 9:30pm and it was just your typical house EDM setlist which was too loud and repetitive.
Good food and great ambience and service. Some authentic flavours. Good variety for vegetarian options available. The hummus and pepper dip was amazing.
The food was delicious and the service was excellent, we really appreciate our server his name was Tyson.
Great service and quality
The location is exceptional and the people are great, we had the squid as a starter and it was the best we have ever eaten, octopus meal which was super good, we also had the fish which was on a skewer and In my opinion, I liked it a little less!
Lamb tagline, chicken kebab and the pistachio olive oil cake for dessert, everything was excellent. Service was friendly, prompt and thorough.we had a lovely indoor table with a view of the water. They had blankets for people seated outdoors (a bit chilly for a July night).
Superb. Hidden gem. Candidate for best restaurant award. Amazing chef and servers.
We had our 19th wedding Anniv dinner here this weekend past. I have nothing but positive to say about the food, service, location and pricing. We will be back for sure.
It was my first time in this establishment with friends, this restaurant, apparently, has excellent service and cuisine, especially since it is located in a good location with a terrace, that s what I thought when I saw this restaurant before going there. And the fact that we were seated at a dirty table spoiled the mood from the very beginning. Even though the food wasnt bad(Unlike the chicken kebab, it was dry and burnt so the meat was bitter). The service made a huge difference to our experience. The waiter was almost not interested in what was happening at our table. I understand that being a waiter is also hard work, but sometimes you can smile, it was my birthday that day, and my mood was ruined. I would especially like to praise the octopus, it was really very tasty and tender. At this point this is the only reason I would return to this restaurant. Thank you!
Very good food, friendly waiters and tasty vegan options.
I have multiple allergies, not just one (gf, df, garlic and red onion). That s not an easy combo for most restaurants, but for a Mediterranean a challenge for sure and yet the staff were more than willing to accommodate. I was heard, my meal was delicious, thank you so much!!!
Very touristy and the service is fast. However, if the appetizer comes before the drinks and you have to ask when the drinks come, thats not very professional. The food was good, but you can tell that its a bit mass-produced. However, cashing out is quick.
Great decor and setting! I will make sure to invite my friends next time to try more options! The Lamb tagine was succulent, falling off the bone! Dietary restrictions: Halal options
Magnificent restaurant on the waterfront. We had excellent food there for lunch.
We need to change the director, it s very important
Everytime we go to this place it gets even worse somehow. The last time we went we were assigned a table for two, after asking to sit at a table close the beach we were told it was meant for 4 people and were begrudgingly allowed to sit on the table of 4 that we wanted to set at (as other reviewers have mentioned this isnt the first time this happens). We then asked for coffee and a desert at the same time and we recieved the coffee and the desert was nowhere to be found. We politely asked the waitress where the desert was because we wanted to have it before our coffees got cold. Then all of a sudden the manager comes with a very stern face and complains about us requesting to sit where we wanted to not where we were assigned to (as if were sitting in a classroom) and we were told that we were rude to the staff (all we did was ask to have desert with a hot coffee) and were told to leave. We were never asked what happened by said manager he never tried to ask us what happened or even try to understand what happened we were just told to leave because of our impolite behavior. Suffice it to say we are never coming back and everybody should stay far away from this place there are so many better places to go to where you wont be treated terribly and at a much more reasonable price at that
Great views of the harbor and ships. Food was good. Service brought out mains and forgot starters and appetizers. When reminded the brought out everything it was a little chaotic. Forgot our drinks brought out at the end.
Awesome place
Amazing experience and delicious food! Went for the brunch buffet and thoroughly enjoyed. I would absolutely recommend this food and atmosphere!
We stayed in Muir for 3 days and visited this restaurant 2 times. Food was outstanding. The server during our first visit was gracious and friendly. The second time we showed up at 4 PM and were told that restaurant kitchen opens at 5pm. We verified we didnt need reservation and we came back at 5 PM. We were seated outside, however we were cold and aked to be moved inside. The manager (not the waiter) said it would be difficult to find a table inside, but managed to find one, next to the server station with no view. I asked if possible to give us any other table in totally empty restaurant. He said that all tables were reserved. We opted to eat at the bar instead. Again the food was good and bartender was a very nice young man who entertained us with his local humor. We left at 6.30 PM, most of the tables at the restaurant were empty, the capacity was maybe 30% full. The manger who treated us rudely managed to lose $40 tip for his waiter, and annoyed us with his lack of respect. (A man in his mid 30s, white shirt, tattoos on his arm, failed to give us his name, hence description). Behavior bad for business and bad for good Marriott hotel and excellent restaurant that employs him.
We stumbled upon Daryâ one evening when out for a late stroll. What a treat! The service was soooo friendly and impeccable. The gold cocktail was phenomenal, as was the seared Halloumi. Highly recommend.
The server was the best ever.
Was here with my wife. Right on the waterfront. Both of our orders were excellent. We will return.
Beautiful venue, great food and drinks. Music was a little loud but it was the evening! Vegetarian options: Theres aomw good vegan options!
Tajin is definitely worth the price.
Well 4.5 for ambience and taste of food. Service was good , but very few options to choose from, food or drinks. And frankly, overpriced for the quality and quantity of food. Taste was good but not over the top which would justify their rates. View is nice, out by the waterfront.
Me and my husband went there for brunch today today was Eid and we wanted to have. A good food buffet we reached there around 1:30pm and food was like all finished there were literally 4dishes everything was about to finish and nothing looked fresh .there were no bbq items I was so disappointed and there was no ala carte either. 40$ for what?
Quite possibly the WORST customer service from any restaurant in the HRM. Visited for the first time a few weeks ago, around 5-6pm from boating that afternoon. One great benefit of this restaurant was the appeal to watch our boat from the patio. Upon request to the host for seating outside, I was told they are at capacity for the patio meanwhile only 1 table was seated outside. When questioned, the host firmly assured the managers decision was that it wouldn t be happening . - Visited Drift restaurant instead for a 5 star experience.
First off the deco is the vibe, inside deco transports you to Morocco (for me), its absolutely gorgeous - the bathroom, painted as a piece of art, the sink pedestal unique. The colors lends the background of the ocean. Lets talk food, yummm - I chose the Grilled Octopus, seared to perfection, flavorful. Cocktail, choice was recommended by the waiter - the Gaia Spritz absolutely delicious and refreshing
They happily take advantage of free labour under pretense of trial shift.
Such a nice place to go on a date. The food is exquisite, would strongly recommend the monkfish kebab and the charred eggplant.
I took my partner to this restaurant for a romantic date during our first trip to beautiful Halifax, and what an experience it was! The ambiance exuded a warm Mediterranean vibe, making the place cozy and inviting. We began our meal with their bread and olives, followed by a delightful charred and smashed eggplant starter. For the main course, we shared the Nova Scotia lamb tagine, and I must say, the molasses in the tagine was an absolute delight. We also tried their Tahdig, a crispy rice dish that we planned to pair with the tagine. As a Persian, I hold Tahdig in high regard, but unfortunately, this version didnt quite meet my expectations. The texture and taste were off, leaving me a bit disappointed. If a dish is named after the original, it should honour that flavour; otherwise, its better to present it as an inspired variation. Nonetheless, the food was still delicious overall, and the restaurant is well worth a visit if youre willing to spend a bit extra.
I like the vibe.Tthe food is good, i really like the cheese cake but it is quite expensive okay i understand because it is in waterfront.
Nice decoration and professional staff
Best restaurant in Halifax
Came here for the first time for the brunch buffet and we had such an extraordinary experience. The service was wonderful and the staff were very accommodating even in the busy yet stunning atmosphere. The food was all fresh and replaced even before it was empty and most things made in house. Very impressive! We will be back for sure. Thanks, Darya!
Love the place. Atmosphere and food are good. An ideal place for date night.
The food is outstanding, the music is otherworldly, and the service is exceptional. Youd be a fool to miss this restaurant jewel.
Food was so good. Service was superb!!! Been back a few times already. Highly recommended to go with a group so you could share different dishes.
A really nice atmosphere with terrific sun exposure which makes for a very comfortable setting for some mid afternoon beverages and snacks!
Great brunch on Family/Heritage Day. The Latka & Lox was delicious! Dietary restrictions: Halal meat available Food : 5/5 |
We Caught Daryâ early on a Saturday with no reservations and the service was excellent. I was concerned because we sat close to the back of the restaurant. But 3 separate servers helped us out, and made great suggestions on food for two.
Have been there twice, both times the food and drinks were delicious. Amazing service as well. Definitely recommend trying the swordfish.
This is a great place on the waterfront for eastern Mediterranean food. We enjoyed the warm cozy atmosphere created by low lighting and tasteful decor. We started with the laffa bread and olives with labneh, and the swordfish crudo. Both were fabulous. For the main course we shared the lamb tagine and the beet salad. The tagine was rich and savoury: slow-cooked lamb shank with lentils and apricots, finished with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs. The beet salad had lovely contrasting textures between the beets, labneh and feta, and the pistachios and raisins. We were delighted with both these dishes and did not think we has room for dessert, but we could not resist our server s recommendation. Hence, we ended the meal with a cardamon espresso martini and a slice of chocolate torte. The rich chocolate torte was well balanced with it s sour cherry, cardamom and coffee sauce. The service was fantastic.
We first started this experience with not even being glanced at when we walked through the door. When we got seated, we were asked if this was okay seating for us, we then asked if we could sit somewhere else and was told that it was booked for reservation, when there was hardly anyone in the restaurant. The seating wasnt ideal because we were blocked from seeing most of the restaurant. The couple behind us were asked the same question about seating and were given accommodation, where is the consistency? The food was good, the large plate section is more suitable for family setting, which was a disconnect from the fine dining experience we were sold. Perhaps, it was a one time mistake, but please be consistent in how customers are treated.
Always a brilliant option. The spanokopita was an absolute standout. The phyllo just shattered while the filling was melt in your mouth. Shout out to our server Sonny who made our night so enjoyable and memorable
My expectations of Darya were exceeded and I cannot wait to go back! We dined as a group of 8 and the level is service we had was something I have not experienced in a while. Our waiter Sunny provided an exceptional service experience. He was knowledgeable of the menu, attentive, friendly, and one step ahead of everything. A true professional who took pride in his work. I got the impression that the rest of the staff were the same. My partner and I had the stuffed grape leaves, falafel and fried cheese. All were absolutely delicious. I had the chicken kebab which was fantastic and my partner had the lamb shank, which was plentiful and very tasty. Everyone in our group had only positive things to say about the experience. One member was gluten free which the staff were very attentive to. The restaurant was beautiful and clean with a nice ambiance. (I wish I would ve taken pictures but I was too busy enjoying myself!) I was worried about our proximity to the bar/kitchen however it was not disruptive to our meal what so ever. If I HAD to give constructive feedback, I would say our chairs felt a bit low to our table. Thank you Darya for a great evening! Dietary restrictions: We had a gluten intolerance which was not an issue
This place punches above its weight class! One of the best restaurants (and most underrated) that I ve been to in Halifax. Food was spectacular and atmosphere was very cool.
Fabulous taste of food
Surprise birthday dinner date. Awesome ambience with feel of a fine dining. Finger licking Mediterranean cuisine . Must visit place in a lovely waterfront area
Came for lunch and it was our first time. Our server was super nice and accommodating. My only issue is that there were only two other tables in the whole restaurant while we were there, but it took an hour and a half to finish our meal. We ordered apps and our mains at the same time. Neither were particularly complex orders (hummus, fries, falafel wraps for the main), so I am a bit confused on why the food was so slow to reach us. Otherwise a very nice experience! Dietary restrictions: Were very friendly and accommodating for gluten free options.
We went for our 7th year anniversary dinner was underwhelming. I booked especially for it and asked if they could make it special and it was nothing special I could of cooked at home. We felt very rushed sat for our meal at 6pm on January 20th was out by 7:15pm. Like they were rushing us out on a day we want to celebrate. Just wasnt inviting at all. The hostess that sat us was a gentleman with mid long beard short/mid length styled hair. Was a bit rude about having to sit us and seemed annoyed we asked to put our coats on the rack behind the host station. Server Our server was Paris she was quite kind and attentive to us. Which was great but the meal just wasnt up to par more like below par. Apps & Main The beet hummus was tasty but the beef tenderloin kebab was extremely underwhelming no flavor to it just tasted very bland no seasoning no salt no nothing didnt have any juice or anything tasty just beef over cooked pretty much well done and dry. Just very disappointing. The rice was blend too and pickles that came with it just tasted like veggies the just sat in vinegar for a minute and tossed into the rice. My fiancé had the Spanakopita pie it wasnt amazing. It didnt hit any of the proper flavor profiles just underwhelming and disappointing. The cocktails Darya mule - was under par. The whiskey sour - asked for a double received a single mention that and they said it was the double 80% of it was just egg whites. Disappointing. It didnt have any sour too it. Whiskey tasted old in a bad way. Maple ice burg - was just ok, came in a pretty glass thats it. Port 20 years old - was ok just didnt taste truly like an aged Port. Disappointing. Dessert - The cheesecake - would reccomend for anyone. It was quite tasty only redeeming quality of our rushed experience. 1/5 stars is the only thing I can give them for a disappointing evening for a night luxury and enjoying the evening with my fiancé.
First time going, lovely experience. Everything was delicious. I see I m not the first to mention the octopus it was excellent. Even more tender than I imagined and the sauces were great!
We had a magical evening. The lamb tagine was absolutely delicious. The wait staff were excellent. We highly recommend Darya! Dietary restrictions: In advance of reading the menu we were asked if there were any food allergies -- so appreciated!
It was a Saturday evening and we didn t have a reservation. The manager and the staff were soo welcoming. The restaurant was full and still they got us a table after trying loved the service. The ambience and the food is great but the smiling and warm staff is the real highlight. Loved my experience and I recommend it to everyone!
Very rude manager, food was burnt, tiny portions for $20+. Not a very pleasant experience, don t recommend at all.
Worst experience food was burnt when we went to complain manger was treating us with worst customer service I felt very attacked and I truly think he was being racist didn t wanna offer any discount do not recommend better spend your money somewhere else
Bad food rude and racist
Food was brunt and tasted bitter. Def not worth the money, aside with the manger being straight up rude and racist towards ppl wearing the headscarf:(
THIS PLACE WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS SOON! Got 5 different types of kebabs, all were very average. The server (who I thought was very pretentious) said it s enough food for a group of 4. We paid over $60 per person and left the place hungry. They literally sprinkled rice with the kebab dish, no joke it was that little. Complained to the manager and he said sorry I dont do the portioning . Like yeah I KNOW THAT! This restaurant is only selling the nice decor and vibes.
Had another awesome evening. Great service and food. We had a party of 10. One persons meal was cold, but the staff apologized and had it replaced within 10 minutes.
Location, service, and atmosphere were 5/5 Food was 4/5 just due to the portion size compared to price (for Kebab meals). Taste and presentation were great. I loved the modern tabouleh. Falafel balls were amazing. The kebab grill itself were well seasoned and grilled. Meat quality is definitely premium. I will definitely come back again, to try the dinner menu. Keep it up Darya, Halifax deserves more. Kid-friendliness: The host accommodated our request for specific seating as we had a baby with us (in a stroller). Much appreciated.
The place was beautifully decorated and the service was great. The waiter gave us great suggestions and was very nice! The food was alright. It wasnt bad, but it wasnt extraordinary. Food
Food was EXCELLENT and service was great. We ordered the grilled calamari, bread & olives, stuffed grape leaves, and the lamb tagine. Luckily we scored a table just before the dinner rush hit - would highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Overall lovely experience.
Best surprise ! Food was delicious and service was great. It was cold on the patio and we were offered some blankets, it made a huge difference and we were comfortable for our night out! Grilled calamari was wow! We highly recommend this restaurant!
My husband and I went there after wanting to try it. to have a drink and celebrate that i had just found out I beat cancer my breast . The owner, Gabriel, after me mentioning this,sent us 2 glasses of champagne. We were very touched by his act of kindness. We ended up staying for dinner .food was wonderful and he also sent us a delicious chocolate desert that was so good.the manager and wait staff were all wonderful. We will definitely return.
A fantastic experience. Our food was exquisite and paired with excellent drink recommendations by our server Munish. Thanks for a great evening, can not wait to return.
Darya was great. Im glad I was able to try this Freehand Hospitality expansion. Our Server Natasha was fantastic, very kind, and funny. The appetizers that we all shared were very good. The mains were fine, too. The patio is located on the waterfront, which is awesome. Its definitely a great addition.
Sat on the patio for brunch. Food was delicious. The warm weather with the DJ was a vibe.
Great atmosphere and music. Food tasted great but the service was severely lacking. Half the table got their food before the other half (and this was after 3 different people had either the wrong meal delivered or was missing an item).
Our meals were lovely, great recommendations were given by our server. But the real stand out was Natasha our server. My partner and I have worked in hospitality and service for a long time and her approach was so refreshing. We were a bit of a bigger party as a well, she was on top of everything and set a good tone and pace for our entire dining experience. The food was incredible, the cooks did amazing on all our our appetizers and meals!! The chicken Kebab was a little overcooked but was still flavourful (that was really the only area of opportunity). 10/10 would go back again!
Staff was great and the food amazing.
This was our Sunday brunch in the rain. The location is basically on the water front and a minute walk from our hotel. A Middle Eastern restaurant in the heart of the Halifax waterfront is very welcome addition because I love kebabs...like who doesnt right? We tried the grilled octopus, the beef kebab, salmon kebab, the lamb kebab, and the bread w/ olives. The bread was fresh and perfectly charred. It was very enjoyable. All the dishes hit the flavour points along with the texture. The service was commendable and efficient. A++ experience all the way here. Happy Eats everyone :-)
I was consistently more impressed by this space the more I explored the venue. The decor creates a perfect blend of playful and elegant. The food was truly incredible with fair portion sizes. I ordered the beef burger and would get it again and again if I lived locally. We tried a few kabobs and several apps as well which all exceeded expectations. The staff were polite and friendly. They accommodated all requests without hesitation. I also want to note that we had a child under 1 and the restaurant was very accommodating to young families. HIGHLY recommend.
Amazing modern Middle Eastern restaurant on Halifax waterfront. The tagine, the mushroom kebabs, the chicken kebabs and the lavash bread were all excellent. Highly recommended 5 star .
My experience was tainted when we witnessed the manager yell at a server because he thought she messed up our order, which I explained she did not, but he was adamant to put her down with inappropriate language that should not be used towards employees. This manager demonstrated how not to run a business and should be relieved from his position. I will not be spending my money here again.
Great food, Top Service and a beautiful built restaurant. Wont be disappointed - J#
Vegetarian options: Plenty of vegetarian options Food
Went to Daryas for supper last night. They have the coolest dish where they light cheese on fire right at your table - very exciting and memorable. Their version of hummus is the best Ive had in the city (I like it heavy on the tahini). However, their fattoush salad was not the best and didnt hold a candle to Au Libans. The Pastitsio was amazing - the cinnamon was quite pronounced which I loved but my friend thought was too much. We were both really impressed with the mint tea as it was made with loads of real fresh mint. The service was great but as it was getting busier it took us forever to get our bill and out of there.
Different in a great way!
The aesthetic and vibe is better than the food. The cocktails were great but the service was very slow and the food was just alright. For the price you pay, you are paying for the atmosphere and being downtown.
We had the perfect meal. We loved every single piece of food we ordered from the cocktails to the desert. The quality of the food and the service both match the carefully curated decor. If youre looking for a creative, surprising oriental flavoured meal, this is the place for you.
To the vegetarians out there, the cauliflower dish is a must! My Mother-in-law tried the chicken kabobs and said they were delish. Well done Darya!
Excellent!!
Great location on the harbour with a cool outside terrace and chilled breasts playing. The Middle Eastern menu feels healthy as well as tasty and interesting. My second time here is about 6 weeks, would definitely come back when next in Halifax Vegetarian options: Good choice of vegetation options
Delighted by the whole experience. Our dinner at Darya was a high-quality with excellent service and stunning atmosphere. We didnt do any research on the menu ahead of time so when we ordered the fried cheese appetizer, we were a little surprised to see small piece of cheese to split between for people. I wish the server forewarned us that the appetizers are portioned for one person and not a sharable portion. Still, even though we spent $19 to have a single bite of cheese, it was delicious. The fried cheese arrived to our table is a small cast iron pan, the server dumped some ouzo in it and set it aflame. Pretty cool and I still have my eyebrows intact. The four of us each ordered a kebab for our mains (2 chicken, 1 lamb, 1 beef). There was a healthy portion of meat on each kabab that sat on a bed of delicious rice. I got the lamb, it hds pistachios and spicy mint sauce - just incredible. We all cleared our plates completely... which brings me to my next point. The portion were only slightly smaller than I had anticipated BUT - Next time, Ill make sure to get an appetizer for myself ahead of the main. Im seeing some other reviews saying that the restaurant is expensive or overpriced - You get what you pay for people... And what you get at Darya is a 5-star location with amazing quality food and a unique experience in the Halifax harbour.
Excellent, very good atmosphere.
Delicious! Highly recommend.
Love, Love, Love this place! Food is amazing, great atmosphere and it sounds great!
Such an Ahhhmmmmaaazzziiiinnngggggg experience we had OMG I seriously cannot describe it in words We went there for my husbands birthday and had a blast .Superbe cocktails, good collection of beers ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SHAKAHUKA IS A MUST TRY Our server was super sweet and a perfect chatter box .she made sure everything is cooked on separate pan and grills as we are vegetarians and she sent out a not to the kitchen mentioning that and it was a highlight . DARYÂ - Guys KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
There was black smoke coming out of their exhaust and it was so strong we had to leave the entire waterfront. They obviously aren t using proper exhaust and filtering and it ruined our visit to Halifax waterfront while we were on vacation. Cow s ice cream next door was receiving so much smoke that it was unbearable to stay in there. My son had to leave and I mentioned to the staff and they said they are receiving a tonne of complaints so apparently it is an ongoing issue. I really hope this restaurant fixes this issue. Clearly this is having a negative impact for tourists and neighbouring businesses, not to mention the health and safety for the people who work on the waterfront who are exposed to this smoke all day long every day at work, and it is also putting toxic smoke into the atmosphere. Not sure how this has been allowed to continue. Surprised they haven t been shut down until the problem is corrected. But as a tourist I had no idea who to contact about it.
Favourite Halifax dining experience in years. Grilled octopus is amazing. Would travel from anywhere in maritimes to eat food this good.
Unfortunately we were unable to eat, drink or take in the atmosphere. All things in consideration, it should hit on all fronts. However, the gentleman, presumably the manager, was rude to our party of 4 before we could look at menus. He scolded our group for simply sitting at a table when a host or hostess was unavailable and honestly for a prolonged period of time. This first person to approach us was a nasty, inappropriate and completely disrespectful spokesperson for any restaurant.
The food was just off. Had potential (creative and good flavours) but the execution was off. Burnt meat, overbaked bread, undercooked pasta etc. Also the service left a lot to ask for. Especially for the price.
Food and drinks are decent and the waterfront location is very nice but service is lacking - waited forever to get our table (despite having a reservation), then waited forever to order and waited forever for our food. No one checked in to see how food or drink was and they werent proactive about busing the tables or refilling your water. And the restaurant wasnt very busy (empty but for the patio). The food is on the pricier side so expect better service than this.
Dog friendly, good eats, nice views
Great location. Service was excellent. Food was enjoyable; a bit to much on the pickled vegetables, but still very good.
We are here two nights in a row we liked it so much. Lovely waterfront venue, blankets supplied if cold outside. Lovely wait staff, Mediterranean food was great. The only thing that let this place down was the guy welcoming you at front of house. On both visits his demeanour and words were so off putting that we nearly turned around and walked straight back out.
Super place to chill and have some great food, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the food is solid!
The flavours in the food are amazing! Highly suggest the falafel balls. Overall atmosphere is fancy but relaxing and beautifully decorated. New favourite restaurant in the city! Dietary restrictions: I have celiac disease and they are very accommodating to that. I have eaten here 2 and have been fine so anyone who is Gluten Free and wondering.
Reservations were made for my girlfriends birthday. She was very excited to experience Darya. We were greeted as family, and the serving staff provided top notch attention and service. This was overshadowed by the amazing culinary experience and trip we went on.We ordered 3 appetizer (to share) and 1 modified main that we split. The staff were very accommodating, and the culinary experience/journey was amazing to say the least. The price for this culinary experience was was fair and well worth it. I dont dine out much from the standard pub or fast food which I normally regret as I sit alone in the dark and eat. I recommend you treat yourself and your significant other to Darya, great service, food and atmosphere, unless you enjoy eat fast food in the dark and regretting life decisions. Oh and definitely try their take on cheesecake....Unbelievable!
Great atmosphere and great food! Interesting new flavours we have never tried. Highly recommend!
Everything is so good! Dont skimp on the Bread and Olives. Use it to mop up all the juices from all your other starters We got the bread, calamari, stuffed grape leaves, 2 cocktails, 1 red wine, and lamb and tenderloin skewers. Great service, and loved the vibe. Vegetarian options: There are options... Parking: Parked at the Maritime Museum, paid. Kid-friendliness: High chairs available. No specific kids menu. Not a problem for us though. Left us alone with our kid snacks and leftovers from earlier
Very surprised on the atmosphere it made it all come together. The food was unbelievable.. I didnt think carrots could taste so good. Different members of the staff made sure to check that we were happy. Very attentive and kept a good eye on the other guest.
Vegetarian options: Exceptional food with many vegan and vegetarian options. Food
A unique culinary experience! We enjoyed every dish. Each dish presents a unique blend of flavours, allowing us to travel between Italy, Tunisia, Spain, the Middle East... The atmosphere is warm and friendly. The staff are very attentive.
Perched on the waters edge, this is a romantic restaurant. With a delightful Mediterranean-inspired menu, it is easy to find something farm-to-table cuisine to help complete the perfect evening. Oh, one last thing, try their espresso martini.
Great location on the water, good service and beautiful and comfortable restaurant. AMAZING fresh food. LOTS of tasty options for everyone. We particularly loved the thoughtful vegan and plant-based options. I warmly recommend!
Super fun yummy spot on the water. Especially fun to go with a big group who enjoys ordering a bunch of things to share together. Had a great waiter who brought chefs choice out to the whole table throughout the night, and was a great time. Service and atmosphere were lovely, and food was pretty solid as well
Top marks. Exceptional service, food and atmosphere. First rate wine list and lovely cocktails as well. Everything was absolutely perfect even on a super busy night.
The most phenomenal food Ive ever tasted!!
Loved this restaurant and gughly recommend! Fantastic decorating and view, attentive and friendly service and delicious food. The grilled octopus appetizer was exceptional!
Everything was delicious but the falafels are out of this world!
Food is always excellent. Great for sharing. Overlooking the Halifax Harbour with a lovely patio. Service is top notch. One of my favourite places to have a business lunch or a dinner with friends.
Excellent food and service! Server was very knowledgeable on the menu and made appropriate recommendations. Atmosphere was extraordinary! And the food and cocktails were both amazing! Will come back again and recommend to others for sure.
The servers were extremely rude.
Excellent Mediterranean food, very good concept and menu. Unbeatable location.
Lovely decor, relaxing mood on a Tuesday night in November! Had great octopus dish with extra ginger basmati rice ! A must go stop on the magnificent Halifax waterfront ! Food : 5/5
The breakfast was divine.. the service was great and the atmosphere was amazing.
Only ambiance will convince you with food..its the location when it drizzle thats best time..i am pretty unshure about the tastes and food quality as they are pleanty of amazing food options in town as turkuaz resturant. We weere 5 adults and costed as 206 cad which quite expensive.
The atmosphere is very nice and our food was excellent. Our server was also first rate (I believe her name was Jaqueline). She enhanced our experience as she was very knowledgeable of the menu and also provided great advice on food pairings. All of the dishes were delicious but in particular I would rate the octopus as one of the best I have ever had. Cooked to perfection and the accompaniment of the tomatoes ezme (similar to chimichurri ) and the NS Donair sauce (which I wasn t sure about when I read it) was absolutely perfect. A unique dining experience in Halifax.
WOW! This place is an experience. More than just a good meal, impressive service too. If you want a delicious meal, impeccable atmosphere, and a high standard of service- this is the place to go!!! I would say this easily trumps local 5 star faves such as the Bicycle Thief and The Cut. I never leave reviews and am taking the time out of my life to write this! So that s saying something! Please give this place a try and you will not be disappointed! This is coming from a very picky eater who gave family style dining a chance and fell in love! 6 star rating If it would let me!!! Wheelchair accessibility: This is one of the only restaurants downtown that is actually accessible!
Unexpectedly vibrant restaurant, an out of character but welcome metropolitan experience for a maritime city. The atmosphere defines this restaurant. We went for dinner. Ordered several appetizers and split a main. Service was good. The drink menu was exceptional. The food was tasty but underwhelming. I will return again, but probably just for drinks. To start we ordered fried cheese and swordfish crudo. We followed this up with beef kebab served with rice and pickles. The cheese came with a show and was set afire in front of us. While super fun, a single slice of fried cheese was underwhelming. The swordfish crudo was the highlight of the meal, the flavours were bright and fresh but fish was sparse and hidden behind other more overwhelm flavours. Our kebab was unexceptional. Tasty, but no more than youd expect at a takeout counter. Cocktails are where Darya stood out. Their specialty cocktail menu was well curated. We tried a couple and were impressed by each. The stand out was cardamom espresso martinis. This is definitely a spot to check out. Lively music. Professional service and great drinks. Expect to spend according to the great location. $60-$80 Per person.
1. When we requested the man at the front desk to accommodate us a little sooner cause we were early and it was cold outside, he had a condescending tone (surely a biased attitude), he began to school us about how reservations work instead of just saying sorry, we are fully booked , although all the tables were empty. So I mean to say that his customer service skill created a negative experience for us, as guests. The reservations were made on occasion of two birthdays but there no no special gesture of greeting or any accommodation, clearly they don t care for the occasion we specify in the booking. 2. On a positive note, the lady waitress Victoria who served us, was extremely kind that night and made us feel warm with her smile and good customer service skills, clearly she deserves to be on the front desk. I m from Bangalore, a big city with way too many big posh restaurants and I also have years of hospitality background. Turkuaz, at Bedford serves better food comparatively. Darya can do better for a downtown restaurant.