Asteras Greek Taverna
347 Wesley Street
Asteras Greek Taverna is an award-winning Greek restaurant that’s highly recommended by most Nanaimo locals. The menu of traditional Greek favourites includes moussaka, lamb and seafood dishes, and is rounded off with ample appies, desserts, and drinks. Asteras is known for its exceptional hospitality and the owner is often on-site to ensure guests are enjoying their experience. Asteras is the perfect downtown spot for a romantic night out or a celebration with dear friends.
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Bar Luna
7 Victoria Road
Reimagined cantina features tex-mex comfort food with an upmarket twist alongside creative cocktails.
Bistro Taiyo
#2 – 321 Wesley Street
Bistro Taiyo is an authentic Japanese restaurant, owned and managed by a family from Saitama, Japan. Located in the Old City Quarter, Bistro Taiyo serves Japanese favourites including sushi, sashimi, tempura, rice bowls, and ramen. Bistro Taiyo is named after the sun, based on the owners’ desire to bring light to the world.
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BLACK RABBIT KITCHEN
321 Selby Street
A casual French-style bistro tucked into the old train station. Celebrating local BC ingredients – flavour without the fuss. Showcasing real whole food made from scratch, created with passion and intention and supported by a curated cocktail. A space to gather with friends, or enjoy a 3-course prix-fixe dinner date.
Bocca Café
427 Fitzwilliam St
Cozy café in the Heritage Mews serving up all your favourite drinks alongside an array of eats and treats. Wheat free, gluten free and vegan options are plentiful.
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Carbonne Pizza
215 Terminal Ave N
Fresh ingredients from local farmer’s markets are used in this authentic Italian eatery. Choose from a wide selection of classic and unique pizzas or pasta dishes.
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Chick to Sea
150 Terminal Ave N
Fish and Chips, fried chicken and more. A small number of dine in seats available or take-away and enjoy on a seawall bench.
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Cliffside Brewing
11 Cliff St
Stop by to try this small scale bewery’s latest fresh batch. Stay for a snack and chat, or take a growler of your favourite home to enjoy.
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Craft Fare
153 Commercial St
Small scale taproom and eatery which showcases premium craft brews and comfort food in a welcoming and relaxing setting.
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Delicado’s
238 Wesley Street
Delicado’s is a casual, funky restaurant that’s locally famous for its roll-up wraps, salsa, homemade tortillas, and other southwestern fare. Indoor seating is limited but Delicado’s downtown location has a great patio for the summer. Guests who are limited on time are encouraged to phone-In their order in advance.
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Dinghy Dock
8 Pirates Ln
Take the shuttle from the boat basin or paddle across to Canadas only floating pub and restaurant. Amazing views and relaxed atmosphere make this a popular choice.
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Firehouse Grill
1-75 Front Street
An old Nanaimo favourite in a new location: Firehouse Grill is a grill and sushi restaurant that offers casual dining i. The creative fusion sushi menu includes generous portions of sushi pizza and flash-fried rolls. Firehouse Grill also serves sandwiches, burgers, pasta, jambalaya, and cajun food, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
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Gabriel’s Café
39 Commercial Street
Gabriel’s Café is one of downtown Nanaimo’s most popular restaurants, transforming local farm to fork ingredients into some of the island’s best breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The casual eatery accommodates most dietary restrictions without compromising on flavour. Gabriel’s Café has one long table that encourages community and conversation between strangers, as well as numerous private table options.
Gina’s Mexican Café
47 Skinner Street
Gina’s Mexican Café serves handcrafted Mexican food within a colourful pink house on a hill. The restaurant describes itself as “a tacky but friendly place” and starts every table off with complimentary chips and salsa. The extensive and satisfying menu includes classic favourites, including tacos, enchiladas, and chimichangas, as well as generously sized combination platters.
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Ironworks Creperie
200 Commercial St
Made from scratch sweet and savory crepes and fresh roasted coffee will entice you into this locally owned café. Delicious gluten free, keto and vegan batter options available.
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Javawocky
90 Front St #8
Grab a hot coffee and freshly baked treat at this locally owned cozy café on the waterfront walkway. Sit inside or on the deck and take in the busy harbour, or take your drinks to go and enjoy a waterside walk.
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La Stella Trattoria
#1-321 Wesley Street
La Stella Trattoria is an Italian restaurant that’s known for its handmade pasta and wood-fried pizza. La Stella’s arancini and meatballs are also popular favourites. The romantic trattoria has become a popular date night choice due to the high-quality food and intimate ambience, and many locals visit La Stella on a regular basis. Reservations are recommended in the evenings.
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Lighthouse Bistro and Pub
50 Anchor Way
Located right on the waterfront in Nanaimo’s downtown harbour serving delicious options from seafood to gourmet burgers in the pub and restaurant.
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Mambos Gourmet Pizza
238c Franklyn Street
Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Mambo’s specializes in pan pizza with fresh ingredients prepared and cooked daily.
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Melange Restaurant
#101 – 223 Commercial Street
Melange Restaurants offers an interesting menu that’s rich with local ingredients, flavour, and creativity. The menu is very vegetarian and vegan friendly—while still offering ample meat and seafood plates—and has numerous gluten free options. Melange has two primary dining areas and an ambience well suited for date nights and gatherings with friends.
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Milton Street Public House
247 Milton St
Casual, neighbourhood style pub in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. Enjoy a snack or meal with your drink while relaxing in the laid-back atmosphere.
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Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge
11 Bastion Street
Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge is located inside the Coast Bastion Hotel and is the perfect place to kick back and relax for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The seafood-inspired menu is full of comfort foods, including burgers and grilled cheese, as well as more elevated pasta, fish, and steak dishes. The bar at Minnoz is great for a quick drink before going to The Port Theatre or spending a night on the town.
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Modern Café
221 Commercial Street
A fresh new direction to a Nanaimo landmark. menu and daily specials highlight wild and foraged ingredients, gathered with care and respect for the land, right here on Vancouver Island.
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Mon Petit Choux
120 Commercial St
French style breakfast and lunch spot offering organic cafe fare along with breads and pastries baked on site. Eat in or take your treats home for later.
Mrs. Riches Restaurant
199 Fraser Street
Mrs. Riches Restaurant is a family restaurant that has an extensive menu with foods from around the world. Soups, sandwiches, chicken, seafood, pasta, and ribs are available, but Mrs. Riches is most famous for one particular dish: the K2 Mountain Burger. This monster of a burger includes 2 pounds of beef, ham, cheese, bacon, two eggs, veggies and condiments on a gigantic bun. Guests who can eat the entire burger plus a side of fries in under 30 minutes gets their meal free and their photo added to the wall of fame.
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Nana Sushi
14 Victoria Crescent
Nana Sushi is a sushi and ramen restaurant conveniently located at the corner of Victoria Crescent and Albert Street. It is one of the most affordable downtown restaurants, and its bento boxes, sushi rolls, ramen, and noodle dishes are all popular options. Nana Sushi is laid back and always welcoming.
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New York Style Pizza and Pasta
299 Wallace St
A Nanaimo staple for over 30 years, home to authentic Italian style pizza and pasta, ribs and salad.
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Old City Station Pub
150 Skinner St
Located in the heart of Nanaimo, The Old City Station Pub is a casual pub with great drinks, casual food, many TV’s with a 124″ projector screen perfect for sports. An energetic crowd, and on weekend nights the lights dim and music raises.
Penny’s Palapa
Float H – 10 Wharf Street
Penny’s Palapa Restaurant is a seasonal Mexican food restaurant that’s best known for its delicious tacos, refreshing margaritas, and unbeatable summer patio. Penny’s floats on a dock within the Nanaimo Harbour and offers a festive, cheerful place to spend time with family or friends. Penny’s Palapa is open from April 1 through to Thanksgiving.
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Real Food Co
321 Wesley St
Fast food that’s good for you. Stop in for lunch and enjoy home cooked soups, sandwiches and baked goods made from all natural ingredients.
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Serious Coffee – Conference Centre
300 – 60 Commercial Street
This Vancouver Island Coffee Shop chain air roasts its own beans right here in the mid-island. Come in for your favourite brew and a snack or treat. Seasonal and daily specials recommended.
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SukkhoThai Restaurant
123 Commercial Street
SukkhoThai Restaurant is Nanaimo’s best-known destination for Thai food, include soup, noodle, and curry dishes. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown, right in the middle of Commercial Street. SukkhoThai is casual, affordable, and delicious, and has a loyal following of repeat customers.
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Tandoori Junction
489 Wallace Street
Tandoori Junction offers authentic Indian cuisine in a casual environment. The massive menu is jam-packed with traditional Indian dishes and popular Canadian favourites. In addition to their regular menu, Tandoor Junction has a lunch buffet on most days of the week.
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The Breakfast Nook
440 Selby St (Inside the Quality Inn)
Enjoy delicious home cooked all day breakfast and brunch at this cozy café which has daily specials and generous portions.
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The Nanaimo Bar
2-75 Front St
A fresh, cool place to hang out, meet great people, listen to some live music and enjoy some delicious drinks!
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The Nest Bistro
77 Skinner Street
The Nest Bistro takes delicious Italian and French dishes and elevates them with flavourful, local ingredients and culinary artistry. Many of the menu items consistently receive rave reviews, including the forest mushroom and brie tarte, handmade gnocchi, and the chicken or seafood risotto. The Nest is a popular location for date night, special occasions, or group outings, and is run by a husband and wife team.
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The Occidental (Oxy) Pub
432 Fitzwilliam St
Great food, drinks and good times at this longstanding casual pub. Locals go here for the food deals, karaoke and quiz nights.
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The Pantry Restaurant
101-648 Terminal Avenue
The Pantry Restaurant is a franchise chain that’s only found in western Canada. This casual, family-friendly breakfast and lunch restaurant is located within the Port Place plaza. The Pantry Restaurant serves home-style cooked meals including omelettes, eggs benedicts, sandwiches, salads, pasta, rice bowls, and burgers.
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The Queens
34 Victoria Crescent
Nanaimo’s live music venue, this energetic, casual pub features Chinese food and tavern fare.
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The Terminal Bar
63 Victoria Crescent
Lively pub and event venue in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. Features lineup of rotating BC brewed craft beers on tap as well as some of your favourite domestics.
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The View Oceanside Grill
70 Church St #2
Specializing in fresh seafood and other delicious dishes made to order from locally sourced produce. The View Oceanside Grill is located next to Top Notch burgers in the Dorchester Hotel, and is the perfect setting for a special occasion or date night.
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The Vault Café
499 Wallace St
This eclectic and cozy café and late night music venue offers breakfast fare and all-day options in a warm atmosphere.
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The Well Public house
620 Terminal Ave
Located inside Nanaimo Casino beside the Port Place Mall, the Well Public House is open for breakfast and all through the day offering great value classic pub options.
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Top Notch Burgers
70 Church Street
Located inside the Best Western Dorchester, Top Notch Burgers is a must-taste for any burger enthusiast—but that’s not all they do! Try their Braised Short Rib Poutine, an upscale twist of a Canadian classic, or choose from over 10 unique burger combinations.
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Troller’s Fish & Chips
Float H – 10 Wharf Street
Troller’s Fish & Chips is a seasonal restaurant serving classic fish and chips, including ling cod, sockeye salmon, and halibut. This highly casual restaurant is located along the H Dock in Nanaimo harbour, and serves fresh, local seafood. Troller’s Fish & Chips is typically open April through October.
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White Rabbit Coffee
321 Selby St A
Enjoy your favourite beverage and a snack while relaxing in this cozy community space within the old station building.
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White Sails Brewing
125 Comox Rd
Award-winning brewery with a large, west-coast inspired Taproom serving the latest brews and snacks. Enjoy a board game around the large and cozy fireplace.
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Zalathai Thai Restaurant
22 Victoria Crescent
Zalathai Thai Restaurant is one of Nanaimo’s hidden gems, offering flavourful Thai dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The family-owned restaurant is dedicated to serving authentic food, including pad thai, fried rice, curry, soup, and seafood dishes. Zalathai tops off every guest experience with excellent service.
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