Very lovely authentic Italian restaurant with high quality food, great service and warm and cozy atmosphere. I came here with a friend for lunch on a weekday and sat on the patio. The staff were friendly and we were received with warm welcome. We were offered complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic. We ordered "Local Mussels" and "Pan Seared Scallops" for appetizers. They were both fresh and delicious. For entrée, we ordered "Linguine Frutti di Mare" and "Triangoli All'Aragosta". Hands down one of the pasta I have had in my life. And we finished our 3-course meal with a fabulous "Tiramisu". read more

Il Mercato - Pan Seared Scallops - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Over cooked pasta, insipid sauces, too much salt, too much garlic. All in all, not even adequate Italian food. read more

Everything was excellent from the food and service right down to the ambiance. Definitely will be returning.

We had an amazing experience at Il Mercato this past weekend. We were 3 ladies enjoying a girls night. Our server, Florencia, made it extra special with her top notch service. We made an error in ordering a cocktail, not noticing it had a black licorice flavour, and she was happy to replace it with another cocktail. We felt well taken care of the entire dinner. The food was also fantastic! We shared several appetizers and enjoyed some pasta and pizza. I would definitely recommend Il Mercato! read more

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I've been going to Il Mercato since it opened way back when. This is the first time I left there wondering if I'd ever go back. It's always been my favourite go to place. I ordered the truffle fettuccine. At $40 a plate I was expecting more than a few shaves of truffle on their regular fettuccine Alfredo which was overcooked and bland. I was celebrating my granddaughters birthday and kudo's for getting the meals out to us quickly. From that point on, service was very slow. Now, it was a busy night and our server was training someone new but that really didn't explain his lack of attention. The new server was excellent... genuinely friendly and warm. I could see the icecream with the candle sitting on the counter for an unreasonably long time before it was delivered to the table. I loved that the new server joined in singing Happy Birthday to my granddaughter. I ordered a couple of meals to go and the bill came to over $200 with the tip. After they brought the meals to go I waited, and waited until I finally caught the eye of the assistant manager who after I asked brought me over the bill. So here are my three things you can learn from my experience tonight: 1. Don't order the truffle fettuccine. It's not worth it. 2. Don't pick the corner table, it's too easy for them to ignore you. 3. Don't feel obligated to tip the minimum they suggest. At 18% I expect better service. I at least expected them to bring me the bill with the takeout which sat on the floor cooling as I tried to get someones attention. read more

Food is very good. Good selection of pasta dishes. Love the bread with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Service has always been good. Great place to go with friends to chat and have a good meal. read more

This is a great restaurant! Make a reservation if you are looking to go on the weekend. The server was very knowledgeable and good at providing recommendations. I had the lobster raviolini and was a big fan. The bruschetta was good for a shared appetizer. My partner preferred the lobster raviolini over the halibut he ordered. The restaurant is very dark at night and the menus are really big (physically). The booths felt a little tight with a big group with the menus, otherwise it was a nice place to visit - check it out! read more

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Our third visit here, for our anniversary in September 2023. At 19:00 on a Friday and with a major storm incoming over the weekend, the place was full and lively when we arrived. It is a deceptively large space, and includes a pleasant bar at which you can sit. There is also a very nice veranda for better weather. Service was quick, friendly, efficient and timely and we soon had our drinks and a starter in front of us. I went for the calamari which were nicely spicy and the wife had a salad. For main course she chose the very popular handmade Ravioli, with an absolutely delicious wild mushroom sauce. I had the seafood soup which was first class. Clams, large fresh scallops, some salmon and bass (I think) and a few shrimp. Wine, of course, was very expensive and our three glasses probably added at least $50 to the bill. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and one which will certainly repeat. read more

Il Mercato - a group of people sitting at a bar - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Had lunch with a friend at Il Mercato. The service was excellent. ourServer was knowledgeable, very pleasant and efficient. The food was tasty and well presented. We had a very comfortable table in the rear of the restaurant, perfect for conversation. read more

Brent is an amazing waiter! Great recommendations! Food was 150% amazing. Great place and will be back. read more

Il Mercato - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

So in an odd place. However, it was good for what they could do. Decent patio. Pretty restaurant inside. Open restaurant concept. Server was good. Menu is Italian with a focus on fresh seafood. Kiddo had a children's pasta. I had the Italian Seafood Stew. Hubby went with the seafood linguine. Food came out perfectly seasoned, fresh and DELICIOUS. I sampled my kid's pasta and I love it when a restaurant does a good job with the kid's food too. My seafood stew was hearty and flavourful and the veggies that came on the side were perfectly cooked. Husband loved his pasta. I would come back here again. read more

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By far the best food and atmosphere of any restaurant in Bedford. Excellent service and the pre meal bread is amazing!

We sat at the bar w/o reservations! A great dining experience visiting from Atlanta area- the gluten free options were bountiful- Pre dinner drinks, shared apps; the food was exceptional! It was one of the best meals we've had. I got Salmon, hubs got Halibut and made GF with pasta- if you're in the area, it's a must visit - read more

Excellent food. Slow service. Need a reservation even at opening. Expensive. Nice atmosphere.

Best spot in Bedford. Wish they would bring back the pear squash triangle pasta, and please back to regular Creme brulee:)

Always pleased with our food and service anytime we eat here, friendly staff, great atmosphere and you never feel rushed

Our server tonight was phenomenal. We were a table of 8, she got all orders correct and even though we weren't sitting next to our partners she got all the bills right. Water was topped up lots throughout the evening, which is huge for me, especially in a full restaurant. Everyone tried everyone else's food and drink and there wasn't a bad thing on the table. Apps, mains, drinks, desserts and lattes were all wonderful. What we appreciate most is that whenever we go here, it is consistently good, and the service is great. My favorite place in the city for a meal out. read more

We discovered this restaurant five years ago and have been coming back regularly. It provides the ideal combination of exceptional cuisine, excellence of service and pleasant decor. We have never been disappointed on any of our visits there whether lunch or dinner. The last time we visited was for lunch and once again we were wowed by the food and service. I had the mushroom risotto and my wife, who is a light eater, was offered something simple and not on the menu: penne pasta and tomato sauce. This is personalized attention. Reservations are highly recommended. read more

the food was amazing! they also were very accommodating to gluten-free allergies! They basically could change everything on their menu to be gluten-free read more

Outstanding service, great food and great value. We brought out 3 kids and they were treated extremely well and with respect to which I am glad to say the reciprocated. Overall an outstanding experience read more

I went here like 5 times and brought friends who were visiting from other provinces and countries. I have traveled around the world and I can say this restaurant has the best service best price for their delicious food. Fantastico! Friends loved to dine here too. Will definitely be back read more

Everything was delightful! I had a great experience in the company of friends. I would definitely go back!

Great spot. Top notch. Food and service is always consistently excellent. Love the look of the restaurant as well.

I thought this place was pretty average, maybe a bit below average because the sauce had a bit bitter taste, and there was a lot of cheese in the sauce, which was a bit unexpected. The cheese solidified after the dish cooled down a bit and made it hard to eat the linguine. The other seafood tasted kind of bland and didn't have that much flavour. I probably wouldn't come back here again, everything else seems pretty expensive and from this dish I feel like I wouldn't be getting good value out of this restaurant. The atmosphere is pretty decent, definitely good to go on a date here as it's kind of romantic, it has a nice elevated balcony on the 2nd floor that looks over the balcony. The service was okay. I ordered the seafood linguine, it was called the Linguine Frutti di Mare which was $18 and came with Mussels, Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp, Clams, tomato, garlic, fresh herbs, chilies, White wine. read more

Il Mercato - Linguine Frutti di Mare - $18 - Mussels, Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp, Clams, tomato, garlic, fresh herbs, chilies, White wine - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Made a reservatio with manager Marco. Arrived and it was not honoured. Server started yelling when I tried to clarify and ask why the walk in group ahead of me got the next table. And I mean yell. Avoid. read more

Stopped in to Bedford on the way to the Halifax airport. OMG what a great choice...Just wanted a few appetizers amongst us 3...Most delicious calamari, shrimp and scallops..wonderful spices, cooked tender and warm ..felt like a succulent delicacy..mouth watering..so good we had to try the pizza made with homemade sausage and arugula..who would have thought of that combination? Wine recommended by the bar manager is only available to that restaurant and only served to accentuate the various fusion of tastes and aroma!s...Great service, delivered punctually in a great atmosphere ..mmmm will be back again and again and...My Bedford friend...this was a most excellent recommendation read more

We had no trouble getting a table outside on the lovely patio. I ordered the mushroom ravioli and it was absolutely delicious. I would definitely order it again. The service was friendly and attentive. An overall excellent dining experience and would highly recommend. read more

No words can truly describe how incredible this experience was! The food was better than ANYTHING I have ever tasted before, hats off to the chef! The service we received was incredible, even if the food was bad (which it was far from) I would go back just for that service again! The environment was clean, cozy and relaxing. Can not wait to go back! Have already told my friends and family to go here! Risotto Croquettes....MUST TRY! Best dish we have ever had. Well done!! Thank you for the best anniversary dinner date read more

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Had the Lamb Ravioli and Chicken Parmigiana. Both were fantastic. Great spot for a date or celebration. Bedford location has lots of parking. Great service as well. read more

Consistently good whenever I come here (a few times per year). For Valentine's Day 2019, it was a bit busy but there was no wait, even for those without reservations. This visit, tried the Gnocchi alla Papalina. (prosciutto di san daniele, wild mushrooms, splash of cream, parmigiano $17) which was very good, the gnocchi itself very soft, just the right balance of flavors, good sized portion to be filling but not too much so. For dessert I tried their Carrot Cake (cream cheese icing, sugar & spice, toasted pecans $9), which was sliced in a taller, square shaped service instead of the standard triangular slice of cake. Very fresh, soft and flavorful, a bit sweet but not too bad. We got extra free bread with oil & vinegar this visit, which may have added to the enjoyment. lol I'll be back. read more

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If you lived in Halifax during the 1990s, you probably went to Il Mercato at their original Spring Garden Road location for a birthday party, work lunch, date night or some other occasion that the restaurant had a reputation for being the "it" place for. That location is long gone and they have been in the Sunnyside Mall for almost 10 years, I believe (RIP Mexicali Rosas in that space, you were doomed from the first margarita you poured there). My parents love Il Mercato and we went there for dinner with them. I like the concept of contemporary, interesting Italian food in Bedford, but for me, Il Mercato just doesn't make the cut on the big ticket items. I have had much better Italian (pizza or otherwise - see my other reviews) with better service and in a more pleasant atmosphere. So, atmosphere. I find Il Mercato to be terribly noisy in the main dining area. The heavy drapes over the windows don't do much to deaden the noise and the tables are very close together. It reminds me of a cafeteria for some reason, especially the way other diners seem to just stare at you when you walk in (it could be a Bedford thing, it's a small place). I don't give many two stars, and although there were bright spots (mussels, salad and tiramisu), overall I was disappointed. I didn't like our waiter from the get go. He didn't bring any bread to the table and forgot the lemons that my wife had asked for to go with the water. He also fancied himself a wiseguy - if I want comedy, I'll go to Yuk Yuks, thanks. We ordered mussels as an appetizer. We were in Nova Scotia and I expected reasonably fresh mussels - they were quite tasty in an Italian-style broth with tomato and herbs. The portion was a little small, however, it was only an appetizer. We were saving ourselves for the main event - pizza and caesar salad. The pizza was not very impressive - the description sounded great with roasted chicken, red pepper pesto and caramelized onions, but it failed to deliver on taste. The overwhelming taste was the unseasoned chicken and I am not entirely sure that they actually put any caramelized onions. The caesar salad, however, was very good, with loads of spicy, garlicky dressing, crunchy croutons and salty bacon. We focused our attention on the salad as the star of the show. It would have been great to just order mussels and salad for dinner! Il Mercato has always been known for their desserts and the tiramisu was the clear choice to end our meal. It delivered - moist, rich and sinfully yummy. I do hope that the next time we go to Il Mercato, we will have a more positive overall experience. If anything, we'll at least be safe ordering the mussels, caesar salad and tiramisu! read more

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Not sure why I've waited this long to review my fave Italian restaurant in town - although people will be quick to tell me that Amano, Bicycle Thief, etc. are better. My quick rebuttal is that I haven't been there - but soon. Either way, I've been to Il Mercato about half a dozen times (this one and the downtown one). Not a single time - not even once - have they disappointed me. Ever.Single.Time it was an awesome experience. And I'm not one to get the same thing over and over - I've had a couple of their pasta dishes (the garlic spaghettini is to die for if you love garlic, it actually might kill you for the amount it has in it), tried their pizza, their sandwiches, their soups, etc. They nailed all of them. All of them! In my last visit, I had the Lobster Fettuccine. You should see the size of these lobster chunks! I took a pic that I'll upload. Big lobster pieces with lots of taste! BAM! One thing that I'm always cautious about with Italian food is sauces - sometimes I'll get this very tomato-ey (you know what I mean) sauce, that just doesn't taste good. It's so overpowering that you don't taste anything else. Not this sauce baby. It was like half tomato half creamy sauce - it was divine. Either way, awesome lunch and one of my fave places to eat....until I try Bicycle Thief & Amano. :D read more

Il Mercato - Look at that huge lobster! - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

First of All I'd like to thank Shannon H for reviewing this place, without it I would of never guessed it existed I went to this place not knowing where exactly it was [it's literally located in Sunnyside Mall , you can go past Freak Lunchbox outside and see the sign and go up the stairs] This place can get busy pending on the day of the week/special days of the year but it's the one of the PERFECT romance places to take your special someone. It's very classy looking inside. The people who serve you are always nice and chatty and when waiting for your order, you get a basket with slices of their homemade Fachia Bread thats made fresh daily [has olive oil, rosemary and coarse sea salt and can be served with butter or special dipping oil.] I personally LOVE the spaghettini with slow simmered Bolognese sauce with grated cheese without pepper and I ALWAYS get piece of their high classed desserts. This place is going into my book of restaurants I look forward to coming back read more

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I live in Ottawa but come to Halifax often and never miss the opportunity to go to II Mercator! It never disappoints! Today I had a ravioli stuffed with Lobster and ricotta. It was loaded with lobster and the sauce was fantastic. The atmosphere and decor were also lovely. read more

As the second location of one of the city's most popular Italian restaurants, Il Mercato manages to deliver even from the second floor of a Bedford shopping mall. The food, service, and atmosphere is completely consistent - at times even better, offering quieter ambience with some tremendously nice design touches. A must-have on the list of lunch destinations for Bedford-area professionals and residents, you can get delicious food in no time here, leaving no excuse to slum it at some of the other less desirable options. Meanwhile, the evening shift is just as lovely with the massive windows trade natural light for a somewhat charming view of the streetlights and cars going by. If you like the downtown location, this one will be just as nice, maybe just with a shorter wait time! read more

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It's definitely not about customer service at Il Mercato. when we arrived for our 7:45 pm reservation we were told we didn't have a reservation. However the young man posing as a greeter did recall standing next to Marco, the manager, when he told us on the phone there would be a table at 7:45. These things happen.....we all know, but how they are handled is the measure of a restaurant's capability and focus/care about their guest's experience. The greeter instructed us to go to the bar and a table would be available in about 45 minutes. After we asked to speak to Marco, the manager, the young man told us he was unavailable and then started enunciating LOUDLY, and repeatedly, that we could either go to the bar or leave. I cannot recall ever being yelled at by a restaurant greeter anywhere in the world. Big service/training issues at Il Mercato. We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Bicycle Thief that night. Many other great options for dinner in Halifax. Don't waste that opportunity here. read more

Perfect place for any occasion or pure enjoyment of great food! Friendly warm pleasing

This is a busy and sometimes noisy spot in a great location with oodles of free parking. The staff are young and very attentive. Many have graduated from university and taken other jobs but love it there so much they can't leave. The bar staff are kept busy as this is a place for cocktails and good wines. There were six of us and nary a complaint. My caesar salad was excellent as was my penne roasted chicken. I could eat these dishes everyday. read more

Il Mercato always satisfies our craving for authentic Italian food! The prices are a little high, so we only come here on special occasions, but it's worth every penny! A few of the appetizers we've enjoyed are the scallops with a turmeric cream sauce, the calamari, and the risotto balls which are perfectly crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside . My favorite main is the hand made ravioli stuffed with chicken and mushrooms smothered in a rich sauce. My husband enjoys the chicken parmesan that comes with fresh pasta tossed in a light Alfredo sauce. Their wine selection is good too! We usually have their Chianti or Valpolicella (both reds). If you have room for dessert I recommend the creme brulee made with fresh vanilla from the bean. The Amaretto cheesecake is also delicious. Their newly renovated dining area is beautiful. The decor finally matches the perfection of their food! read more

Food and service was great! We went out to celebrate our anniversary and had such a nice dinner.