Restaurants in Nanaimo
Best Restaurants
“Best meal I’ve ever had! The service was amazing and the food top notch. The menu is vast, something for everyone. Our table had baked salmon in marinara sauce with mozzarella cheese and penne Alfredo as well as the Greek Platter for two. Every bite was delicious. The chef came out to every table to inquire about the meal. I would 100% recommend this restaurant. Bravo Alexandra’s!”
3
Asteras
“Asteras provides a wonderful dining experience with beautiful surroundings, excellent range of favourites and specials, and attentive servers. I absolutely love the calamari too!”
“Hands down one of the best dining experiences in the Nanaimo area, and possibly even around mid island!!I had the chef's special and the rest of our group tried various main dishes including the pork roast and 15oz steak - both of which did not disappoint. Flavours were delectable and subtle, and the meats melted in our mouth!We got 3 of the 4 desserts and the peanut butter pie was not like anything peanut butter I've ever had before!!! It's so popular that folks order a whole pie to go!!I've honestly got no words, come check it out for yourself!!”
“We saw this place had a 4.8 rating and yes! very well deserved! There was no disappointment as our dinner was probably one of the best curries we've ever had. The spices were on point, the rice was both fluffy and tasty AND the coconut Naan was amazing - simply delicious.....We will.be back for more! ThankyouWheelchair accessibility: There are 2 small steps to take the wheelchair down which wasn't a problem and the table height was perfect - no ramp but no problem!”
“The owners and staff are totally on top of their game. Great food drink and laughter. Go there you will see us there at least twice a week. Took my friends from Whitehorse there last night Feb 24 2024 and they are still saying today how good it was. We had their Lamb and it was done perfect. Tks to all and we all will be ”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“A staff favourite! There is something on the menu for everyone. We recommend the stuffed mushroom caps and the fresh pastas, but have enjoyed exploring many dishes here. Absolutely charming outdoor seating with plenty of vibrant flowers. Great cocktails and food presentation, attentive staff, and an intimate and cozy atmosphere that pairs well with smaller business meetings and date nights.”
“The owner's hospitality was outstanding, and the cuisine was truly remarkable—a hidden gem indeed. It's among the select few eateries on the island that I'd eagerly revisit.”
“I highly recommend the Crow & Gate pub. Good food, good atmosphere. It is like stepping into a pub in a village in England. Loved the surrounding gardens too.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Truly a delicious surprise. We tried most of the Korean options in Nanaimo including the newest in the North end and I have to admit, we are lucky the Korean options here are very good but @Danpung_momiji310 is absolutely the best. it is excellent. delicious, fresh, authentic, friendly, fast. Can't say enough about it. We will frequent others but this will be our "go to" from now on. You won't be disappointed.”
“Best Pizza in town. Juicy and soft. We had the special combo with pizza bread sticks and the wings. The food was made fresh hot and amazingly tasty. Mohit was really kind and an amazing person. Gave us tips on some of the nearby cool places to visit as we were traveling. One of the best Pizzas I've ever had and of course the tasty cheesy soft breadstick. I enjoyed the meal.”
“My partner and I gobbled down two of their delicious falafel wraps for lunch today. Came to $23 for 2 decent sized wraps. Super tasty. If this place were within walking distance, I'd be there several times per week!Vegetarian options: Very nice falafel wrapParking: Easy parking, free for 3 hours for customers”
“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!”
“Hands down one of the best dining experiences in the Nanaimo area, and possibly even around mid island!!I had the chef's special and the rest of our group tried various main dishes including the pork roast and 15oz steak - both of which did not disappoint. Flavours were delectable and subtle, and the meats melted in our mouth!We got 3 of the 4 desserts and the peanut butter pie was not like anything peanut butter I've ever had before!!! It's so popular that folks order a whole pie to go!!I've honestly got no words, come check it out for yourself!!”
“My girlfriend and I went in for a late breakfast/early lunch. It was lovely. The ambiance is bright and warm, the people working were personable, friendly and efficient. The menu selection was exactly what you would expect from a breakfast nook and our food was great. I had the two eggs with toast and a side of bacon, and my friend had an omelette. I will definately be back!”
“I visited Horang to have lunch with friends who had recommended this restaurant. It was quite empty at midday, I did not notice any specific reference to Korea in the ambience. I ordered a Korean (spicy chicken) box. Food was ok, noodles were the best out of 5 different dishes in the box. Miso soup was good but difficult to eat with the kind of spoon they provide. Overall the food was ok but rather cool than hot. Service was ok, the waitress was helpful but rarely smiled. If I compare with Nori rest (same owner) the quality is much inferior, cheaper though, which was a plus. In summary, I rather recommend Nori rest in Nanaimo if you want to eat good Asian food.”
“We saw this place had a 4.8 rating and yes! very well deserved! There was no disappointment as our dinner was probably one of the best curries we've ever had. The spices were on point, the rice was both fluffy and tasty AND the coconut Naan was amazing - simply delicious.....We will.be back for more! ThankyouWheelchair accessibility: There are 2 small steps to take the wheelchair down which wasn't a problem and the table height was perfect - no ramp but no problem!”
“For the price, this pizza is the best in Nanaimo. If you’re looking for a place to satisfy your pizza cravings, this is the place to go. It’s great quality for a low price, and customer service is second to now. They are very helpful, kind and always make my day.”
“Incredible experience!!! Such amazing staff!! Best crepes I’ve ever had!! They even split the sweet crepe without us even having to ask when the found out we were sharing it!!”
“A staff favourite! There is something on the menu for everyone. We recommend the stuffed mushroom caps and the fresh pastas, but have enjoyed exploring many dishes here. Absolutely charming outdoor seating with plenty of vibrant flowers. Great cocktails and food presentation, attentive staff, and an intimate and cozy atmosphere that pairs well with smaller business meetings and date nights.”
“New to Nanaimo and stumbled upon Gaya when I was running errands and I have to say the sushi is amazing! The portion sizes are perfect, great value and soooo fresh! I’m definitely going to be ordering a lot of sushi from here that’s for sure!!! Pictured is the Spicy combo I ordered!”
“Hands down the best pizza in town. Great staff, fresh ingredients and well worth the price. I've never had a pizza that was anything less than amazing from here”
“The owner's hospitality was outstanding, and the cuisine was truly remarkable—a hidden gem indeed. It's among the select few eateries on the island that I'd eagerly revisit.”
“Our son lives in Nanaimo but we don't so for his birthday I always send him a cake from Oh Happy Bake. Every time the cake not only looks great but tasts soooo good. We have picked up from them or had them deliver. Each way is perfect. You will not be disappointed ordering from this business!”
“Incredible food and service. The chowder was unbelievable and the smoked prawns made it perfect. the light fluffy and juicy halibut burger was incredible. the pork belly taco was also amazing and so much flavor. this place is a real gem!!! I can't wait to go back”
“Another great visit with friends at our favorite place on the Island. Service is world class and the menu changes enough to stay interesting but maintains some treasured dishes, year round.”
“From the minute you walk in to the time you leave an impressive, attentive , efficient friendly staff ! Everything we ordered was beautifully presented and delicious. We love everything about this restaurant.”
Online Reservation Available
“Another great visit with friends at our favorite place on the Island. Service is world class and the menu changes enough to stay interesting but maintains some treasured dishes, year round.”
“From the minute you walk in to the time you leave an impressive, attentive , efficient friendly staff ! Everything we ordered was beautifully presented and delicious. We love everything about this restaurant.”
“I have to say Rhythm Chinese food is the best by far in Nanaimo. Friendly Staff, fresh product, good size portions, affordable and consistent. Give them a try if you have not already done so :)”
“First time tonight- we usually go to Cod Squad - but Chick to Sea is magnificent! Very tasty, perfect batter - fresh fish and excellent chips. Our new favourite fish and chip place in Nanaimo- I wish you could open in the North End! The best!!!!”
“Favorite pizza place in town! I personally love ordering their takeout as the service can be a little bit slow for my preference! However, grabbing a couple of za's and going to the beach to catch a sunset makes for an amazing west coast night :)I am also routinely impressed with the prices, when you pay the same price at any pizza chain for a fraction of the quality it makes it a no brainer to support a local business!”
“The person I spoke to on the phone was incredibly polite and fast. Our delivery driver couldn’t have been more friendly. The food was amazing!!!! This was our first time ordering the chicken. It was very, very tasty!”
“Pretty popular after work spot. Food is pretty good.Staff can be a little disinterested, but that's pretty common in our pub and restaurant scene. Although on my last visit, the guy working the bar was very friendly.”
“Was in Nanaimo for a couple of days and busted this place twice! If I was there for a bit longer I would have gone everyday. Food was delish.Had the coconut pancakesGreek yogurt with fruitPoke bowlButter chicken. SO GOOD!Service was very good, loved the atmosphere.”
“Sealand Pho offers an amazing Vietnamese dining experience with breathtaking Marina views. The staff was friendly, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. A must-visit for authentic pho enthusiasts and the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food with a stunning view. Highly recommended!”
“Absolutely fantastic food, atmosphere and service! The staff and the owners really go above and beyond, and it’s the best Indian food in Nanaimo. I have tried new dishes there that I had never tried before because the food is consistently delicious, flavourful, and incredible.”
“Food is great. However trying to order for pickup is super inconvenient. Not able to call in which means only online ordering in which you have to have an account and there's no option to use a gift card either during an online purchase which wouldn't be an issue if you had the option to pay upon ”
“Like so many places in Canada, we have learned to accept untained service staff. Since Covid, managers are doing the best they can with the staff they have. Our waitress didn't know the specials or what was on tap and didn't acknowledge us as we were leaving. Maybe hospitality will never get back to where it once was. The food was what we expected after reading other reviews and the space has so much unrealized potential.”
“Been here a couple of times and the food never disappoints. The service is always really friendly and the food comes out rather quick. The prices are absolutely fair, everything’s quite affordable in my opinion!!Vegetarian options: They have a whole page with vegetarian options, tried a bunch and they were all delicious.”
“My go to sushi restaurant in Nanaimo!Everything is extremely fresh and very reasonably priced!If you haven’t had it yet definitely try the Salmon of fire roll!Extremely tasty!Another great roll to try is the Salmon skin roll, it’s juicy and packed full of flavour.The owners are very kind and very pleasant.5/5I always look forward to my next meal from Ai.”
“The food was excellent, the service was prompt and friendly. We do not know a lot about Thai food, they took interest in our heat factor in the food. My girl likes it super mild and I like mine medium. She was very happy with the amount of heat in her meal, as was I.”
“Delicious food and generous portions. Always great service and welcoming attitude. I have tried many items on the menu--usually with chicken (big tender bites) swimming in curry with hot fresh naan. I have tried Jalfrezi, vegetable and paneer pakoras, butter chicken, masala and the house curry--so good. The lassi rice pudding is tasty too. The restaurant is cozy, simple and always cleanly The price is reasonable. You won't be disappointed.”
14
Bar Luna
“First time going to Luna. The service was wonderful and the food was incredible. I ordered the two tacos and chips and salsa. I had one Raja (vegetarian) and Rock Cod. Both were yummy but the Raja was my favourite.My friend had the churro fries and loved them.Vegetarian options: A few vegetarian options which were absolutely my favorite. I'm not vegetarian but I often like trying different items off the menu.Dietary restrictions: I am celiac and had no worries when ordering off the menu. Everything was very clearly labeled and I felt very comfortable.”
“Went here on a recommendation from a native Nanaimoan. A dimly lit restaurant from the outside may give the impression of a diminutive eatery but the flavors did not disappoint. The ramen soup was well flavored with simple good ingredients while not being overly seasoned. The fried oysters were good as the oysters taste was preserved during the fry technique. Both dishes were outstanding. Pro: good food and good service. Con: public WiFi is through Roger’s which requires a sign in. Ramen was a tad pricey but still worth it.Vegetarian options: Not manyDietary restrictions: NoneParking: Parking shared by other vendorsKid-friendliness: Saw a few kids eating with their parents”
24 Hour Restaurants
“I made special trip to Red's Bakery from Black Creek.I had the Cheesecake it was some of best Cheesecake I have ever had. I would highly recommend try this place.”
“We went through the drive through and my son started driving away before recieving his change.Mithun call out and we were able to get our change. Gotta love honest employees. Thanks Mithun you are outstanding!!!”
“I recommend the food -but I really hate the fact that when I get A+W coupons in the mail and take them to your store, you won't accept them. I also dislike the fact that when I try to contact A+W Canada to complain, the "Contact Us" function NEVER actually works!”
“You know what? Tim Hortons is all about 2 things.1)The Coffee2)And the person who oks or makes that coffee.I envy black coffee drinkers because Im a double double person and If that coffee isn’t stirred properly ( I tease them “i11” times stir “11” no more or less)If one team member doesn’t stir it , the whole damn thing can crumble and fall apart causing your manager no other resort than to single you out for all issues , even bad Wifi lol!That being said , I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad cup from this location. I only gave them 4 stars because their parking lot was designed for something other than cars lol. And I’d just rather not go into this location.”
“A&W is the best mainstream fast food joint around! It's been a favorite of mine since I was a child. Always love the Mozza Burger with Rings and a cold root beer!The drive through can be a challenge if the line is long as it can block traffic entering and exiting Cactus Club.There is plenty of parking here if you park facing the Island Highway towards QF. The parking lot is very congested around Cactus ClubParking: Plenty of parking here if you park facing the Island Highway towards QF. The parking lot is very congested around Cactus Club.”
“Checked out Smokin George’s for dinner last night and not only was the food fantastic, but George was there to greet us when we walked in and he checked on us again when we were eating to make sure it was all good. Definitely recommend!”
“I have to say Rhythm Chinese food is the best by far in Nanaimo. Friendly Staff, fresh product, good size portions, affordable and consistent. Give them a try if you have not already done so :)”
“Favorite pizza place in town! I personally love ordering their takeout as the service can be a little bit slow for my preference! However, grabbing a couple of za's and going to the beach to catch a sunset makes for an amazing west coast night :)I am also routinely impressed with the prices, when you pay the same price at any pizza chain for a fraction of the quality it makes it a no brainer to support a local business!”
Takeout Restaurants
“Asteras provides a wonderful dining experience with beautiful surroundings, excellent range of favourites and specials, and attentive servers. I absolutely love the calamari too!”
“Beautiful and calming space with the kindest owners who share their love and appreciation of their customers. Incredible food and fresh made goodies with a variety of drinks to try each time you go. 10/10 recommend.”
“I highly recommend the Crow & Gate pub. Good food, good atmosphere. It is like stepping into a pub in a village in England. Loved the surrounding gardens too.”
“Went here on a recommendation from a native Nanaimoan. A dimly lit restaurant from the outside may give the impression of a diminutive eatery but the flavors did not disappoint. The ramen soup was well flavored with simple good ingredients while not being overly seasoned. The fried oysters were good as the oysters taste was preserved during the fry technique. Both dishes were outstanding. Pro: good food and good service. Con: public WiFi is through Roger’s which requires a sign in. Ramen was a tad pricey but still worth it.Vegetarian options: Not manyDietary restrictions: NoneParking: Parking shared by other vendorsKid-friendliness: Saw a few kids eating with their parents”
“Checked out Smokin George’s for dinner last night and not only was the food fantastic, but George was there to greet us when we walked in and he checked on us again when we were eating to make sure it was all good. Definitely recommend!”
“I love that I can pick all the toppings I like, unlike other places where I have to decide on 2-3 toppings! I like spinach, black olives, pineapple, chicken, and mushrooms! But they also had roasted garlic! So I had that too!! The staff are friendly and the environment is great! I will be back!”
“This is hands down 1 of the top 3 places to eat in the Central area of Vancouver Island!! I cannot say enough good things about this food! Our whole family loves it as it is flavorful, tasty and just downright great food. Please, if you are looking for a great place to get great food and something out of the norm of everyday dishes, this is A+! Fantastic - Fantastic - Fantastic!”
“I love this Cafe! The food is home made and delicious. The lattes are always perfect and come with cute little foam designs. The people are always kind and go above and beyond. Adorable decorations ”
“Fantastic food and hot sauces! large portions with lots of flavour. The prices are super reasonable and the staff is very nice. Every time I've gone the food comes extremely fast and very hot. Can't recommend it more :)”
“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!”
“We love this place. They make the best cappuccino in Nanaimo. They also have a few gluten free muffins (occasionally).The ONLY reason I couldn’t give 5 stars, and the reason we don’t stop in more, is because too often there’s no available table, TOO many people with laptops sitting for hour or longer, nursing one coffee. Try doing like so many other cafes, charge for internet after 15min.”
“Located with a beautiful seaside view coffee shop, small limited sitting area but cosy, serve with very unique sandwich. Great to spend an afternoon if nothing to do for a day.”
“Had a wonderful experience here today. We got all sorts of sushi rolls, mango, unagi, mt benson, etc. My friend had a bunch of sashimi and loved it. The rolls were a mixture of small and tight and larger.The servers were fantastic. Honestly, can’t say enough to emphasize how awesome this place is.”
“Best Vietnamese restaurant on the island! We were in Nanaimo for 5 days and stopped by Saigon Kitchen twice for dinner. Food was great and staffs were very friendly! Every dish we had were truly authentic Vietnamese food! Will definitely come back to this restaurant if we visit Nanaimo again. Saigon Kitchen is highly recommended if you’re looking for good Vietnamese restaurant near Nanaimo!”
“I last went here shortly after it opened, and before I moved to the mainland. I came back today and the food was phenomenal! They've really settled into their place in the community, I'm glad to see they are still open and the food was delicious!”
“The person I spoke to on the phone was incredibly polite and fast. Our delivery driver couldn’t have been more friendly. The food was amazing!!!! This was our first time ordering the chicken. It was very, very tasty!”
“Best Vietnamese restaurant on the island! We were in Nanaimo for 5 days and stopped by Saigon Kitchen twice for dinner. Food was great and staffs were very friendly! Every dish we had were truly authentic Vietnamese food! Will definitely come back to this restaurant if we visit Nanaimo again. Saigon Kitchen is highly recommended if you’re looking for good Vietnamese restaurant near Nanaimo!”
“I last went here shortly after it opened, and before I moved to the mainland. I came back today and the food was phenomenal! They've really settled into their place in the community, I'm glad to see they are still open and the food was delicious!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Been going to this location for years, always a great experience. Food and drinks are good, staff are friendly and quick with completing orders.Patio is a lovely place to read or people-watch.Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian/vegan options and substitutions.Dietary restrictions: Lots of dairy-free and vegan options.Parking: Tons of free parking at the mall.Wheelchair accessibility: Store is accessible.”
“Amazing service!! fast and friendly. My first stop when I'm shopping to help boost and cheer up my shopping experience. Best booster juice on the island hands down. Thank you Woodgrove Booster Juice!”
“Big yum! Drinks are always delicious and the few food items I've tried are pretty tasty too! The price is always a kick in the rear, but as a treat, totally worth it!”
“Very good coffee place with a very inviting atmosphere.The staff were great and friendly.The place was very clean and well kept.Parking is very spacious and numerous.Bus friendly as it's also near multiple bus route.There are multiple seats to take and even an outdoor sitting area.Drive thru is also viable and but beware it has a short pile up.”
“I’ve been enjoying the ice cream and Orange Julius treats for many years. They are tasty and made with care by great staff. There is one employee in particular who has been there for years providing quality service. This clearly shows that the employees are happy and as a result, they bring that positive energy to their customers. Well done!”
“Juno is a bright and cheery employee and makes my day everytime I come through on my way to work. The service is fast and friendly and everyone is welcoming. Definitely stop by there any chance you ”
“Isabelle was super sweet and is very well at what she does. She deserves praise as well as a few others there (forgot names but they do good, work hard and it shows) Good food, drinks, and staff.”
“This Starbucks is close to my home and is a lovely place for me to pop in and get a beverage, snack, or both, to take home with me. The servers, both counter and drive-through, and service are great. So happy I can drop in any time I want. Thanks everyone for being so awesome.Parking: The parking lot services several shops in the little plaza area. I'd say there are about 30 parking stalls, but honestly I have never counted them. Starbucks also has a drive through, too.”
“One of my favorite dessert places for sure. Their soft serve Dairy Queen blizzard is an all time classic that is hard to beat. Oreo or mint Oreo blizzard never disappoints. Their strawberry cheesecake flavor is pretty good but I would choose Reese’s pieces over it anytime. Their burgers are pretty good as well. The mushroom burger is a hit or miss. Sometime the mushrooms are on point sometimes it’s a miss. Their birthday cake selection is hard to pass up on.Parking: Wheelchair parking availableKid-friendliness: Very popular amongst the kidsWheelchair accessibility: Yes, they welcome everyone”
“My favourite location in town. Service is always super fast and friendly. Staff are well coordinated, take orders clearly and directly, and are always polite at the window. Tea is always hot and donuts are always fresh. Super apologetic when they're sold out of something. Just overall good energy and always worth going out of the way to come here. Inside is always clean every time I've been in, too. (The parking lot is a nightmare, but that's not the fault of the restaurant!)”
“Super friendly attentive staff. Got one of the 1$ small blizzards off the app and redeemed in store. The employee who made it did it to perfection. There was a bite of score all the way to the end and they actually mixed it perfect. Honestly best skor blizzard I’ve ever had. Great job. Staff actually seem like they enjoy working together. Also got asked if we needed help while someone was making the blizzards - it was great to see all staff being so attentive to the customers in store. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ will absolutely be back.”
“This Starbucks location is situated within University Village Shopping Centre. It has a vast free parking lot that is shared with the other businesses in the mall complex. There is no covered parking or parking structures. Finding the place was easy since the Starbucks logo and Branding is unmistakable. Inside the store smells like freshly roasted coffee (what else would you expect) and the tables and chairs were extremely clean. Staff was nice and helpful. Coffee product was delicious and I got exactly what I ordered. I would come back again based on the parking convenience and excellent service from the helpful and friendly staff. Service was very quick!Vegetarian options: Veg optionsDietary restrictions: Non-dairy optionsParking: Lots of mall parkingKid-friendliness: Kids come hereWheelchair accessibility: Accessible parking and door”
“Impossible whopper now included in the 2 for $10 sandwiches. Please change your mayo to a vegan mayo for everyone, the meat eaters won’t care, and it will include vegans and people with egg allergies.Impossible whopper not included in “whopper Weds” deal. Plants should be cheaper than animal flesh.Dietary restrictions: To make the Impossible Whopper vegan hold the mayo, onion rings are vegan, decline the sauce that comes with them.”
“I just had a great Teen Burger at the Woodgrove Mall food court in Nanaimo. Staff was prompt, courteous and the burger was DELICIOUS! Thank you Woodgrove A&W.”
“Other McDonald’s need to take a page out of the Bowen road handbook. The food is always fresh and top notch. The service is excellent with a very fast drive thru. Worth the drive for me past other McDonald’s locations.”
22
Craft Fare
“We came last night after touring the university with my grade 12 daughter and the restaurant was amazing!Your waitress was anweome and ran that whole place and did it all while being friendly and quick.It was packed, food was perfect and that was the best service I’ve seen in a long time.Can’t wait to come back when we move our daughter to Nanaimo for school!❤️”
23
Delicado's
“The California wrap with medium+ heat is a near perfect 10! What would make it a 10? Panini Grill it before bringing to customer. That little crunch would just be the perfect 10 I’d recommend. Flavourful, fresh, vibe is great on the outdoor patio. Great service. ????”
“If you are craving authentic Korean food this place along with the other restaurant by the blue motel are your two good options. I ordered the chicken BBQ set to go and it came with lettuce wrap. I hope to come back here with my wife and have a proper dinner here.”
Cheap Eats
“Delicious French toast! The bread tasted amazing, nice thick bacon (not only two but three pieces at that!) got unexpected little side of hash browns which really topped it off. - my Moms avocado was hard :( bummer - personally disliked the orange juice Other than that I had a 10/10 breaky and service was excellent”
“It has to be one of the best Indian curries that I have eaten on Vancouver Island. Made with love from the owners? The curries are excellent and their service is extraordinary. Thanks for spreading this love through your food.❤️”
“We were looking for dinner before our ferry to Vancouver. So happy to have found this little gem. Authentic Chinese food with quick and super friendly service. Food is great with large portions. Thank you for the satisfying meal!”
“I really enjoy the food here, the chicken is amazing! Not a huge place for large groups, but decent for grabbing lunch or dinner with a couple friends. Is usually quite ”
“Gem of a place serving homemade pierogies. I got a decent sized platter with 7 chedder cheese and potatoe friends, a generous dollop of sour cream, sweet grilled onions, a delicious tangy cole slaw and a sprinkle of crispy bacon. My eyes were bigger than my appetite but I couldn’t leave any friends behind. Small seating area inside and out and super friendly owners.”
“I just paid $7.50 for a medium-sized cold coffee and they want to charge an additional $1.75 for one pump of vanilla. who can afford that and how can u afford the tip. wow expensive and I prefer cold McDonald's coffee.”
“I really enjoyed my last visit! The place is incredibly clean and the staff are very welcoming and friendly! The food is served fairly quickly with a consistent quality. I know it’s a chain, but it doesn’t feel like it at all! It’s amazing how a great human interaction can influence an entire visit. Thank you to the team for maintaining high standards for service and food quality.”
“Loved everything about this place. Food was delicious staff was super friendly! Highly recommend Tania’s restaurant. Will for sure come back when we come back to the island!”
“This charming little cafe is amazing. The food is home made comfort and always delicious. The staff is happy and helpful, the best thing here is that folks of differing abilities get work experience and training. BravoParking: Huge lot never a problemKid-friendliness: Very relaxed open room, kids would be happyWheelchair accessibility: Completely flat entry points and lots of room to manoeuvre”
“just wow from start to finish. the manager was a very polite sales women from when we walked into the door to when we left. the staff were friendly and fast. they made my tummy growl when I watched them create my tacos. it was so delicious and filling. I'll be back”
“As usual, The Queen's delivers a good time! Performed for the fundraiser there, and the audience and staff and event organizers were so great. Well done, everyone. ?✌️”
“A lovely lil café right downtown! Great location, loads of buses stop just across the street, easy to get to. Always had a good experience with the coffee, the mocha is such a deep flavor and not overly-sweet! Tried their ginger cookies today and was blown away, amazing flavor. I love to just grab a drink, sit outside, and read a book, maybe do some people-watching or play on my tablet. A great way to spend a few hours.”
“We ordered 3 pizzas like we normally do when we order pizza from anywhere. Oh my gosh! There was so much on these pizzas and huge portions, we actually have leftovers for once! We ordered bbq chicken and Hawaiian, both were delicious!! Will definitely order again.”
“Hidden away in the corners of Nanaimo, it’s no secret that Waffle Magic has some of the best golden circles known as waffles available to the public. One taste is sure to have you under the spell and wanting more, 10/10 in terms of service and food.”
“I was walking by the shop last week, and I decided to see if they had any gluten free cupcakes. Lo and behold, GF and dairy free (vegan)! And oh my gosh, they were delicious! The flavour of the chocolate cake was rich and with a perfect crumb. The frosting was generous and flavourful, and topped with a real and really delicious raspberry. The toasted coconut frosting was just perfect! I almost ate all 4 cupcakes all by myself… ?Thank you for making vegan and gluten free cupcakes The shop is tiny so not a place where you can sit indoors, but it is pretty, so you can admire the décor while you’re ordering your cupcakes to go.”
“The fries are the best I have had from a food truck! I had the burger with dill pickle chips and it was amazing, reminded me of something we used to do as kids, and loved it.”
26
LOCAL Pizza
“Best. Pizza. On. The. Island. Period.We always make sure to pop by, when we visit the island. Hopefully you can open a restaurant in the lower mainland. :)Keep it up. We've been to 2 locations and the quality is exactly the same.Also they make great gluten-free pizza.”
“Pretty popular after work spot. Food is pretty good.Staff can be a little disinterested, but that's pretty common in our pub and restaurant scene. Although on my last visit, the guy working the bar was very friendly.”
“Since mid October when I came to the Island, I’ve made sure to come back a few times, excellent products. The creamed cinnamon honey is a favourite. The turmeric creamed honey, which I bought on speculation last time turned out to be wonderful and I had to go back today to get a couple more jars as I won’t be in that area any longer. The soaps are fine. I also like the cards which are made there, unique.”
“Absolutely fantastic. Atmosphere, food & amazing wine selection. The owner is personable & our waiter Thomas was awesome � nice vegetarian choices and excellent 2oz wine pours. We didn't feel rushed”
Latest Reviews
“I just had a great Teen Burger at the Woodgrove Mall food court in Nanaimo. Staff was prompt, courteous and the burger was DELICIOUS! Thank you Woodgrove A&W.”
“We had a lovely date night dinner. The server was friendly and knowledgeable. The food was very good. The hostess/busser are learning and were polite. The old-school steakhouse vibe was nice. An elderly couple had trouble reading the menu and the server had extra reading glasses available, which was adorable.”
“Best sushi I’ve ever had. The fish was very fresh. Served beautifully! I have tried every place and this is by far the best. One time I visited the owner greeted me. I told him how much I enjoyed the rice green tea they serve here, he told me it’s a special blend he gets from his home town and he even sent me home with a small amount so that I could enjoy it at home as well! Absolutely delicious! Thank you again.”
“First time going since reopening. Had a great treat and coffee. Love how bright and clean it is. Found the staff very happy and friendly, even when some one is critical to them about the changes. For those that have trouble adjusting to change, give it and the staff a chance. There is enough negativity in the world today. The bakery/cafe will help many people and the community at large will benefit from it. Hats off to all the behind workers in this ministry.”
“Pretty popular after work spot. Food is pretty good.Staff can be a little disinterested, but that's pretty common in our pub and restaurant scene. Although on my last visit, the guy working the bar was very friendly.”
“Loved it there during the summer. Kinda disappointed that they are not open during winter hours. No big deal though lots of places open in Nanaimo for great eats ?”
“I had the mushroom Swiss burger, and it was pretty good! It was a very wholesome meal, it tasted like something my mom would make and I loved that.Our server was SUPER awesome. She said she felt bad for not "paying enough attention" to us, but it was nonsense! She was absolutely lovely and we had a wonderful time.”
“Had cod fish & chips.....it was great!!! Fish was awesome..had just enough crispy batter...not greasy....fries were cooked to perfection! Thank you for a fantastic dinner.”
“Food is good. Service can be better.I think the owner wants to cut on labour cost that is why there were only 2 girls working during the peak rush hour.The girls were trying their very best but it is hard when your restaurant is packed with dine in, take out and delivery orders. Our order for just 1 cheese dosa came out in about 35 min after placing the order. I see many comments on staff being rude not smiling etc and it can be true if there's only 2 servers working suring peak hours.”
“I was called and told they were short staffed. When I explained I had to work that night and would be okay with deferring my order to the next day, they insisted on delivering!! And they did. This is why they will always be my go to. above and beyond!!”
“Drove from Duncan area just to try the buffet. We were not disappointed. Food was fresh, nothing tasted the same as the other. Service was great, the kid cleaning the tables is one of the hardest workers I've seen in years and made a point of telling the head of staff. Little pricey but considering the options, how good it was, a generous amount of seafood options (not just battered prawns) we will definitely be back!”
“Just had great experience at the KFC in Nanaimo. The drive thru teller Simon was professional, friendly, and very funny. He provided great service and totally made me laugh. He made sure my order was perfect before I left! Thank you!”
“The pretzel knots are worth ordering the day before to avoid being disappointed if you were to just walk in and hope to get some.Wheelchair accessibility: The doors aren't push button of automatic but I find that people always help.”
“It has to be one of the best Indian curries that I have eaten on Vancouver Island. Made with love from the owners? The curries are excellent and their service is extraordinary. Thanks for spreading this love through your food.❤️”
“just wow from start to finish. the manager was a very polite sales women from when we walked into the door to when we left. the staff were friendly and fast. they made my tummy growl when I watched them create my tacos. it was so delicious and filling. I'll be back”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Me & my partner had our dinner here at terminal avenue. Upon seing yang chou fried rice we were happy since we came from singapore. We ordered ramen soup & yang chou fried rice and it is savoury and very delicious. They have big portions as well & were so full. The place is clean and tidy. The staff were friendly and welcoming. We'll be back for sure to try other food. Thanks for the delicious meal.”
“I visited Horang to have lunch with friends who had recommended this restaurant. It was quite empty at midday, I did not notice any specific reference to Korea in the ambience. I ordered a Korean (spicy chicken) box. Food was ok, noodles were the best out of 5 different dishes in the box. Miso soup was good but difficult to eat with the kind of spoon they provide. Overall the food was ok but rather cool than hot. Service was ok, the waitress was helpful but rarely smiled. If I compare with Nori rest (same owner) the quality is much inferior, cheaper though, which was a plus. In summary, I rather recommend Nori rest in Nanaimo if you want to eat good Asian food.”
“We booked Lighthouse for a special celebration and it exceeded all expectations. The attention to detail in every dish and the personalized service made our event unforgettable.”
“Decent gourmet burger restaurant. It's beena regular on my menu. Had a bad server tonight though, disappointing but I'll be going somewhere else next time I'm in the mood for a good burger.”
“I made special trip to Red's Bakery from Black Creek.I had the Cheesecake it was some of best Cheesecake I have ever had. I would highly recommend try this place.”
“Was in Nanaimo for a couple of days and busted this place twice! If I was there for a bit longer I would have gone everyday. Food was delish.Had the coconut pancakesGreek yogurt with fruitPoke bowlButter chicken. SO GOOD!Service was very good, loved the atmosphere.”
“Incredible experience!!! Such amazing staff!! Best crepes I’ve ever had!! They even split the sweet crepe without us even having to ask when the found out we were sharing it!!”
“A funky cornerstone of Nanaimos unique cuisine scene. Quality and zazz has slid south last few years. However still a must dine when passing through gateway to Van Isle.”
“I went in with a friend on my birthday to take advantage of the birthday discount, first time going here. Food was delicious, servers were attentive, good atmosphere. I had the prime rib and both it and the sides were amazing. I split the Chocolate Conspiracy dessert with my friend and it was a great end for the meal. Will definitely come back during Summer when I can enjoy the view/more daylight!”
“Dear Bin 4 Burger Management, please give your employee -April a rise!Me and my fiancé went there one time out of curiosity for the late night burger deal, the food was amazing, but April is the reason that we came back at least once a week!April is so sweet and kind, really listens what do you want, ACTUALLY will get your order right, and also I’ve watched her dealt with a full house only with another employee , which was a really stressful situation.She is an asset to this company and she definitely deserves a raise because she cares about her job, she cares about her customers , and you guys don’t want to lose her!”
“Hands down the best pizza in town. Great staff, fresh ingredients and well worth the price. I've never had a pizza that was anything less than amazing from here”
“Delicious French toast! The bread tasted amazing, nice thick bacon (not only two but three pieces at that!) got unexpected little side of hash browns which really topped it off. - my Moms avocado was hard :( bummer - personally disliked the orange juice Other than that I had a 10/10 breaky and service was excellent”
“outstanding service! i live eastern US and called to order birthday cupcakes for a friend. They blew my expectations out of the water with the cute designs and even added a goody bag! if i’m ever in the area i’ll have to stop in and try the cupcakes for myself but my friend says they are delicious!”
“We had a lovely date night dinner. The server was friendly and knowledgeable. The food was very good. The hostess/busser are learning and were polite. The old-school steakhouse vibe was nice. An elderly couple had trouble reading the menu and the server had extra reading glasses available, which was adorable.”
“We just enjoyed the best pizza we have ever bought !Congratulations , Milanos ! March 8-another great lunch. Nice to know that their food is consistently great. The wait time is sometimes long but the end result is always great.”
“Truly a delicious surprise. We tried most of the Korean options in Nanaimo including the newest in the North end and I have to admit, we are lucky the Korean options here are very good but @Danpung_momiji310 is absolutely the best. it is excellent. delicious, fresh, authentic, friendly, fast. Can't say enough about it. We will frequent others but this will be our "go to" from now on. You won't be disappointed.”