NANAIMO RESTAURANT GUIDE AND REVIEWS
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Welcome to The Buccaneer Inn's Nanaimo Restaurant Guide. The following restaurants are some of our favourites in Nanaimo and your 'Best Bets' for great places to enjoy a taste of our varied local West Coast cuisine.
We're not professional reviewers or restaurant critics, but a family that enjoys a wide range of food types and the 'eating out' experience. We've eaten at all the restaurants below, some many, many times, and enjoyed the food, service and value. Our Top 11 Picks list are the ones that we consistently go to and the restaurants that we regularly recommend to our guests, friends and visitors.
We have tried to provide a wide-ranging list of restaurants covering different types of food and price ranges. There are many other choices in Nanaimo and some that we are not aware of. If you find a place worth mentioning please let us know and we'll go give it a try.
Please come back and visit this Guide often, as we regularly update our recommendations and make changes as necessary. We hope you enjoy your dining experiences in Nanaimo and the surrounding area!
And if you need a spotlessly clean, quiet, comfortable studio or suite, we're here to help you out!
Your hosts,
Dave, Marlene and Christopher |
OUR TOP 11 PICKS! THE PLACES YOU ALWAYS HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE AT!
DINGHY DOCK PUB
Canada's only floating pub. Located on Protection Island. Ferry leaves at 10 minutes past every hour from southeast end of dock in Commercial Boat Basin at end of Seawall Walk. Last ferry leaves pub at 12:00 midnight in the summer. Closed during the winter and reopens March 1st annually. A must do in Nanaimo! Call 250-753-2373 for the Pub and 250-753-8244 for the Ferry.
THE NEST
Tuck into something good! Comfort food at it’s finest. A cozy restaurant with big city flavours and friendly small town service. Try the Crunchy Prawns! Open for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 486A Franklyn Street (south end of Old City Quarter) 250-591-2721.
BISTRO TAIYO
Bistro Taiyo sports a new, appealing interior design but still keeps the real home style Japanese cooking that we love. Their more expansive menu features items that most Japanese eat at home and sushi and tempura dishes. Very wholesome and delicious. We spent five years in Japan and this restaurant has great home cooking! Open for lunch and dinner. Located at 2-321 Wesley Street. 250-716-8861.
LONGWOOD BREW PUB
Nanaimo's only brew pub! Beautiful Whistler style building beautifully decorated. Huge outdoor patio area. Outstanding food. 5775 Turner Road, next to Thrifty's Foods on the Island Highway, 250-729-8225.
MAHLE HOUSE
Arguably Nanaimo's best restaurant. Innovative cuisine, casual elegance and award winning wine list. Mahle House features unique events on Adventurous Wednesdays and Long Table Dinners (check Facebook and Twitter for more info). The Porcupine Prawns (wrapped in a shredded Phyllo pastry called Kataifi) are a delicious fixture on the menu! The orange house on the corner of Cedar and Hemer Road. 2104 Hemer Road. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm. 250-722-3621.
CROW & GATE PUB
We often travel to the UK and enjoy the pub culture there. The Crow and Gate Pub is as real and authentic English pub as you'll get outside the UK. Great classic food menu with some West Coast favourites. Excellent selection of ales and beers. Large garden area with lots of outdoor seating, beautiful . 2313 Yellow Point Road. Open 7 days a week from 11 am to late. 250-722-3731.
FOX AND HOUNDS
Owned and operated by Jane and Trevor, this British Pub style restaurant (your kids can go too!) features good old English home cooking (they make EVERYTHING on the menu), some curries and British Columbia's best Fish and Chips! 5 UK and 5 Vancouver Island beers on tap plus Merridale Ciderworks House Cider. Located at 247 Milton Street (across from the Fire Hall and Police Station on Fitzwilliam Street). Open 7 days a week from noon to 10 pm. 250-740-1000.
ASTERAS TAVERNA
Housed in a 100 year old heritage home on Wesley Street, this friendly restaurant features traditional Greek foods (try the Lunch Special for a taste of everything) and excellent wait staff. Located at 347 Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter. Open 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm to late. 250-716-0451.
DELICADO'S
Tempt your palate with their exciting line of Tex-Mex favourites. Located at 358 Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter 250-753-6524 or in the north end at 404-6581 Aulds Road next to Home Depot 250-390-0700.
SUKKHO THAI
An outstanding Thai restaurant in downtown Nanaimo at 123 Commercial St. Housed in a spacious room with huge roll-up front windows, this great little restaurant offers delicious, well-prepared Thai dishes. Some of the best Thai food we have had outside of Thailand! Open Monday to Friday for lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and dinner on Monday to Saturday from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.. 250-591-THAI (8424).
MONTANA'S COOKHOUSE
And one for the kids! A national chain with a western cookhouse theme. Paper table clothes for the kids to draw on. Fun kids menu with perennial favourite, the Cookhouse Combo and an interesting collection of farm equipment. Fun, friendly, well-trained, polite, wait staff and the dreaded moose antlers and accompanying song for your birthday. Located a Nanaimo North Town Centre mall at 4715 Rutherford Road, 250-758-2388.
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE BUCCANEER INN
NAUTICALS
Great fresh seafood in a well decorated funky room with a great nautical theme! 1 block south of The Buccaneer at 1340 Stewart Avenue. Open Sunday to Wednesday from 11:30 am to 9 pm and Thursday to Saturday 11:30 am to 12 pm, 250-754-8881.
IRON WOK
Gourmet Chinese BBQ located 1 block south of The Buccaneer next to Nauticals Seafood. 1350 Stewart Avenue. Open Tuesday to Sunday. 250-754-8861.
MILLERS PUB
A favourite of locals and visiting divers, Millers offers a simple but good pub menu. Beautiful, new outdoor deck! Open daily from 11 am to 11pm. 102-1840 Stewart Ave., 250-753-4833.
MUDDY WATERS PUB
Marine Pub over the water next to Millers. Good pub food and local hangout for real ‘Nanaimoites'. Open daily 11am till 1 am. Also has a beer, wine and liquor store.1724 Stewart Ave., 250-754-4220.
GRANARY RESTAURANT
Located 3 blocks away at Terminal Park Plaza, The Granary serves a very popular menu of good old standby English dishes and Canadian favourites. It's not a fancy place but the food is always excellent. During the week nights they feature a different roast dinner each night. Open 8 am to 7:30 pm Monday-Friday. Closed on Sundays. Highly recommended. #7-1533 Estevan Rd., 250-754-4899
BEEFEATERS
Steak and seafood. Located on the water at Sealand Market at 1840 Stewart Ave., 250-753-2333.
DOWNTOWN NANAIMO & OLD CITY QUARTER
DINGHY DOCK PUB
Canada's only floating pub. Located on Protection Island at 8 Pirate's Lane. Ferry leaves at 10 minutes past every hour from southeast end of dock in Commercial Boat Basin at end of Seawall Walk. Last ferry leaves pub at 12:00 midnight in the summer. Closed during the winter and reopens March 1st annually. A must do in Nanaimo! Now open all year. Guests of The Buccaneer Inn get a special gift for the Pub, ask when you check-in. Call 250-753-2373 for the pub and 250-753-8244 for the Protection Island Ferry.
LIGHTHOUSE BISTRO & PUB
Built on stilts over the Boat Basin on the Harboursdide Walkway. Interesting spot with 3 different venues. Seafood, pub fare and lots of great appys. Main floor restaurant with seasonal deck and upstairs Pub with Nanaimo's best kept deck secret. Walk through the pub and out onto a small deck facing towards Nanaimo Harbour, Gabriola, Protection and Newcastle Islands. Great panoramic view. Take a light sweater in summer months as the deck is east facing and once the sun goes down it can be a bit chilly. Located at 50 Anchor Way. Open daily from 11 am. 250-754-3212.
TROLLER'S FISH & CHIPS
Fabulous, fresh fish and chips on the waterfront. Located on the water in the Boat Basin, just below the Wharfinger's office. Open daily during the summer months only. No phone.
PENNY'S PALAPA
Mexican favourites on the waterfront. Located on the water in the Boat Basin, just south of the Wharfinger's office. Open daily during the summer months only. No phone.
SUKKHO THAI
An outstanding Thai restaurant in downtown Nanaimo across from the Vancouver Island Conference Centre at 123 Commercial St. Housed in a spacious room with huge roll-up front windows, this great little restaurant offers delicious, well-prepared Thai dishes. Try the Larb, Green Curry and Tofu/Cashew. Some of the best Thai food we have had outside of Thailand! Open Monday to Friday for lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and dinner on Monday to Saturday from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. A nearby nightclub warms up their sound system about 9 pm so try to finish your meal beforehand and then enjoy a walk along the Harbourside Walkway. 250-591-THAI (8424).
GINA'S CAFE
A tacky looking, but excellent Mexican restaurant. First come first served. Located at 47 Skinner Street in downtown Nanaimo (stay in the far right hand lane as you come up Front Street and take the right turn at the Y junction near the Courthouse). 250-753-5411.
MRS. RICHES DINNER CLUB CAFÉ
Extreme dining! The best burgers in town. Huge servings in a fun atmosphere. Downtown at 199 Fraser St., just off Highway 19. Open for lunch and dinner. 250-753-8311.
MAMBO PIZZA
Excellent pizza! Lots of vegetarian choices as well as meaty ones. Our family favourites are the Chef's Special and the Spinny pizzas. Soya cheese also available. Eat in, take out or free delivery. 16 Victoria Crescent, 250-753-6667.
ARMANI'S GRILL
Gourmet burgers, noodle boxes & more. Our guests tell us this is a great place to eat! 22 Victoria Crescent, 250-754-5551.
BISTRO TAIYO
Real home style Japanese cooking. Their menu features items that most Japanese eat at home and sushi and tempura dishes. Very wholesome and delicious. We spent five years in Japan and this restaurant has great home cooking! Open for lunch and dinner. Located at 2-321 Wesley Street next to Wesley Street Cafe. 250-716-8861.
WESLEY STREET CAFE
Fine casual dining. Interesting menu and award-wining chef. Located in Old City Quarter at 1-321 Wesley Street. 250-753-6057.
ASTERAS TAVERNA
Housed in a 100 year old heritage home on Wesley Street, this friendly restaurant features traditional Greek foods (try the Lunch Special for a taste of everything) and excellent wait staff. Located at 347 Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter. Open 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm to late. 250-716-0451.
DELICADO'S
Tempt your palate with their exciting line of Tex-Mex favourites. Located at 358 Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter 250-753-6524 or in the north end at 404-6581 Aulds Road next to Home Depot 250-390-0700.
FOX AND HOUNDS
Owned and operated by Jane and Trevor, this British Pub style restaurant (your kids can go too!) features good old English home cooking (the make EVERYTHING on the menu), some curries and British Columbia's best Fish and Chips! 5 UK and 5 Vancouver Island beers on tap plus Merridale Ciderworks House Cider (my fav!). Located at 247 Milton Street (across from the Fire Hall and Police Station on Fitzwilliam Street). Open 7 days a week from noon to 10 pm. 250-740-1000.
THE NEST
Tuck into something good! Comfort food at it’s finest. A cozy restaurant with big city flavours and friendly small town service. Try the Crunchy Prawns! Open for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 486A Franklyn Street (south end of Old City Quarter) 250-591-2721.
NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA
Great pasta and pizza restaurant. Located in Old City Quarter on the corner of Fitzwilliam and Wallace Streets. 299 Wallace Street, 250-754-0111.
REST OF NANAIMO
MALASPINA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DISCOVERY DINING ROOM
Nanaimo's best kept secret. Fantastic food created by the new chef's at the University cooking program. Best view in town. Small room, intimate dining. 900 5th Street, 250-740-6136.
LONGWOOD BREW PUB
Nanaimo's only brew pub! Beautiful Whistler style building beautifully decorated. Brewery tours available. Huge outdoor patio area. Outstanding food. 5775 Turner Road, next to Thrifty's Foods on the Island Highway, 250-729-8225.
ZOUGLAS
Great lunches and dinners featuring Mediterranean dishes and steaks. Located at 2021 Estevan Rd on the corner of Brechin and Estevan. Open daily from 11am to 11pm, 250-716-3233
SHANGHAI CITY
Very busy Chinese restaurant with a big smorgasbord. Large selection of Cantonese and Szechwan items. At 215-2000 North Island Highway just off Departure Bay Road at Brooks Landing Shopping Center. 250-756-9368. Free Delivery.
EARL'S
Trendy hot-spot with outdoor patio area. At 100-2980 North Island Highway at Rock City Plaza. Open for lunch and dinner. 250-756-4100.
CACTUS CLUB
Another trendy hot spot! Up-market burgers and marguerites in a lively atmosphere. Located at Northridge Plaza at 8-5800 Turner Road. 250-729-0011.
URBAN BEAT
A casual upbeat neighbourhood kind of place where you can stroll in for one of the best cups of coffee on the island and enjoy memorable taste experiences. Come in and you will instantly be greeted by the aroma of real food cooking, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, simmering stocks and curries, freshly baked pastries, and more. It’s all about nourishment, tasting whole foods, sharing, laughing, and being together. Open Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. 6595 Applecross Road (behind Costco). 250-390-9722.
MAHLE HOUSE
Arguably Nanaimo's best restaurant. Innovative cuisine, casual elegance and award winning wine list. Mahle House features unique events on Adventurous Wednesdays and Grazing Platter Thursdays. The orange house on the corner of Cedar and Hemer Road. 2104 Hemer Road. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm. 250-722-3621.
SMOKIN’ GEORGES BBQ
If it can be smoked it will be at Georges! Only place in town for absolutely genuine smokehouse flavour. Ribs, Beef Brisket, Sausage, Fried Chicken and more. In the unlikely location of the North End industrial park, on the corner of Mostar and Boban, a block away from SHAW Cable. Mostly take out but they have a few tables to eat in. Open Tuesday to Thursday 11 am to 6:30 pm and Friday and Saturday 11 am to 8 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Get the GPS fired up for this one. Unit #5, 4131 Mostar Road, 250-585-2258.
CROW & GATE PUB
Real, authentic English pub. Great classic food menu with some West Coast favourites. Excellent selection of ales and beers. Large garden area with lots of outdoor seating. One of the first pubs in British Columbia and still one of the best! 2313 Yellow Point Road. Open 7 days a week from 11 am to 1 pm. 250-722-3731.
BREAKFAST
A & W
4 Locations in Nanaimo: Southgate Center at south of Nanaimo on Island Highway, Downtown Nanaimo on Victoria Crescent, Northgate Shopping Center at Turner Road and Woodgrove Shopping Center.
THE GRANARY
Located 3 blocks from The Buccaneer Inn at Terminal Park Plaza, The Granary serves a very popular menu of good old standby English dishes and Canadian favourites. It's not a fancy place but the food is always excellent. During the week nights they feature a different roast dinner each night. Open 9 am to 7:30 pm Monday-Friday. 9 am to 2 pm Sat, Sun & Holidays. Highly recommended. #7-1533 Estevan Rd., 250-754-4899
RICKY'S GRILL
Nanaimo's favourite family restaurant with good food and outstanding service. Consistently wins Best of the City awards for its food. Located at the north end of Nanaimo at 6550 Island Highway at the corner of Aulds Road across from Woodgrove Centre. 250-390-1227.
PERKINS COFFEE COMPANY
Great coffee roasted on Saltspring Island. Perkins has a wide selection of freshly baked goods in the morning and soup and sandwiches throughout the day. Located downtown at 234 Commercial Street 250-753-2582.
WHITE SPOT
Legendary BC restaurant. Located at 130 Terminal Avenue at the south end of Stewart Avenue. Open Sun to Thurs 6:30 am to 9:30 pm and 6 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. 250-754-2241. Also located at Woodgrove Centre in North Nanaimo.
JAVAWOCKY
Waterfront coffee shop on Seawall Walk downtown Nanaimo with an outstanding location and waterfront patio. 8- 90 Front Street, 250-753-1688.
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