New bistro in Halifax

HALIFAX—Bistro Le Coq, which was originally planned to be called Le Coquerel, opened in downtown Halifax this month.

RCR Hospitality is operating the French-style restaurant in the space previously occupied by Mosaic Social Dining Lounge which closed in April.

The bistro has a homey look.

Earlier this year, RCR vice-president of operations Shannon Bruhm told Restaurant News that the establishment would be a low-key bistro serving “French countryside cooking,” under the direction of RCR corporate chef Tahir Salamat.

Bruhm also said there would an emphasis on local food.

The hors-d’oeuvre side of the menu features house cured duck prosciutto for $9, pork belly ($10), escargot bourguignon ($9) and bone marrow ($14).

Among the mains are chicken chasseur ($18), boudin blanc ($16) and Parisian-style sautéed gnocchi for $15.

There are also sandwiches, quiche lorraine and crepes, and cheese plates: a big one with 24 pieces and a smaller one with 12.

The wine and beer list has largely French labels, with some local wines and one Quebec beer on tap, and a few other of the more standard brews found in Canadian bars.

Some comfort cooking.

Le Coq’s chef is Ashley Davies who has moved from Onyx where she was chef de cuisine.

The restaurant manager is sommelier Emma Tysick who was previously manager of the Victory Arms.

The restaurant has space inside for 95 seats and outdoor space for a patio of about 50 seats.

The look is classic bistro: tin ceiling, zinc bar, wood tables. A homey touch is added by fresh flowers, antique sideboards and decorative crockery.

All adds up to give the restaurant a very comfortable feel, like and old house.

The person behind this look is Melissa Cummings of Design 360 in Halifax, who also came up with the designs for CUT and Onyx.

The bistro is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday.

RCR owns CUT steakhouse, Onyx lounge and restaurant, Waterfront Warehouse seafood restaurant, Victory Arms Pub and Q Smokehouse, as well as a thriving catering business that accounts for more than half the company’s sales.

The company gained experience running a French Bistro with  Bistro Café in Halifax, which it operated for 10 years.


Bistro Le Coq, 1584, Argyle St., Halifax. 902-407-4564. www.bistrocoq.ca. 95 seats. Average check: about $17–$18 for lunch and $25–$29 for dinner.