Challenge: Eating at 100 Halifax Restaurants – 33/100
📍 Matadora Tapas Bar | 1341 Lower Water St Unit 125, Halifax, NS (Next to Water Polo) This newly opened Spanish-inspired restaurant by the waterfront is perfect for dates, special dinners, or just treating yourself to a fancy meal! 😍 The menu is concise, and this time, we tried two appetizers, two main dishes, and a drink. Here’s the full review! 🥗 Appetizers 1️⃣ SEARED FOIE GRAS GILDA (Foie gras with caramelized onions + toasted sourdough) – $14 👉 A must-try! The rich, buttery foie gras pairs perfectly with the sweetness of caramelized onions, while the sourdough balances the richness. My top pick of the night! 💯 2️⃣ SQUID A LA PARRILLA (Grilled squid + caramelized onions + Vizcaina sauce) – $12 👉 The texture was… interesting? Imagine tender, almost dumpling-like squid with a sweet onion glaze. 🦑 It’s unique—some might love it, others might find it unusual. Personally, I wasn’t fully sold, but it’s worth a try if you’re feeling adventurous! 🍲 Main Dishes NS LOBSTER PAELLA (Lobster seafood rice) – $60 👉 The lobster was fresh (local Nova Scotia lobster, of course!), and the dish came loaded with shrimp, mussels, beans, and a garlicky sauce. Visually stunning, but let’s be real—lobster season means the actual lobster cost is only around $12–$14 😂 Still, the presentation and ambiance make up for it! 👉 Pro tip: Mix the sauce well—it’s like unsweetened mayo, and while tasty, it can get a bit heavy after a while. The beans were slightly undercooked, but overall, the flavors were solid, just not mind-blowing. Portion-wise, this is great for 2–3 people (especially if you’re also having appetizers). 🥂 Drinks We ordered a cocktail, but honestly, it was forgettable—neither amazing nor bad. Just… there. 🍹 Maybe next time we’ll pick something more memorable! 🪑 Ambience 👉 Perfect for romantic dates or impressing guests. The decor is stylish, with dim lighting and a cozy vibe. 👉 Warning: Some tables have very high chairs—great for aesthetics, not so great for long-term comfort. 😅 🔁 Final Verdict ✔️ Must-order: The foie gras—absolutely delicious! 🦢✨ ✔️ Good for photos: The lobster paella is Instagram-worthy but not a flavor revelation. ✔️ Price: A bit on the expensive side, but the atmosphere justifies it. Will I be back? Maybe for special occasions—or just to devour more of that foie gras! 🤤 #Halifax #HalifaxEats #HalifaxFoodie #NovaScotia #Canada #FoodAdventures #TapasLover #LobsterSeason