This is NOT the best fine dining experience in Nanaimo as advertised. Buyer beware... You cannot redo special events and when a business advertises a high standard of food and service, I expect that will be the outcome. Greasy food, angry servers, inappropriate gestures from floor management, patron blaming and no outcome from the owner to rectify the situation. Plan wisely when booking your special events - don't make the same mistake we did.
Steve Levington
Went there to see Ryan McMahon, food was awesome, drinks were great and the music wonderful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Clint L'Heureux
We go here to hear some really good jazz. The food is acceptable, nothing outstanding.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Amy Soaring
We went for brunch this morning and felt like couldn’t eat anything more for the rest of the day. Even the kids breakfast are large sized. Food are tasty and reasonably priced. I am very satisfied that they have whole wheat toast to choose. Hash brown is crispy and flavorful. We also tried the special Mexican benny it was really good to me. The meat was a little bit spicy but it was totally ok. Chelsea is very helpful and attentive. We would definitely come back again.
Parking: Best seafood chowder in town! Kids also like to come to try new food every time.
Kid-friendliness: The photo speaks for itself. My son is a picky eater but finished all his food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: West Coast Seafood Chowder, The Lamb Burger
Jeff King
Food was great, service excellent! Atmosphere was good but furniture getting tired.
Kid-friendliness: They have high chairs!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Prawns
Michael Fisk
Brunch was the best I've in a long time.
Of course sitting at the bar watching the Bjays win was good too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew Boland
I have been to Simon Holt several times this summer, 2024, with family and friends. The food has always been excellent, and the service top notch. This restaurant has a nice atmosphere, is in a quiet location, worth finding, and has easy parking. I will be back :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeanne Delancey
Food was fantastic, service was great, drinks super refreshing and in and out in an hour on a Friday Night !! We will be back thanks for the impeccable service
We were suggested this place from the hotel we were staying at, first off because we didn’t hav reservations they put us out in the patio. Which was ok, the weather was nice. My husband and I ordered the fish and chips. There was too much batter on the fish. The fries had way too much pepper on them. My husband was not offered a refill on drinks. It felt like we were being ignored since we were out on the patio they hardly came and checked on us. We were a little disappointed that the fish wasn’t freshly caught, there was a problem with one of the ovens so they couldn’t even make the crab and shrimp dip or the flatbread. Portions were ok. They did take a little off of the bill since we had issues with our meals. I did enjoy the local Rosé at least. If we came back out to the island again, we will not be eating here.
Finally stopped in for dinner last night, and we are glad we did. Our food was excellent and our Server was very sweet and couldn't have been more helpful. We had the lamb burger, fish & chips, and a delicious zuccini bruschetta with garlic aoili appie. So good. It is now tempt us every time we exit Costco as we do so often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish & Chips
Iain
Over the past 4 weeks I’ve visited here several times with my 95yr old wheelchair bound father and have had nothing but an exceptional service. Nothing has been too much trouble for the staff and particular thanks for patience, understanding and utterly amazing customer service goes out to all the staff, but in particular and I think the management ought to recognise the work of Jen, Kurt and Joe. These staff members have gone above and beyond and are a real credit to Simon Holt, and I look forward to their company over the next two weeks before I take my father back to England.
This evening on the sole recommendation of Kurt I have thoroughly enjoyed the Penne with Chicken and Chirozo Pasta; an extremely filling dish with amazing flavours and one I hope to have again before I leave Vancouver Island.
There’s always a buzz in the bar and the restaurant, yet no matter how busy the establishment is you’re always made to feel welcome and included.
I wish I’d found this place sooner, it will forever be a firm favourite and one I will absolutely revisit when I return to Canada in the coming years.
Wheelchair accessibility: There is only one dropped curb stone to enter the premises but it is almost opposite the main door so is easy enough navigate. Automatic door holders are fitted to the main front doors which allows easy access to the restaurant. All tables on the ground floor are at a good height for those in a wheelchair and I had no problems in assisting my 95yr old father to enjoy his meals.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Connor Reid
Second time coming here
First time I ordered the fish and chips and was severely let down. What’s usually a pretty hard dish to mess up was oily mush that left a bad after taste and over cooked fries.
The second time I ordered the sirloin lamb medium rare. While the meat was cooked perfectly and seasoned well, the cut itself was very chewy similar to an overcooked cheap steak. The potatoes were good but the vegetables were a little undercooked and almost felt like an afterthought.
Service and atmosphere are similar in that you don’t really know what’s going on.
Overall won’t be returning again unless they seriously make changes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Russ Briggs
Great place great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elle
Delicious brunch of a Blackstone Benny & Hash Bowl. Huge portions, fresh and prepared perfectly. Extra hollandaise was needed; it was so creamy and flavourful. Our server was friendly and attentive. Nice spot for a Sunday brunch.
This is NOT the best fine dining experience in Nanaimo as advertised. Buyer beware... You cannot redo special events and when a business advertises a high standard of food and service, I expect that will be the outcome. Greasy food, angry servers, inappropriate gestures from floor management, patron blaming and no outcome from the owner to rectify the situation. Plan wisely when booking your special events - don't make the same mistake we did.
Went there to see Ryan McMahon, food was awesome, drinks were great and the music wonderful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We go here to hear some really good jazz. The food is acceptable, nothing outstanding.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
We went for brunch this morning and felt like couldn’t eat anything more for the rest of the day. Even the kids breakfast are large sized.
Food are tasty and reasonably priced. I am very satisfied that they have whole wheat toast to choose. Hash brown is crispy and flavorful. We also tried the special Mexican benny it was really good to me. The meat was a little bit spicy but it was totally ok. Chelsea is very helpful and attentive. We would definitely come back again.
Parking: Best seafood chowder in town! Kids also like to come to try new food every time.
Kid-friendliness: The photo speaks for itself. My son is a picky eater but finished all his food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: West Coast Seafood Chowder, The Lamb Burger
Food was great, service excellent! Atmosphere was good but furniture getting tired.
Kid-friendliness: They have high chairs!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Prawns
Brunch was the best I've in a long time.
Of course sitting at the bar watching the Bjays win was good too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been to Simon Holt several times this summer, 2024, with family and friends. The food has always been excellent, and the service top notch. This restaurant has a nice atmosphere, is in a quiet location, worth finding, and has easy parking. I will be back :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was fantastic, service was great, drinks super refreshing and in and out in an hour on a Friday Night !! We will be back thanks for the impeccable service
Excellent service made the whole experience!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: BBQ Chicken and Brie Wrap, Crab & Shrimp Dip
We were suggested this place from the hotel we were staying at, first off because we didn’t hav reservations they put us out in the patio. Which was ok, the weather was nice. My husband and I ordered the fish and chips. There was too much batter on the fish. The fries had way too much pepper on them. My husband was not offered a refill on drinks. It felt like we were being ignored since we were out on the patio they hardly came and checked on us. We were a little disappointed that the fish wasn’t freshly caught, there was a problem with one of the ovens so they couldn’t even make the crab and shrimp dip or the flatbread. Portions were ok. They did take a little off of the bill since we had issues with our meals. I did enjoy the local Rosé at least. If we came back out to the island again, we will not be eating here.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Finally stopped in for dinner last night, and we are glad we did. Our food was excellent and our Server was very sweet and couldn't have been more helpful. We had the lamb burger, fish & chips, and a delicious zuccini bruschetta with garlic aoili appie. So good. It is now tempt us every time we exit Costco as we do so often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish & Chips
Over the past 4 weeks I’ve visited here several times with my 95yr old wheelchair bound father and have had nothing but an exceptional service. Nothing has been too much trouble for the staff and particular thanks for patience, understanding and utterly amazing customer service goes out to all the staff, but in particular and I think the management ought to recognise the work of Jen, Kurt and Joe. These staff members have gone above and beyond and are a real credit to Simon Holt, and I look forward to their company over the next two weeks before I take my father back to England.
This evening on the sole recommendation of Kurt I have thoroughly enjoyed the Penne with Chicken and Chirozo Pasta; an extremely filling dish with amazing flavours and one I hope to have again before I leave Vancouver Island.
There’s always a buzz in the bar and the restaurant, yet no matter how busy the establishment is you’re always made to feel welcome and included.
I wish I’d found this place sooner, it will forever be a firm favourite and one I will absolutely revisit when I return to Canada in the coming years.
Wheelchair accessibility: There is only one dropped curb stone to enter the premises but it is almost opposite the main door so is easy enough navigate. Automatic door holders are fitted to the main front doors which allows easy access to the restaurant. All tables on the ground floor are at a good height for those in a wheelchair and I had no problems in assisting my 95yr old father to enjoy his meals.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Second time coming here
First time I ordered the fish and chips and was severely let down. What’s usually a pretty hard dish to mess up was oily mush that left a bad after taste and over cooked fries.
The second time I ordered the sirloin lamb medium rare. While the meat was cooked perfectly and seasoned well, the cut itself was very chewy similar to an overcooked cheap steak. The potatoes were good but the vegetables were a little undercooked and almost felt like an afterthought.
Service and atmosphere are similar in that you don’t really know what’s going on.
Overall won’t be returning again unless they seriously make changes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Great place great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious brunch of a Blackstone Benny & Hash Bowl. Huge portions, fresh and prepared perfectly. Extra hollandaise was needed; it was so creamy and flavourful. Our server was friendly and attentive. Nice spot for a Sunday brunch.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
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