ving the Best for Last at Bicycle Thief We saved Bicycle Thief for last, and it ended up being one of the best meals of our Halifax trip. We started with the flash-fried calamari, a great opener served with their sun-dried tomato pesto aioli. But little did I know the standout lobster dish of the trip was hiding in the appetizer section. Their lobster and corn chowder was incredible. Seriously, so, so good. Potatoes, Vidalia onions, and double-smoked bacon added great contrast to the sweet lobster. And you know it's good when you can see that beautiful red lobster oil floating on top. It really showed that they used the lobster shells and all those flavour-packed bits to build the stock. Absolutely delicious. Next came the spaghettini ai frutti di mare, loaded with huge jumbo shrimp, fresh scallops, and mussels in a sun-dried tomato pesto. The seafood was fresh and plentiful. The linguini all'aragosta did not disappoint either. San Marzano tomatoes, cream, and Parmigiano made for a rich and decadent sauce that worked beautifully with the lobster. We also had the crab ravioli, followed by yet another lobster dish, the lobster Thermidor. This was seriously indulgent, with wild mushrooms, Gruyère, and house-made black truffle spaghettini. Rich, savoury, and packed with flavour. After all that decadence, we needed something bright to finish. The crostata al bergamotto was perfect, with a vibrant bergamot citrus curd that cut through the richness and refreshed the palate. Great seafood, incredible pasta, creative flavours, and excellent execution. We definitely saved one of the best for last. read more

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Another joint highly praised online, so I dropped by for a late lunch. Ordered the lobster roll and crab ravioli. Lobster roll was fine, nothing to write home about but wouldn't order or recommend. However their crab ravioli was phenomenal, the lemon and cream sauce work perfectly. It was heavy from the cream but the citrus helped made it lighter. Service was friendly and they had patio and indoor seating. read more

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While vacationing in Halifax, we made a point of visiting Bicycle Thief after hearing countless recommendations from friends. The restaurant is hard to miss, with several bright red bicycles decorating the entrance--a charming nod to its name and a great photo opportunity. We stopped by around 3 p.m. without a reservation and were pleasantly surprised to snag a table for two despite the restaurant being quite busy. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm, cozy, and inviting. The service was equally impressive--professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling my best that day, so I kept my order simple with a hot tea and the Beef Carpaccio. Our server immediately noticed I was under the weather and thoughtfully made sure I always had a fresh supply of hot water for my tea. It was such a small gesture, but it made a big difference and spoke volumes about the level of hospitality. The Beef Carpaccio was absolute perfection. Made with AAA beef tenderloin, it was delicate, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. I only wish I had been feeling better so I could have explored more of the menu. My boyfriend ordered the Linguine all'Aragosta, featuring local lobster, tomato, garlic, vino bianco, cream, and parmigiano. I managed to steal two bites, and it was heavenly--rich, fresh, and packed with flavor. The lobster was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was indulgent without being heavy. Lastly, we ordered the creme brulee and it was perfection! Creamy with the perfect brulee sugar top crack and not too sweet. It's easy to see why Bicycle Thief has become such a Halifax institution and why it's reportedly one of Sidney Crosby's favorite local restaurants. Between the exceptional food, attentive service, and inviting ambiance, it absolutely lived up to the hype. We can't wait to return on a future visit--and hopefully next time I'll be healthy enough to enjoy even more of the menu. read more

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Returned here after several years. Is as great as remember it. Do not hesitate, this is a true gem with excellent service and very good food read more

The Bicycle Thief - Scallops. Insalata Estiva - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Food and service here were amazing. Perfectly cooked lobster in both the pasta and the soup. We ended with a perfect pistachio cheesecake for my partner's birthday. Location is right near the water and shopping. read more

The Bicycle Thief - Lobster and corn chowder - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

11/10. This is the best place in Halifax we went back before we left. The first nite we had to wait an hour but it was worth it. Nothing beats handmade fresh pasta. Makes the meal top notch. So fresh. So different. Cannot beat fresh made pasta. Always bring the food quality to top quality. This place is so busy. All day. All nite. So definitely make reservations well in advance. The pictures speak for themselves. read more

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What a fabulous find, located right on the harbourfront downtown Halifax. The Bicycle Thief is a large establishment with about 200 tables settings inside & 150 settings outside. We didn't eat here, just sat at the bar and had some drinks along with a Cheese plate. I wish we had eaten here, the menu looked very good. They have a huge staff and they all seemed super busy. The bar man was excellent at his job, had obviously been mixing drinks a very long time. Don't miss this very cool spot. I was concerned it would be a touristy vibe but not at all. Lovely. read more

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You owe it to yourself and others to make this a meal stop in Halifax! Edna's and Bicycle Thief are Top Shelf places to eat! Our waitress Kate along with the Manager were great! We had a party of 8 and the apps/meal/desserts were fantastic! No one in our party left hungry or dissatisfied with the overall quality of food and the price we paid! Right on the waterfront it makes a great stop after a tour of the Citadel and the firing of the cannon at noon! You will certainly be glad you made this a destination to eat at! read more

Crowded waterfront restaurant. We waited about an hour as walk-ins. Service was friendly. Grilled octopus was chewy and dry. Risotto and ravioli was ok. read more

What a great spot on the boardwalk in Halifax. Fantastic food, phenomenal service and a nice vibe. read more

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On a cruise stop in Halifax, we were drawn to this restaurant by their fabulous sounding menu and boy were we glad. Our lunch experience was exceptional. The ambiance is warm and inviting, our Server was terrific. And oh my, the food couldn't have been better. From the complimentary focaccia to our mains, wow good! I had the Crab-stuffed Ravioli with Shrimp in a Limoncello cream sauce and Husband had the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. We agreed it was some of the best cooked shrimp we've ever had. And the pastas were outstanding. Highly recommend! read more

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We had a marvelous time at The Bicycle Thief. They were very accommodating with our seating preference. Emily, our server was exceptional. She was knowledgeable with suggestions, warm and friendly. The food and drinks were excellent. The oysters fresh, sweet and slightly briny. Scallops plump and flavorful, Lobster thermidor beautifully done. Brown butter brandy gelati smooth and definitely a great choice to end our meal. Aperol spritz, a crisp clean Canadian Reisling from the Niagara region, and a Tia Maria coffee were the perfect beverages. Thanks to all the wonderful staff. Certainly will not be our last visit. Cheers. read more

Absolutely delish. This is my second time checking out The Bicycle Thief in Halifax. This time I had Linguine al' Aragosta & Sangiovese wine which was so good! For dessert, I tried the Butterscotch Caramel Cake and had enough to finish after the Sarah McLachlan concert. My server was delightful and helpful in selecting my meal. The restaurant is classy, with decor that is welcoming and cozy. I plan to eat here each time I am back in Halifax. read more

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Everything went well. Amazing food and super friendly staff! We will come back for sure!

A Halifax Classic That Lives Up to the Hype! The Bicycle Thief is one of those iconic spots that every local recommends--and now we totally understand why! As Italian food lovers, this place absolutely did not disappoint. It's clearly beloved too, because the place was buzzing and packed the whole time we were there. Even the complimentary bread was next-level. I ordered the Gnocchi all'Amatriciana, and while it gave me some wicked heartburn later (worth it!), it was honestly one of the best gnocchi dishes I've ever had--you can tell it's house made, and the sauce was rich and flavourful. My only (tiny) note would be wanting a bit more guanciale. My wife had the Linguini all'Agosta and enjoyed it, though a couple lobster pieces had a texture that threw her off a little. Still, she happily cleaned her plate. We also really loved the drinks--my Rhuby Margarita was delicious and refreshing, and my wife's Gold Mine cocktail was a hit, especially with that ginger beer kick. Overall, this spot is well worth the hype--great atmosphere, amazing food, and a must-visit for anyone craving a special Italian meal in Halifax. read more

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Bicycle Thief is a must try spot on the Halifax waterfront. The inside has this dark, moody vibe, and the food was just as good as everyone says. Mussels - Briny, plump, and perfectly cooked, these were a fantastic start to the meal. Linguine all'Aragosta - lobster, tomato sauce, and parm on pasta. Simple but so good, I'd definitely order it again. Beef short rib - The real highlight of the evening. Juicy, tender, and a huge portion--you could easily share it between two or three people. Overall, a great meal. I get why this place is so popular. One star off because it was so dark inside I needed to bring out my phone flashlight to read the menu. read more

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Halifax is about the lobster so we ate lobster pasta and lobster roll. The server we had was amazing and was super cool- Matty, guy from Toronto. He says Ter- ron- tah! They totally cater to food allergies (Husband has Gluten Allergy) so our meal was gluten free and tasted hella good. The pasta was so good that it didn't taste like it was gluten free. Most Gluten free pasta tastes gritty and theirs was not. In fact I thought the pasta was not gluten free but it was. Restaurant is clean and casual. Table setting has white tablecloth. At night it seems appropriate to be business casual. There are quite a bit of locals who eats here We will be bacg read more

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In the heart of downtown Halifax, checked out the Bicycle Thief, and it was a fun experience. It serves authentic and creative Italian food, with seafood options as well. It has classic decor with a huge patio surrounding the restaurant for outdoor seating viewing the Halifax Harbourfront Their menu made up of three "gears" - 1st gear, second gear, and high gear, the appetizers, pastas and the main courses. Had the opportunity to order: 1) Linguine all'Aragosta - Local Lobster, San Marzano tomato, garlic, vino bianco, cream, parmigiano 2) Fresh Atlantic Halibut, Snow Crab, Vermouth beurre blanc, braised cipollini onions, herbed fregola, grilled asparagus Really enjoyed the Linguine all'Aragosta. Truly fresh local lobster was used and a super creamy white wine sauce served on top of the pasta. It also comes complimentary bread served with lobster butter. Despite a busy night, the servers remained very attentive and was able to serve us and provide the dishes within a reasonable time. Its considered on the more pricier end (pastas $30 to 40, mains $40 up), but the restuarant truly has great views and uses fresh ingredients. Note: there is limited outdoor parking that isn't free and based on fixed rates. read more

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10/10! Everything perfect. Lobster roll has just a hint of chili lime in the mayo. Excellent crispy fries. Salad with delicious vinegarette. Nice spring greens and a little shaved carrot and pickled onions. Chocolate 12 layer cake was to die for. Beautiful ambiance inside and cute outdoor tables. Manon, our waitress, was so sweet and attentive. Fantastic. read more

The Bicycle Thief - 12 layer chocolate cake. - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Too LOUD! Between the blasting music, the dragging of the chairs over the floor, and the crashing dishes it was just too loud to be enjoyable, even hard to have a conversation. We asked for a quiet place for lunch and they put us in the bar. The lobster chowder was outstanding, loaded with corn, carrots, potato, chunks of bacon and big pieces of lobster . The grilled shrimp in bourbon sauce was very fresh and tasty. The focaccia bread with hummus was an interesting combination, the hummus was very nice, but the bread was doughy. Service was excellent. This can be recommended for a fine dining experience, providing you sit where you don't have to listen to all the noise. read more

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Servers were amazing very friendly and helpful, great ambience, beautiful view of the harbour and pier, very lovely move patio Food was outstanding, would definitely go back again read more

One of Halifax's most iconic restaurants On our recent trip to Halifax, we had dinner at The Bicycle Thief and everything lived up to the hype. From the fresh crab ravioli to the 12-layer chocolate cake (yes, 12 layers), every bite was incredible. We ordered the Insalata Estiva (a must try, unlike any salad I've ever had), fresh crab ravioli, Linguine Fra Diavolo, and their famous 12-layer Torta al Cioccolato Highly recommend booking ahead and grabbing a patio seat for the best view in the city. Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 (we had reservation for inside but since we arrived earlier we asked if it would be possible to sit outside and they accommodated us. The inside felt a bit stuffy and the patio had a nice view of the waterfront.) read more

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Lovely spot for brunch. Always a delightful spot with a good atmosphere view and service.

So disappointed. We were there Sat for my niece and her wife's first anniversary and wanted to treat them. I've been to Bicycle Thief a few times and always had a good experience. Not this time. WE WERE SEATED AND WAITED ABOUT 10 minutes before the waiter came over. He was not friendly or welcoming at all. I had put the anniversary on the reservation but was never referred to. We ordered our drinks and appetizers and waited another 20 minutes. The appetizers actually arrived before the drinks. I had to inform the waiter that we still had not received them, and no apology at all. He seemed more annoyed that he had to check on them. The food was ok. My nieces rigatoni dish was quite lukewarm, and my husbands salmon was nothing specia, which considering the price was concerning. We then ordered coffees after and my latte was stone cold. i had to send it back, again no apology. When waiter brought the bill, all of a sudden he was smiling chatty, I guess he was worried about his tip. We paid around $400 for a table of four and it was the WORSE service ever. I was so emharassed and disappointed as my niece and wife are from Ont and this is their first time in Halifax. I will not be back and will be sure to let everyone I talk to here know about this restaurant. It seems they are sliding by on their reputation and that is a shame for the cost of their food. read more

Super nice decor. Very good lobster roll. Interesting cocktail menu. Excellent service. Recommend. read more

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Popular place in Halifax. Hard to get table for walk-ins. Calamari was soggy. Crab ravioli was small portion. Rigatoni gamberi was kind of sweet. Spaghetti frutti di mar was ok. Water and spritz were pricey. Need more beer selection. Waitress was professional but not welcoming. A bit noisy indoor and hard to have quiet conversations. read more

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Was in town for a few hours on a cruise stop and made sure to make reservations to try the gluten-free experience at the Bicycle Thief. This was about a 10 minute walk from the cruise pier, I arrived a little early for my reservation, so I got immediate seating at the bar (I was hungry, so happy to accept!). Bartender was extremely knowledgeable about gluten-free options and also made recommendations for diners around me. I decided on the tuna tartare and the lobster linguine and both were soooooo good. There were huge chunks of lobster claw meat in this pasta and I sifted through to make sure I got it all, delicious! My wine was great, it was an intimate setting due to the lighting, and warm colors for decor. Enjoyed my experience, and will be back to try the lobster roll! read more

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Everyone we spoke to about Halifax mentioned this place. It's clearly a local favorite--almost a point of pride. So we came in with high expectations. It's a beautiful restaurant with a great patio and truly excellent service. The vibe is polished, and you can tell the team knows how to run a smooth operation. But... the food didn't wow me. I had the lobster roll, and while it was fine, we'd had better elsewhere during our trip. Given all the hype, I left a bit underwhelmed. One thing I noticed--the same group seems to own several spots along the waterfront. They're well-run, no doubt, but they lean heavily into the safe, Western fare that suits the tourist crowd. Nothing wrong with that, but if you're looking for something bold or unexpected, this might not be the place. Still, for the views and service alone, it's worth a visit. Just go in with your expectations in check. read more

The Bicycle Thief - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Really great Italian meal. We all enjoyed our pasta and oyster appetizers. It was a bit noisy inside but otherwise a truly enjoyable meal

More than good food. I went here for the name and location. After a day at work, went here for late lunch early dinner. I sat outside near the water and watched the people and boats go by. I started with the mussels which were good. The plate was enough for two, even three or four to share. For dinner I had the shrimp fra diavolo. This was a home run. The flavor was very good. Many times the spice is lacking but at bicycle thief it was just right. Not overpowering but you know it's there. Where bicycle thief excels is the service and friendliness of the waitstaff. They seemed to really enjoy working together and with the customers. They were attentive but not overbearing. I highly recommend going to the bicycle thief when in Halifax. read more

The Bicycle Thief - Shrimp Fra Diavolo - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Another stellar meal. Saw this restaurant mentioned a couple of times to try when we were in Halifax. I can highly recommended! Located along the waterfront in a great collection of restaurants and shops, have a stroll before or after. But the restaurant was gorgeous inside, service was excellent, and the food was outstanding. I had the chicken Milanese which was sooo good, my companions had the short ribs and ravioli and all of us were raving about the flavor. Oh and we split the butterscotch cake for desert. I'm not a huge desert person, actually was comfortably full. But, I am so glad we split this! Moist, flavorful and decadent. Again, highly recommended! read more

Review is based on dinner and lunch two days later. This place has a good vibe. A little noisy but good energy in my opinion. Server greeted us right of way. Ordered my usual bourbon Manhattan and was told they don't have any Bourbon. What??? Tariffs evidently all bourbon is American. So switched to Crown Royal (which is Canadian). Ok I found out later the pour of alcohol is consistent in the country. That explains the three Manhattans lol. Appetizer of scallops was tasty. My wife had the mussels appetizer and said they were the best she has had. I got the cioppino and my wife got the lobster ravioli. She loved the ravioli and I loved the cioppino. Full of fresh seafood including mussels, shrimp, crab and small lobster tail, and fish including halibut and salmon. The sauce was excellent and a nice piece of toasted buttery bread to dunk in it. Dessert was butterscotch / caramel cake which was outstanding. Highly suggest saving room for this. Service by Ethiopia was great. Dinner was a 5! Returned for lunch and my wife had a lobster roll which I wasn't blown away by. I ordered fish cakes which I didn't care for the taste. Service by Matty was very good but our food choices weren't on par with dinner. Lunch was a 4 read more

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We LOVED The Bicycle Thief! We sat outside by the water which was so nice. Our waitress was so friendly and made good recommendations. We absolutely loved the scallops and fried calamari apps. The fall of the bone short rib was phenomenal and someone at the table must order it!! It's a huge portion so everyone got a bite. The crab ravioli was awesome and the burger and salmon entrees were also very good! Highly recommend!!! read more

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We recently tried The Bicycle Thief and had a mixed experience. The calamari came with a blended-style batter that wasn't particularly memorable, but the aïoli alongside it was really delicious. We also ordered a steak sandwich, and when it was served, the server oddly commented that "it's nothing special," which felt like something we should have been told before ordering. The sandwich itself was just okay, though the gravy was excellent and stood out as the best part of the dish. The fries were crisp but otherwise unremarkable. On the brighter side, the homemade focaccia was soft and fresh, and the roasted red pepper hummus was quite good. Service was super friendly but SUPER slow. Like really slow. Don't stop here if you're in a rush. The ambiance in here is amazing though. Five stars for vibe. Since this restaurant is known for its pasta and we didn't try any, I can't speak to their specialty, but based on our overall experience I would give it three stars. read more

What a lovely restaurant with wonderful ambiance! Our waiter was attentive and had a great personality. All his recommendations for the food were spot on and everything was great! The oysters were so fresh and delicious with the freshly grated horseradish! I would highly recommend this restaurant but make reservations because they are always super busy! read more

The Bicycle Thief - Oysters and tuna tartar. - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

What an awesome dining experience! Upscale without being pretentious. From the warm greeting by the hostess, to the exceptional service from Paige. I heard her twice ask the kitchen for a 'special' for a diner. The mussels are sublime. So tender, with a deep rich broth. Paige brought a little extra focaccia to further enjoy the broth. The lobster roll was so fresh! Nice soft bun, and a great light salad accompaniment. The single scoop of sorbetto was more like a double...such a nice refreshing end to the meal. Plus...there's the view, which even on a misty, overcast day was beautiful. And fun to watch the people stroll by on the wharf! read more

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4.5/5 overall, for food, service, and ambiance. Hip popular restaurant, a little pricier than others. Interesting cocktails. Very dark restaurant read more

The Bicycle Thief - Cioppino - Italian Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Hostess was welcoming and accommodating. Service undewhelming. Noone ever asked how the food was including the person who took our cards when paying bill. The raviolis were sparce for price Food was served lukewarm and truffle spaghetti was a lump where the whole serving was able to be lifted with fork. Lobster thermidor passs on served dried and cheese and mushrooms Drinks were the best had buttered whisky new to me. read more

We visited here while it was raining. We were visiting Halifax with a dog. They were more than accommodating. They cleaned up a wet spot on the patio for us. We had lobster roll which was great, seafood chowder and fish cakes which were both very good! Would definitely recommend this place! Very friendly and accommodating staff! read more

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TL;DR/The Short Version: Excellent food at this charming Bistro down by the waterfront. The Long Version: At the time of the writing of this review, The Bicycle Thief has over 800 reviews on Yelp, so it certainly does not need my positive review, lol. This restaurant is incredibly popular. My husband and I went here for lunch. I had the Lobster Roll ($29) which comes with fries and a salad. He got the Crab Ravioli with poached shrimps ($30). My lobster roll was fantastic. It was a bit smaller in size than other lobster rolls I've had in Halifax, but it was filled with lobster and was delicious. The fries were shoestring fries, which are my favourite type. They were crispy and I loved them. They were sprinkled with both salt and pepper. The salad was a mixed greens salad and allowed me to feel somewhat healthy about my meal, haha. I asked for the dressing on the side and it arrived as requested. The dressing was a sweet vinaigrette which I enjoyed. I would definitely get this again. Surprisingly it's only on their lunch menu and is not available at dinner. My husband's crab ravioli was a small portion. Only 6 ravioli and 2 shrimp. However, he absolutely loved it. I had half a ravioli and it was rich and full of crab. He was however, still hungry after finishing his plate in no time, lol. I shared my lunch with him so it was all good. We shared the Coconut Semifreddo ($14) for dessert. It's a ball of coconut ice cream coated in hardened chocolate, cut in half. It's plated with grilled pineapple, honeycomb sponge toffee, shortbread crumble and toasted coconut. Very tasty. My husband also had a coffee ($3.50). Service was pleasant. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. We ate indoors. The decor is old school bistro and very cool looking. I totally understand why it's popular. (181) read more

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