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Venus Pizza
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Middle Eastern Pizza, Middle Eastern [Edit]
1558 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Z6
(902) 425-8882
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 10 am - 2 am
Thu-Sat 10 am - 4 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Kimberly W. said: "Every single pizza I've tried here so far has been AMAZING. My faves so far are the Big Pineapple and the Haligonian. Looking forward to trying out the rest of the menu." read more »
18 reviews for Venus Pizza
18 reviews in English
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Review from Danielle L.
Halifax, NS
4/19/2012
This place has greatest chicken shawarma.Their picked turnips , I could honestly sit and eat a whole jar and not feel an ounce of guilt.
When it comes to their tabouli I find it a little soupy. Don't get me wrong it's super tasty however I find they use too much lemon juice.Listed in: Talkin' Tabboul-eh?
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Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
3/26/2012 3 Check-ins Here
If you try one thing here, try the chicken shawarma wrap. Best I've had in the city!
Service is pretty quick, not the most personable staff, or very friendly, but they get the job done and the food in my belly.
Pizza is good too, but not by the slice. It's hit and miss. If you are lucky to have one fresh out of the oven it's awesome. Donairs are great.
Washroom is gross, go before you come if you can. -
Review from Murray W.
2/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Sometimes you have the time and inclination for a nice restaurant and fancy food. Other times you want a ridiculous amount of spiced mystery meat in a pita with equally mysterious but delicious sauce...aka a donair. Being that I often walk by Venus and smell their delicious donairs (which I swear they must have a special vent to street level for this purpose) and Venus sells beer, I was sold.
Venus has no pretentions about being fancy, and I accept that. It's all about the food and their donair delivers. The meat is juicy on its own, even without the sweet, garlicky donair sauce and has that nice spiciness that is the hallmark of Halifax's favourite vertically-cooked meat. Crunchy onions add to the delicious destruction of my breath. Luckily my girlfriend ordered a donair plate, so we were equally matched in that department. The platter comes with fries and a Greek salad, and while the salad was nothing to rave about, the hand-cut fries were quite good, being crisper than most hand-cut fries in the city, although they were quite salty, which is something when your taste buds have been assaulted by donair.
Although it may not have been the healthiest choice for my first meal of the day, Venus hooked me up with my donair fix, and I shamelessly enjoyed it.Listed in: I'm talkin' downnnntown!
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Review from Ashlee F.
1/26/2012
I like Venus Pizza; the Staff are great, the location is perfect, especially if it's a Friday or Saturday night and you're downtown. There are a few tables and stools overlooking Barrington Street, so it's a great place to creep ;)
They have amazing fries! They put some mixed spices on them, very tasty!
Butt.... I don't like their Shawarma wraps! I find they are too dry (maybe I should ask for extra garlic sauce?) and they fall apart super, super easy. I usually end up eating my wrap with a fork. -
Review from Calvin H.
12/15/2011
Having not had shawarma in ages, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'd heard great things about Venus. Overall though, the experience was pretty good.
It took a little bit to be served when I did show up, but they did only have 2 people behind the counter at the time, so that's understandable. Once they did get to making my order though, they were pretty quick and friendly with it.
When everything was all said and done, I dug in and was pretty impressed (not that I'm that hard to please, but it was pretty good). They're open pretty late too, so if you're looking for a fix after a night on the town, it's pretty easy to get something to eat from them. You won't be disappointed.Listed in: Epic Yelp Time
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Review from Asheley R.
Halifax, NS
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
So. Confession. I'm not a shawarma kind of girl. I never really was. Therefore my first legit shawarma encounter was roughly a month ago. My boyfriend hauled my butt into Venus one night after downtown. I must say I do quite enjoy the loud music always pumping out of there. I hadn't really been in there much since 2005 when I used their washroom facilities. It's a pretty big place! You could fit a hefty party of 20 in there for rounds of sharwama.
I can't even tell you 100% what I ate or what I got because my boyfriend essentially put it in front of me. I didn't think it was anything special. I mean was it good? Yeah, not too shabby. I don't think it was worth the 10$. That'd buy me 2 slices of Sicilian, almost. I'd certainly have it again though. Since then I've had shawarma at a couple other places and this place would be my favourite out of the lot so far.
It's definitely the perfect boy repellent..... holy garlic.
They had a great atmosphere in the evening but I could almost bet money on that it wouldn't be during the day. Service was speedy and had us on our merry way. -
Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
4/5/2011
Now, when I entered this place recently on my trip to Halifax, I *might* have had a few glasses of wine already in my belly. Might. And it was most likely well past midnight because this place was packed!
I'll be honest, it wasn't my first choice to go here for a donair, but since my two closest friends are really into Shawarma right now, I had to go along. I hadn't eaten a Halifax donair in a few years, so I had another place in mind (you probably know where I'm talking about). Over 3 years ago I used to come to Venus for slices of pizza, but this time I was in no mood for pizza - you can get that anywhere in Calgary, but not a Halifax donair!
It was quite lined up, mostly from the after-the-bar crowd, but the music was blasting so the atmosphere was definitely a little up-beat. It didn't take long to get to the counter for my order which was nice because I was super hungry - I was waiting all night for this. But, since my two friends before me ordered Shawarma, my order for donair got a little lost in communication and I ended up having to re-order and wait a little longer after my friends got their food. Not the biggest deal of course, as it was so busy, just my stomach was a little upset to wait longer for the deliciousness. It did help that one of the guys behind the counter was super friendly, chatty, and joking around with customers as they went down the line... kept my mind off the wait, that's for sure!
My friends rave about the Shawarma from Venus, which I didn't try because I was so focused on my donair, but not focused enough that I didn't notice I was spilling sauce down the front of my jacket! It's proof I've been away too long and forgot how to eat a Halifax donair!! All in all, the donair was quite tasty and satisfied that long craving in my stomach. I'll definitely be back again on my next visit, hopefully that funny guy will still be there!Listed in: Adventures in Halifax
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Review from Emmanuel C.
Halifax, NS
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
***Please note - although being written in a sober state of mind, I have never eaten here without having consumed a considerable amount of alcohol... Please don't hate me for sending you here if you have a bad experience :)***
My friend Venus the shawarma! I can still remember the first time we met on a hot summers night 4 years ago... My life has been changed for ever :)
Your dancing and singing staff? The warm juicy chicken stuffed in a pita with pickles, lettuce, pickled turnip (more please), tomatoes and that garlicky yumminess!!! Dripping all over my fingers as I devour you!!!
I know I know, I'm quite partial and quite single minded... I always finish a night of drinking with a chicken shawarma at Venus - the only variation is small or large :) it's really not like me not to try different things at a food spot, but really, there's nothing else I need at 2 am....Listed in: Late night Eats
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Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
11/2/2009 1 photo
I'm with Joshua, the Chicken Shawarma at this shop is to die for.
It's one of those foods you crave when you're downtown and just want something warm and filling. The shawarma is made of chicken which is somehow made to adhere to a spit in the same way that donair meat does - which is then turned and browned until it's sliced off for your pita. You get some nice crispy bits if you're first in line. Then they add some vegetables, pickled cabbage and Tzatziki and wrap it up tight.
Be warned: it's really messy to eat. Don't take a date here unless you're prepared to look like a total slob in front of them.
The shop is not much in terms of atmosphere, and the counter help isn't the friendliest, but, hey, you're not here to soak up the ambiance and make friends. You're here to eat. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/3/2010
I have a weak sport in my heart for this little pizza and donair shop, situated on the corner of Barrington and Blower Streets. Although it's technically not situated on pizza corner, but down at the other end of the street, and for some reason that mean it's always the quickest place to grab a bite. I've rarely seen a line in Venus and I can always manage to convince my friends to accompany me with the promise of their amazing donair meat.
The Venus folks are quick to note that they were the first to bring the chicken shwarma to the maritimes. While I have to admit it's good, I feel like I've had better at other Mediterranean food places. If you aren't a garlic fan, or even if you are but don't like excess, then beware. Both the shwarmas and the donair sauce are loaded with garlic so take that into consideration if you're on a date.
Hot Hint: If you're on your way to The Palace and don't have time to stop in here for some treats don't fret, they now have a Venus location in The Palace. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/11/2010
The second greatest thing with the word Venus in it's name on Barrington, Venus Pizza is for those of us who want pizza corner, but not necessarily pizza.
That makes sense, right?
After a good night out Venus Pizza is usually less crowded than it's neighbors up the street and offers more variety, specifically the very tasty chicken shawarma. It's very filling and if you've had a few mom and dad beverages you'll think it's the greatest thing you've ever eaten. And hey, it's just as good when you're sober!
The staff are usually friendly and often hilarious and there is a great picture window where you can watch drunk kids run from the cops as you enjoy a slice and high five your friends, thankful it's not you. This happens more often than you'd believe and it never gets old.
Venus Pizza is always worth a look if you're downtown and hungry. Check it out. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
2/6/2010
To be fair, i've only ever tried the pizza by the slice at Venus and thus have only heard the tales with regard to their donairs and shawarma.
As far as drunken pizza goes, Venus has actually managed to fall a little short over the years. The ingredients tend to taste packaged and processed. If your goal is just to get some grease in you so that you can keep'er going then this is a great spot.
This chicken shawarma is sounding pretty good though so perhaps i'll have to update my Venus Pizza review in the near future. -
Review from Nick B.
Halifax, NS
5/6/2010
The pictures attached were great, because honestly I probably had no idea what it looks like during the day. Venus is probably my favourite place to end a night downtown because their chicken shawarma is (at least so far) the best I've had in this city. As a tip, the best I've ever had period is Farhat in Scarborough, Ontario, but if you're there you should be having the lamb anyhow.
Venus' shawarma is juicy and flavourful, with a good zing of lemon and garlic. It's paired with the usual accoutrements - tabouli, some hummus, that sort of thing, and a garlic sauce that is absolutely amazing. A word of warning, though - it's pretty damned strong. If you're bringing a companion home at the end of the night you might want to pass, unless you're both strong garlic fans.
If for whatever reason shawarma isn't your thing they make an excellent donair as well. Can't comment on the pizza from personal experience but for cheap after-bar pizza one of my friends who joined me last time I was there seemed to think it was decent. Why you'd get pizza with those options is beyond me though.
The whole atmosphere is great, blasting Lebanese music, a big window to watch the bars empty, and a simple environment - and they're licensed too, which is excellent. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2009
Do you have problems losing too much weight? Well come to Venus Pizza!
I love their pizza obviously. But they also have a good selection of other fine dishes that I enjoy. Their donairs are really good but what I love having at Venus Pizza, and I believe this one is a bit healthy, are their Shawarma's! Think a pita with Lebanese flare to it. I don't know whats in it but you get exactly what you pay for and its good! Once a friend got me on the Shawarma trend, I was hooked! They are very large and have plenty of vegetables. You also have the choice of beef or chicken Shawarma's! If you are in the mood for the most filling pita you've ever had...go get yourself a Shawarma!
The staff are friendly most of the time. At other times, they keep to themselves. But I'm there for the food and the food alone, so I'm all good. Venus Pizza is also strategically placed on Barrington Street in Halifax, near all the bars and night clubs. So you don't have to go far before or after dancing to get your pizza slice or Shawarma.
This pizza shop does it right. It has a good assortment of Lebanese and Canadian dishes. The service is fast and the food tastes great! They seem to know they are surrounded by other Pizza stores and they keep up with the competition pretty well.
The star that isn't there is due to the cleanliness. Now they aren't dirty but the place never really looked that clean. And don't even venture downstairs to go to their bathroom. I mean it. You don't want that memory. But the way they prepare their food is clean and to the same standards as any other pizza restaurant. Its easy to tell because you can see them make all the food right in front of you.
So for great variety, good tasting food, great location and mostly friendly staff, four stars all the way! -
Review from Judy C.
6/20/2010
Knowing that donair is a Haligonian-derived dish, I had to try it. We got a donair and a donair pizza with a tabbouleh salad. I became a fan of the donair: nicely cooked meat and great sauce in a pita. The Haligonians are definitely onto something good there.
The pizza was just as good as the donair pita (practically it's the same stuff in a form of a pizza instead of the pita). Tabbouleh salad was a bit sour for our taste.
Thanks Venus Pizza for exposing me to the donair and making it enjoyable one! -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/13/2010 1 photo
I have to be honest - the only reason I go to Venus Pizza is when I'm on my way home from the bar and am starving for something greasy. Venus Pizza is great for satisfying that late night craving.
On any given day I wouldn't make Venus my first choice for pizza. I find that it's a little on the dry side and the toppings are usually pretty sparse.
I've yet to try anything else from Venus, so I can't comment on the quality of other food. I'm actually surprised that I haven't tried a donair; usually it's first on my list. Maybe I'll give the donair a try and change my mind on Venus. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/20/2010
Late night falafel paired with a cool beer - you really got a hold on me.
I don't mind finding myself at this Barrington Street pizza (and more) joint, especially late at night. It's a great place to cap the night off with a group of friends in need of some grub. If you're feeling creative, ask to have some grape leaves stuffed into your pita - it will cost extra, but my oh my, it's worth it.
The pizza is okay, but I would encourage a pita wrap instead. Also, the ability to get a cold brew at a pizza joint in the wee hours isn't something typical in this city, so relish the opportunity.
I would recommend against using the bathroom if you can manage to hold off until you get elsewhere. I've had some questionable experiences when it comes to their restroom (that's all I'm going to say on this topic).
Venus is a good place to go after dark, and hey, I've even seen people in here during the day to. Grab a pita, grab a bevie, and people watch the Barrington Street foot traffic as you chomp down your meal. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
5/12/2010
Since I am a donair junkie I thought I should try this place. The other week I was downtown and needed some lunch. I thought this would be a great place and I could also enjoy the seat by the window, to watch the foot traffic. Although having people watch you eat a donair is not really the best thing.
Venus makes a great donair. Large portions and lots of sauce, fortunately I did not need to make anymore stops on the way, so the garlic would not offend anyone. I am a garlic fan.
I can see how this place is a hit at late night. My next trip , I want to try the shawarma. All the other reviews are claiming it is great.
I did take the advice and not venture to the washroom.
