Location: Nanaimo
Top Restaurants in Nanaimo
Countries
Top 10 restaurants in Nanaimo, Canada
Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.
Things to do in Nanaimo
1. Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 535 reviews
Fresh and local West Coast cuisine combined with in-house handcrafted Ales and Lagers, all served up in a warm and friendly atmosphere.Longwood Brew Pub is central Vancouver Island's first Brew Pub and Nanaimo's favorite rendezvous destination. Our restaurant, pub and brewery stand proud as the "jewel in the crown" of Longwood Station. Located conveniently on the Island Highway amongst beautiful landscaping and natural West coast Wilderness, we are easily accessible from all parts of Nanaimo, as well as ferry terminals and all points north & south on Vancouver Island.
Reviewed By fred_cameron - Comox, Canada
We went to the Longwood again during a "shopping day" in Nanaimo. We went back because we had been very pleased during our first visit. Everything was great the second time around.
Laura was our server this time. She was attentive and friendly. She did not hover, but certainly made us feel welcome and well looked after.
We will be back.
2. Mahle House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Charming 1904 heritage building with ornamental and vegetable Gardens. We focus on fresh and local ingredients with warm professional service in a casual upscale environment.
Reviewed By Dwayne S - Nanaimo, Canada
Anything here is going to be great food and service. But you have to grab 3 friends and make a reservation for Adventure Wednesday. For about $50 you will get a 5 course meal. Now here is where the adventure comes in. You don't know what you're getting. All 4 people will have meals. Every course is different for every person. We have gone to Mahle House many times as a group of 4 for the Adventure Wednesday and never ever been disappointed with any course. Oh, you can also do Adventure Wine with your meal. This is a place you have to go-to!!!!
3. Crow & Gate Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 976 reviews
Reviewed By Dalry1978 - Airdrie, Canada
Visited the Crow & Gate quite a few times during our stay in the Ladysmith area and enjoyed it every single time.
It's a cosy pub and the most authentic outside of the UK that I've come across.
It always feels warm and inviting especially on a chilly day or night with a nice big log fire blazing! The decor is also pretty cool.
A good selection of pub food with daily specials and a good variety of local beers on tap.
Usually always busy so be prepared to possibly wait for a table.
No fish & chips was a bit of a surprise!!
Definately recommend.
4. Mambo Gourmet Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By Alicia M - Nanaimo, Canada
Mambo Gourmet Pizza is a wonderful local restaurant for fresh, upscale gourmet pizza. They have a huge assortment of styles, none of which have been disappointing. I like to try a basic classic like cheese, and Mambo's Four Cheese pizza is one of my favourite pizzas I've ever had. We tried their Cheeseburger pizza last time, which isn't my favourite combination, but I'll make an exception for Mambo's spin on it. It actually tastes like a real cheeseburger. There's even a little mustard in the sauce. Attention to detail makes all the difference. Their crust is superb, and is available in gluten free. Being within their free Delivery zone is a huge perk for me. I've found them to be efficient, incredibly fast and their Delivery staff is equally impressive. Mambo Gourmet Pizza is definitely worth trying.
5. Asteras Greek Taverna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Marty B - Jensen Beach, Florida
This restaurant is located in the Old City Quarter along Wesley Street in Nanaimo. It is an easy walk from downtown. There is parking at the Taverna and along the street. This restaurant specializes in authentic Greek food.
Asteras Taverna is actually a lovely three storied renovated home. We were the first ones to arrive for lunch and asked to be placed upstairs in the extended patio area. We highly enjoyed the ambiance, service and food.
The Greek cheese appetizer Saganaki came out just perfect. Bread was extra and it was delicious too. My wife enjoyed the lentil vegetable soup. I thoroughly enjoyed the Beef Souvlakia. The meat was flavorful and tender.
We have traveled to Greece seven times and find Asteras as good as the best in Greece. We found Asteras and the Acropolis Steakhouse in Campbell River to be superb on Vancouver Island.
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6. Le Cafe Francais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
French little bistro. Authentique home cooking
Reviewed By Kjmel
The warm atmosphere and engaging waiter made our eating experience wonderful! They adjusted the dish we ordered to suit our dietary needs (gluten free) and delivered a superb meal. We look forward to returning and trying other items on the menu.
7. Mon Petit Choux
Overall Ratings
4 based on 243 reviews
We make all our breads and pastries using organic flour, butter and sugar. our eggs are from a local farm and our coffee is from Drumroaster in Duncan. We serve delicious breakfast and lunch using only high quality ingredients in a relax and friendly atmosphere
Reviewed By williamofvictoria - Vancouver Island, Canada
I was heading from Victoria to Comox today and made plans to meet my sister for lunch in Nanaimo. Where? Mon Petit Choux of course!
I'd eaten here before and thought it was amazing.
This time was even better. The food as outstanding. I had the roast beef and Brie baguette which was to die for. Service however was the difference here as it was even better than the food.
Our server was great, but more than that the owner herself checks in with every customer about their meal with interest and passion. I had such a nice chat with the lady, and you know in a second why the food and experience is so good.
This is a true foodie who cares about the quality of her product. Well done!
I'll be back every time I come through Nanaimo.
8. Nori Japanese Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 714 reviews
9. Smokin' George's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Every city worth its salt has a place that locals talk about… you know, that place that serves up the tastiest, smokiest, most delicious BBQ. In Nanaimo, that place is Smokin’ George’s BBQ!<br><br>Every day, we’re chopping up seasoned hardwoods to smoke up the most incredible pulled pork, beef brisket, pork ribs, chicken, and sausage this city has ever seen. We bake our cornbread fresh every morning, hand cut buckets of fries and mix up our homemade bbq sauces and dressings, so every time you step in our door, you can smell those flavours in the air. We don’t screw around my friend. We take BBQ very seriously.
Reviewed By Ines W - Oxford, United Kingdom
Went there for a late lunch and both loved the food and the friendly service. I had a special of the day (pulled pork Sandwich, bacon, avocado and spicy mango BBQ sauce) which was delicious, and some beans on the side which were generous and...MoreCheers and thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience at Smokin' George's BBQ with others!! We are super happy you enjoyed your meal! Thanks again!
10. 2 Chefs Affair
Overall Ratings
4 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By CA H - Calgary
Very good breakfast, options for all 4 of us; one who is a vegetarian. Large Seating area on the sidewalk but nicely decorated and closed off, so you don't feel like you are sitting in the street. Friendly staff and good portions for breakfast. A relaxed pace for service and meals to arrive.
