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”

“The best lattes Ive ever had!”

“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!!”

“Absolutely amazing food and service. Best food in Nanaimo. If you haven't tried it yet be sure you do, you will not be disappointed. Every time we go back, we are not disappointed. Yum”

“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.”

“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.”

“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 :)”

“The BEST cheesecake ever! Hawaiian highly suggested! Great service and was able to take it to go very easy! Can’t wait to travel back to Nanaimo and get another slice”

“⁣ Tucked just off the main strip at Departure Bay Beach is: Felice Cafe ⁣ There’s so much character inside you can’t help but grab a seat with a hot coffee (americano for me this time) and take in all the personalized touches. I had a chance to chat with the owner, who shared that from opening up the space with renovations, to the hand-drawn details and décor, he and his partner did it all themselves. ⁣ If you haven’t been yet, head over to Departure Bay Beach, pop into Felice Café, and treat yourself to a hot bevvy and a cozy spot to sit!”

“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!”

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

“The wraps are delicious and the chicken nuggets are really good, Crispy and not greasy at all. The place is very clean and staff is super friendly.”

“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”

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

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

“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!!”

“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!”

“Kind staff, fresh from the oven gluten-free scone (!), great coffee. Thank you!!! 😊”

“Food and staff were amazing, highly recommend”