Its a destination, if you are up for quality italian food with a ton of flavour. My son has been here many times, he says "I love it". Well I have to agree - the calamari was perfected fritzed for a small crunch. And the seafood Tagliatelle was wow - homemade fresh pasta and fresh scallops/shrimps that delivered so many wonderful flavours - enough so that I asked for a slice of fresh italian bread to sap up any remaining sauce. Why have I waited so long to check out this awesome italian resto. Winner ! read more

Outstanding food, preparation and service. Chef Terry & Simone always deliver an outstanding meal and experience.

I rarely leave five-star reviews for anything but I am happy to do so here. It was a pleasure to have a meal that was both delicious and interesting. The chef understands what a restaurant meal should be, and the owners and staff know what makes for a great casual-fine-dining experience. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g154976-d11862428-r938393096-Mappatura_Bistro-Halifax_Halifax_Regional_Municipality_Nova_Scotia.html# read more

Love this place! We have food allergies in our family and they took so much care and paid attention. Great vibe and awesome service. Definitely one of our go-to spots in Halifax. read more

Mappatura Bistro - Gnocchi (vegetarian) - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

One of those meals you don't stop to take pictures of because it's down the hatch so fast. Garlic bread, dripping with butter, so delicious. Excellent to soak up the amazing sauce of the bolognese dish. Finish it off with lemon tart and tiramisu (trust me you want both) for the perfect meal! read more

Food, service and ambiance was all wonderful! The restaurant is small but the decor is really welcoming. best of all it's not loud like the other italian restaurants in Halifax. The cocktail was delicious. read more

Waited patiently for this place to open for the last few weeks, and finally got to try it for lunch on a cool, sunny Wednesday in late November. (they opened the prior Thursday). Walked in at noon and we were greeted warmly and immediately, being offered our choice of any of the two-seater tables by the window. The restaurant itself is solarium-style, not overly big, but glass all around for lots of natural lighting. There is a snake-shaped large table in the center that would seat a group of 18, and I counted seating for 34 more in the regular tables around the perimeter. Nice, clean, modern, minimalistic decor. Table service was very friendly as well. They offer free bread with whipped butter, and the bread seems to be a cornmeal or polenta, but was warm out of the oven and delicious. My friend and I both tried the lunch special for $16 (soup and 1/2 order of pasta), which was a perfect portion. Their soup de jour was a tomato basil and was just right for the chilly day outside. Lots of flavor and very creamy. I had the Aglio e Olio sauce on my spaghetti, with a touch of pomodoro in it to give a spicy tomato kick. He tried the beef/pork bolognese sauce and quotes it as 'redolent of fresh tomatoes and a touch of wine. Full flavored and moderately seasoned (could use a touch more salt OR more parmesan which would have upped the saltiness. He requested a rigatoni pasta in lieu of the spaghetti, which was cooked perfectly al dente.' Both satisfied, we still chose to squeeze in dessert. I had the creme brulee (dark chocolate itself with a large hard piece of biscotti, garnished with a kumquat ($10). It was delicious but I couldn't finish it. He had the Profiteroles (double vanilla bean gelato, warm mole sauce $10) which he said was very good. Two puffs for the serving. 2nd visit: a sunny Thursday for lunch in February. The place was a bit busier this day so we had to sit at the large group table, which was fine. Very friendly service again and the server commented that she remembered us from the first visit! LOL My friend ordered almost the exact same dish as last time, whereas I tried the 'Lentils' (Lentils Caponata, toasted seeds, goat cheese, kale and Tunisian spice $14). Wasn't sure what to expect, but it was decent, thrown together like a salad, and just hit the spot for satisfying my hunger without leaving me full going back to work for the afternoon. Came for brunch one overcast Saturday in Jan 2018 and there was only one other table taken when I arrived. Friendly, quick service. Tried the Eggs Benedict (choice of peameal bacon or cold smoked salmon, croissant, preserved lemon hollandaise, Italian home fries or green goddess salad $15") with the greens. It was very good and very filling, although I generally don't prefer my Benny on a croissant. Nice for a change. Most recent visit: July 2019 for lunch on a hot Tues. Place not busy. I got the Lasagne (homemade pasta, bolognese, herbed ricotta, provolone, green goddess salad $17) which was very flavorful, fresh and filling. My friend had the Panino al Pollo (crispy fried chicken, provolone, tomato, bacon, salsa verde aioli, milk bun, frites or goddess salad $17) which comes burger style vs panini style. Also very flavorful, a bit greasy/messy to eat and he had to use a fork & knife at the end, but satisfying. The side of potato isn't a lot, but just right to hit the spot. We shared for dessert the Lemon Tart (lemon curd, berry cream, meringue $10) which was great as well, served with fresh berries, the merinque was thick but light like marshmallow fluff almost. Staff very attentive, topping up our waters constantly. Look forward to coming here some evening eventually. read more

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It doesn't get much better than this in Halifax. If you're a pretentious food snob like me. Go here. That's it. There's not a whole lot more to say. It's up there with Brooklyn Warehouse. A true dining experience. These people are wayyy ahead of the game compared to the rest of Halifax. *please note: share an order of the calamari* read more

This was a terrible experience. I have to say that I typically get oysters every single time I go out to eat but this was my worst experience ever ordering them. They came out on a PLATE on rock salt and were warm. The server was an older woman who seemed to be lackadaisical in her service, never asked how our food was, was not pleasant or made us feel welcomed. The pasta tasted bland and overcooked and our drinks took quite some time to arrive to the table. I do not think that they take their service or food seriously and given the price, I am shocked that this was the case. read more

Easily best italian restaurant in town if not the best restaurant period. Great for dates, family or work occasions. Something for everyone (vegetarian, vegan, etc). Simple affordable italian pasta bliss as well as more decadent entrées. Highly recommend their take on a ceasar salad, very fresh and delicious. Aglio e olio is a great simple italian classic and you can get a $12 half portion which is enough for a meal with a salad. The (female) co-owner Simone is a consummate host and can offer some excellent recommendations. Always happy to see her. Lunch and dinner menus are different. Insanely good brunch on the weekend. Really I can't say enough good things about this place. (Just outside the downtown core so parking is easier than most restaurants in its class). Don't miss out of this perfected dining experience. read more

Last night my wife and I went to Mappatura and had one of the best restaurant experiences either of us have ever had! When we arrived we were greeted by co-owner Simone... We enjoyed a featured cocktail and promptly received our appetizers. I have never tasted calamari like this before...unbelievable! My wife's romaine and cabbage Cesare salad was equally fantastic...a phenomenal anchovy vinaigrette. My Bistecca (New York striploin steak) was prepared exactly as I requested and my wife's Pollo (marinated game hen) was also delicious. I had an opportunity to speak to Chef Terry (husband of Simone). I complimented his side dishes of the two main dishes to which he modestly said they are are as important as the feature on the plate...in our case steak and hen. It was easy to tell that he purchases his produce twice a week from the local markets...they were very fresh tasting and colorful. Both our meals were rounded out beautifully with a bottle of Spanish red that our server expertly recommended. Thank you Simone and Terry for making my birthday that much more enjoyable. read more

We were just in the area and stumbled across this quaint and delicious Italian restaurant! We had the spaghetti bolognese and the salmon. We were delighted surprised with how fresh and delicious it was! Service was great as well. Would definitely recommend! read more

Mappatura Bistro - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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For the second year in a row I visited Mappatura on my birthday and two years in a row I was completely impressed with my meal. My Bistecca and Spicy Calamari were delicious - both were tender and paired well with the chosen wine. My wife had the Fazzoletti and it was fantastic as well. The service was attentive not patronizing and worked hard to help us find the right wine. Thanks to Terry and his staff making my birthday supper so memorable. read more

I love this place. The menu is fantastic with diverse options. Great coffee, lattes, brunch menu. Best spaghetti bolognese I've ever had, been a week and I'm still thinking about that sauce. Please people, go there and eat this dish! Servers are all friendly, knowledgeable and generally make you feel like you are in the right place at the right time. Bright atmosphere, only downfall is it gets quite loud when the place is full. Great food quality from the salads, to pasta, to brunch! Also, the steak... you will write home to your mom! read more

It is like you are transported to a little bistro in Italy if only for an hour. For Most of us this will be our only trip so why not go. The food so good I know I will have to keep going back to try it all As a foodie I watch whatever anyone else in the restaurant is eating and will ask! A trait my husband is not partial to It is an addiction and I am not to proud to say I have been kicked out of a kitchen or two by the chef but I digress The Caprese Salad amazing you smell the basil and vinaigrette is awesome ! The haddock was unbelievable the combination of tastes and textures I honestly never had before at least not together I have had great fish especially in the Maritimes but it was infused with Italian flavours and tastes wow! Really worth a visit or8 read more

Mappatura Bistro - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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I can't say enough about Mappatura! In the span of a month I've been for brunch, lunch and dinner multiple times. Uncharacteristically, I've tried new things on the menu each visit and have yet to be disappointed with any offering. The calamari, carbonara, eggs Benedict, salads and specials are all extremely delicious, original and well portioned. The size and sparkling atmosphere of this exquisite restaurant joined with superb service will draw me back again and again. Make a reservation and go! read more

It was a dark and stormy night... but I digress. Actually it WAS a miserable rainy night, and my friend and I arrived before the place was due to open. The staff rushed to let us in out of the wet weather and got us comfortably seated. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, and excellent at her job. She was attentive without ever being intrusive. We each ordered a half Caesar salad. My friend had the chicken dish with Gorgonzola in the sauce., and loved it. I had the tagliatelle with scallops and shrimp in a vodka sauce. Oh, my! Delicately cooked pasta provided a bed for just-as-delicately-cooked seafood. The shrimp were tender, and the scallops were so silky in texture.Best seafood pasta dish I have ever had in my life. I'm told the lemon tart is to die for, but that will have to wait until next time. Full marks to Mappatura Bistro for their kind hospitality, excellent service, and superb cuisine. read more

This place is nommy. As someone who is always on the lookout for Italian, I was super excited to try Mappatura. It did not disappoint. Tiny resto with a long, curved communal table in the middle of the room. Smaller tables and banquettes along the walls. It's simply and tastefully decorated with mostly greys. The menu is small and simple. The one drawback is there are no meat-free mains, so I did have to ask for a rigatoni dish to be made without the meat. Fortunately staff were very accommodating and my pasta was absolutely delicious. Others in my party had the scallops and a salmon and lobster dish of the day. Desserts were tiramisu, chocolate creme brule(!) and lemon tart with pavlova. The pavlova was rock-hard and nearly impossible to break through, but everything else was excellent. Service was impeccable and prices are reasonable. I can't wait to return. read more

Excellent north Italian restaurant. Small, so make a reservation. The glass atrium-style roof makes for a light, al fresco feel. Delicious and generous dishes, from starter to main to dessert. The sauces are thick and flavourful. And our service was excellent, very friendly and attentive and helpful. My only disappointment was that their fish special, which sounded great, was already sold out by 7:30pm on a Friday night. read more

Oh what a nice discovery!!! Loved the atmosphere, the simplicity of the decor, the exquisite food but mainly, the friendly staff and the attention they give to their customers. Superbe place. read more

We went here for an early Friday evening supper on our way to a concert. Booking the same day, the only space available was at the "communal" table, a long S-shaped table in the centre of the dining room. First comments re the service - it is impeccable. Attentive and knowledgeable yet so warm and friendly. I love a place that diligently fills water glasses. We had cocktails = the rum spezia was a hit, the bourbon-based one not so much. Red cabbage salad got full marks, as did the seafood soup (tomato based). I had the "roots" salad, which for me lacked a little "something" to give it more flavour. Mains were squash ravioli (yum! How can you go wrong with a Gorgonzola cream sauce?), spaghetti and meatballs (good if a little salty) and taglioni (same). I would have liked a bigger selection of wines by the glass; having said that, the Cabernet that the server suggested was just fine. We all agreed that we would like to come back and try other things on the menu. As others have noted, the restaurant became quite loud as it filled up. However, the atmosphere in general is quite cozy and despite the ambient noise, my two companions and I were able to hear each other well enough and have a good conversation over dinner. Perhaps it was because we were seated in a triangle across the communal table, which may be narrower than other tables? I would not hesitate to be seated at that table again. The other attraction to me is the restaurant's location...away from downtown, so easier parking and less traffic, and closer to some venues like the Rebecca Cohn. It is a great place for a working lunch during the week (very bright because of so many windows - like a solarium) and I look forward to visiting for brunch. read more

Mappatura is my favourite place to eat in Halifax! Their pasta is incredible, but you wouldn't go wrong ordering anything on the menu. The unique and flavourful touches added to the meals make Mappatura better than the more expensive Italian restaurants in town, with the added benefit of friendly, knowledgable staff and an intimate setting. It really feels like you're visiting friends when you go there, friends that are incredible chefs and wine-pairing experts. Stepping into Mappatura can be transportive. The warm scent of garlic, soft melodies, and checkered floor really do make you feel like you've found a secret door to Italy. Make a reservation for large parties and weekends because the space is small, and don't worry if you're seated at the long communal table- you'll have just as wonderful an experience! (Also, I am a vegetarian and eat there very happily. My bf, who is not vegetarian, loves it as well.) read more

Delicious and artfully prepared. Quality and creative menu. Had the NY strip entree which had a lovely fig & balsamic butter. The service was swift, accommodating and impeccable. read more

The service alone gets full marks for Mapptura. We were so pleased to have our lovely server ask if she needed the kitchen to be aware of any theatre plans, and then her food recommendations were spot on. Add delicious food and you have a winning combination. We will be back. read more

A very warm experience. Four of us with widely different tastes ate there the other night and the small but wide ranging menu was able to satisfy us all. Some of the items were toasted as best in class including the calamari and the spicy fish stew with risotto. The service was friendly but unobtrusive. We were made to feel very welcome. The price was fair and we were able to linger without being rushed. It was a cold night outside but the inside was cozy warm despite the fact that the bistro is in fact like an atrium with glass walls. We will be back! read more

Great service. Fresh local ingredients. I had the fresh white fish caught that morning in Sambro. Amazing!