After hearing nothing but great reviews of this restaurant, we finally tried it out tonight for my birthday and it was everything I hoped it would be. The moment we arrived, the staff were friendly, professional, relaxed. We chose to sit upstairs in the dining room where the full dinner menu was available because I was in the mood for a decent steak. As the hostess led us to our table, I was impressed by the serious, luxurious decor of the room. A small, walk-in, seamless glass-walled wine cooler greets you at the top of the staircase. Lacquered wood tables flanked by large, dark gray, velvet-wrapped wingbacks, drum pendants hang overhead along the front windows. The center tables; curved banquettes in navy mohair, brass accent lighting casting down a soft golden glow. Cozy, yet sensuous. Our server, Rob, arrives promptly, was personable and knowledgeable. After looking at the drink menu, I chose a Hell Bay dark cream ale, perfect for a blustery, cold, January evening. The wine list is extensive but not overwhelming. The beer selection is carefully edited, a balanced mix of craft and factory. Spirits run the gamut. We peruse the dinner menu and it wasn't hard to make up our minds. Alex goes with the prix fix three-course winter Dine Around menu of a salmon appetizer, beef cheek marbella main, and a whoppie pie for desert. Filling to the point some of it came home for lunch tomorrow, all pre-selected items were approved of. I went with the Gochjang mussels-frites, basically chili paste and coconut milk with fresh basil. Delicious! For my main, a juicy, Pittsburgh rare 8oz tenderloin encrusted with Stilton blue cheese melted in my mouth. Roasted fingerlings, beets, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower followed suit. Since I do not like chocolate, the dessert menu had 2 items sans-cocoa. As full as I was, one item looked too tempting to pass up. I went with the Apple Mille-Feuille. Cinnamon puff pastry with cider poached apples, and vanilla cream custard. A sizable portion but incredibly light. A perfect ending to an exceptional meal. It's no secret that Halifax has a great bar and restaurant scene, this place only solidifies that acclaim even more.

Back in June, we wanted to experience this restaurant for my birthday, unfortunately we had to cancel. Well we finally made it last night. Although the weather was messy, the effort our party made getting there was well worth the trip! Our waitress was knowledgable, friendly and engaging. Our meal was fantastic, with the Chateaubriand cooked perfectly! Oysters were simply the very best. The decor is first class and creative. If you're looking for a 5 star experience, visit the Barrington Oyster Bar & Steak house. Already planning our next visit! Thanks everyone.