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Il Mercato
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
Sunnyside Mall1595 Bedford Hwy
Halifax, NS B4A 1E8
(902) 832-4531
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
11 reviews for Il Mercato
11 reviews in English
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Review from Ellen B.
2/1/2012
Ahhhh, Il Mercato. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Mike and I frequent both locations as often as possible, but we usually end up at the Bedford location simply because it's easier to get there from our home in Clayton Park West and hey, free parking!
The staff at both locations are friendly and professional. The Bedford location feels a bit more "cozy" to me, YMMV. The menu is a pasta lover's dream. I honestly have never tried anything else on the menu 'cause their pastas are soooo gooood. Who knew you could make a simple spaghettini and olive oil dish so darn tasty? It's my favourite by far. Mike loves the linguine with lobster; they don't skimp on the shellfish. We both go straight for the gelato for dessert, but they do have a wonderful selection of cakes and tarts.
I've never had a bad experience here. If I could buy stocks in this place I would.Listed in: Mmmm, Italian
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Review from Kelly G.
Halifax, NS
4/1/2012
Can't make one complaint about this place, it is a staple for us,being that it is close to home, and never disappoints. I should point out that I have been here many, many times and have eaten many things on their menu, my current fav's are rice balls, tomato soup, scallops, and for main dish pasta, the black olive pesto with goats cheese, it is fantastic, I mean really, really good!!!
Can get quite busy on Friday and Saturday nights, anytime after 6:30 and you may be in for a wait for a table, but if you go a little earlier you won't have any problems.
I would recommend this place for sure and would suggest that anything you try is going to be great. -
Review from Angela H.
This has to be one of my favorite restaurants. We are starting to become regulars @ilmercatosunnyside! And honestly! Who doesn't love great Italian?!
It may be located in a mall but it definitely doesn't have that "mall restaurant" feel at all. It feels more like an upscaled casual restaurant.
We go about twice a month sometimes more. I often get a craving for the the mushroom and chicken ravioli. I have tried a few things on the menu but can never seem to shake my love for this ravioli dish. It is by far my all-time fave pasta dish.
Make sure you give this place a try. You won't be disappointed.
Whole you're at it make sure you order the Zucato (sp?) cake at the end of your meal. It's handmade and delicious!! We often have to choose between our fave apps or this cake. Sometimes we will switch it up for the ever famous maritzio styled gelatos but this cake always makes it back to us!
Do yourself the favor and try this restaurant.Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge - 2011…
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Review from Ben B.
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! -
Review from Colette O.
Bedford, NS
4/8/2011
I should be up front. I will pimp myself out for anything Italian. So that means that I'm predisposed to liking any restaurant that has a name where I have to roll my Rs. At the same time, it also means that I'm particular. It takes a lot to really impress me when it comes to Italian food. And Il Mercato does it consistently each and every time I go there. Both locations...I don't discrimate. It's not your Mom and Pop's trattoria in a back alley in Rome. It's glorified, pretty Italian food. And it's damn good. The litmus test? I routinely crave items on their menu.
Here are my top 3 faves:
1. Risotto Croquettes - delicious mushroom risotto stuffed with cheese and proscuitto, breaded and deep-fried. And then served with a tomato sauce that is somehow the least-acidic tomato sauce I've ever had. Really? Can you go wrong with this?
2. Warm Cabbage Salad - bacon, bacon grease and cabbage. Sounds unappetizing, but it's a must-try.
3. Rigatoni with Black Olive Pesto, Pancetta and Goat Cheese - exceptional comfort food.
If you're a Haligonian, I would find it hard to believe that you haven't been to Il Mercato and loved it, but if you haven't, it's a must go. And, if you're a visitor who loves reasonably-priced, but unreasonably delicious, Italian food, make this a top priority stop during your visit to the city. -
Review from Kobe L.
North York, ON
3/10/2011
Simply declicious! Food was tasty and fresh!
Visited twice in week, that says something. Place was packed both times.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Amy W.
7/26/2011 ROTD 10/29/2011
When the hubby and I feel like a nice dinner out but not like trekking the whole way into the city, Il Mercato in Bedford is always our number one pick. Don't be tricked into thinking it's subpar because it's located above a shopping mall! The decor and atmosphere is excellent, service is always prompt and friendly, and the food is outstanding. Every meal starts off with bread and olive oil, a nice touch that we always appreciate. I don't even know what dish to recommend - they have some amazing thin-crust pizzas (the veggie is my favourite, with artichokes, asparagus, and baby tomatoes). Hubby orders the chicken ravioli every single time and raves about it and wishes there was more. They're very accommodating about special requests if you have food allergies or are vegetarian/vegan. It's consistently awesome!
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Review from Jen M.
Bedford, NS
8/25/2011
You have to order the chicken ravioli in gorgonzola mushroom sauce. Amazing.
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Review from Rob B.
Bedford, NS
3/20/2011
Never a bad meal here. Great modern italian at decent price. The room is nice and they hire and keep excellent staff. Date night dinner or out with a few couples? This is the spot in Bedford. Try the pumpkin ravioli.
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Review from Shannon D.
Bedford, NS
10/11/2011
I don't regularily script a food review of many restaurants because too many of them offer dishes i myself can make better at home but there are some definetely worth yelping about either for their exceptionally good service and vibe or more importantly, the yumminess in their dishes! Hello Il Mercato Sunnyside. My favorites are consistently served up with perfection. A simple list really. The risotto balls, roasted chicken wild mushroom ravioli ( mouth is watering writing the words) and the warm cabbage salad.
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Review from Rob O.
Bedford, NS
1/27/2011
Besy italian in the city!
