Hali Deli - Old World Delicatessen — Restaurant in Halifax

I'd actually give here a 4.5. I've become a regular here over the last several years, whether it be for lunch with the same friend, or the odd weekend for breakfast. Consistently delicious, where sometimes I can finish my plates and other times need a doggie bag. The corned beef hash (9.99 with pan fried potato, caramelized onions, topped with an egg served with rye or challah), is DELICIOUS. The challah toast is buttery and toasted lightly (perfection for me), the meat falls apart amongst the potato. Very filling. Their Hali Benny comes with your choice of meat, and I've tried with the smoked turkey. And instead of an English muffin, they are served on potato latkes. My Mom visiting from Cape Breton has said this is her favorite Benny of all time. The friend I come most often with, loves their any-time-of-day breakfast as well. On a visit today for lunch (Aug 2023) he was practically moaning at the Special Deli sandwich (corned beef & Montreal meat on rye with spicy mustard added at the table), noting the meat was more lean than fatty, and just one of the best sandwiches he's had in a long time. The root beer float comes with a bottle of Dad's Root Beer and overflows a bit, but yummy. The grilled cheese deluxe (9.99 with salami and tomato) is quite gooey but flavorful. One day I tried these Cabbage balls? which were four good-sized meatballs in a sweet tomatoey cabbage sauce, served with semi-dry mashed potatoes and a small dish of sweet sliced carrots. This was satisfying and I had to take a doggie bag again. Our overall favorite though, if you don't want something as greasy as the breakfasts, is the smoked turkey sandwich (with tons of thinly sliced meat, crispy lettuce to add a good texture, few slices of red onion, a dash of sweet honey mustard.) I've never used refreshing as a word to describe a sandwich before, but this one almost has a thirst-quenching quality to it with the cold, fresh turkey. Their turkey noodle soup is simple and standard, but hits the spot. Their Hali Dog (quarter pound all beef dog with sauerkraut, caramelized onions, hot pepper relish and melted Swiss 8.99 with side), is delicious as well. My first bite I found it quite spicy from the relish, but as I ate it, I didn't find it spicy at all, but tons of flavor and very filling. First time trying a knish and found it yummy, just a perfect small bite of flavor before a meal. Their Chicken Soup Pot (9.99 large serving of chicken coup, matzah ball, chicken & egg noodles served actually in a pot) is great. I often ask for it to be picked up for me if I'm sick in bed. One big matzah ball (my first time trying matzah) with huge chunks of meat, some carrots, etc. So simple yet satisfying. I would have to say their cheesecake was the best in HRM, but unfortunately since co-owner Victor has passed away, owner Sybil has stopped making it. I'd think she could make a lot of money selling the recipe though! I thought it would be basic, with caramel sauce, but it was melt in your mouth, not too rich or sweet. Also had it with strawberry one day and that was very good too, but the caramel was better. This place is cash only, and I rarely carry cash, so one time had to use their ATM with the unwanted banking fees. However, they will give you a free knish if you show them the ATM receipt, so you aren't really out that much. Staff are very friendly and they remember...

I had a really upsetting experience near Hali Deli that I haven’t been able to shake. I was on a first date, new to the North End, and we had just picked up a sandwich from Luke’s. To be fair, the picnic tables outside are all lined up pretty close together, and I accidentally sat at what turned out to be a Hali Deli table. That was my mistake, and I take full accountability for not realizing it wasn’t part of Luke’s seating. (I take ownership for my own mistake)

But what happened next completely caught me off guard and honestly hurt. A worker from Hali Deli came over and very rudely told us we were in the wrong place, adding, “which you probably already knew.” She didn’t just ask us to move she literally shooed us away with a menu like we were animals. It was humiliating. I was already nervous trying to enjoy a first date in a new area, and being treated like that was incredibly upsetting.

I understand that they may get frustrated with people sitting in the wrong spot, but that does not give anyone the right to treat others with such disrespect. A simple, kind request would have been more than enough. I had once considered trying Hali Deli, but after seeing how they treat people, I absolutely will not. I left that moment feeling hurt, embarrassed, and totally unwelcome. A truly misunderstanding which didn’t need to happen in...

A cherished cash only time capsule! This cozy and warm restaurant feels like stepping into another world where you knew your neighbours. The tight tables, walls filled with memories, and beautiful original ceiling tiles are so special. Your eyes always have something to look at.

The all day breakfast was what we had, which was absolutely fantastic. Simple traditional food immaculately executed. The lox, challah, and latke were just phenomenal and the proportions were generous. The coffee was good, and my cup never was never fully empty.

The server was great! Funny and not overbearing, and the service itself was quick especially considering it was just the one person. I really love the window into the little kitchen seeing the staff hustle away.

I was already in love with the Hali Deli and its warm and welcoming atmosphere when one of the staff brought everyone’s attention to a woman celebrating her 95th birthday. The whole restaurant cheered, and though I couldn’t see her face from where I was sitting I could see her cheeks rise into the biggest smile even from behind. The love was...