A refined dining experience blending local ingredients with global techniques, is now open
Having officially opened on September 27, Mystic made its highly anticipated debut in Halifax’s Queen’s Marque District, marking the final addition to what is a dynamic and iconic neighbourhood.
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With a focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and seasonality, Mystic invites guests to embark on a journey that explores the rich terroir of Nova Scotia, brought to life by the vision of Chef Malcolm Campbell. Paired with a thoughtfully curated wine program and a design that reflects the surrounding landscape, Mystic is poised to become one of Halifax’s premier dining establishments.
Who’s behind it: Mystic is part of Freehand Hospitality, a renowned group that operates several chef-driven restaurants in Halifax, including Drift, Bar Sofia, Café Lunette, and Daryâ. The restaurant will be helmed by Chef Malcolm Campbell who has extensive experience homed in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. This collaboration brings a wealth of experience in hospitality and culinary excellence to the Queen’s Marque District.
Chef Campbell’s approach to cooking is deeply respectful of the land and sea, with a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing at the forefront of every dish. Furthermore, his culinary philosophy blends tradition with innovation, allowing local ingredients to shine while embracing global techniques to elevate the dining experience.
Campbell explains, “Our goal at Mystic is to create an experience that bridges tradition and innovation. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing the seasons and the bounty of ingredients sourced from across our region. With our open kitchen concept, we want to foster a deeper connection between our diners and the culinary process, giving them a front-row seat to the artistry behind each dish.”
Opening Date: Mystic officially opened its doors on Friday, September 27, with reservations available from Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Limited seatings will be offered to maintain an intimate and exclusive dining experience. The opening of Mystic marks a significant addition to the Queen’s Marque District, completing the culinary offerings of this vibrant waterfront neighbourhood.
Photo by Stephen Harrison.
Culinary Approach: Centered around a deep connection to Nova Scotia’s unique terroir, Chef Campbell has curated two distinct tasting menus—Flora and Fauna—that evolve with the seasons, offering guests a dynamic dining experience that reflects the changing character of the environment. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best of local ingredients, while incorporating global techniques to elevate flavours and textures.
The Flora menu focuses on plant-based creations, drawing inspiration from the region’s rich agricultural landscape, while the Fauna menu emphasizes proteins sourced from the land and sea. Both menus are designed to take guests on a culinary journey that explores the bounty of Nova Scotia, paired with wine and beverage offerings that enhance the experience.
Chef Campbell’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the menu, from the sourcing of ingredients to the innovative techniques used in the kitchen. “We want to celebrate the ingredients our region provides, and that means respecting them in the way we prepare them,” says Campbell.
Wine Program: Designed to complement the seasonal and terroir-driven nature of the menu, the wine program offers a carefully curated selection of wines from both Old World and New World regions. With around 165 selections available, the wine list showcases diverse regions while placing a strong emphasis on wines that pair seamlessly with the changing seasonality of the food.
Approximately five percent of the wine list is dedicated to Canadian selections, with a focus on wines from Nova Scotia’s local regions. Mystic’s approach to wine is to highlight bottles with distinctive character, unique provenance, and a sense of place, ensuring that each glass enhances the flavours of the dishes.
While there isn’t a single wine director overseeing the program, Mystic collaborates with several wine consultants who bring a wide range of expertise to the table. This collaborative approach allows for a dynamic and evolving wine list that complements the menu’s focus on seasonality and local ingredients. Additionally, two in-house sommeliers are available to guide guests through the wine offerings, providing expert recommendations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the stories behind each bottle.
Photo by Stephen Harrison.
The Design: A reflection of the natural beauty of Halifax’s waterfront, with every detail carefully curated to evoke a sense of connection to the land and sea, Mystic is designed by the internationally acclaimed firm DesignAgency. The restaurant’s interior is a harmonious blend of modern elegance and natural elements, creating a space that is both inviting and inspiring.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the ship-inspired ceiling and soft, rounded furnishings echo the rhythms of the surrounding environment. The open kitchen is a focal point of the space, allowing guests to witness the artistry behind every dish and fostering a deeper connection between the diner and the culinary team.
The design of Mystic creates a seamless flow between the interior and the natural world outside, making the dining experience one that is immersive and grounded in the beauty of Nova Scotia’s landscape.
Additional Info: In addition to its regular dining service, Mystic offers a unique opportunity for private events. From Sundays through Tuesdays, the restaurant transforms into an exclusive event space, perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations. With its stunning location in the Queen’s Marque District, Mystic provides a setting that is both elegant and memorable, ensuring that each event is as special as the dining experience itself.
Bookings are now open online for service.
Mystic
1723 Lower Water Street (Queen’s Marque district)
+1.902.474.3007
