This might be a learning classroom for culinary and hospitality students but I think this is the finest dining in Nanaimo. The only downside is the near impossibility of getting a reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tiffany S
We had a wonderful dinner at the Discovery Room! Our server, Arwen, was absolutely gracious and patient with us, despite being a picky table. She handled every request with a smile and made us feel well taken care of.
I started with the Parsnip Soup, which was a delightful combination of blue cheese, pumpkinseed, chive pesto, and apple lemon thyme slaw—flavors that blended beautifully. For my main, I had the Pappardelle Pasta with braised lamb ragout, lemon ricotta, and gremolata. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the lamb was so tender and flavorful. To top off the meal, I indulged in a classic Tiramisu, which was the perfect ending to a great evening.
Highly recommend this place for both the food and the amazing service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ann McManus
We had a dual birthday party here last week. Everyone was pleased with their appetizer and entree. The dessert was also delicious. The staff are students from VIU and will make excellent additions to any high-end restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: A Chocolate Brule
Cathy F
Absolutely the best meals. The service, the presentation, the taste, second to none.Can't wait to go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Capnhi9er
Discovery Room is operated as part of the Hospitality study program at Vancouver Island University. It is rather hard to find. You have to walk through the main cafeteria and down a hall beside the kitchen. But when you get there, it is more than worth it. Daniel, the Matre D' is marvelous and remembers you from one time to the next. The servers are all trying to impress both the diners and their instructors so you get great personalized service. The food is always fabulous and mostly local. The menu changes every week depending on what is in season. This also gives the student chefs a variety of experience. The food is very professionally prepared and presented. Unique dishes you don't find in a typical restaurant. The prices are fairly high but perfectly reasonable for what you get. They have a good wine list at reasonable prices. Discovery Room is very popular and only operates during the VIU school year. Unfortunately they are completely booked up for the rest of 2023 Spring term so plan ahead for September. And be prepared to make reservations several weeks in advance.
Svea Poulsen (Sveava)
A good way to get some wonderful food. It's a learning kitchen/dining room so a bit of patience is required. But honestly a great meal for a great price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
Brandon Dallamore
Amazing food and nice atmosphere
Brandon M
Amazing food and nice atmosphere
Tim Mcgrath
It started with a free Amuse bouche!The appetizer was fresh tiger shrimp on a zucchini flair! Awesome!For lunch I ordered the prosciutto wrapped chicken! Absolutely fantastic!AND you get a free desert!Never disappoints. Always outstanding!
CurtD
True to its name, you always discover something new or something old prepared and served in ways you never thought possible. Servers that are eager to learn and love what they're learning.
Brilliantly prepared food. The presentation, texture and taste were all wonderful. Wine list is VERY fairly priced and there are most grape varieties. Student servers are learning and do an admirable job and are very interesting to chat with. One of the best places to eat in Nanaimo.
R David Anthony
We've dined here many times and enjoyed it from start to finish on each occasion.
Jay Dingler
First time here with friends. Absolutely fantastic meal, extremely well prepared. Super friendly students did a great job serving as well as preparing the food. Keep it up, will definitely return!
SandraB
My friend and I are still talking about our dining experience as it was just so exceptional.. Our delectable amuse bouche and freshly baked artisan bread started our wonderful dining experience. Our superb main course and dessert were all beautifully presented and equally as phenomenal.
CherylH
The food, service and value are always outstanding. The presentation of the food is excellent. It was my friend's 60th birthday and she was very impressed. The duck and tiramisu were excellent. Thank you, Daniel, for reciting Shakespeare. It's always a treat.
This might be a learning classroom for culinary and hospitality students but I think this is the finest dining in Nanaimo. The only downside is the near impossibility of getting a reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a wonderful dinner at the Discovery Room! Our server, Arwen, was absolutely gracious and patient with us, despite being a picky table. She handled every request with a smile and made us feel well taken care of.
I started with the Parsnip Soup, which was a delightful combination of blue cheese, pumpkinseed, chive pesto, and apple lemon thyme slaw—flavors that blended beautifully. For my main, I had the Pappardelle Pasta with braised lamb ragout, lemon ricotta, and gremolata. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the lamb was so tender and flavorful. To top off the meal, I indulged in a classic Tiramisu, which was the perfect ending to a great evening.
Highly recommend this place for both the food and the amazing service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a dual birthday party here last week. Everyone was pleased with their appetizer and entree. The dessert was also delicious. The staff are students from VIU and will make excellent additions to any high-end restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: A Chocolate Brule
Absolutely the best meals. The service, the presentation, the taste, second to none.Can't wait to go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Discovery Room is operated as part of the Hospitality study program at Vancouver Island University. It is rather hard to find. You have to walk through the main cafeteria and down a hall beside the kitchen. But when you get there, it is more than worth it. Daniel, the Matre D' is marvelous and remembers you from one time to the next. The servers are all trying to impress both the diners and their instructors so you get great personalized service. The food is always fabulous and mostly local. The menu changes every week depending on what is in season. This also gives the student chefs a variety of experience. The food is very professionally prepared and presented. Unique dishes you don't find in a typical restaurant. The prices are fairly high but perfectly reasonable for what you get. They have a good wine list at reasonable prices. Discovery Room is very popular and only operates during the VIU school year. Unfortunately they are completely booked up for the rest of 2023 Spring term so plan ahead for September. And be prepared to make reservations several weeks in advance.
A good way to get some wonderful food. It's a learning kitchen/dining room so a bit of patience is required. But honestly a great meal for a great price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
Amazing food and nice atmosphere
Amazing food and nice atmosphere
It started with a free Amuse bouche!The appetizer was fresh tiger shrimp on a zucchini flair! Awesome!For lunch I ordered the prosciutto wrapped chicken! Absolutely fantastic!AND you get a free desert!Never disappoints. Always outstanding!
True to its name, you always discover something new or something old prepared and served in ways you never thought possible. Servers that are eager to learn and love what they're learning.
Restaurantji Recommends
Brilliantly prepared food. The presentation, texture and taste were all wonderful. Wine list is VERY fairly priced and there are most grape varieties. Student servers are learning and do an admirable job and are very interesting to chat with. One of the best places to eat in Nanaimo.
We've dined here many times and enjoyed it from start to finish on each occasion.
First time here with friends. Absolutely fantastic meal, extremely well prepared. Super friendly students did a great job serving as well as preparing the food. Keep it up, will definitely return!
My friend and I are still talking about our dining experience as it was just so exceptional.. Our delectable amuse bouche and freshly baked artisan bread started our wonderful dining experience. Our superb main course and dessert were all beautifully presented and equally as phenomenal.
The food, service and value are always outstanding. The presentation of the food is excellent. It was my friend's 60th birthday and she was very impressed. The duck and tiramisu were excellent. Thank you, Daniel, for reciting Shakespeare. It's always a treat.
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