A wonderful edition to the Halifax dining scene since its opening in 2013, Edna has become known for its stylish cuisine and equally stylish decor. Once you get there, sidle up to the bar, or take a seat at the large communal wooden table. One of the anchors of Gottingen Street, it’s a great place to people watch as you drink in the oyster bloody Caesar, a spicy Caesar with a shucked oyster on top.
The long communal tables at this popular Gottingen eatery lend themselves to sharing, and the proprietors’ commitment to handcrafted food shows on the charcuterie board. Selection varies through the year, but expect house-made specialties such as smoked pork tenderloin and thin-shaved grisons (dry-cured beef, similar to bresaola). The kitchen here even has the chops to make dry-cured sausages, a relative rarity. House-made condiments, such as the sweet-onion balsamic jam, change weekly.
The rustic wood and long, communal tables at Edna give it immediate appeal. The deceptively long dining area (it looks small from the front) is geared toward socializing, and the overall feel is very fresh and youthful. Proprietor Jenna Mooers oversees a hyper-local menu, and Nova Scotia wineries are liberally represented on the wine list. Look for the Tidal Bay and Chardonnay by shiny, new biodynamic winemakers Lightfood & Wolfville, and enjoy them with the fresh oysters or seared halibut.