19 Best Cafes near Gabriola

“The best lattes Ive ever had!“

“I just had a delicious "classic breakfast" at ground up cafe. The eggs were local and had lovely bright yolks and cooked perfectly and were truly delicious, the sausages tasted like real food, the hashbrowns tasted like real potatoes, and the jam tasted like homemade. My first breakfast there but definitely not my last. Then took a delicious piece of carrot cake home for dessert which was rich and moist with lovely creamy frosting. Highly recommended!“

“⁣ 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!“

“The perfect way to start your day in Nanaimo! That first sip put me in a great mood that lasted all morning. Perfectly crafted coffee, cozy atmosphere, and a spot that clearly takes its craft seriously. Right on Commercial Street in the heart of the Arts District — easy to find, hard to leave. Highly recommend! ☕“

“The vault is the coolest location in Nanaimo and going there is an experience. This spot is popular with locals and with tourists, as one of the best venues in town as well as just the coolest spot. The staff are amazing and the food is awesome. If it's poppin in there will you wait a bit? Yes, but that's because it is well loved.“

“Pleaseeeee do try the hot dogs!!! Hot and fresh!!!! It’s one of the only shops opened on New Year’s Day, we were searching for eats, tried hot dog and clam chowder, it’s good portion!The small shop has only three tables but has regular customers who come for coffee every morning, owner was really nice lady. Everyone here were friendly and we had a great chat!“

“We visited Gabriel’s Café in Nanaimo for breakfast and coffee on our last day and were pleasantly surprised. The breakfast was excellent, with fresh, high quality ingredients. The café states that it prides itself on sourcing local produce, and that commitment is clearly reflected in the food.

The coffee was also very good by Canadian standards. I ordered a Piccolo and had to explain what it was, but the staff were happy to accommodate. It was served in a larger cup than the traditional Australian style Piccolo, but the flavour was excellent. Best of all, the coffee didn’t have the burnt taste that is often found elsewhere.

Friendly service, quality local ingredients, and great coffee make this a café well worth visiting when in Nanaimo.“

“I certainly don't share in some of these other petulant reviews. Ive often had the "full breakfast" at Connections and found the food to be fresh, tasty, nicely cooked and hot. The coffee tastes fresh and acceptable. The staff are always courteous and accomodating. Try buying a breakfast in downtown Nanaimo and you will pay 20% more than Connections and you will have to wait longer and probably stand in a lineup to order.

Parking: Affordable parking“

“This is our go to coffee shop! Great cinnamon buns and muffins! Lovely atmosphere and staff!“

“I wanted to find the best Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo and this place is a contender for that title. I tried the blackberry lavender bar. It had a nice light crust with a generous layer of filling and chocolate on top. The iced pina colada matcha was also a refreshing twist on the usual iced matcha flavours. Worth checking out!!!“

“Had a really nice BLT and coffee, great service Thanks“

“We were just at this place. Great staff. Friendly. Food is amazing. I recommend Ironworks Cafe. Special mention to Renee, really friendly Thank you Rico and Rona“

“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!“

“I don't know how it took me so long to find this place! Friendly staff, good service, delicious food. I've tried the beef sausage roll, espresso cheesecake, and peanut butter cheesecake and all have been fantastic.“

“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“

“Had great service from the three ladies there today! Handled the busy line really well.
I got a chai with gingerbread (was highly recommended!) and husband got gingerbread mocha and shared an almond croissant straight from the oven. So good!!“

“Great food, friendly loved it.“

“Definitely one of my favourite coffee shops. I visit regularly- the staff are very friendly and attentive, the atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming. The coffee is first class!“

“Before we arrived I was saying I'd love to get a Nanaimo Bar Gelato, hoping they had one along the waterfront and this place did! Very excited, but also lived up to exactly what I hoped it would be. My mouth is watering just thinking about it“