Dessert Yard - Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Halifax

This is actually the first time I’ve ever written a review for a restaurant — and that’s because I usually give places the benefit of the doubt. I’ve worked in restaurants myself, so I know how hectic things can get, and I respect that both management and waitstaff are people doing their best. But unfortunately, my experience at Dessert Yard during Eid al-Adha was so disappointing that I felt I needed to say something.

I had visited Dessert Yard once before during Ramadan and had a great time, so based on that and some good recommendations, I came back with a friend to celebrate Eid. We arrived just before opening time, expecting good service and a relaxing meal. But what followed was nearly two hours of waiting — first just to place our order, and then even longer for the food to arrive.

When we finally followed up with the staff, we were told a guest was celebrating a birthday and that things were running slow. That explanation felt dismissive, as every guest should be treated with equal care — especially on a busy holiday like Eid. When the food eventually came, it was cold and missing items we had ordered. Only after asking were we told the menu had recently changed, and the printed version hadn’t been updated. No one informed us of this beforehand, and there was no apology at all — just a quick “Are you ready to pay?” before bringing the card machine and walking away.

We had originally come for the dessert, but after all that, we didn’t even bother ordering any. I was honestly just ready to leave. Most of the other customers around us also looked visibly frustrated, so it wasn’t just us feeling this way. Another table beside us ended up asking for their food to-go after waiting so long — clearly, we weren’t the only ones frustrated.

I wanted to write this review right away, but I decided to wait until I calmed down — because in the moment, I was so upset I nearly screamed at the staff. That’s when I realized how hurt I actually was, and I didn’t want to let raw emotion take over. But even now, after having time to reflect, I still feel this experience was incredibly careless and disrespectful.

I don’t take writing reviews like this lightly. But no one should leave a celebration feeling like this. I really hope the management takes this seriously and makes real...

They were not that busy when we first got there, so we got the option to pick where to sit and we went for under the cherry tree. I got the Classic burger with sweet potato fries. Toasted brioche bun, Yard sauce, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, 6oz beef smash, Cheese, Served with fries/house salad. Fries looked over done, but they were still soft. I did ask for a spicy mayo to dip them in (they didn't come with mayo and I also was not charged extra for the dip) The burger was really good, seasoned well, bun was nice and soft, and the Yard sauce was also pretty good.

A friend went with the nachos. These were good, could have used a bit more cheese, but it did seem layered. She also asked for extra salsa (the cups are small) and wasn't charged, which I thought was great.

Another friend had the Tomato & Basil soup with sour dough toast and added sweet potato fries. (Forgot to mention, we didn't see sweet potato fries on the menu. But they were available)

They also brought out a serving of their regular fries for us to try. These were really good, I think I preferred them over the sweet potato ones. I felt bad we couldn't finish them...we needed room for dessert. 😂😂

I had the fruity supreme waffle, however I asked for milk chocolate instead of the maple syrup. It also comes with ice cream. I'd like to mention they did have lactose free ice cream! I didn't think I would finish it, so they did separate the ice cream. Normally it would be on the waffle. (our server was really great, he was the son of the owner, it's a family business) The waffle was amazing. Perfectly cooked, a good amount of fruit and the chocolate 👌👌 delicious. I can't believe I ate it all. I was stuffed and didn't think I'd make the walk back up the hill to the car. Lol.

One friend got the carrot cake ( the carrot cheesecake wasn't available) she said it was really good. One of the best she had.

Another friend got the Ferrero Rocher cookie skillet. It also came with ice cream and was delicious.

Prices were reasonable, food was great. Atmosphere is fantastic (it's a beautiful spot) and the service was awesome. I would definitely go back. They did say it does get busier in the evenings and weekends. We happen to go for a late lunch which...

I truly tried to give this business a chance. But nah, it is not good at all on multiple fronts. In short: Overpriced junk. This whole place is hiding behind a veneer of elegance.

First off: $15 for a slice of cake? I have serious doubts they make them in house for the price to be justified. Their crepe? Just doughy with a drizzle of sauce, which also tastes weird. They give you a scoop of ice-cream which I assume they got the cheapest one. Doesn’t even taste good.

About a month ago I went to get churros with “Belgian milk chocolate”. Churros were stale, tasteless and rock-solid. They didn’t give us the part we actually wanted - Belgian milk chocolate. I assumed given the fancy looking storefront they may actually have Belgian milk chocolate, but they don’t.

Here’s the slap in the face: When we asked where’s the chocolate? They said we need to get it separately. We said we specifically ordered the “Churros with Belgian Milk Chocolate” but we didn’t even get that. We just got two portions of churros. They said they will have to charge extra for that. Not a problem, sure. But then the milk chocolate just tastes very weird. Definitely not Belgian milk chocolate - and definitely has things in it that are meant to look or taste like chocolate but aren’t.

Overall I was not surprised to hear rumours about the owners of this business, given how stingy their portions are and how overpriced their items are. It’s like a perfect representation of the people who own this business. Oh yeah and the cakes are the same garbage cakes from Flynn’s (which they also own), just double the price.

Not worth a try at all I’m afraid....