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Onyx
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 4:30 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Wed
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Onyx
16 reviews in English
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Review from Jill M.
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
After visiting Onyx a few times recently, it's become one of my favorite places in the city. So much so, that I need to start thinking of excuses to visit more often.
I've always been a fan of their Monday (mojitos for $7) and Tuesday (martinis for $6 or $7) night drink specials, and I've had some tasty apps. But I'd never really considered Onyx for dinner, probably because it's a bit pricey.
For Valentine's Day this year, Rob and I went to Onyx and tried the special Dine Around fixed menu - $45 for an appetizer, main and dessert. My appetizer and dessert were both fantastic, and the only reason I didn't absolutely love my main was because it is duck and, as I know now, I'm not a big duck person. (Though I don't regret ordering it because how else would I learn I don't like it?)
On top of the wonderful food, the service was probably the best I've ever had. They were attentive and quick without hovering, and incredibly friendly.
The cherry on the top was all the extra unexpected touches: A delicious apertif drink, crackers and spread to munch on while we awaited our appetizers, palate cleansing sorbet and a warm towel at the end that expanded in water like one of those foam dinosaurs you'd have as a kid. I've never felt fancier.Listed in: The way to my heart..., It's Always Cocktail Hour
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Review from Laurie M.
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Whoa!!! Classy!! I fit right in! (Ok, that statement is half right).
Loved the atmosphere. Dimly lit, music (not too loud).
Honestly, this is an very classy place to take someone on a first date for drinks. I managed to sample a few of the drinks on the menu while I was there and although, some were quite strong, none turned me off. If I had to pick my favorite of the three I tried, it would have to be the Mint Julep. Goodness, I could drink those all night. Second would the Dark and Stormy. If this drink weren't spicy enough, the added ginger beer will open your eyes and definitely tickle your palate. I've never had a Manhattan before and I have to put it at the bottom of my list of three only because, well, it just wasn't my thing. I tend to go for drinks on the sweeter side and this one, although good, wasn't really something I'd order again.
A nice assortment of appetizers were available (which they like to call 'bar bites'. For the vegan, like myself, it was very slim pickins. The only two on the menu I noticed that 'seemed' vegan were the 'Chick Pea Truffles' and the 'Spring Vegetables'. Sadly, I was specifically told the Chick Pea Truffle was vegan so down the hatch it went. Then I noticed what looked like whip cream or something on top and was later told that it was indeed dairy based. Sorry guys but you have to lose points with me if I ask the question and don't get a knowledgeable answer. I can appreciate the mistake though. I know vegans are few and far between so it takes a little extra thinking when asked. My rule of thumb is now when I get tricked into eating dairy, I have to make things right by tricking someone into eating vegan. I'll get the vegan karma leveled off and balanced sooner or later. No worries.
I will give you a second chance some day. After all, the mint julep was dreamy. -
Review from Hilary G.
5/7/2012
This review is mainly for the delicious cocktail specials at Onyx on Mondays and Tuesdays - Monday Mojitos for $7 and Tuesday Martinis for $6 and $7. They have some of the most artfully concocted and tasty cocktails I have ever had. The mojitos are especially eclectic and I recommend the Stiletto mojito (Cachaça, Triple Sec, orange & cranberries). My friend and I split empanadas stuffed with lobster and something else, and while delicious, was expensive even with splitting the appetizer. I returned for martini night on Tuesday and was blown away and the number of options and how delicious they are - certain ones pack a big punch too. The Inamorata (grey goose, orchid mango, grapefruit & passion fruit) and the Illusive (absolut pears, chambord & möet champagne) were my favorites. I just wish I had come here on a Wednesday when they offer half price appetizers and no corking fee. The other plus is that both times I have come, the waiters have been hot Irish men with lovely accents :). The ultra swanky vibe inside seems out of place in the pub dominant Halifax, but it's definitely a place to take someone to impress them.
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Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I learned that Onyx had a summerlicious 3-course menu for $25, I checked out the menu and made a reservation with some friends. Of course the night of my reservation turned out to be the night of the giant thunderstorm. The power was out when we arrived, and I was afraid it may have closed, but they were open and still serving most of the menu.
The power outage made for a lovely dining experience by candlelight, the atmosphere was truly lovely, as was the service through out the evening. As soon as we were seated we were promptly brought out an aperitif of basil, grapefruit and sparkling wine, which was refreshing. Soon after we ordered, the bread was brought out with some unique and tasty options.
Very quickly, we were brought out our appetizer, we all had the scallops. The two scallops were perfectly cooked and served with a rhubarb strawberry compote and vanilla caviar with a small salad of greens. Very good. For my main, because they could not make the lobster wellington or the cornish game hen, they substituted the black cod dish from the main menu, which is what I went with. So good, melt in your mouth flaky, with a yummy slaw on top, tender vegetables and what I believe was a lentil du puy pilaf, which was a nice change from a typical starch dish. Dessert was a yummy roulade with a sponge cake, lavender honey ice cream and blackberries. I have an ice-cream maker at home and I think I will try to replicate the ice-cream.
Along with all of the delicious food, it was also half price Martini night! I end up trying three cocktails including the Inamorata, Illusive and the Skittle Sensation. All three were great and made with top shelf liquor, and you could actually taste the alcohol in them unlike other cocktail bars... The skittle sensation was my favourite, it tasted like an adult version of a melted freezie.
All in all a great, atmospheric night, and the bill for everything (not including tip) came to $51.00, what a steal! I will definitely be back -
Review from Anthony C.
Vancouver, BC
2/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am most definitely a fan of Onyx. There are several - and I mean SEVERAL - reasons why but really, my love affair all began with a black vodka cocktail.
Black vodka you say? Oh yeah. "Blavod" may not be available anymore but for one glorious summer it was on the shelf at Onyx and I lapped that up like a thirsty greyhound. I mainly go to Onyx for the cocktails and fantastic ambiance but their menu is nothing to turn you nose at. Boasting one of the most sophisticated menus in Halifax, Onyx is a fine dining destination with staff that are not just helpful but genuinely friendly. Did I mention they make some of the best cocktails in Halifax?
So, while I haven't officially dined at Onyx, my tips revolve around the drinks. Tuck in and follow along:
Monday:
Martini Mondays are pretty standard in Halifax, am I right? Though I do love to unwind with a martini at the start of the week, sometimes a boy just wants to spice it up. Enter Onyx and Mojito Mondays. My discovery of the mojito came in my final year of university and quickly dominated my life. Rum based cocktails with muddled mint leaves and assorted berry garnish? Shh, you had me at rum. On these nights the mojito menu is discounted which means you can enjoy more for your money and sample every drink on the menu! Not that I've done that...
Also, if you're really nice and handsome like I am, the bartender might even let you help mix your own cocktail. Not that I've done that...
Tuesday:
Loved Mojito Monday so much you're on the edge of your seat until next week? Fear not my friends, Martini Tuesday is here to save the day. Yeah, you heard me properly - Martini Tuesday. I love that Onyx not only bucks the Martini Monday trend but then holds its own martini even the next night as if to say, "What?". Again, the menu is discounted with standard martinis coming in at $6.00 and premium martinis at $7.00. Seriously, you can't beat that offer. Onyx has some fantastic creations like the French Connection and Ice Wine Martini (which is a favourite with some of my Yelp friends) and these cocktails are made with the highest quality of spirits. So not only do you feel like a rock star, you're drinking like one too.
Wednesday:
Oh, Wednesdays. You've been far too good to me. Now, I won't lie to you, the menu at Onyx can range from reasonable to "Wow, I just finished university and there's no way I can afford to even think about that meal". Just me? Anyway, no matter what your price range is, Wednesday is the night to enjoy food and drink with your friends. All appetizers are half price and when you factor in the corkage fee - p.s. there is no corkage fee - you can have a fantastic night out and not decimate your bank account. I feel like it's some weird alcohol fuelled kismet that placed a NSLC one block behind Onyx. Personally, I like to nip into the NSLC, pick up a bottle of Bear Flag white and then settle into some Calamari at Onyx.
If I started talking about the decor at Onyx, my review would rattle on for another few paragraphs so I'll say this in bullet points:
sexy chandelier, brick, fireplace, leather seating, candles, illuminated marble bar. Need I say anymore? While I've suggested the three nights I frequent Onyx, it really is great any day of the week. I highly suggest that you show up early to nab a seat; traffic can vary from intense to relaxed but I'd hate for you to miss out.
Maybe I'll see you there! -
Review from Ben B.
1/31/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Oh Onyx, we've shared so many great memories!
Remember that first time that we met when myself and a whole crew were all slutted up and headed to a trashy bar? I believe I was wearing a t-shirt that said 'More Rock than a Crack House' when I stumbled already-drunk into your glamorous, chandeliered booth before downing a drink and stumbling back out.
Or how about those times that my friends and I would basically bunker down for five hours of Mojito Monday? Yep - we were the group who would take turns running across the street to eat burgers at McDonald's instead of coughing up the cash for your food.
Ah yes. We've come a long way. Your specials still rock my world though! Mojito Monday, Martini Tuesday, and half-priced app Wednesday? Way to look like a million bucks but still remember to welcome in the not-yet-rich lushes that are slowly working their way up to affording a REAL night of wining and dining in your establishment.
From the luxurious interior (including the most beautiful bathrooms in the city), to the remixed jazz in the air, to the gamble of never knowing whether you're going to have a server who thinks you're hilarious or one who thinks you're a total inconvenience, I love that we just GET each other, Onyx. Neither of us are perfect, but we're destined to be in each others lives for better or for worse.
Now please, can you hand me that Ice Wine Martini? Kthx. -
Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
5/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Why has no one told me about the cheap(ish) martinis at Onyx on Tuesdays?!?
Okay, apparently some of you have. Note to self, read yelp reviews before ordering your drink. I didn't know about this discounted martini deal and ordered the caipirinha off the mojito menu (don't worry, they don't expect you to know how to say caipirinha). I don't mind spending $10 on one of my favourite drinks in the city, but I'm a budget drinker, so I'd rather spend less on something different. Sooo..I guess it would have been awesome if my waiter told me about the special. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find my sidecar cost $7 instead of $12 when I got my bill. Had I known that, I might have ordered another.
Anyway, it's a bar with a classy feel and amazeballs drinks (favourites to date: mojito with raspberries, the unpronounceable caipirinha and the sidecar). And it's a good spot for budget drinkers who like to pretend they're classy on Monday and Tuesday nights.Listed in: Boozetime., The Happy Hour Project, Fancy sit down eating
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Review from Erin P.
6/21/2011
I will admit it has been quite some time since I last visited Onyx. Not entirely sure why that is.
In any case, a group of friends and I got classed up and off we went on a Wednesday evening to take advantage of their half price appies and the "bring your own wine"/no corkage fee option (yeah, talk about keeping it classy: we presented our server with an $8 bottle of not-so-great red to open for us.....um, yeah). There was also a great duo playing some blusey/jazzy music.
The atmosphere at Onyx is great. Low light, classy furniture, attractive bar. Its elegant, and clean without being pretentious. It suits those with a more sophisticated palate, and those of us who are wondering if their palate even has any sophistication. The crowd seemed to run the gamut of lovey-dovey couples to business gatherings to groups of friends like ours.
I do not, at this point, remember what it was we ordered off the appy menu, but I do remember it being quite tastey. I think, given the size of our group, we ordered one of everything and shared - which really is the way to go, gives you a broader sense of the menu.
Rumour has it Onyx also has martini Tuesdays - you have no idea how much this excites me! I do love me a martini! $6 for a premium martini? Yes please!
If you're looking for a classy but cozy spot to head out for a few bevvies and some tastey nibbles then give Onyx a shot on one of their specials nights. -
Review from Jess B.
Halifax, NS
4/30/2011
Up until recently, I had always walked or driven by Onyx without a second glance. Friends would even suggest it to me for martinis, but I never thought too much into it. Well, this all changed when I decided to try out their Wednesday night special - bring your own wine with no corking fee and half price appetizers. Say what!? Not a lot of places in Halifax offer this kind of deal. It gives you the opportunity to have a swanky night out with your girlfriends, without breaking the bank. Now that I've discovered this little gem, I've been there the past two Wednesdays, bottle of wine in hand.
Wino words of caution: only bring one 750ml bottle of wine per person. I've witnessed firsthand that they will not uncork anything larger. I know what you're all thinking and, no, it wasn't me.
As for the appetizers, I love the sesame shrimp toast, but not the jumbo shrimp tempura it comes on the platter with. The flavour of the falafel and coriander calamari is delicious, but seems much harder to chew than calamari I've tried in the past. And, no complaints in the vegetable tempura department.
I want to try the mojitos in the near future, but I'm thinking I should wait a few weeks before I run the risk of becoming a regular. -
Review from Laura S.
Halifax, NS
11/18/2010
MOJITO MADNESS! The selection is exciting and the drinks even moreso.
Although I still think Spring Garden Road is a tough spot to start out (I hate walking downtown afterwards in heels), Onyx is a fave. Gourmet food, great service, and a mouth-watering drink menu. Plus, they serve wine in PROPER glasses (rare in Halifax!).
The appetizer menu is LONG and savoury, just how I like it, and the food is expertly prepared.
They have great special nights (bonus point).
Mojito Mondays
Martini Tuesdays
and my favourite Wednesday in the city! LIVE local music, half price appys, and no corkage fee! -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
10/13/2009
Onyx Dining Room and Cocktail Bar is one of those contradictions that you can't seem to quite put your finger on. It's as though it has the right pieces and yet something seems to be amiss. Maybe it's just too ostentatious for my humble tastes. (ahem, I would exist off of organic red wine if I could!)
First of all, this restaurant qualifies as being extremely high end in my books, although if you go in for one of their 'specials' nights you'll save a bit. There is a unique seven course sampler option at 'Onyx' although you'll want to mentally prepare yourself for a) a drawn out meal affair (which can be lovely for a special occasion and b) to spend upwards of $200/couple.
The best way to 'do' Onyx in my opinion is to go in for their Mojito Monday. There's enough mint, real fruit and premium rum in these things to make it worth your while. Try splitting a couple appetizers as well as opposed to going in for the full meal deal. This way you can enjoy the ambience of Onyx without sending yourself into overdraft.
If you are the type that enjoys paying for just the 'experience' of a certain place then Onyx is for you. With foie gras, palate cleansers and enough amuse bouche to keep you grinning until the cheque arrives, this might just be your kind of spot! -
Review from Laura P.
Updated - 7/8/2010
Whoah- hold up.
Onyx is one of the few Halifax restos with the option to BYOB of vino, (what's up with that?) and for a decent corkage fee. But its recently come to my attention that Wednesday just got a little wine-ier with the no-corkage fee and 1/2 price bar bites.
Mmm... its the incentives of summertime, and hump day just got a whole lot better. Fine dining, and a swanky spot to sip my delicious, yet cost-efficient Las Moras? Its a done deal.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2010
The Onyx thrives on a social, urban ambiance vibe. Its downtown quarters appear muddled amongst the… Read more »
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Review from Laura O.
Halifax, NS
1/25/2011
Dine Out at Onyx (via http://www.halifood.com)
Written Feb. 11, 2010
Dine Out menus during Savour are things of beauty. I love the concept of having access to a number of Halifax restaurants that are offering amazing multi-course meals at seriously reasonable prices. It is like splurging without even having to spend the extra cash. I chose to visit Onyx during their Dine Out menu offering because they are a restaurant I wouldn't always be willing to spend the money on regularly. Onyx belongs in my special occasion meals or just going out for a few really nice glasses of wine and cocktails (mojitos) category. To be able to have the experience I had on Wednesday evening for $45 (food) and $20 (wine pairing) it an absolute treat. Not to mention how locally-inspired both the food and wine are at Onyx for their Dine Out offering. Home to, in my humble opinion, one of the most impressive wine lists in Halifax, it was very nice to see their wine pairing for Dine Out comprised completely of Nova Scotia wines.
We were greeted with complimentary aperitifs made of a cherry-balsamic reduction and Prosecco that started the night off on a delightful and creative note. The service was definitely up to its usual standard and I enjoyed taking in the Onyx atmosphere that always strikes me as big-city.
First course for both me and my lovely dinner date (from a choice of two) was local honey glazed digby scallops, perfectly pan seared, and accompanied by a purple radish shoots & apple slaw. This was matched up with Domaine de Grand Pre Seyval Blanc; a lighter bodied white wine with flavours of crisp citrus fruit. This wine proved to be a very enjoyable match for a shellfish dish with a delicate and sweet glaze that had enough fresh acidity to match up to the denseness of the scallop and its naturally rich flavour.
We then enjoyed an Oxford Blueberry sorbet as intermezzo, and with cleansed palates, excitedly received our main course - both having chosen the lobster. Being a lobster lover and not having had it for a long time (and having already looked at Onyx's Dine Out menu online over a week before going) my anticipation was running high! The dish was beautiful; the flavour and texture variety superb. Atlantic lobster buerre monte poached, sweet corn flan, charred scallions, roasted carrots, asparagus, and dragon's breath buerre blanc. The lobster meat was of course taken from the tail and claw, and there was lots of it, all delivering that classic Atlantic lobster essence. I have never before enjoyed a buerre blanc like I did this particular evening - everything about the dish was delicious and intriguing - the sweet corn flan having a light and fluffy texture juxtaposed by its spectacularly rich and unique flavour. This complex dish was paired with, of course, the varietal that Nova Scotia seems to have mastered, the highly aromatic, bold and full-flavoured varietal - Muscat. A glass of Gaspereau Muscat did the job well - not backing down to the combination of confident flavours represented in this dish. Muscat is a classic pairing with lobster and did not let us down.
We finally ordered different dishes during our dessert course. My counterpart vying for the oxford blueberry cheesecake, Acadian maple syrup toffee, and cloud berry compote paired with Grand Pre Dolce Vita, a red dessert wine. I did steal a bite (and a sip) that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can comment more on my own dessert - the valley apple Pomme d'Or tart, cranberry compote, ice wine jelly and crispy apple cinnamon ice cream. I found the elements of this dish to work very well together and loved how they played up on some classic flavour combinations, yet kept things creative with an ice wine jelly, and tied in two local dessert wines. This was paired with the absolutely perfect Jost Vidal Ice Wine. What can I say about this ice wine? It had been a long time since I'd drank it and I almost forgot how impeccable it is. Its reputation speaks for itself - the balance is incredible, as was the company, meal and experience that evening! -
Review from David P.
6/27/2011
Excellent food, very pricey. Our waitress knocked a glass of water into my daughter's lap; accidents happen, but a classy restaurant will offer to comp someone's dessert when that happens. Onyx did not.
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Review from Tim B.
Hammonds Plains, NS
5/7/2011
Ten of us dined here on Halloween Night 2010. It was pretty quiet, which always detracts from a restaurant's ambience and we were tucked away on a long table at the front. Speaking for myself, I thought the food and drink were excellent. A couple of very fine gin martinis, superb beef carpaccio and well done lamb shank. The vegetables were done to a turn as well. I didn't trouble the wine list, as is my usual practice in Halifax restaurants these days. The prices are getting beyond ridiculous. Service was efficient and effective, waiting times just right. Price wasn't too bad either, wine notwithstanding. So why would I be unlikely to go back? Hard to put a finger on, but the place just lacked pzazz! It could have just been the quiet night, the recession, a young waitress faced with nine loudish Brits (and a nice Canadian), the locale or any combination thereof. It's just that there's no "hook". Sadly.
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Review from Allison K.
Halifax, NS
10/22/2010
This is one of my favorite places, I even keep their number in my phone for reservations. It's a pretty expensive place but it is great for special occasions. Their menu is always changing and you can do two or three courses for a set price. The drinks here are great, I'll often stop in for a mojito on the way home from dinner somewhere else. I recently took my cousin from NYC here while he was visiting and he said it reminded him of so many places in new york. I would totally recommend drinks or dinner here any time!
