Top 10 restaurants in Nanaimo, Canada

November 24, 2017 Christa Meece

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

5775 Turner Rd, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 6L8, Canada Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, Pub, Canadian, Brew Pub, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$47 - HK$173 +1 250-729-8225
Excellent
42%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 535 reviews

Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant

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

2104 Hemer Rd | B.c., Nanaimo, British Columbia V9X 1L8, Canada Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards Canadian, International, Contemporary, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner HK$110 - HK$212 +1 250-722-3621
Excellent
74%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 247 reviews

Mahle House Restaurant

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

2313 Yellow Point Rd, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9X 1W5, Canada Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Bar, British, Pub, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +1 250-722-3731
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 976 reviews

Crow & Gate Pub

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

16 Victoria Cres, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5B8, Canada Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Pizza, Fast Food, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 250-753-6667
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Mambo Gourmet Pizza

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

347 Wesley St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 2T5, Canada Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$8 +1 250-716-0451
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Asteras Greek Taverna

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

153 Commercial St | 153 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5G5, Canada Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Street Parking, Accepts Credit Cards French, European, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$63 - HK$306 +1 250-716-7866
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 377 reviews

Le Cafe Francais

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

101 Commercial St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5G5, Canada Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards French, Cafe, Canadian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$16 - HK$71 +1 250-753-6002
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 243 reviews

Mon Petit Choux

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

203-6750 Island Hwy N, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9V 1S3, Canada Television, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Drinks HK$55 - HK$126 +1 250-751-3377
Excellent
76%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 714 reviews

Nori Japanese Restaurant

Reviewed By Daphne D - Vancouver Island, Canada

We go to Nori often. We have never had a poor meal here. The food is fresh, presented nicely and delicious. Our entire family feels Nori is the best place for sushi on the island. So happy they decided to open at lunch again!

9. Smokin' George's BBQ

4131 Mostar Rd Unit 5, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9T 6A6, Canada Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa American, Barbecue, Canadian Lunch, Dinner +1 250-585-2258
Excellent
61%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

Smokin' George's BBQ

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

123B Commercial St, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5G5, Canada Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Highchairs Available American, Cafe, Canadian, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 250-667-1288
Excellent
53%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 294 reviews

2 Chefs Affair

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.

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