Charlotte CampbellI once attempted to make homemade fettuccine, only to end up with a flour-covered kitchen and a questionable dinner. It was truly a mess, and I wouldn’t want it to happen again.
Thankfully, the city is bursting with many restaurants that serve pasta dishes, each with a unique twist. After my culinary disaster, I decided to explore these local gems instead.
So, if you too are craving a bowl of perfection, I’ve rounded up the top pasta restaurants in Halifax.
Get ready to indulge in deliciousness and discover your new pasta haven!
1. Ristorante a Mano
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Address: 1477 Lower Water St Unit 165
Contact details: +1 902-423-6266
Website: https://www.ristoranteamano.ca/
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Pappardelle Con Agnello Ragù
Ristorante a Mano showcases the art of Italian cuisine, featuring everything from handmade pasta to rich, savory sauces.
Their pasta selection is impressive, featuring classics like fettuccine alfredo and lasagna, alongside unique creations such as squid ink linguine.
The striking hue of the squid ink is not just a visual treat; it also delivers a delightful burst of seafood flavor. Equally satisfying, the wild mushroom ravioli offers a savory, earthy indulgence that complements the vibrant pasta beautifully.
If you’re seeking a lighter meal, their vegetarian options are available, with vibrant seasonal vegetables adding color and flavor to the plates.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip dessert. The tiramisu is worth every calorie. |
2. La Frasca Cibi & Vini
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Address: 5650 Spring Garden Rd
Contact details: +1 902-422-2866
Website: https://lafrasca.ca/
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Thursday – Saturday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Tagliatelle al Ragu
La Frasca Cibi & Vini in Halifax offers a delightful journey through Italian dining. The restaurant has an array of homemade pasta dishes that cater to every palate.
I was particularly drawn to their rich variety of pasta specialties, including classics like Tagliatelle and Ravioli, both superbly crafted and bursting with flavor.
I ended up trying the Tagliatelle al Ragu, and the handmade pasta was a revelation—perfectly cooked and wonderfully textured.
Their Lobster Ravioli is a must-try, too. The presentation stuns, each ravioli glistening with a sumptuous sauce that promises layers of flavor. With the first bite, a rich embrace of lobster and herbs envelops the palate.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip their Italian wine selection. The staff will help you find the perfect wine for your meal. |
3. La Piazza Resto Cafe
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Address: 6430 Chebucto Rd
Contact details: +1 902-404-5885
Website: https://www.lapiazzarestocafe.com/en
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 11 AM – 9:45 PM
Must-order: Pasta Puttanesca
La Piazza Resto Cafe in Halifax offers a delightful blend of Italian flavors in a casual setting.
Their Pasta Puttanesca is a standout dish bursting with bold flavors. The spaghetti, tossed in a zesty tomato sauce, is complemented by olives, capers, and anchovies.
Another top choice is the Penne Arrabbiata—a spicy delight. The sauce has just the right kick, and the pasta is cooked al dente, creating a satisfying texture.
After a scrumptious meal, you can indulge in one of their unique coffee blends. The rich aroma is irresistible, making it the perfect finish to a wonderful dining experience.
| Pro Tip: Make a reservation if you plan to visit the restaurant during peak hours, especially during weekends. |
4. Sapori Italian Street
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Address: 1741 Lower Water St
Contact details: +1 902-422-1711
Website: https://www.saporihalifax.com/
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Must-order: Pizza al Taglio Romana
Sapori Italian Street brings the vibrant essence of Italian street food to life. Nestled on the waterfront, this casual eatery opened in 2020 and offers a delightful array of offerings.
As recommended by the locals, I tried their Ravioli al Salmonte. The dish is superb, especially with its creamy lemon, caper sauce, and red onion.
You should try their famous Pizza al Taglio Romana as well. It’s authentic Italian street food—crispy on the bottom and topped with fresh ingredients.
And if you’re looking for a personal touch, order their build-your-own pasta option, which makes it a blast to mix and match different shapes and sauces.
For a perfect finish, grab their classic Italian sweets, such as Vanilla Profiteroles and Italian Cannoli.
| Pro Tip: The outdoor patio offers stunning waterfront views, making it an ideal spot to enjoy your food. |
5. Mappatura Bistro
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Address: 5883 Spring Garden Rd
Contact details: +1 902-407-5502
Website: https://mappaturabistro.ca/
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Must-order: Aglio e Olio
Mappatura Bistro offers a delightful array of Italian bistro fare. Their menu highlights homemade pasta, showcasing the chef’s dedication to authentic flavors.
The pasta offerings feature classic favorites and regional specialties like Lasagna alla Bolognese and Carbonara, along with a standout seafood pasta that blends fresh shrimp and scallops tossed in a light garlic sauce.
Next is their flavorful Sugo di Pomodoro, where the sun-ripened tomatoes are complemented by a hint of garlic and aromatic herbs.
Also, the bistro caters to a selection of vegetarian dishes. You can enjoy the crispy Fritto Misto, featuring fried vegetables, alongside a refreshing Insalata with seasonal greens and vibrant flavors.
| Pro Tip: Enjoy your meal with a dessert paired with dessert wine to elevate the overall experience. |
6. Maria’s Pasta Bar & Pantry
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Address: 17 Prince St, Dartmouth
Contact details: +1 902-407-2029
Website: https://www.mariaspantry.ca/
Operating Hours:
- Pantry – Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Lunch Service – Friday – Saturday: 12 PM – 2 PM
Must-order: Seafood Pasta
Maria’s Pasta Bar & Pantry serves a delightful mix of homemade pasta dishes. Each plate showcases fresh ingredients and authentic recipes.
Their dishes range from fresh mozzarella and burrata to rich lasagna. They also cater to vegetarians with their Fagottini and Marinated Olives.
The first time I was here, I ordered the lasagna. It arrived bubbling and golden, layered perfectly with rich sauce and creamy cheese.
I also tried their Pasta alla Maria, a creamy fettuccine that’s simply divine. The freshness of the pasta shines through, with a perfect blend of garlic and herbs.
Don’t miss to pair your meal with their natural wine—you’ll embark on a culinary adventure that feels uniquely Halifax.
| Pro Tip: Always ask about the daily specials. During my last visit, I discovered a delightful seafood pasta special that wasn’t on the regular menu. |
7. Ricci’s Place
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Address: 4 Crossley St
Contact details: +44 1422 740001
Website: https://www.riccisplace.co.uk/
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 9 PM – 11 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 9 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
Family-run Italian restaurant Ricci’s Place showcases regional pasta specialties, with seafood pasta that highlights Halifax’s coastal bounty. International influences add flair to their traditional recipes, making each dish a culinary adventure.
You should try their signature seafood pasta. Laden with succulent shrimp and tender scallops, this dish immediately transports you to the shores of Italy.
Complete your meal with a glass of their hand-picked Aglianico del Sannio. Its versatility perfectly pairs with the dish.
| Pro Tip: Check out their festive set offers for the winter season. |
8. Julio’s
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Address: 2 Princess St
Contact details: +44 1422 349449
Website: https://julios.co.uk/
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – Thursday: 5 PM – 8 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 7:30 PM
Must-order: Fillet Steak with Brandy and Cream Sauce
Julio’s is a charming gem that truly embraces the art of pasta-making. Their menu is categorized into a la carte, early bird, and drink to cater to every customer’s preferences.
The highlight is the indulgent fettuccine alfredo. I could attest that each ribbon of the pasta felt crafted with care. The rich, creamy sauce envelops the noodles, blending the buttery flavors with a hint of garlic.
And if you’re a meat lover, the fillet steak with brandy and cream sauce is the best choice. The steak is well cooked, tender, and juicy, while the rich sauce adds a luxurious touch elevating the entire meal.
After my meal, their staff suggested a glass of Primitivo – Italy to complement the overall indulgence. He was right—its great concentration of fruits including blueberry and blackberry made everything fantastic!
| Pro Tip: Ask staff for their special festive menus other than the regulars. |
9. Le Bistro By Liz
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Address: 1333 South Park St
Contact details: +1 902-423-8428
Website: https://www.lebistrohalifax.com/
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Must-order: Angus Beef Burger
At Le Bistro By Liz, you can enjoy sumptuous comfort food with a French flair, crafted right before your eyes in their open kitchen. The atmosphere exudes elegance and modern warmth, making it a perfect spot to dine.
I suggest getting their Lobster Linguine, which comes with creamy, garlic-infused sauce wrapped around the pasta beautifully. The sweetness of the lobster combined with a hint of lemon zest is pure magic.
Aside from that, you can also try the Spaghettini Pomodor Roasters Chicken and Fresh Basil, which seems simple but speaks volumes.
Don’t leave without having a bite of the classic French delicacy Duck Confit, and be captivated by its fusion of flavors, complemented by fresh seasonal vegetables.
| Pro Tip: Enjoy free live music at the bistro from Wednesdays through Saturdays. They also offer a free drink with your brunch during weekends. |
