The back-yard patio is open this Victoria Day weekend! Come enjoy some lunch or brunch in our little getaway. With Mother Nature’s blessings the patio will be open Friday Lunch (11:00-2:30) Saturday Brunch (9:30-2:30) and Sunday Brunch (9:30-2:30)! What a great way to enjoy the long weekend! The patio will be open these same days and times until the end of the month (weather permitting), with extended hours to come as the days get warmer and the nights get shorter!
Owner Liz Cunningham moved to Halifax from New York City 12 years ago. After working in the television industry for 32 years, she finally realized her dream of opening a neighborhood restaurant in September 2009.
Her friend and local contractor, Rod Malay, had just finished building “The Nile House” on Charles Street and there was a space available on the ground floor. Liz jumped at the chance. The building is not only beautiful, but green with its geo-thermal heating and cooling as well as its green roof – facts that Halifax diners appreciate.
Before long, Liz, friends, and family all pitched in to choose colours, refinish chairs and paint walls. Liz remembers the camaraderie. “It was a real labour of love and a collaborative effort.”
Over the bar, visitors comment on a beautiful framed picture of Tess, the owner’s mother, for whom the restaurant is named. The reproduction of a 1937 New York newspaper ad features Tess modeling a fur coat for sale at the remarkable price of only $29.98!
Liz recalls, “We just couldn’t settle on a name for our restaurant. One day, about a year before we opened, my partner said, “Why don’t we name it tess after your mom and hang the newspaper ad in the restaurant?” We did.”
tess: a friendly, warm, and cozy neighborhood spot is fast becoming a hit with Haligonians who come back time and again.
If you are interested in receiving tess’s monthly e-newsletters, please use our sign up form below. Our newsletters will contain information about upcoming events & specials at the restaurant, as well as fun tips and recipes. In addition, each month we will be offering a coupon special. We will not share your information with anyone else and you many unsubscribe at any time.
At tess we believe in simple food made from scratch, using locally supplied ingredients whenever possible.
We are proud to support other local small business, including:
Feel free to stop in and see us, we always love to have visitors! Or, if you just have a question for us, just fill out the form to the right and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
| Sun | 9:30am-2:30pm |
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue–Thurs | 11am–2:30pm |
| Fri | 11am–2:30pm and 5–10pm |
| Sat | 9:30am–2:30pm and 5–10pm |
Whether it’s a Cocktail Party, Sit Down Dinner or Buffet Style Dinner you are thinking about, let tess host it for you .
Our restaurant can accommodate private groups of up to 32 guests. Our chefs will plan the menu with you; all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the evening with your guests. Whatever the occasion – birthday, retirement, wedding, a private evening at tess’ is a great way to host a stress-free party.
Backyard Patio – In the warmer months our beautiful private backyard patio is available for bookings as well. This space can accommodate up to 50 people in a unique setting.
Perhaps it’s an early morning business breakfast you are looking to host, we can help there too. Continental style, hot buffet or a combination of both are available.