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Da Maurizio Dining Room
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
14 reviews for Da Maurizio Dining Room
14 reviews in English
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Review from Meghan W.
5/12/2012
I went to Da Maurizio for Open City and I waited in line to get the scrumtaculous gnocchi bolognese. There's no photo to post because I wolfed it down, thanks Tanya and Andy!
Listed in: People in Your Neighborhood…
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Review from Vivian W.
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is located right between the courtyard marriot hotel and the Alexander Keith's Brewery.
Atmosphere: got the classic dinning room look, I find some tables are a bit too close to each other. Although it has high ceilings, it could still get very loud when there is a big group.
Food: I had Lumache al Trebbiano (Snails sautéed with garlic butter, white wine and parsley, baked on crusty bread...) to start. I love snails, but I find this one had too much cheese......it's nicely garnished, presentation is beautiful, but not amazingly good in taste. For main, I got the gnocchi. Again, it's too creamy, and on the salty side. I couldn't even finish the appetizer size order. Its just very salty and blend. The texture of the gnocchi itself is fine, in fact, pretty good, but the sauce kind of ruined it.
This restaurant is quite pricey, given that price, I'd expect more or I could have had something else better at another restaurant. -
Review from Lisa C.
Halifax, NS
12/4/2011
After hearing this is the "Best Italian Restaurant" in Halifax, I had to try it. On boy...I was so disappointed. The ambiance was nice, the bar had 6 seats...okay maybe I'm being picky.
Anyway, the food...my fiend and I order the small portions of Lobster Risotto and Lamb Risotto...both were VERY Salty. The mussel appetizer was alright along with the fried calamari.
They do have a extensive wine menu...as mentioned it was okay...not close to the quality of Italian food I've had in other cities. Prices are fair and service was par.
In my opinion...nothing to rave about. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
9/18/2011
Oh wow. Who wouldn't love this place?
I've only dined here a couple times, and each time has been with a large group. Group dining in any setting can be a challenge, but at Da Maurizio's, they make it as enjoyable as possible without missing a beat. Service is impeccable and I personally found the waitstaff to be really on top of things.
I've only sampled a few dishes here, but I keep going back for the risotto. It doesn't disappoint. Everything else on the table looked and smelled divine; it's rare to dine with a group where everyone raves about their choices, so thumbs up to that!
I can't speak to the wine list, as I'm never the one selecting the bottle, but I've been told the choices are good and pare well with the food. Overall, if you're looking for a great fine dining experience, make a reservation here!
PS - The entrance is inside the brewery market. But don't worry, every first-timer get's confused, too.Listed in: Date Night!, It's a Party!
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Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
My favourite spot in Halifax, so so good!
I had noticed on Twitter that DaMaurizio had been tweeting about a new menu coming out on the 26th. After a few exchanges and when I realized pumpkin ravioli was on the menu, I made a reservation for my birthday on the 26th.
When I arrived and checked in online, one of the owners Tanya, stopped by the table to introduce herself and thank us for coming, she had said that she had enjoyed my tweets. I thought that was a nice touch. I have seen her at the restaurant every time I've been in, and it helps to show why the restaurant is so consistently good,because the owners really care.
Onto the best stuff, the food! I had the pumpkin ravioli with citrus duck sauce and sliced duck breast, just awesome. The sauce complemented the pasta perfectly. For my main, since I'm a carb lover, I had the gnocchi and requested it be made with a pomodoro sauce. The service was excellent, so of course the waiter did not bat an eyelash accommodating the request. The sauce was fresh and flavourful and the gnocchi was light. I have a giant sweet tooth, so dessert was my favourite. I ordered the creme brule trio. It had mini pots of vanilla, dark chocolate and salted caramel flavours. OMG, it was awesome. The salted caramel was hands down the best, the little flakes of sea salt just popped. I can't stop thinking about it.
Da Maurizio is not cheap, but when there is no budget, this is my top choice, every time.Listed in: 30 Day Challenge Lists, The Sweet Spot, Fancy Pants Dining
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/1/2011
My favourite high-end restaurant in Halifax. Because it's in the brewery market it can be slightly… Read more »
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Review from Jill M.
5/3/2011 ROTD 11/1/2011
Da Maurizio is one of those popular Halifax restaurants that I've always wanted to try, but didn't have the chance until recently. Now I can't wait to go back.
First of all, the service was outstanding. We were eating rather early (probably around 6:30pm) on a Monday, so the restaurant was not busy at all. Every need we had, or could have had, was met quickly. Drinks, questions about the menu, suggestions on wine, everything.
I ordered a Bellini, and as they were out of peach nectar it was replaced with apricot - still delicious! With my meal, I had a glass of white wine recommended by the waiter, and it was perfect.
The food itself was impeccable. We shared the gnocchi (all pastas and risottos come as appetizers at Da Maurizio, but are also available as mains) thanks to a recommendation from Ben B. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe the gnocchi.
I ordered the lamb shank for my main, and it was great - but it didn't compare to Boyfriend's main, the grilled AAA tenderloin. I don't think I've ever tasted beef so delicious. We were wildly impressed with both meals.
If you're a vegetarian, there are some great pasta options. Personally, I can't wait to return so I can try the ravioli with pumpkin and apple - it sounded divine! And I unfortunately didn't have room for dessert this time, but there's a cheesecake I have my eye on as well.
Overall, it was a fantastic evening out. We were celebrating an anniversary, and the service and food really helped make it a special one. It is expensive, but definitely somewhere I'd recommend for special occasions...or all the time, if you can afford it. -
Review from Colm M.
7/12/2011
Once again a tauted Italian joint that doesn't live up to the hype. Just like what my grade eight girlfriend said about the big Italian jock she dated before me.
A little stuffy, and takes itself a little too seriously, but the staff are nice enough. We tried the prix fixe- a salad of some kind to start (it's been less than a month and I can't really remember. Not a good sign), and an overcooked pork chop with an unexceptional demi glace, accompanied by overcooked vegetables, for me; a soup to start for my wife which she felt was exceptionally good, followed by an unmemorable fish dish. Dessert? Can't remember. Not a good sign.
What's all the fuss about? We'll have to try the regular menu some night, and see what they do that is so extraordinary. Or is it a case of good...by Halifax standards. -
Review from Ashley M.
Halifax, NS
2/25/2011 ROTD 7/26/2011
The service industry is all about pleasing your customers- even before you enter the front doors. Did they do this? You bet! How did they do it? Read on:
1. Nice website
2. They use Open Table for reservations- I used it
3. Someone called to confirm my reservation 2 days before
What about the actual service experience? Did they meet my high expectations Again, you bet! How did they do it? Read on:
1. I was greeted at the door by a friendly, warm, and professional host who took our coats and hung them up for us.
2. They decorated for Valentine's Day with hearts, candles, etc. Just the right amount of cheese.
3. My glass of water never stood a chance at becoming pessimistic. The servers never gave us a chance to argue is the glass half empty of half full? It was refilled every 3 sips.
4. They gave us a choice in tables and gave us the coziest, and only booth in the restaurant. We got to have privacy while being able to 'people watch'.
5. In typical fine dining fashion, there were long waits between courses. It's great - you can really enjoy your time there.
What about the food? Did they meet our high expectations? Yes- but I won't lie- it wasn't my favorite meal. It was close, but it didn't make the top 5. How did they do it? Read on:
1. Bread to start with some yummy butter. I have to admit- not my favorite selection of breads but at least it was fresh.
2. Most delicious asparagus prosciutto soup ever.
3. Perfectly cooked pork tenderloin, potato, and veg. Small portion but surprisingly, I was full. That's what happens when you get lots of time between courses. You realize that you don't need to eat nearly as much.
4. I had the warm crepe filled with cinnamon apple- the apples were too sweet and tart. They also could have used less. Brennan had the pumpkin cheesecake with mascarpone cheese- the best cheesecake i have ever eaten.
I am really happy about my experience here and I will return again for another special celebration but it's really out of my price range. We had the prix fixe menu as part of the month long Savour Festival. -
Review from Ben B.
12/19/2010 2 Check-ins Here
We kicked off the holiday season here last night with the intention of a luxurious, gourmet experience and we weren't disappointed. Well, once we were able to find the main entrance anyway (go inside the brewery market).
While the atmosphere was a bit of a let-down, likely due to multiple very large parties who were drunk and rowdy by the time we got there at 9pm, the food was spectacular. We split the Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola as a table which let us all delight in the pure bliss of it all without having to tap out before the rest of our food, then enjoyed our own salads and mains.
The pumpkin-stuffed ravioli was incredibly rich, the lamb shank looked unbelievable, the seafood medley could have fed a family of four, and the selections that one of us chose from the delightfully cheap prix fixe menu (three courses, $39.95) held their own next to the $30 mains.
If you're looking for some of the greatest flavours in Halifax, you'll find them here. -
Review from Laura O.
Halifax, NS
1/25/2011
Dine Around at Da Maurizio via http://www.halifood.com
Written June 20, 2010
Summer is here, and what better way to kick off the best season in Halifax than hit up a fine dining establishment to take advantage of Dine Around? The girls and I decided on da Maurizio in the beautiful and historic Keith's brewery building. There is no other way to describe the cuisine at da Maurizio than almost painfully traditional Italian fine dining. Unfortunately there were light showers happening that evening and we could not move the reservation to the patio. Nonetheless we enjoyed the superb service and classic cuisine indoors.
Much to my delight there were several choices for each course on da Maurizio's Dine Around offering, and keeping in the then upcoming Catch Festival spirit, a large majority were seafood. I chose the flash fried calamari with tomato, garlic and crushed chilis. The calamari was perfectly done, not a second over-cooked, deliciously tender flesh and a light and crunchy batter. The rich tomato sauce and fresh squeezed lemon made a simple and tasty topping. The only disappointing factor was the dried parsley scattered across the classic round white plate.
Another option - which I taste tested from my neighbour's plate - the Fresh mussels sautéed with garlic, onions, chilis, white wine, leeks, tomato and fresh herbs, topped with crusty bread - was also fresh and delicious, however, must have included several more chilis than the calamari, as there was a surprising (and highly enjoyable) kick.
My entree - the spice crusted salmon filet, pan seared, finished with lemon and cucumber-basil yogurt - was nothing less than I expected. Perfectly seared salmon on top of creamy mashed potatoes, accompanied with broccolini, asparagus and carrots - the classic accompaniment and presented in the classic way. The only thing that was not traditional about this dish was the yogurt finish. Here I was thinking I had tried Atlantic salmon in almost every way possible when a new and delicious yogurt topping slaps me in the face. I enjoyed the freshness of the cucumber and tartness of the yogurt immensely, a nice way to offset the rich and oily taste of the salmon.
As far as the wine goes, honestly, the list was more pricey than I had even anticipated. Not being in the mood to drop some serious cash on a few nice bottles, most of us opted for a glass of the cheapest red ($8) which was a malbec, and excuse me for not remembering from where, although I know it was a hot climate, perhaps Spain. One of my dining companions did order a rhubarb martini from the drink menu which looked absolutely delicious and was served in a very non-traditional low-ball glass.
I rarely eat dessert and even more rarely would I order tiramisu, however, we were in an Italian joint and I felt it my duty to test this classic dish here of all places. It is served in a martini glass, on top of a doily, on top of a round, white plate. Although the tiramisu itself was tasty, and made in the traditional way, and was a nice finish to my meal, I feel if food could talk this poor, tired looking little dessert would scream out "please, stop serving me on a doily, and change it up already - try something new!!!".
Raging desserts aside, this was another great girls night out with a highly enjoyable meal in one of Halifax's long-standing, reputable, and very classy fine dining establishments -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/17/2010 2 photos
When I went to my grade 12 prom we decided to get reservations at Da Maurizio before the dance began at the Westin, just down the street. There were about 20 high school seniors at our table, which took up the majority of our dining room. Most of the remaining patrons were middle aged business men or older couples dressed to the nines.
I was a little overwhelmed by the atmosphere, the food and the even the bathroom (which has expensive looking lotion next to the soap). This is because Da Maurizio is a fine dining experience, and (as we soon learned from our bills) not intended for teenagers with part-time jobs.
Having dined at Da Maurizio a few times since my first experience I've started to become more comfortable there. While it is still expensive and the bathrooms still have lotion dispensers, I have to admit the food and atmosphere are worth it.
Hot Hint: There is a "Prix Fixe" special menu every month that offers an option of 4 appetizers, 3 entrees, and 3 desserts. Choose one dish from each category for a fixed price of $39.95. Last month I had bruschetta, prime rib of pork and chocolate torte and it was delicious, just don't forget this doesn't include drinks. -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/5/2009 2 photos
I've passed this restaurant a million times when going to the Saturday farmers market in the old Keith Brewery Building on Lower Water, but only recently decided to go there to celebrate our anniversary.
The atmosphere has tons of Old World charm. The wallpaper, draperies, high ceilings and framed Botticelli prints and candles, lots of nooks for intimate dinners and more open spaces for larger groups all make you feel as if you've travelled through time and space to Northern Italy of old.
In fact, while we were waiting for our food to arrive, my husband said that all that was missing was the crackling fireplace and the horse-drawn sleigh waiting for us outside.
Food was spectacular and it was really a challenge to choose only ONE appetizer, ONE entree or ONE dessert. We almost chose the Priz fixe menu that would have simplified matters for $49/person with a choice of appetizer, entree & dessert ( there were 4 selections for each course)
Instead we shared their CALAMARI ALLA GRADESE - Flash fried calamari with tomato, garlic and crushed chilies which was so awesome I was almost sorry I didn't just order that for dinner - and I would have licked my plate if it weren't for all those other diners.
We decided not to order any pasta dish (although they all looked wonderful...but, I guess we'll just have to go back for more) and go straight to the entree. If only we went with a dozen other people so we could have shared many of the dishes. Since both of us love veal scallopine and they had two very different versions, we each had our own - I opted for all' Astice - sautéed with fresh lobster and finished with a garlic, tomato, brandy and cream sauce and my husband chose cremini, oyster, porcini and shiitake mushrooms, finished with red wine and demi-glaze. Both were delicious and each of us were delighted with our own choices.
Dinner being so rich from the appetizer on, we decided to share a dessert and went for the maple creme brulee with cappuccino.
Service was perfect. Our waiter was very helpful in choosing the wine for the meal and magically appeared when we were about to ask for something.
This is definitely my choice for special occasions. -
Review from Toby M.
Halifax, NS
2/13/2011
We went to Da Maurizio for Valentine's Day last night. I must say, that time and time again the food is wonderful and service is impeccable. They keep their staff for many, many years. After dining at Da Maurizio for over a decade, I have never had a bad meal! Wonderful for that special night out.
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Review from Jen M.
Halifax, NS
3/23/2011 1 photo
Okay, so my new mission in life is to make gnocchi half as good as what I had at "da Maurizio's"! It was the creamiest and smoothest gnocchi I've ever tasted! The gorgonzola sauce was silky perfection! Service was excellent and loved the old-world atmosphere and crisp linens. Looking forward to my next visit!
