The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar

One of the best experiences in Halifax restaurants. Certainly the best tasting seafood. I had the risotto and my friend had the chef Bryan scallop both were so delicious and gluten free.

The atmosphere is charming with real candles and stonewalls. The service staff were so friendly and professional. Julia our waitress was courteous and alert.
The menu options seemed somewhat limited and the prices are not cheap.

I will visit again for oysters 🦪

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.

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.

This was easily my favorite restaurant that I visited while in the city. We did “The Drill” and each course was absolutely awesome. I will recommend that you should allow a solid two hours if you choose to do that but it’s definitely worth it. The place also has a really cool atmosphere with some interesting history behind it. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area.

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!!!

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!!

We visited the restaurant with guests from abroad. This was several months ago. The Press Gang is still being mentioned on the phone calls: Do you remember that cool place with the live piano and awesome food? We definitely want another visit!". The atmosphere was amazing. The live piano definitely make it special. The food was exceptional and the service was kind, polite and very professional.

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.

Great food and great service
They offer a candlelit dinner which provides a great atmosphere. Perfect for dates or anniversaries.

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!

Popped in last Friday 30 min before kitchen closed. Was slightly worried things may be rushed or not "as good" as they could be but had limited options at that time for a nice sit down. Wasn't feeling like pub food or pizza. Felt real bad but was real hungry, Service and food were exceptional. Entertainment was lovely. Drinks were great. Preparation of the food was absolutely perfect - seasoning, cook, etc. Highly recommend. Both my wife and I LOVED our dishes. High praise to the kitchen team for taking exception care on a last minute late Friday order - we had Seafood Risotto and Atlantic Halibut.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 ⭐

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!

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