Restaurants near Gabriola

“This is a response to Sarah Kyle’s review: we looked at the first log and there is no one registered under your name. Are you perhaps registered under a different name? Customer satisfaction is important to us and we would appreciate a chance to talk with you to find out what kind of meals would better meet your opinion of a wellness retreat. We have annual reviews and go through all feedback received. We have made many changes over the years and this is based on what we have heard from our many, many clients. If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to email Bruno directly or give him a call.

Sincerely, Bruno Filali and Monika Rose”

“Awesome experience every time”

“I don’t usually write a review but had to say after popping in for a tea and sandwich today the place was lined up down the sidewalk. The staff did an amazing job today, I was really impressed with the speed and service. With everyone complaining about staff shortages this place is truly blessed with great staff”

“a small but cozy spot right across the street from the ocean, as promised! My room was quiet and clean, all the simple amenities for a getaway space, amazing location, priced right, incredible food in the restaurant, friendly hosts, what's not to love?”

“came to this bistro for the first time on March 22, 2025 for a surprise 70th birthday for a family member. Found the setting comfortable, the staff knowledgeable, friendly and the service top notch. Ordered the platter for two and it was so good, the calamari was the best!! Our table numbered 15 people and all food arrived hot and all family was eating at the same time. This bistro is amazing!! As we travel to Gabriola Island fairly often, we will be stopping here for dinner again!!”

“Always great food. Fresh and hot and quite authentic :)”

“10/10 every time, whether you’re on a date or with a group, service is excellent & food is delicious. Cannot wait for their spring menu!”

“We were a group of three for lunch yesterday. I had been going to Greek restaurants in Vancouver for 40 years before I moved back to Ucluelet. The wonderful experience surpassed all of the past ones with the best authentic lamb souvlaki and tzatziki, exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere I have ever experienced. Huge kudos to a truly destination restaurant.”

“Excellent friendly service paired with delicious food. This has become a regular spot for us. Delicious every time!!!!”

“Fit us is short notice in a lovely, quiet corner for an enjoyable date night. Food was fast, fresh, unique, delicious and satisfying with generous portions. There's a reason its hard to get a table here :)”

“I came over to Nanaimo with some friends with the EXPRESS mission to taste the best Nanaimo bars ever. We drove in Saturday afternoon and found out that sickness had taken the bakery by storm. I made a comment on thier Facebook page just saying I had driven in to taste the best bars and was so sorry that sickness had taken them; the owner commented that they would be at the shop filling an order and to stop by and that I did..16 bars later 😂 I cannot thank them enough for thier hospitality and I can say with confidence that these are THE BEST bars EVER!! The cooler is full and now I truly understand the reason that they are #1. Many thanks again to the crew of Red's Bakery, you all are top tier!! ❤️”

“This place is such a gem. Great service, amazing food and such a great vibe inside. Highly recommend ✨”

“It is the best pub in the Island . The food are made to perfection 👌 Chef . the servers are nice and friendly.”

“Mille Grazie! Your food is always magnificent! Not only did you fit us in without a reservation on a busy weekend night, after I called the wrong restaurant; but you gave us a wonderful table with amazing staff! Very special mention to the Ceaser I enjoyed before dinner! Highly recommend it! May you have a wonderful 2024! You always make your guests feel like part of the family!”

“the absolute best ! always fresh and always tasty !! our favorite go to.!”

“New Best Chicken Place Ever. We come from Parksville for this super tender and always juicy offerings of chicken greatness. I’m fussy, not gonna lie. Always served fresh and hot. Light crispy not greasy battered chicken. Fresh oil is obvious. 😁Breasts for sandwiches, tenders for tenders, Wings for wings. What’s nice is that for bone in chicken, what you get is juicy flavourful thighs and drumsticks. They have sides as well. We need to embrace Flamez Chicken. Check them out, won’t disappoint. These guys stay open till 3 am on Friday and Saturday, Midnight the rest of the week for the late night chicken cravings, or a late dinner. Thanks guys for thinking outside the box and staying open late night. I hope business only gets better for you.🤙💕🏝️”

“We had an amazing treat at Ironworks Cafe & Creperie. So many tempting choices, both sweet and savoury. Three of us wanted to share two crepes, and asked if our choices could be cut into thirds. Renee plated the thirds individually with full garnishes. 🌟🌟🌟 We had the ‘Four Berries and Cream” (sweet) and the ‘Spinach, Artichoke & Brie” (savoury). Hmmmmm. Latte was excellent. 🌟 Locally owned, caringly staffed, local ingredients. So impressed. Thank you.”

“A friend and I went to Jalapeño's for the first time yesterday and had a wonderful time. Friendly, helpful service; menu prices are more than reasonable; and the food was all delicious. We shared the choriqueso [like a cheese fondue with chorizo sausage in it] and it was fantastic. Melty, tasty, not overly spicy! We ate it as a starter and also put some of it onto our mains when those came out. We both ordered the taco trio [one carne asada, one carnitas, one al pastor] which comes with rice and beans. It was all good, but the beans were amazing! Feel silly saying that about beans, but they were the best refritos I've ever had. We also both had the hibiscus drink and it was fantastic, not super sweet and a nice floral taste. After our meal, we paid and each got one of their buñeolos [a crispy donut of sorts] to take home. That was crispy and coated in cinnamon-sugar. I'll definitely be back!”

“I grew up in East Van when pizza garden was 99 cents a slice (they started the whole new style of Vancouver pizza with the game changing larger ham slices, and larger pepperoni, and Capicola) . The original lady from there owns 4 brothers pizza now and works at the second location, beside Fire Pizza. Both best in Vancouver area imo both in their own ways. (Gotta get them fresh though)

Their pizza here at Paisanos is the best I've ever had. Hands down, in every way and every ingredient. Wouldn't pick a pie anywhere else, no matter how fancy they claim it is.

Super grateful to have a labour of love like theirs and a pizza by the slice shop in Nanaimo.

Never change Paisanos <3”

“Gangsta sammich and truffle fries. ⭐️10/10”

“Wow! Great eggs Benny! I’ll be back soon!”

“Very impressed with this restaurant, the food was yummy, especially the salt and pepper tofu. We ordered take out, but the restaurant itself when we picked up our order was clean and bright, and the staff, who I believe were the owners were very friendly. They’ve been there about a year and we wish them good luck moving into their second year. Would definitely recommend. Although we spent more than usual for Chinese food, it will easily give us a nice left over meal.”

“It's a fun place to eat and be merry!!”

“Feeling blue? Bar Luna has the answer to all your woes, with tacos and handhelds of the food in a blanket variety, I had the al pastor pork tacos with their spiciest offerings of in house hot sauce (hot enough to melt the tastebuds right off your tongue!) washed down with the Blue Island Iced Tea (with edible candied orange slice!) The perfect spot, nestled away in the quiet corners of Nanaimo BC 10/10 would recommend to anyone in the area, looking for a classy, comfortable, warm and inviting environment with all the tasty tacos and fixings for a spice aficionado like myself!”

“Had an amazing birthday dinner this past weekend. Awesome service and amazing food, very well presented! Will be back very soon!”

“A health care provider recommended this coffee shop while I was waiting for a friend at the hospital. Am so glad I tried it out! delicious muffin that was fresh out of the oven and a tasty iced vanilla latte! highly recommend”

“Best pizza around 🤌🏻 the sweet garlic dip is to die for 😮‍💨”

“it gets busy at around noon so get in early for brunch. eggs Bennie is really good”

“Most delicious Indian food in Nanaimo. Reminds me of my Grandmothers cooking.”

“Cold front is back open! While possibly on the pricey side for just a cone this isn’t regular ice cream! This hand made gourmet gelato with lots of interesting and unique flavours - even for those who are vegan! Definitely worth a stop! You can even get pints or have them delivered! I’d highly recommend! Or have a sit down in the warm store. It’s never too cold for ice cream!”