The Wooden Monkey

I was contacted by the owner after my last visit didn’t go very well and was told to come in and pick up some gift cards to give them a chance to make it right I will update again once we return

The first time I went to the Dartmouth location was shortly after it first opened. The service was unacceptably slow, the food was average and I swore I would never return. However, I found myself going back this past week for a colleague’s farewell party. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the soup of the day (squash, apple) with a side chickpea salad. Everything was delicious! The meal came with cornbread that was outstanding. Our server was efficient and the price was reasonable. Will be returning!

I’d give this a 3.5 truly for myself. I met my friend here for a sort of get together for birthday quick meet. We started at 4pm so only ordered an appie each with glass of wine as we were heading home afterwards. The service was good, the ambiance seemed just off but I can’t put my finger on it — just that McAskills seemed better, and the food for me was blah. I had the mussels and I really would of have returned them if I was certain they were off — I just got a weird taste/​texture every so often on a few. My friend had the nachos and said they were very good; hence the 4 rating. They have nice glass of water options (cucumber or lemon) and bring a different bread option to the table — corn. I forgot to ask the wait staff but where do you park at the Ferry terminal for the restaurant without paying; may be there is nothing.

I’ve been to the Dartmouth location 5 – 6 times since April for work lunches, family dinners and social events. Love the patio/​view, and inside is nice (especially in the evening), but the location is a little odd and I wish they’d comp your parking when you eat there.
The food is incredible, and you can tell it’s made with ‘real’ ingredients, because even when you overindulge you never feel gross after eating here. My favorite dish is by far the scallop pasta, and my friends love the pizza, chicken, chowder and fish cakes. I’ve never heard of anyone complain about their meal — food is top notch. While I do find the prices a little steep, you get large portions and genuinely good food.
I will note I find the service kind of awkward — which I find really bizarre for such a well known local restaurant. The servers never seem to know the specials, and I’ve had several who don’t seem super comfortable talking to people. That said, they don’t hover or rush you at all which makes it a very laid back dining experience.

I would actually give this place a 4.5…but that’s not an option on here…
Tried the Halifax location several months ago and really liked it, so when I got an invitation to try the Dartmouth one with the Halifax Association of Vegetarians, I jumped on it. On a gorgeous Wednesday evening in September, 25 of us were seated at one of the long tables in a private room, overlooking a wonderful view of the harbour. We had a perfect sunset on this visit to make it extra great. The restaurant itself is quite giant. When you are in the ferry termina/​Alderney Gate, you have to take an elevator up to the 2^nd level to get to the spot, and all the walls are painted with various earth-​toned artwork even in the elevator atrium below. When you arrive, everything is very woody and warm. There must be dozens of tables inside, with a large bar area, a wrap-​around deck, some cozy corners, and at least two large private rooms that I noticed.
Our group was offered a customized deal where we received four courses and a drink tasting, tip included, for $ 27. Obviously the public wouldn’t get this, but the items were on the regular menu, so I’m glad I’ll be able to try them again. The Raw Tacos (nappa wrapped spicy sundried tomato, walnut mushroom ‘meat’, fresh salsa, pine nut ‘sour cream’ and guacamole, sitting in a large cabbage leaf), was surprisingly delicious with a bit of a spice to it. The Roasted Chickpea Salad (with organic brown rice, peppers, sesame seeds, daikon, dulse, green onions, tahini umeboshi dressing, organic blue corn chips) was amazingly flavorful. A few of us commented that these two items would’ve been a very satisfying lunch on their own, as it hit the spot to satsify hunger without being too full. Our third item was the Lentil Burger (with carrots, miso, garlic, onions, daikon and oats, served on a 5-​Organic grain pita with lettuce, tomato & sweet onion honey mustard) with homemade fries. Luckily, we only got half the sandwich this time or we would’ve been way too full, so it was perfect. Also very tasty. Lastly, we got sample pieces of their famous Chocolate Tofu Pie (non-​dairy chocolate & organic silken tofu from Acadian Soy with an almond walnut crust. Served with maple whipped cream. Very creamy and the ideal touch to end the meal. For our alcohol tastings, we had the option of any of their house wines or draft, all local and great.
Service was very friendly and we could tell they tried very hard to please. There was a billing issue at the end which caused a delay, but that was due to the unique issue of our $ 27 deal and adding extra drinks to it. But it was resolved and is forgiveable.
I cannot wait to go back, and if lucky, can sneak in a visit on their patio before the fall chill really sets in.

Overall, really average with some perks.
They have gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options and a gorgeous view of Halifax Harbor. I sat on the patio so I was able to avoid the dated décor inside.
But really, the food is average. I didn’t find it outstanding or awful and was appreciative of the options.

The best part about this restaurant is the view! It’s located on top of the Dartmouth side ferry terminal so it gives you a fantastic view of the Halifax skyline. I was here for a wedding, so the whole restaurant was shut down for the event. The view is beautiful in the day but even better at night! We had a buffet style diner and it was great. Roasted potatoes, veggies, rice, chicken, pork and Arctic char. It’s hard to speak for the food here because I’m sure the place doesn’t serve buffet style on the regular. The layout of the restaurant is great, All windows and a fantastic terrance with tables. The bar staff are wonderful here, really well crafted cocktails and they were able to handle the large wedding group quickly

Good restaurant. GF items identified. The patio or deck has nice view of Halifax across the harbour. They need to put a sign on Alderney though, you would never know this place was there. They like there natural and organic foods and are very allergy friendly based on their menu. Had the burger, it was pure beef no filler.