🍝 Hidden Gem Italian Restaurant in Bedford, Halifax 🇮🇹
There are many Italian restaurants in Halifax, but after passing by Il Mercato in Bedford multiple times, I finally tried it—and the service was absolutely top-notch! 🔥 Must-Try Dishes 1. Calamari (Appetizer) 9/10 •Not your typical frozen squid! These were fresh baby calamari, lightly fried and coated in a tomato-based sauce. •So delicious that I still crave it! Highly recommend! 2. Linguine Frutti Di Mare (Seafood Pasta) 9/10 •Al dente flat linguine paired perfectly with a tomato-based seafood sauce. •The server asks if you want extra cheese, pepper, or salt—I recommend salt & pepper to balance the sweetness. •The scallops & shrimp were cooked perfectly tender, not rubbery at all! •Will definitely try their other pastas & mains next time! 😐 Just Okay 1. Complimentary Bread (7/10) •Rosemary-infused, served with olive oil & balsamic vinegar. •Tasty, but I prefer chewier bread—this one was too soft for me. 2. Margherita Pizza (6.5/10) •Thin crust, but it was overly crispy (almost like a cracker), not the Neapolitan-style I expected. •Still, the crust had good chew and a nice wheat aroma—flavor was decent! ⚠️ Things to Note •Water Ordering Hack: Specify "tap water"—otherwise, they might bring still water (~$10+ for a bottle). •Weekends Get Busy! By 4 PM, we could only get bar seats—reservations recommended! •Tipping: Minimum 18% (but the service is so attentive—they even replace cutlery between courses—so 20% feels justified). 🌟 Final Verdict A great spot for dates or group dinners with an extensive drink menu and cozy atmosphere. Highly recommended! 📍 Address: 1595 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS B4A 3Y4 🅿️ Parking: Easy (located in a shopping plaza). #Halifax #HalifaxLife #HalifaxFoodie #HalifaxEats #HalifaxTravel #ItalianFood #FoodieAdventures #NovaScotiaEats #BestItalianHalifax #FoodDiary
