20 Best Cafes in Nanaimo

“On a brief trip to Nanaimo I was so pleased“

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

“⁣ 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!“

“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.“

“This place is great!!! Food is awesome, service is great and reasonable prices! Highly recommended“

“Stopped in at Serious Coffee last weekend while road tripping around the island and honestly wasn't expecting much but the harbor view from the window seats totally sold me. Ordered a maple latte and a breakfast sandwich around 9am on Saturday and both were solid, nothing fancy but well made. The staff behind the counter were friendly and quick even with a line out the door, which I appreciated since we were trying to beat the crowds at the seawall. Parking nearby was easy to find too, so overall a nice little stop before we kept exploring Nanaimo.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“The food was wonderful. This is the best breakfast spot on the island for a vegan! The staff were welcoming and great. The restaurant was busy even an hour after opening. I would recommend the freshly squeezed orange juice and the Jingle Pot
Lots of options for everyone.“

“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!“

“I spent an hour or so there drinking amazingly wonderful assam organic tea - I’m British so I know a cup of tea I think. It was the best tea ever and the staff were super friendly and helpful - highly recto end plus food looked fab - will be back - special place and away from the good court! Near washrooms though. Great seat. Go there or be square - across from Sephora David“

“Great food, friendly loved it.“

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

“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.“

“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.“