Review Two If By Sea - Dartmouth

Decent drip coffee, good to above average specialty coffee, croissants are very inauthentic and I’d avoid ordering one unless you’re in the mood for a loaf of bread. If you’ve been to authentic French bakeries you’ll be disappointed in what you receive. Summary- go for the coffee, don’t order food.

Recommended by a local. The prosciutto and provolone was absolutely delicious. A bit more dense than the typical authentic french style croissant but delicious nonetheless. Service was also fantastic - definitely will be back the next time I'm in Halifax

I went to college in Halifax 8 years ago and I still dream of the croissants today 😋 I went to the shop by the ferry terminal on the Halifax side (which appears to be gone now unfortunately). They were better then the ones I've had in France by FAR! I live in Toronto now and all the croissants here have been a disappointment so far...

We stopped by Two If By Sea Cafe early morning to grab some coffees and croissants. The croissants were actually good and a decent portion size and the coffees hit the spot.

A local recommended this spot for croissants but we were quite disappointed. Croissants are supposed to be light and buttery and melt in your mouth but these were heavy and dense and chewy (as others had noted). Also, the coffee tasted awful. 2 stars for super fast and friendly service but still a hard miss.

Another famous Dartmouth institution in an absolutely lovely spot. Very few places I actively recommend for travellers or visitors as a "must go," but TIBS is one. It's been a long time since I've been there, quite a few years, since the "unpleasantness" that need not be mentioned, but this is better times, at least for TIBS. I used to live more-or-less next door, but I was feeling a hankering for their famous croissants. Usually, for seemingly gimmicky fare like artisan croissants, you don't expect them to be so constantly busy all these years later, but every time I drive by there's a line. So, I purchased two croissants. My favorite, the prosciutto and provolone and a new-to-me croissant, the donair croissant. I was QUITE EXCITED. After biting into the P&P croissant, I was overjoyed. Crunchy, buttery, flaky, salty, sweet. The hard outer crust of their croissants is hit-or-miss for people. The donair croissant was something else. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it seemed like some sort of science experiment croissant engineering. It definitely is something for a donair enthusiast, and quite good, but somewhat more novel than anything else. Coffee keeps the doors open, and I don't drink coffee anymore or caffeine, but I know a good cup still when I taste one. I had a medium roast, and it was quite good, smooth, slightly sweet even black. I had a taste of my companions latte, and it was quite good. It was exactly what you should expect from an upscale coffee place, but not the best I've ever had. Coffee drinkers will get tons of mileage out of TIBS, more than I would nowadays. I rate this place at five stars even though there are four star establishments I would visit much more frequently, and my reasoning is this: TIBS does precisely what it sets out to do—make a premium artisan croissant. It executes this perfectly. It's a rich treat to enjoy on occasion.

Fantastic coffee, but the croissants are the BEST. Not for the faint of heart, they're a buttery, flaky, belly-full of goodness with a new flavor every week. Worth the trip every time.

Croissants are tough on the outside and rubbery uncooked dough inside. The only type of coffee they have is medium roast and the self serve milk station doesn't even have stir sticks. Whoever rated this as 5 stars is a jerk. What a dismal experience. Don't eat the food, the coffee is hot though.

Was in today and the service was great! The place was packed but they always had someone ready to take the next order. Had to wait a little bit as they were changing/cleaning something in the machine but they brought my drink over to me rather than do the Starbucks yell lol. They apologized for the wait, which wasn't even long AND those vegan ginger cookies are under rated!! SOO good, highly recommend :)

I loved the atmosphere but I honestly waited way too long for my coffee. The staff chatted amongst one another while I stood waiting for my coffee. It was a good five minutes. I seriously wanted to yank my tip out of the "tip jar". When I asked if they forgot, someone replied that it was being made but there still wasn't a sense of urgency. Serve your customers first! Oh, and then it was only lukewarm. I didn't have anymore time to have it made again or re-heated :(

My first and last visit, sadly! Our office moved close to Two if By Sea and I was super excited to be so close! The service was pitiful and the amount I paid for a drink and croissant makes me not want to return. The girl on cash was downright rude and couldn't be bothered to explain anything. Since I was the only one in the line I feel that a bit of time could have been spent with a 'first timer'. I too like another reviewer found her to be surly and the food meh. Sorry! I really wanted Two if By Sea to be my new hideout at lunchtime!!

This cafe is awesome.. they have very smooth tasting coffee.. had a cappuccino and with a little sugar it was delightful.. They serve Montreal style bagels, fresh cinnamon rolls, fresh gigantic croissants, scones etc.. I highly recommend this cafe if you care about quality!!!

I enjoyed the whole experience... chai latte extra hot ... got it and brought to my table "Just Peachy" croissant cut in half please ... got it , not squashed perfectly cut. Staff collected our plates and cups , took them to the bus tray while we chatted and asked if we enjoyed our food. They were gracious and polite . It was a wonderful place to spend an hour on a rainy day. I will drop in any time I'm in that area.�

I was served by staff with poor customer service. The cream had gone bad and made my coffee unbearable to drink and when I returned the coffee there was no attempt to remedy the situation. Terrible batch of coffee , cream and staff. The Halifax side 100% better.

My first and final visit - surly staff, poor service - incorrect order, our croissants were terrible (hard exterior with gross gooey interior), luke warm tea........ yes it is a busy place (although I am not sure why?) - yes I smiled as I placed my order (which was met with a blank stare). Thinking of the comedy "Seinfeld" - "the soup nazi" - perhaps some people enjoy such terrible service?! There are better places to enjoy local food - hot tea and pleasant staff.

The location is fabulous, the coffee is decent,the cookies are great but the customer service is abysmal. I say the coffee is decent, most of the time, they get the order wrong and to spite getting the same thing every time, the price is often different. And yes, the music is deafening. Please, ask your staff to smile and actual care about what they're doing.

I think TIBS is a great place to get a coffee or meet a friend. As for those who complained about music and service here... Wow people... first world problems...lol. Everyone likes things differently and it's impossible for a small business to please everyone. Music too loud? Don't eat in! Staff grumpy? Don't take it personal as they work hard and push service constantly all day. They are just super busy all the time. Their coffee is top notch, and for people who don't think so, I just don't know if they can tell the difference between quality coffee or an average joe. Anchored coffee is my benchmark for quality coffee. PERIOD. Maybe people are so used to milk or cream and sugar that you don't know how good coffee is supposed to taste. Too used to your double doubles from Timmies. You keep going strong T.I.B.S. I'll be a customer for years to come.

Great croissants. The croissants almost make up for everything that has become obnoxious about this place. Almost. Crappy customer service by people who make me feel like my business is an imposition. Would a smile kill you? Music so loud that only the deaf could enjoy a conversation. It is a shame. This place has been an institution, but the staff have managed to destroy that.

Consistent high quality rich coffee. By far the best tasting coffee and we have tested everything from near and far. Very timely service and coffee that truly brings us back every day!

The croissants are so amazing that I had a half eaten chocolate one stolen out of my purse. Someone looked in my purse, didn't take my wallet, but they instead took the croissant (or it could have been a bird). Definitely coming back to replace my stolen croissant.

Visited on multiple occasions, coffee and treats are great. I wish you offered simple syrup for iced coffee. I asked barista to add a packet of sugar to the espresso while it was hot and she was not very friendly. The flow of cafe could use some work. Having to push through a line up of people to put your dirty dishes in the bin isnt easy.

I always enjoy this place! The coffee is great and the baked goods are just amazing! We have been there many times and will continue to visit!

Best coffee in Halifax!!!! And locally owned so you can't go wrong!!!! And the option of a pound of butter on the side is always a mistake worth doing! � �!! And The Canteen upstairs is amazing!!!

Great atmosphere but I don't get the raves about this place. The croissant was hard and chewy and had a slightly yeasty taste. A butter croissant should be soft and flakey and melt in your mouth. The scone my friend had was chewy and dense. The coffee was ok but not the best by far.

Went here for the first time today and got me an iced latte, it was really good although I think they put just a bit too much ice then I like. Also wish that they had a bigger size since I finished the drink from walking from their door to the ferry terminal. <br/><br/>I will be back for sure

Great spot in downtown Dartmouth. Always extremely busy, so be prepared because there may not be seating available. They serve Anchored coffee (their own brand) and their pastries are delicious. Their croissants - all flavours are delicious. If you are lucky enough to have a flavour of the week then take advantage of it!! The regulars: plain, chocolate, almond, and prosciutto all can hit the spot. I think the large family table is poorly positioned and often makes the space even more awkward to get around..but if seating is my only complaint I am really grasping here :)

I went to the Halifax location and it was wonderful. I had the almond croissant, it was quite large, great toppings and filling. I also had a scone at a different time; also quite good. The servings here are big, its worth your buck!

Just dropped by here yesterday by chance, and picked up a cappuccino and some chocolate croissants. Cap was a bit warm, but still good and nice presentation, but the chocolate croissants were anazing. They were colossal and the best I've had. Less like the flaky pastry of a croissant, but more like fresh bread- slightly crunchy, slightly chewy with this amazing chocolate filling inside sprinkled with some confectioner's sugar on the top. Wow, will definitely be going back for these babies ☺ <br/>Oops just looking at picks now. Looks like may have had the pain au Chocolat instead of the Chocolat croissant that I asked for. Best mistake ever! Makes sense now. Anyways, the pain au Chocolat are the best!!!

Great place...great coffee,friendly staff,amazing treats,it's a little expensive but we'll worth it.I don't know anywhere in dartmouth u can get this kind of coffee,service,and atmosphere...Big respect to Zane for doing it right.

I love popping into TIBS for a macchiato when I'm in the area. I enjoy the vibe of the place and that you can pour yourself your own water. The Dartmouth pride is bursting out of the decor and the baked goods area delicious. I recommend checking out the weekly croissant and perhaps sharing with a friend (they're huge). For this reason, they're also somewhat expensive. Sometimes I do find the croissants too buttery/greasy (yes, it's possible!) and while I get good service, my partner has said that he has had times when the staff hasn't been friendly. <br/><br/>If you like a bustling place with free wifi, giant baked goods and have some money to spare, make sure that you go to TIBS! It's definitely an experience everyone should have at least once!

So comfy. Two if by Sea offers an incredibly open spot that makes you feel incredibly welcome. Community spirit is in the air (you can feel it) in the room. The staff are very friendly and helpful. A place to be as social or as quiet as you choose. Lattes are the best and the baked goodies, if you dare, are unbelievably yummy! I visit at least twice per week and look forward to each and every time. Thanks to TIBS for being in my community!! :)

Doughy / raw. Doughy and raw in the middle croissants...they are large but, I would rather smaller and better quality.

Croissants are huge and doughy. If you like them flaky, go somewhere else. I am a big fan of their muffins and drinks.

Sublime!. You have to love a place that boldly stamps "eat butter" on their takeaway bags! And you do eat butter in their superb croissants. Huge, crisp, chock full of almonds. Did I mention the size? We shared. It lasted me all day. Excellent cappuccinos in house. Service was chatty, friendly and efficient.

Amazing. There staff are awesome, coffee is the best in HRM and the sweets are the best I have had anywhere!

The most rude, stereotypically hipster staff I've ever dealt with. They act insulted if you ask a question, and make me so pissed off I never want to eat there no matter how good the food is.

This is Dartmouth's hidden jewel. The coffee is to die for and the pastries amazing. Don't listen to the negative reviews and go try this place!

Never again. Walked in one afternoon and asked if they had a mild 'afternoon blend' as many places have and was told by a very nasty staffer taht they "only have one blend'.. I guess I dared to ask a question and he took offence...or maybe I don't have tattoos and cannot get propper servive on that account. Avoid the place like the plague if you want decent treatment from staff!

Third and last time. This was my third trip in a year and a half and will be my last. The service never changed in that time frame and the coffee is still mediocre. The almond croissant was ok, too much overly sweet filling and ultimately way too large.<br/><br/>The servers are more interested in having fun with coworkers than serving the clientele. I arrived 11 am Saturday morning with no one in front of me at the counter. The server was laughing and carrying on with the others behind the counter, which is fine. But when she turned to me to ask me what I wanted her smile disappeared and she was very cranky that she was interrupted.<br/><br/>I ordered my coffee and I asked do you have any cinnamon rolls, she looked at me and sarcastically said all we have is what you see here. OK, I asked what is what in there? It is what is written on the board she replies! OK I guess I have to be able to tell what it is by looking at it, which I can, but not everybody can!<br/><br/>Basically she was a rude stuck up coffee person who is too cool for everybody else.<br/><br/>As I said coffee was mediocre, a step above Tim's but that is all, pastry was OK but way too large.<br/><br/>Best of luck to them, but teach your servers that customer service is what ultimately brings customers back, which is the reason I will not return!

Mediocre at best. I drink a lot of coffee and enjoy a rich dark roast: I didn't get that from this place. The coffee I have had here is just not that good. Also, if opt to I add milk to my coffee, I'll use skim milk - which is not available (at least on the Halifax side).<br/>I have also tried the baked goods and was disappointed; they are ok, but there are better options in the downtown area.<br/><br/>This is not a shop that is on my list of preferred coffee shops and it is unlikely that I would buy from here again. <br/><br/>If you do go, I recommend the shop on the Dartmouth side. I have found that the service at the Dartmouth location is much better than at the Halifax waterfront location.

Huge croissants!. I absolutely love this little cafe. I have been to both locations and prefer the Dartmouth one even though it is out of the way. They have the best and largest croissants I've ever eaten! They have quite a variety but you have to male sure to go early in the day to grab a croissant - they go pretty quick! Today I tried the sweet potato with melted marshmellow on top and it was delish!! I definitely couldn't eat the whole thing so plan on sharing! My favourite beverage is the mocha! Delicious. Excellent baristas as well!

Croissant masterpieces!. By far the best croissant I have ever eaten, including some darn good ones in Montreal. They are flaky, moist, huge and delicious. Gonna make this a regular. I've had the plain and the chocolate.

I was treated to a pain au chocolat from the cafe this weekend. I was perplexed by the size of the pastry. I am a big fellow, and I could not finish the monster. But size is not everything, the pastry has milk chocolate in the middle. It was a complete North American interpretation on a European treat, too big and cheaper filling. Cut down on the pastry and use dark chocolate. Not sure what I will sample next, but it may have the be a mini,

Delicious Soy Cappuccino and amazingly huge cookies

Great croissants daily, though slightly pricey, great espresso drinks as the barristers certainly know what they are doing. Nice atmosphere for a weekly visit by locals

Very disappointing. After several failed attempts, we finally got our hands on some of their famous croissants. Not worth the trouble. Server was cranky too.

I have to say I was underwhelmed. Perhaps after hearing & reading such amazing things I had my expectations set too high. Met a friend for coffee, both of us wanting to go there. At time of ordering, was told the only croissants available were almond or plain while I had spent my time in line deciding between pain au chocolat or the special Procuitto & provolone, both of which were still written on the chalkboard beside the cash. I got plain, friend got almond. My Latte & her Machiatto were both great, and while the croissants were tasty, we both just picked at them. It was too large & too dense & the almond one had a sugar type glaze on the top that was just too much. After we had been there 5 maybe 10 minutes, a group or 4 sat at the table next to us, all with Procuitto & provolone croissants. Had I been told there were more on the way I gladly would have waited, instead of being given a very terse "we're out of both of those". Coffee was fantastic, but I probably won't make a point to go back any time soon. There are a lot of much better places nearer to me.

Golly!. After all I had heard, I was disappointed with the croissants. They were like bricks! This is far from what a croissant is suppose to be. And ass cracks are for plumbers only not kitchen staff in an open kitchen.Judging from the crowds I had to fight to get in and out of the place my comment probably won't matter much anyway.

Great food, the croissant are to die for! Worth the calories!!

Met up with a friend after work. First time and it was great! They offered Montreal bagels that were just how I remember them when I lived in Montreal! On top of that my chai latte was just perfect. Becides the uncomfortable wooden chairs it is a great place that I will be returning too!

Must resist urge to drive across Halifax and into dartmouth just to buy a cookie. Mmmm. Too late. Where are my keys?

Quite excellent!. Violently delicious and unhealthful croissants to be found here. The dark-roast coffee is also particularly fine, and it's a complete blessing that there's finally, after eons (and the closure of the downtown Tim Horton's, blech), a coffee shop open in Dartmouth on weekends.<br/><br/>The downside: this place is usually jammed to the rafters, and finding a seat on a Saturday requires physical force. Be prepared to take it back to your Volvo or harbourview condominium.

Croissants A+. If you can afford the 1000 calories i'll tell you the croissants are the best i have ever had. be sure to get them when they are just coming out of the oven and you won't be sorry.

What was that?. Great cappuccino but what was that almond croissant? A very bad idea. Couldn't even tell, under the half pound of almonds and cup of sugar syrup, whether the croissant itself was bread-like or croissant-like.

Coffee was ok, pasteries are like donuts... First off, I must say that old Dartmouth is really starting to take off with condo developments and new places to eat. <br/><br/>I fancy myself as a lover of fine French pastries. I have had them from numerous bakeries local and abroad. Nothing is more delectable than a genuine, pain au chocolat (aka chocolatine): the layers of flaky, buttery, light pastry filled with DARK chocolate.<br/><br/>I was very excited to try one of Two if By Sea's pains au chocolat . Upon trying one I was very sorely disappointed. I have been reading the great reviews on the web and I was shocked how poorly this pastry was. I really wanted to like it so much that I tried it twice and both times I was very disappointed. It lacked the buttery, lightness and flakiness of a true French pastry and the chocolate was not good. I don't want to sound like a snob but I can't help it because I expected it be something that you would get in France and that would resemble a pain au chocolat. Saving grace for people who do like them, the portion in very generous for the price but if you can't eat it what good is it.<br/><br/>Boulangerie La Vendéenne is a local bakery that sells its baked goods throughout HRM. They make an amazing pain au chocolat, as well I tried some pastries that were sold at the Lunenburg farmers market (can't remember the bakery name) and they were very good as well. These were the best I have had outside of Quebec and France/Belgium. Also I make them when time permits. So I know my pastries.<br/><br/>I hope Two if By Sea does well as it is a local business but I won't be going there a third time for their pastries, maybe for a coffee...

The latest coffee place. Trendy, and friendly, place for good, and unusual, coffees. Busy pretty much anytime you go, with a small outside patio for nice days. And THE place to buy your "I Love Dartmouth" t-shirt.

A must go to place! Incredible croissants and they have weekly stuffed croissants that go quickly. The cookies are huge and melt in your mouth. The staff are friendly and this place has put a new energy in downtown Dartmouth.

Halifax Coffee Culture. I did a posting (2 November) on my food blog on Halifax coffee culture & listed 9 places to get cappuccino's & one of them was Two if By Sea Cafe. This is thus by far my favorite of all the coffee shops in the HRM. I've been there a few times & love the coffee used (49th Parallel) is delicious! But it has to be said that good coffee beans can only go so far & that to bring out the real beauty in coffee is to be at the hands of a good barista. Zane Kelsall does just that. His cappuccinos are pleasing to the eye & are velvety smooth to drink. The crema outlines his cappuccinos perfectly! What better way to compliment a cappuccino than by savoring a deliciously prepared croissant which, by the way, are made daily at the cafe by Tara MacDonald. I've tried the different croissants Tara makes & let me tell you none are better than the other......they all taste great!

Just finished enjoying a decaf latte. Taste was exceptional, coffee very smooth. Staff very engaging and the sweets looked delicious. A must stop each day for my fancy coffee fix. One of the beat coffees I have had outside of Italy. Price for a large latte was less than 4. A great buy!

.....Then I had my first Two If By Sea croissant (amazing)....

TIBS is most definitely worth the journey to Dartmouth. The staff are friendly and the pastries are worth ten ferry rides without the delicious coffee to accompany them.

...Oh, you thought I was exaggerating when I said enormous, did you? Nope. I don’t joke about cookies. I got about 1/3 of the way through this bad boy and threw in the towel, packing the remnants up in a brown paper bag stamped: I love Dartmouth.

A trip to the new Halifax Seaport Market wasn't complete without a stop to pick up some heavenly croissants and coffee from Two If By Sea Cafe in Dartmouth, NS. Living in Dartmouth, or rather the Darkside as it is so favorably referred, means we can enjoy a perfect cappuccino whenever we like. Yes, perfect cappuccinos in Dartmouth! This small but comfortable cafe offers all things coffee, from scratch muffins and cookies, Montreal bagels, and, last but not least, the best croissants this side of Quebec! I would even say their chocolate croissants are better than any chocolatine I've had in Montreal! (And I was addicted for awhile!) But beware, these indulgences are huge and rich so you may want to consider splitting one! Two If By Sea recently won best barrista, best muffin/cookie and best cafe in The Coast (there must not have been a category for best croissant!) and with the consistent line up at their counter and packed house, it is easy to see why. While I am planning my cafe on th

It took us about 12 hours to drive to Nova Scotia , a lengthy ride through the dark night, some fog, construction delays, and more. We journeyed there to attend a family wedding and stayed for five nights, at a hotel in Dartmouth near the waterfront. Though the hotel provided a continental breakfast, it certainly was not exciting. But culinary deliverance was just around the corner, at the Two If By Sea Cafe . The Cafe, which also has a location in Halifax , is owned by Zane Kelsall and Tara MacDonald  and opened in November 2009. Zane is the coffee expert while Tara is the baking genius, and used to sell her baked goods at local farmers' markets. It is a medium-sized shop with tables inside as well as several tables outside on the sidewalk. It has a hip and casual coffee shop feel, a fine place to while away a part of your morning or afternoon. The menu is relatively small, drinks and baked goods, but that is a strength as they can concentrate their efforts onto those items. To drink,