Really enjoyed it - good food and service. Good selection fir those with celiac disease.

A great spot for a the delicious sangria, not to mention that amazing apple salad! A group of 5 of us ate before fun party cruise on the Silva. They were accommodating to our time constraints. Our waitress was lovely. I ordered the scallop pasta as well. It was quite lovely. read more

We were really looking forward to having dinner here after seeing the great reviews it received. Unfortunately I can't add to the list of great reviews. I ordered the starter beet salad which came out over dressed and wilted. For the main I ordered two of the vegan tacos; I could only eat one because they were so unappetizing. J ordered mussels to start which he found to be very standard. For his main he ordered the bacon cheese burger, which was slightly over cooked and the bun was toasted too long, to the point that the bun was hard. Service was very mediocre; I asked our server to help me decide between the tacos and lentil burger and they didn't have any advice to offer. Now I really wish that they had recommended the budget because the tacos were so disappointing. I can see how this restaurant could be great, maybe they were just having an off night. read more

I had an amazing lamb burger at The Wooden Monkey with some kind of mint infused cheese. It was strange and delicious, and I loved every bite of it. This being my first time in Halifax, I asked for a recommended local beer and was really happy with the Meander River Honey Brown Ale. So good! The server was friendly and gave me a few suggestions for exploring Halifax. In total, good food and friendly service... I'd come back in a heartbeat! read more

The Wooden Monkey - Bars Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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We had a great dinner there today, as usual. Perfectly cooked, great flavour, excellent service. Pasta and beef and desert and that chocolate pie, all delish. read more

I went to the Wooden Monkey last night with several family members I had not seen in a long time. I called to reserve that morning, and had no issue booking a table for 8. The restaurant happily accommodated one nut allergy and two vegans. We got nachos and garlic fingers for appetizers, nachos were good but garlic fingers were absolutely delicious!! Especially with the vegan cheese and coconut donair sauce. Everyone was very happy with their main course, I got the rice bowl minus almonds which was amazing. The staff was lovely and overall I am very happy I chose this spot as a place to reunite with family. It might not be the cheapest place but it is fully worth it. read more

One of the best restaurant experiences I've had. My family of 6 tried to make a reservation ahead of time but had no luck, so we decided we would just swing by and see if we could make it in because the food perfectly met our diverse food needs. The staff were incredibly accommodating and got our party of 6 seated inside within 20 minutes. Once seated, it honestly felt like we were being treated like VIPs. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Plus the food was excellent. As a vegetarian, it totally met my needs and wanted. Recommend the dips and the rice bowl. TLDR: The food is great and the service is even better. read more

Odd. That's all I can say. This is an odd restaurant. From the decor to the food. Anticipation can run high as you find your way up to the second floor of this perched-above-the-seaside-dock restaurant in Dartmouth. But from that point on, I was left in a sort of head scratcher state. The name, the inside decor, and the plated fare is nothing but a veritable perplexing mis-match. While called The Wooden Monkey, I was expecting a sort of delightful pseudo monkey theme, or at least a subtle reference to some jungle-inspired culinary expression that I was about to embark on. However, it felt as if someone missed that memo, and rather, the interior decor is a dark, dated and tired attempt at a nautical theme. Perhaps it was/is a half-hearted attempt at telling patrons the monkeys abandoned the ship. As for the food, I was tremendously disappointed that there seemed to be not a lot of "meaty" choices, or pasta dishes, or that typical seaside restaurant fare we've all had plenty of practice with. But rather, I encountered a menu with a heavier focus on lentils and couscous-type fare, with a sort of underlying eat "consciously" or walk the plank threat. As I looked down, disappointed at the menu, I silently concluded that I would have to be fairly drunk before embarking on a brown, moodish looking lentil burger. I ordered the 2 fish cakes with a side of something, and after an agonizing over 1 hour wait for 2 fish cakes that sat simply lifeless on my vast white plate, I came to the conclusion that the monkeys DID abandon this ship long ago. read more

We had high hopes for the Wooden Monkey after getting referred there by some foodie friends. When we got there, they were very busy and there was quite a wait. The nice young man at the front took our names and directed us upstairs to the bar for a drink. We waited a while for our drinks but they eventually arrived. About 20 minutes later, we were shown to our seats. And that's when it went downhill. We received water and someone came by to say he'd be back in a minute but nobody ever showed up. After about 40 minutes, we gave up, paid for our drinks and left. No apologies. So we never actually got to try the food. Very disappointing. read more

A very good restaurant that's good for those who are vegan or gluten intolerant. It feels like a pub with a fairly large menu. I opted for the fish and roasties $18.95 which has two pieces of baked haddock with fries (or roasties) but i asked to split the fries in half and get the other half with their apple goat cheese salad which is absolutely delicious. The fries are ok since they're baked so not as crisp as fried but the baked haddock was very good. Definitely a good place to try and at a good price point in downtown Halifax. read more

The Wooden Monkey - Fish and roasties. Baked haddock with half baked fries and half substituted Apple goat cheese salad $18.95 - Bars Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Eating at The Wooden Monkey is a bit like eating in someone's super cozy home. Especially if you happen to know someone who has a cozy home and likes to make vegan food. While they aren't fully vegan there are so many options to choose from in that arena that it's especially easy to eat on the lighter side of the menu here. On a recent lunch adventure I ordered a simple salad, a side of tofu, and "roasties" which are essentially baked fries. The house salad is seasonal and requires you ask the server each day. This, to me, just signals it's super fresh. The tofu portion was giant and the marinade on it was great. The roasties were oven-baked with olive oil and seasonings and a nice way to enjoy a potato. Don't overlook their unique drink list, both alcoholic and non! read more

Delicious vegetarian food. Service bit slow as it was crowded. Ambience isn't too great but food is so doesn't matter. We ordered veggie pizza and minestrone soup. For dessert raspberry hot brownie vanilla which I didn't like much nor it was worth money so 1 star less for it. But I would really recommend this restaurant. read more

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Shortly after I first moved to Halifax in 2003 the Wooden Monkey was easily my favorite restaurant. As a student at the time it was a bit pricey but it was always worth it. In the years since though, I think it's fair to say the Monkey has experienced some growing pains. Since moving to Grafton St, service generally declined, although it came back a bit too so I suspect I wasn't the only one to notice. It remains a problem that food does arrive cold and/or stale at time (note this problem never appears to happen at the Dartmouth location). Ultimately it suffers in that it sometimes feels like you might be overpaying for your meal here. I admit I hesitate to tip here because, a) the meal is already fairly pricey, and b) I often end up getting served a meal that just isn't that great. Those points aside, nostalgia has made me a relatively loyal customer and when family from away visit, The Wooden Monkey is always on list of "where should we eat". Few other restaurants are as committed to the local farming community as they are and this is clear. My other reason? In spite of some occasional misses with a meal here, I firmly believe they are the best spot in the city for soup. Often only one soup of the day on a given day their soups are always creative and delicious. And that never comes served cold read more

I've been to Wooden Monkey a couple a times and have yet to manage to jot anything down. It's such a fabulous spot with a cheeky location. Regardless of your table you almost always have a view of Citadel or Argyle (ignore pre-convention centre mess). Not to mention you get to walk through beads to get to the bathroom. Wooden Monkey is the perfect spot if you are vegan, health conscious, or enjoy quality local food. The first time I was here I ordered the Monkey Pita with free range chicken from Pasture Hill. It was ahhhhhhhhmazing. Although it is listed in the 'light fare' section I struggled to finish it all. So it's a great size. I found the flavor of the mushrooms in the pita to be outstandingly delicious. The second time I was here I sampled the vegan nachos. Though the thought was initially odd, I didn't seem to have a hard time shovelling them into me. As a non-vegan I thoroughly enjoyed them. So if you are a vegan and struggle to find good vegan nachos, I suggest you get your hiney to Wooden Monkey. Their substitute for cheese had a better melting point than most and was semi-stringy; mimicking the effects/taste of real cheese. If you order the nachos, be sure to get the guac!!! It was delish and creamy. read more

I received an absolutely beautiful email from Matthew, the manager of the Wooden Monkey and one of the owners, Lil. I am giving them my love again, and they are going above and beyond to fix the issue we had. They are unable to put in a ramp due to red tape from building inspectors and HRM etc... but they were truly sympathetic and the delay in response was due to them trying to re-visit the issue and time flying too quickly. Thank you to Matt, Lil and Christine. You definitely exemplified customer service today. read more

One of the best restaurants I've been to in Halifax. Reasonably priced for the high-quality menu. Many fun cocktail options, and the bar staff was very well informed about the selection and able to help me make very informed decisions. Every server with whom I interacted was chipper and polite, even though the restaurant was busy and bustling. I was happy with the many seafood options (although this is common for Halifax) and so impressed by the dessert menu that I took a picture to send to my friend! Everything looked so good, making a decision on what to eat was the worst part of my night. read more

About a month ago I finally convinced Jeremy M. To have his first vegan meal. Much to my surprise he actually like it! We started off with drinks , I had a locally made glass of white whine while jer had his usual concoction of beer and clamatoe juice...barf. After a nice period of gabbing we then ordered. I ordered the vegan tomato basil pasta , but added organic shrimp to the mix. I honestly can say it was some of the best pasta I've ever had ... And I've had plenty carbs so far. Jer was far more adventurous then me and ordered the vegan donair which came with a vegan organic coconut dipping sauce. I was honestly hesitant to try it even thought it looked and smelled great. I finally mustered up enough courage and to my surprise the "donair" meat tasted exactly like any other donair. We finished the evening off with the whipped silk chocolate tofu pie , this is no longer on their current menu but they still make it upon request. Anyhoo this pie is delicious ! It's a thick chocolate tofu with a nut crumble base with sides of blended raspberry to dip in. The wooden monkey has literally something for everyone , regardless if your vegan or vegetarian. The prices are a bit more then your average bistro, but you get what you pay for. The staff were fun , energetic and very helpful to my first time date ( who had no idea what to order.) Overall The Wooden Monkey is one of my go to recommendations for a sweet place to eat. read more

If you're a food snob who only eats the freshest organic and locally grown ingredients, then the Wooden Monkey is for you. If you simply enjoy delicious food, (organic or otherwise) then the Wooden Monkey is for you too. Over the years, I've had several meals at the Wooden Monkey and I have never been disappointed. Their diverse menu has something for everyone, from the virtuous roasted chickpea salad and vegan rice bowl, to the more indulgent bacon-wrapped scallops or free-range steak with potatoes. But the tasty offerings don't end with the food; they've also got a great selection of out-of-the-ordinary beverages, including gluten-free beer and a lychee-spiked sangria. Though it's on the higher-end of mid-priced restaurants, when you consider the quality of the food and the service, it's definitely worth the few extra bucks. read more

I went to the Wooden Monkey with family for the first time to try their burger for Burger Week. The apple and brie burger was fantastic! Great service and I love that they are environmentally conscious. I also had a non-alcoholic cocktail (blueberry lavender mojito) which was divine! I'll be back soon. read more

Yes, yes, yes! I finally got to the Wooden Monkey. I had heard great things about this little gem in downtown Halifax and now I hear they are opening one in Dartmouth too. They are dedicated to all things organic, local and um...delicious. I loved everything about my experience. The service was great. Our waitress was a sweetheart. She was very knowledgeable, told us all about the specials without missing a beat. Checked on us throughout and always made sure the water glasses were full. The ambiance is nice and open but warm and cozy. We sat on the top floor. The food, really good as well. I ordered the curried vegetables on a bed of quinoa. It was so tasty, a slight curried kick and the quinoa really held the flavours of the dish. I loved the variety of vegetables, kale, cauliflower, sweet potato. Every morsel held a different burst of flavour. My daughter was happy to try the four cheese pizza. She's so boring. My cousin had the Chorizo Pizza,, which I tried and enjoyed as well. And his girlfriend had the lentil burger which I think I will try next time. All in all, everyone enjoyed their meal. For dessert we split an apple turnover and the Chocolate tofu pie. The chocolate tofu was extremely rich. The apple turnover was light and classic. I had the fair trade coffee, so good! I love the menu at the Wooden Monkey. It's inventive and fresh. I like that there is something for the carnivore, free range steak and something for the vegan. Healthy options and food prepared the way that it is supposed to be. Clean and fresh. If you haven't tried this place yet, don't wait for as long as I did. I will definitely be back. Can't wait to see you in Dartmouth! read more

If you like holistic, organic, sustainable eating it's perfecto for you. Great for allergies and dietary restraints, I enjoy the image and brand as I try to eat as healthy and sustainable as I can. Would greatly recommend to anyone who values the same values as them. read more

This is a great spot in the heart of Halifax that pays close attention to where the food comes from and how it hits the table. Much of the food is local, there are great veggie options - although I went for the free range beef. They still serve that great Garrison IPA ale - the hoppiest on the Halifax market. The classic martini was superb - served in a chilled glass and with four olives perched on the edge. The tofu pie will have you scratching your head - how could tofu taste so great! The added treat of sitting inside warm and toasty while cars go skidding by trying to make it up the steep hills in downtown Halifax in a snow storm was just an added treat. read more

I've been back to the Wooden Monkey twice since my last review, and I'm happy to say that both experiences were a lot better than my original visit. My new favourite dish is the Vegan Nachos. Both gluten and dairy free, these nachos are the best in town for those that have a restricted diet. The jalapenos can be a bit overwhelming, but they are so big that when I order them for myself, I always get to take a doggie bag home for later. (Let me assure you they re-heat wonderfully). Next on my "must eat" list is the tofu pie which is safely dairy-free. It's melt-in-your-mouth awesome and it's sooooo worth leaving room for. I still think that the service experience isn't something to rave about. To be sure, the servers I've had recently are wonderful individuals - they participate in conversations and bring what is requested - but I've had better, more prompt service elsewhere. Maybe it's just part of the laid-back style? I'm not sure, but it won't stop me from enjoying this place again in future. read more

Went back after a year ... again the same great experience . In fact because we had amazing experience first time and Kyle was very friendly with kids , my kids wanted to go there and wished if Kyle is still there. And guess what he greeted us and had even better experience ...: this is must place to dine in ... read more

Featuring organic and when possible local ingredients, The Wooden Monkey serves some of the most interesting and flavourful food in the city. It is definitely a must-vist for any vegan or gluten-free diners. Lots of seitan and tofu around here. I had lunch with a friend last week and we both had the scallop salad which had a substantial number of seared scallops served in a phyllo pastry basket on a bed of organic greens. Yes, it was $17, but it was also delicious and kept me full all afternoon long. For dessert, I had a divine lemon tart. The service was fantastic, attentive without being oppressive, and our server happily answered our questions about some of the less common ingredients. The prices might scare you, but this food is the healthiest restaurant food you'll ever eat in this city. No preservatives here. Even their Caesar is made without MSG and you can really taste the difference. The atmosphere is also unique in Halifax. An eclectic collection of wood-topped tables gives a homey feel and the abundance of windows on the two sides of the dining room allows lots of natural light to come in. Between the amazing food and the warm atmosphere, you'll leave having eaten one of the best meals in town and feeling super healthy. read more

I finally had the opportunity recently to try The Wooden Monkey. This was one of those places that I've been wanting to try but just never seemed to make it. And then, opportunity knocked and I answered. And I wasn't disappointed. My friend and I each started off with an appetizer. Me a bowl of mussels (you MUST get the ones in the bacon cream sauce!) and her the Japanese Dumplings. Both were delicious. We both settled on pizzas for our mains: myself the meat lovers, and for her the BBQ chicken. There was enough food, between the appies and the mains, to sink a ship. And it was all delicious. We both ended up having to pack up half of our pizzas to bring home with us. If you think a restaurant that believes in local, organic food means your food is going to taste like chalk, think again. Flavorful food, good atmosphere and service...give the Monkey a try! read more

This place is amazing. My two friends and I enjoyed our cocktails, entrees and desserts immensely. My celiac/lactose intolerant friend was overwhelmed with choices - something she's not used to! One of the top three steaks I've eaten in my life. You can tell everything is truly fresh and high quality. Great serving sizes. Amazing service. Would go again in a heartbeat. read more

Quick review, The Wooden Monkey is a great place to take ANYONE. They offer fantasticly delicious meals for vegan's and vegetarians but also for people, like me, who just want a great tasting meal! So whether you eat meat or not, this is always a solid choice. It can be busy, so keep that in mind when you are planning your visit, but it is definitely worth the wait! read more

I've walked passed the Wooden Monkey numerous times as I get to know Halifax and finally on a sunny afternoon I walked in to give this little place a try. The very first thing I liked about it was all the surrounding windows. Even if you are not sitting next to one you have lots of opportunity to get lost in all the people watching (I'm kind of a fan of this activity). We arrived just before the lunch hour so being seated came quickly as did the very nice server who came and took our order. However once the other gazillion people came in behind us (okay maybe not *that* many but it felt like it), the service got a little slower...Understandable. Our server continued to provide excellent service even with the chaos so extra kudos to her! My wife and I split a lunch together; ordering the Tomato Mint Celeriac soup (which came highly recommended by our server) and a meat lovers pizza. Both were very good but of the two I could have gotten down to my skivvies and bathed in the soup it was that good. I was afraid the mint would over compensate the tomato but it was delicious enough that I tried to lick the bowl in public (I have no shame people!) A little pricier on the wallet that I was expecting, this place would be a rare treat but a treat none-the-less. Some extra +++ about the Wooden Monkey: 1. They put cucumber slices in the water 2. They use locally grown organic products 3. They offer lots of Vegan / Gluten Free choices 4. Their website has recipes for you to try at home read more

I've been to the Wooden Monkey a handful of times and I always really enjoy my experience. I love their use of fresh, local products. The space is bright and airy, with lots of windows letting in natural light. I typically stick with the seafood here, and really enjoy the sesame haddock, the crispy leeks make the dish. I also enjoy their non-fried version of fish and chips. This time though, I decided to try the spicy vegetarian stir-fry with quinoa noodles. I was a little hesitant at the thought of gluten free pasta, because I really don't like the rice pasta alternatives. The quinoa noodles though, were awesome, I don't think I would have ever guessed they were not made with wheat, and they were even al dente. If I ever have to give up gluten, I know now that there is a decent alternative! The rest of the dish was lovely as well, with a nice sauce that was had a heat that built as you kept eating. and I loved the variety of vegetables that were included. For dessert, I had the blueberry pie, the filling was great, but I found the spelt crust only ok. Next time I'm going back for my fave chocolate tofu pie. Don't let the tofu turn you off, it's super silky and decadent. The service is great too, on my latest visit, the place was packed due to a concert, but service was still fast, accurate and friendly. read more

OH MY GOODNESS! How have I missed this spot and I've lived in Halifax for 10 years?? My cousins were in town and since they are vegan/vegetarian, my brothers and I thought it would be a fantastic place to take them. One of my cousins decided that she needs to moved to Halifax just so she can eat everything off of the menu! (That is great news coming from someone who is extremely picky with their food). Our server was amazing, he was knowledgable about the food and drinks. So my cousins were super impressed. I will for sure be coming back! read more

The Wooden Monkey has recently started doing brunch. How wonderful of them to do so considering its my favorite meal of the week. :) I got the tip from a Jane's on the Commons (RIP) server who now works there... She is probably the best server in the world and that's not an understatement so if she says to try something its as good as gold. So my friend and I went there on a whim this past Sunday. I spent the previous night gallivanting at the Bitter End so I needed some delicious perk me ups that mid morning... The brunch menu is diverse and for the most part pretty standard in accordance with most brunch venues around town. They also have some vegan options. The coffee is excellent. I also ordered a mimosa. It was very cheap compared to other brunch places. Luckily it was good and not watered down. I went for the eggs benny bc I figured if u can get that right the rest of the menu could be ok? right? The Eggs benny in question was with ham and home fries and salad. The ham was maple glazed this gave it a generous overtone together with the hollandaise sauce, which was slightly on the sweet side. I like this actually. The home fries were great a perfect mix of seasoning and fried texture. Gotta have great home fries brunch people. Its like the ABC's of a good breakfast. Great way to wash away the sins of alcoholic indulgence. My friend ordered the Fritatta which was also good in his opinion. I tried a piece it was great. It was made from Chorizio Sausage and greens. All in all a favourable first brunch experience at Wooden Monkey. The food was great. The only critique is they definitely need some sweeter brunch fares like Pancakes, French Toast, or Waffles. It seemed to be all non sweet brunch choices with the exception of the continental breakfast they offered. read more

Awesome food! Had the mussles and a vegan donair. Both really delicious! The service was great as well. Our server (I think her name was Katelyn?) was great. She was very attentive, kept our waters full, and made great suggestions. Will go back for sure. The bathrooms could be kept a tad cleaner. read more

Good food! And drink! The chef really killin , good music and atmosphere! Would return with friends !! For sure

I am a fan of the Wooden Monkey. This is my favorite spot to eat downtown. I've been eating here since they had their old location. Everything I've ever ordered has always been delicious, and I never leave without getting the chocolate tofu pie. The service is always spot-on. One of my most recent visits was when Seinfeld was here. It was CROWDED and the staff were aware the show as starting soon. We were seated promptly--first at the bar where they took our order while we waited for a seat. They rushed our order out in record time, I was really impressed and felt they really went the extra mile (especially considering how crazy busy it was). The only thing I don't like about this place is the washroom. Its in a weird corner and they don't have an open garbage can--you have to lift it up to throw your paper towel in (yuck, unsanitary). I love their menu, and an added bonus are the local/seasonal choices and organic/veggie/gluten-free options. I'm not a "picky" eater, but lots of people I eat out with have gluten allergies, or are vegan, etc, and its a great place to bring anyone :) Great atmosphere, great service, great food-go here for a great dinner out! read more

Having eaten a late lunch, I ordered a bacon cheeseburger from the "lighter fare" section of the dinner menu ($16), which came with "roasties", a baked version of french fries. The Wooden Monkey touts their fresh, local ingredients and healthy menu options, and despite being known for vegetarian and vegan food, they make a darn good cheeseburger. The perfectly-crisp grilled beef, topped with tomatoes, pickles, bacon, fresh greens, and a blue cheese sauce jumped with flavour, not straying an inch into the realm of greasy, uninspired fast food. The "roasties" accompanying the sandwich were, however, disappointing. I have long been a lover of roasted potatoes, perfectly seasoned with spices and oil. However, the serving arriving on my plate seemed to have been left out too long on the counter and the fries were either too hard (i.e., disintegrate in your mouth) or dried up--no longer fresh and crispy as I've come to expect of freshly roasted potatoes. On another note, I'm cheap. The Monkey is not designed for me. If I have $19-24 to spend on an entrée before drinks, tax, and tip, it should be something a bit less casual (a la Jane's on the Common). In my estimation, the Wooden Monkey's prices are inflated by about 30-40% compared to other similar establishments. Although not important to me, some diners will be happy to pay a premium for the Monkey's guarantee of organic, local meat and produce. read more

The food looks pretty and tastes fresh. I had the seafood plate and they are just good. If you wanna have a vegetarian dinner this is absolutely suitable. Size of the dishes is big, I can barely walk after finishing it. read more

Love the food here - so fresh and definitely they take pride in preparing! Loads of gluten free and dairy free options as well! Highly recommend! Try their haddock and their quinoa pasta! To die for! read more

I am in love with The Wooden Monkey. Yesterday, I took the opportunity to lunch out on the patio with some Hemingway. For lunch, I ordered the vegan seitan donair, alongside an organic iced tea. The donair was incredible, seitan can be a tricky thing to master and they've done it here at The Wooden Monkey. The coconut sweet sauce was pretty unreal. I did end up throwing some of the red cabbage nestled on top of my salad into my wrap for some additional crunch. The iced tea was lovely. After much deliberation, I was tempted into dessert by my friendly server, whom after I told her I was a vegan baker, insisted I couldn't leave without trying the chocolate tofu pie. The consistency of the pie was torte-like in my opinion, but delicious and beautifully served. All of the staff were very friendly, and the patio is lovely. I will not hesitate to go back next time I am in Halifax, when I feel like spoiling myself (see: stuffing my face). Probably the best vegan food I had in a restaurant whilst out east the last couple of weeks. :) read more

The Wooden Monkey - chocolate tofu pie - Bars Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Inspirational food. Based upon the reviews I found on Yelp, we chose to come here. I'm glad I did - service was awesome, food was tasty. Waiter asked about allergies and checked out menu items and ingredients to determine they were okay for me to eat. He suggested substitutions as well. Upstairs was a bit cooler than downstairs. read more