21 Best Cafes near Gabriola

“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!“

“The best lattes Ive ever had!“

“⁣ 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!“

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

“As a group of six we were delighted to find such a lovely place to stop for brunch. Dropping our son at university was the reason for our visit. Rick the manager went out of his way to chat with us and help explain what was available. Three of us had breakfast ciabatta, a ham/cheese panini and two lots of waffles. All delicious. Drinks were good, place was spotless. Staff not overly engaging but polite. Rick thanked us for visiting which was a really nice touch. We will return. Many thanks.“

“From Calgary - we drive through Nanaimo once every year to head up or down island. We discovered The Vault about 5 years ago and try our best to make sure we have time to stop for a coffee and a bite to eat. The place is always busy - which is a good sign and the food and coffee are delicious. The breakfast wrap is sooo good and I usually clean them out of their Snickerdoodle cookies. Always worth the stop - and much better than the food and coffee on the ferry.“

“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.“

“We stopped by Serious Coffee on a weeknight around 7pm after wandering around the harbourfront and it was exactly the low key stop we needed. My husband got a decaf americano and I had the chai latte, both were solid and came out fast even with a handful of other people working on laptops. The staff behind the counter were friendly and chatted with us for a bit when they heard we were just visiting Nanaimo for a few days. Parking right out front made it an easy in and out, and we'd definitely swing by again next time we're in town.“

“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 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“

“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“

“Pretty convenient place to get some awesome food…

Pay first, then one of the servers will bring the plate to your table. Really relaxed atmosphere, fresh stuffs, and so close to the library, Vancouver Island Convention Center, the seaside, etc.

Will back soon…“

“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!“

“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“

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

“As an Aussie travelling Canada for the first time, I had never heard of a Nainaimo Bar (I'm so glad I now have!) 🤩 ...Bocca Cafe have a huge selection of both traditional and specialty flavours, though if you're like us and come near the end of the day, be prepared for many of the fancier flavours to already be sold out (proof of how good they must have been!). We ordered the traditional one and a blackberry lavendar - the first was quite sweet, the other more subtle (& my favourite of the two!). I also ordered a Maple Latte 👌I absolutely LOVE that they were all gluten free! 🤩🍁“

“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!“

“Great food, friendly loved it.“

“All in all, I think that this is the best coffee shop situated in Nanaimo. I may be biased, but the atmosphere makes you enjoy your delicious coffee even more than one could believe. I loved the richness of the dark roast blend, and the creaminess of the amazing lattes, not to mention the artwork attached to it. You can almost be certain that the crew makes sure to put in more time and effort into their creations and skills. Please be sure to visit when in the area, or when headed to one of the close by islands. Immaculate service! Thanks to the amazing Artigiano team.“

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

“Hot summer late June day met the owner and was generously given 2 free servings of ice cream. I had the Nanaimo Bar one and my buddy had the cheese cake. Both were very good. Made with whole milk vs milk modifiers competitors use. 10 out of 10.“