Restaurants in Nanaimo
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A
Lighthouse Bistro
This popular white-linen bistro is located on the waterfront and features a selection of conventional but well-prepared favorites, ranging from blackened halibut to veal scallopine and wild mushroom ravioli. The wine list has an excellent BC selection. The pub upstairs has lower prices and a more casual atmosphere, but there's an excellent view of the harbor from either floor as well as a great patio to catch the sunset.
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B
Pirate Chips
Locals originally came here for the best fries in town but they keep coming back for the funky ambience - the quirky pirate-themed decor makes it a great late-night hang-out after some beers. You'd have to be fairly drunk to down a large order of poutine (french fries topped with cheese and gravy) or a deep-fried chocolate bar but it's hard to beat the fries served with toppings such as curry or garlic.
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C
Tina's Diner
Still known by its former name (Flo's) by many locals, this popular 1950s-style spot is the best place in town for breakfast. The massive menu runs from eggs Benedict to breakfast wraps, and there are plenty of burgers, sandwiches and salads for those who don't make it here until lunchtime. There are some special live music events, when dinner and singer-songwriters share the menu.
reviewed
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D
Javawocky
It's a Nanaimo tradition to get a coffee here and sit outside to watch the ships roll in and out of the harbor. A great place to rub shoulders with the locals, this is also your big chance to try a Nanaimo bar, the ultrarich brownie treat made from thick layers of custard and chocolate.
reviewed
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E
Penny's Palapa
This tiny, flower-decked floating hut and patio in the harbor is a lovely spot for a meal among the jostling boats. An inventive, well-priced menu of Mexican delights includes seasonal seafood specials - the signature halibut tacos are recommended - and some good vegetarian options.
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F
Mrs Riches Dinner Club Café
Like stepping into a comic book about a carnival, Mrs Riches is a family-oriented place lined with an eclectic array of memorabilia (life-sized stuffed toys and car fenders are the norm here) but the food is not just for looks. The heaping burger platters are second to none (tackle the Mountain Burger, if you're starving) but the pasta dishes and old-school milkshakes are great, too.
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G
Modern Café
This reinvented old coffee shop has cool loungey interiors combining exposed brick and comfy booths or, if it's sunny, a sun-warmed outdoor patio. The menu runs from the kind of wraps, burgers and sandwiches that are a cut above standard diner fare and there are some small-plate options for those who just want to snack.
reviewed
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H
Troller's Fish & Chips
Nothing beats the ambience of Troller's when it comes to grubbing on some fish and chips. This shack on the docks at the boat basin always cooks the fresh catch of the day, selecting its prawns and salmon straight from the boats in the harbor. It's also a good spot to watch the maritime world float by.
reviewed
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I
Armani's Grill
They're not just burgers, they're works of art. Armani uses ground sirloin, not chuck, and makes each patty by hand after you order. There's 3oz of Jack Daniels in the Jack Burger and the Mushroom Burger has enough mushrooms to tap a small farm's entire crop.
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J
Glow World Cuisine
Occupying a handsome old brick fire hall building, the dark tones and mood lighting at Glow create a mysterious and secluded atmosphere. The adventurous menu combines traditional meat and seafood dishes with international influences (especially Asian) and local ingredients. Drop by for the Sunday brunch, an around C$21 smorgasbord of Western and Asian breakfast treats.
reviewed
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