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Café Chianti
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sun 4:30 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Café Chianti
18 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah L.
Halifax, NS
11/7/2011
They used to have a $15 pizza-and-wine special. It's gone now. But the pizza is just so darn good, I can't stop. So pretty much once a week - on Thursday - I drag one or more of my friends (certainly not kicking and screaming - the place is gorgeous) to the newly renovated, recently moved, perfectly lit restaurant on my block. Okay, in my apartment building. (Convenience is king, people.)
Okay, so yes - the clientèle is a bit older than I'd like. Always some blue-hairs. Also lots of university kids dining with their out-of-town parents. But the atmosphere is on point, the service is great AND fast, and the food? To die for. I've never had a bad experience.
So if ever you're wondering where 30 per cent of my paycheck goes - look no further. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Halifax, NS
1/16/2012 ROTD 1/24/2012
I can't believe that my first time at Café Chianti was only this past week. I've heard good things from friends and the local Twitter community and have wanted to try as I love Italian food and had heard it was very reasonably priced, I only sealed the deal on Friday at the request of my lunch date who had been there before and wanted to go again.
Trying to find parking wasn't ideal as it's on Barrington but you'll find that with most restos downtown. We eventually found something nearby on South Street. Immediately I was pleased with the decor and ambiance. Seemed like a classy place ideal for lunch and dinner but not too stuffy where you might feel under-dressed if you showed up in jeans and a blazer (which is what I did.) We decided to sit on the bar side since we had my friend's baby in tow and didn't want to disturb other diners if she were to get fussy. The dining side was quite busy and was a little loud but the bar side was much quieter with very comfy chairs à la The Fireside.
Right away the hostess and the manager were very accommodating suggesting a high chair or booster seat for the baby. While I wouldn't say this restaurant is great for small children (not much to entertain a child and limited menu options), they can seat you comfortably if you have one, and the help-yourself plate of cookies they have at the bar came in handy in this regard as well.
We started with the Calamari Fritti at the suggestion of a Twitter follower. While I agree slightly with Jenny W. that the presentation wasn't ideal and that it was a little soggy, having it in the tomato sauce was a new way to try it and they got us some dill dipping sauce when we said we wouldn't like the tomato chilli dip that it's traditionally served with. The menu shows a hot pepper next to this item but thankfully the spice was very mild. We enjoyed it.
My friend had the Quatro Fromagio pizza that looked delicious and that she loved. I was torn between the Linguine alla Marco Polo, the smoked salmon panini, and the Transylvanian Goulash that was recommended to me by a friend, but I settled on the linguine. (I love a restaurant menu that has so many good looking options that it's hard to decide.) I was very pleased with my selection and I finished every bite.
Overall, time and money well spent. My bill was what I would traditionally pay at a place like Jack Astor's or Montana's and the food and environment was much better. Our waiter was kind and speedy and the hostess and manager seemed genuinely interested in our experience. I agree with Ben that I wish it was possible to give a 3.5 rating because the experience was a little beyond just A-OK. I'll return some day for sure and try the goulash. -
Review from Eleanor B.
Dartmouth, NS
10/30/2011
Friday night was my first visit to Cafe Chianti. I'm not really sure how I haven't been here, being a lover of Italian food, so I was happy Boyfriend and I could make it our date night choice.
I think I would've liked their old location better, we were seated in the back dining room, which I didn't really like. It just seemed too cut off from the bustle of the front room (I like a bustle), and it was weird to be the only couple in that area while the front area was peppy and lively. And Boyfriend's head was in a tree. I mean, I know he's tall, but waiter, maybe a different table would've been a better choice.
I have to say, the service here was great. Our server was very personable, and even when I bombarded him with very odd questions about the menu. (So, does the bisque contain cream? And when you say "some"-- how much cream is that exactly? HE HAD THESE ANSWERS -- impressive.)
I also really liked the prix fixe menu that they feature. An app, main, dessert AND a glass of wine for $55. Really a very good bargain. I couldn't partake, due to all the cream (stupid lactose), but Boyfriend got the shrimp app, beef tenderloin and a mousse dessert called Sex in a Pan. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, but I thought the cream sauce was too heavy for the seafood. The beef was AMAZING, according to Boyfriend, and he's a fuss pot when it comes to steak so this was a huge endorsement. I tried his veggies and they were really yummy.
I wasn't starving, so I decided to get two apps for my dinner: the seafood soup and a salad. I assumed waiter would bring salad first and then the soup, but he did the opposite, which was totally weird. It disrupted the flow of the meal, since I finished my salad in 45 seconds, and Boyfriend had barely stared his steak. Server really should've asked which I wanted first, or if I wanted them together -- but that's really my only complaint. The soup was GREAT, very much recommend it.
I'll look forward to trying Cafe Chianti again. And I'm bringing lactose pills next time, and making reservations for that front room!Listed in: 30 Days of Yelp
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Review from Ben B.
I'm going to take one from the book of more particular yelpers and note that this is probably more like a 3.5-star rating instead of your basic three. Better than A-OK, but not quite reaching fan-worthy status, I had a nice long-overdue first visit to Cafe Chianti's new location.
It's also worth pointing out in my typically long-winded fashion, that my only other Cafe Chianti experience was at their pre-fire haunt and was truly impeccable. I'm talking, like, top twenty dining memories of all time. That is, expectations were high.
Sarah L lured me in with a grossly under-promoted Wine and Pizza Thursdays deal that basically boils down to a nine-inch thin crust pizza and a glass of house wine for $15 plus tax and tip. Think about that for a minute. $15...full pizza meal...and wine. More people need to know about this!
The Romanesco pizza with feta, sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts was tasty and a good balance of the ingredients although I can't say the feta had much flavour. Still, very enjoyable and I can't wait to eat the leftovers when I can home tonight. I think the special typically just goes for their Chianti pizza but they were happy to make the change to suit my vegetarian status.
Our server was charming, professional and attentive but not so much that he wasn't able to keep up with our off-colour humour and generally abrasive-after-a-glass-of-wine personalities. A relief after the person who seated me sort of made me want to turn around and go somewhere else. No warm and fuzzies there, that's for sure.
The major detractions for me came from the atmosphere though. When the dining room was full, we quite seriously were shouting at each other across the table and even still, I had to resort to lip-reading for most of it. My preference for fine-dining is a little more intimate and calm, so later reservations next time.
The big one? Ohhh the menu. Shiny, laminated, and full of photos...it just really doesn't give off the right vibe for the quality of food and service they deliver. I know that's SO nitpicky and lame for me to even bring up but hey...it put me off.
I'll be back - sure. But probably just to take advantage of the same special. When I want to drop some serious coin on a nice Italian meal, it'll be someone quieter. -
Review from Amy W.
9/14/2011
I'd never been to the new Cafe Chianti location on Barrington Street, so I jumped at the chance recently and was not disappointed! We visited on a Wednesday for dinner, and the restaurant was pretty quiet and service was quick and attentive.
We ordered the calamari as a starter to share and it was a huge portion - we didn't finish it. We also got a basket of fresh, warm, thickly sliced bread which didn't last long.
For our mains, I had the butternut squash gnocchi and Peter had chicken ravioli. We were both stuffed by the end of the meal yet cleaned our plates. The gnocchi was perfectly done and very flavourful and I snuck a bite of Pete's ravioli - delicious! The ravioli sauce was packed with mushrooms. Both dishes were rich and the portions were generous. We were too full for dessert.
The atmosphere is pretty old-school, but service was excellent and the food did not disappoint. There's a wide selection on the menu including a lot of lunch specials and lunch-size pasta portions if you're visiting midday. -
Review from Jenny W.
8/14/2011
I could not have been more disappointed with what is supposedly one of Halifax's best Italian restaurants. For an appetizer I ordered the calamari. Apparently food presentation is a thing of the past because my plate looked like someone slopped the food on as the waiter was running out the table - sloppy is an understatement. In addition, the calamari was literally swimming in some bland sauce that was ladeled on in such excess, the meal was as soggy as a sopping wet sponge.
For the entree I figured the steak was a safe bet. I ordered it rare, and for $30 I had high hopes. A large slab of fatty, greasy meat was delivered to my table on a plate that barely looked clean, and the temperature of the steak was at least medium well. The caramelized onion that supposedly came with it was a a no show - instead I was given some sort of summer squash that was cooked to the point of bland, tasteless mush.
The ambiance was non-existent. It felt like we were dining in a New Jersey dining hall, not to mention the family that was seated next to us (including their 2 screaming children) who shouted at each other the entire meal.
On a positive note, our waiter was attentive and sweet, and his wine recommendation was excellent. He should go work at a better restaurant.
Never again Cafe Chianti. Never again. -
Review from Jill M.
5/7/2011
I'd been to Cafe Chianti a few times in years past when it was located on South Street, and I was excited to return to the new location on Barrington for a friend's birthday this weekend.
The food was as wonderful as I remembered, and our waitress did a good job of attending to all the needs of our eight person group.
I started with the crab cakes, which were also stuffed with risotto. Absolutely delicious! Many of us. myself included, ordered the butternut squash gnocchi for our mains, and no one was disappointed. It practically melted in your mouth. For dessert I shared the lemon layer cake with raspberry coulis, and it was outstanding. So light and tasty, I think I could eat the entire cake on my own if given the chance.
In a surprising turn of events, my friend was greeted with a birthday visit from an Elivs impersonator courtesy of her well-meaning mom. He sang, the whole restaurant took photos of us, clapped along with "Blue Suede Shoes" and sang "Happy Birthday". The birthday girl turned bright red, and my face still hurts from laughing in a mix of shock, embarrassment and, eventually, delight. This is all to say, kudos to the restaurant for playing along. I'd always thought of Cafe Chianti as a sort of stuffy place, but the other patrons seemed to enjoy the bizarre scene more than we did.Listed in: The way to my heart..., I Heart Carbs, Barrington Bliss
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Review from Sue A.
4/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Café Chianti is one of those places I never think of going and when I do think of going, I think of the place being full of older people. So thank you to the Internet and group buying for reminding me about it.
I hadn't been in Café Chianti, a longstanding favourite Italian restaurant, since before the fire. The café used to be in a dark, somewhat dank basement setting close to the Westin. With the fire last year, they had the opportunity to have a fresh new space around the corner on Barrington Street.
The dining room is decorated in gold and russet tones. I had forgotten the slightly formal feel, linen table cloths and napkins, bread plates, and many pieces of cutlery. All a learning experience for my dining companions that night, my four and six year old daughters (that's what happens when your husband is out of town, you don't feel like cooking and the group buying coupon is about to expire).
We visited on a Wednesday and were the only ones in the calming dining room for a good hour. In addition to the main dining room which has large windows giving you a nice view of Barrington Street, there is a lovely bar area with a bar and stools plus some comfy looking side chairs--a perfect place to enjoy a few cocktails. There's also a largish second dining room that would be perfect for a private party or special event.
The service was very attentive and the waiter was very nice to my kids. Surprisingly, the menu has a kids section and both my daughters had pepperoni pizza with a portion size so large, they each took some home.
Cafe Chianti definitely falls in to the fine dining category. The pricey menu does have a number of meat, seafood and pasta dishes. I choose one of the signature Café Chianti dishes, the linguine pescatore. My main was alright. There was quite a bit of seafood although the shrimp was obviously frozen and the lobster pieces were a bit overcooked. And for some reason (the menu did indicate this so it wasn't a surprise), the dish has a bit of "bite" in the form of chilli peppers which I found a bit odd. If I had been paying the full price of $28, I might have felt a bit more disappointed.
Overall, even with the lovely new atmosphere, I don't know that this would be my first pick for a fancy dinner out, perhaps if someone else was picking up the tab, but I'd love to pop by some evening for apps and cocktails in the comfy chairs at the bar. I wish them all the best. -
Review from Meghan W.
Halifax, NS
10/12/2011
My husband and I took our TeamBuy coupon down for lunch yesterday; we had the Gypsy Goulash, Chianti Sandwich and Tiramisu. The weekday lunch scene here is all about "ladies who lunch" rather than the other spots on the street that offer lunch specials for the work crowd. The interior is still new and comfortable, our meals were good and lunch is a good value. I wouldn't rank it as high as our favourite Italian places downtown but it deserves four stars.
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Review from Sara M.
Williamswood, NS
9/5/2011
Food is delicious! Ambiance not so great...open concept, laminated menues, felt rushed...I liked the old location better...
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Review from Rhonda D.
Halifax, NS
10/29/2010
My Husband and I dined at Cafe Chianti this evening for his Birthday celebration. Needless to say, it was a HUGE disappointment! The new Restaurant is ok, but like other Reviewers we found the atmosphere 'stuffy' and very pretentious.
Now for the real disappointment - The food !! We ordered the 'caesar salad for two' - it was ok; nothing special; in fact we both agreed (while eating it - and only after having to cut our salads with a knife because the lettuce pieces were huge!) [again, not a big deal, but worth mentioning - all the little details (in this case *lack of*) really adds up for the entire experience.
For our entrees, he had the beef strogonoff - ok. He gave it a rating of 6.5/10. My entree on the other hand (the veal parmigian {sp}) was GROSS. There is no other way to describe. The side-dish of 'pasta' was the most bland pasta I have ever tasted. I got my Husband to try it, and he agreed. We had to add salt for it to be even edible.
When I complained to our waiter re: my entree, he said "he'd go discuss it with the manager", and when he came back he offered us a dessert "on the house". (How exactly does this resolve the situation at all? ...still not sure; in fact, having worked many years in the Restaurant business, I know that this is the lowest form of 'trying to rectify a situation' ...it basicly felt like a slap in the face.
My low-review isn't only on the quality of food; it's also on the lack of service we received and for the horrible pretentious atmosphere and based on overall experience.
We will never be back to this Restaurant; Why would we when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that going to a different place, such as Il Mercato (which we have had a consistent *outstanding* experiences at) we will get such high quality *delicious* food, and actually feel like they care about you as a Human.
There is nothing worse than paying a lot of money, then voicing your (not even 'complaint' - just constructive critisism over a poor entree), and being treated like they as a Business basicly don't give a damn.
I would not recommend this Restaurant to anyone, and we will not be back. -
Review from Holly B.
Dartmouth, NS
7/12/2011
So delicioso!!! Where to begin...the decor is warm and inviting. The server was sweet and accommodating. Wine list superb. I had the Linguine Pescatore and it was loaded with seafood. I couldn't finish it! The calamari was perfectly cooked. We also had oysters which were to die for. Everyone was oohing and ahhing all evening. This is the best Italian restaurant in Halifax and one of the best restaurants period. Close to all the action if you want to bar hop (if you can move) later. Wonderful for lunch too - they have lunch size portions!
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Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
11/24/2010
Another 4 star Italian Ristorante in Halifax- loves it! (Note: they do offer other menu items besides Italian- Romanian, perhaps?- but I tend to stick to Italian cuisine here)
Calamari affecienados- you have to try the Calimari Fritti: it's Cafe Chianti's niche (at least in my opinion)- cooked thoroughly enough to avoid being "squishy", yet still full of flavour.
The restaurant is a real beauty, from the moment you enter inside, it's as if you are wisked away to a Toscane oasis- beautiful sculptures and art cover the walls (if I were any bit of an arts buff I'd guess they were Italian masterpiece, but alas, I'm inept at that sort of thing). The dining rooms are set up with rich wood furniture- so Italiano!-and can accomodate busloads of guests. For a more intimate setting, you can unwind and "wine up" at the relaxing lounge.
Another thing that's really cool about this place is that they keep up with the times when it comes to booking meals- you can book a table online instead do the whole old-school calling spiel. Kinda nice. -
Review from Laura P.
Toronto, ON
7/17/2010 3 photos
I wasn't in love with Café Chianti's choice in relocation. Its corner spot on Hollis Street had subtly to parallel Italian country-sides, and its black wired patio outside of bucolic interiors offered a dreamy recluse. It was a downtown spot for an easy float-away from city bustle.
To see the new space was a relief. Although nooked under an apartment building and swarm of venues, Café Chianti emits graceful overtones to its new neighborhood. The patio alone is enough to grab people off the street: tables are lain with vibrant linens and strategic settings. (Superb wine glasses) Fresh flowers top every setting and its all a lesson in symmetry.
The interior is fabulous, and even better than the old location. They've maintained a similar lay-out with a careful division between the entryway and dining spot. Attention to detail and special touches are everywhere-- there are hints of French decadence throughout.
The menu is still exquisite, and overall I'm so relieved that Cafe Chianti was able to come back to life. Although I've never been super keen on the service, which can be a bit stiff, this is a warm and inviting resto to embark on European cuisine with class. -
Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
2/15/2011 1 photo
This was my first time at the "new" location on Barrington street. The atmosphere is formal, airy and nicely lit (quite a few candles around which always adds a touch of class for me).
I had the gypsy goulash. Delicious! Portion size was spot on, presentation beautiful. For dessert the triple chocolate cheese cake topped it all off. Ohh... lest not forget the butternut squash soup as the starter... amazing.
I found myself reflecting on the previous location which had lower ceilings, brick walls, and had a much cozier less formal feel to it. I'll have to admit I prefer the atmosphere of the previous location.
Our server was very attentive, professional and checked on our dietary restrictions before taking our order just to make sure.
One complaint is the large screen TV in the bar area that was very distracting from the dining area. Another is the coat area is right next to the door and unheated. When we left we put on our cold jackets and shivered until we warmed them up. It's a little thing, but it's the last thing folks will remember after leaving a great meal... heat the jacket area on those cold days. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
11/2/2009
Cafe Chianti has a pretty nice menu - a little old-school, perhaps, but some nice, solid European dishes including, pastas, seafood, veal, and poultry. The atmosphere is a bit heavy for my tastes - sort of stodgy and proper, (in one room, the ceiling is covered with Chianti bottles) but appropriate for business outings and family dinners.
My favourite dish on the menu is the Linguine Pescatore: scallops, mussels, shrimp and lobster tossed with green onions, red peppers and mushrooms, and, of course, linguine. You get a huge portion, and it's delicious, but a bit pricey at $29. Still, it's a nice treat on a special evening. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/2/2009 1 photo
My daughter first introduced me to this place when we first moved to Halifax, and I've been a fan ever since.
In the summer, it's lovely to sit on the terrace overlooking a little park and just a stone's throw from the harbour. And if it's raining or chilly you can always sit inside in one of the many small dining rooms. There's a closed in terrace, so you can pretend you're on the Italian Riviera, or you could sit in the more formal interior rooms and make believe you're in Europe.
The owner of this restaurant is Hungarian, so even if you're not into Italian food...but who isn't! You could easily be in Heaven with some Transylvanian Goulash (my daughter's favorite) or some beef stroganoff.
I only have one complaint....they only serve the mouthwatering, droolingly delicious, spectacular seafood crepes at lunch! The filling is without question makes me moan just to think of it - - scallops, shrimp, mussels, white fish and salmon, topped with a mild curry and sherry cream sauce,
Don't feel too sorry for me though, I'm perfectly happy to eat their awesome linguine Pescatore for dinner. Lots of choices for all you carnivores or seafood junkies too. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
12/7/2009
Cafe Chianti has a great Caesar Salad, homemade dressing and it packs a punch. I love that.
The inside will let you wonder in your mind to Italy. It has some beautiful decor. It can be a little stuffy, atmosphere, however, the staff are friendly.
It is a great place for business lunches as well as the treat for yourself.
