While being a relatively small city, you will be surprised to discover that Courtenay boasts tons of restaurants, cafes, eateries, and bars that can amaze you immediately.
If you don’t have enough time to read our list, I recommend visiting the Black Market Food Truck for a variety of inspired cuisine or at George’s Food Bar Ltd for some quick juicy burgers.
Ranging from Italian, Mexican, Greek, Middle Eastern to Japanese, Chinese, and Thai, this little town always has something to satisfy your taste buds!
Make your weekend getaways more enjoyable by immersing in these 12 best restaurants in Courtenay that we’re about to show you.
12. Black Market Food Truck
For the best in mobile munchies, look no further than Black Market Food Truck! By serving crazy good food from Asian to European-inspired dishes, this little gem has been considered as an extraordinary eating experience by the locals.
My favourites on the menu are the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich and Black Market Burger. What can I say more about these dishes? The chicken burger comes with a deep-fried chicken filet, a lot of kimchi, and gochujang mayo.
They also have ramen made with chili lime coconut broth and topped with ginger and chili-seared chicken. For a creamy, savoury, yet earthy meal, get the Bacon & Button Mushroom Mac N Cheese.
What to order: Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, Black Market Burger, Bacon & Button Mushroom Mac N Cheese, Crispy Back Ribs, Seared Albacore Tuna
Address: 120 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J4
11. George’s Food Bar Ltd
Wanna grab a real quick-yet-delicious burger on your way to work or back home? Drop a visit to George’s Food Bar and you’re all set!
Home to one of the best and freshest burgers, you can forget your favourite burger after a visit to this hidden gem in Courtenay.
You can never go wrong with their Deluxe Cheeseburger, a pan-seared beef patty with a charred crust that is topped with cheese, sautéed cremini mushrooms, and decadent aioli.
Just one bite and all of that meaty, rich, hearty, cheesy taste gonna show you heaven!
Or the big, juicy Mushroom Burger is a mighty vegetarian burger with garlic-roasted mushrooms, topped with cheese then stuffed into fully loaded soft rolls can also do you good!
Note: It is a drive-through with no dining area.
What to order: Deluxe Cheeseburger, Mushroom Burger, Onion Rings.
Address: 540 Comox Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6
10. Plates Eatery
Ultimate breakfast choices are available all day, that’s the fastest way to say about Plates Eatery! From homemade soups, gravy, and jam to in-house burgers, they have something for everyone.
Thanks to its simple yet decadent food and friendly ambiance, Plates Eatery has long been a favourite spot among the locals for more than 20 years.
Check out Arnold’s Reuben, a local favourite grilled triple-decker. It’s salty, tangy, fatty, and smokey, everything you could ask for a hearty breakfast!
Alternatively, the hearty Smoked Brisket Hash dish can be a great fit for brunch with juicy, tender pieces of brisket, hash brown potatoes, vegetables, and topped with over-easy eggs to create a creamy, savory, and simply delicious meal.
If you like the sweet stuff, I recommend getting a Waffle or Banana Pancakes. The former has three sauces to choose from, strawberry, blueberry, or apple sauce. While the latter is topped with fresh slices of banana and slices of cream.
What to order: Arnold’s Reuben, Smoked Brisket Hash, Waffle, Banana Pancakes, Monte Cristo Sandwich, Breakfast Burrito
Address: 2601 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 2L8
9. Pizzeria Guerilla
Being in a small town doesn’t stop Pizzeria Guerilla from creating such big-city flavours, which are top-notch regardless of what kind of pizza you’re about to call.
If you’re not living in the area, I bet you’ll still make a trip across the island to experience this cozy, lovely restaurant.
The King Onion Pizza is considered the most incredible of all, a dish you won’t get anywhere else that comes up with confit onion butter, pickled garlic, salt-roasted onion, bacon, pork fennel sausage, and cheese.
Also, try the Funghi pizza and Amatriciana pizzas. The Funghi is a vegetarian pizza topped with as the name implies garlic roasted mushrooms resulting in earthy and savory flavours.
The Amatriciana is surprising yet sharp due to the pork fennel sausage toppings which taste sweet, licorice-like, and a hint of spicy.
What to order: King Onion Pizza, Funghi, Amatriciana, Ham Bacon & Pineapple
Address: 444 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1J8
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8. Il Falcone
Il Falcone is an Italian restaurant created by the partnership team of Sian Pairaudeau and Cassidy McLeod. This yellow house restaurant is perfect for a date or a family-friendly meal.
The menu at Il Falcone is a pre-fixe menu consisting of Italian cuisine like penne pasta and bolognese. Not to mention they have a fantastic wine list and cocktail bar to complement your meal.
I highly recommend getting the Spaghetti Amatriciana and Braised Lamb Shank for a savoury and hefty meal. If you want something on the lighter side, the Vegan ‘Farinata’ is a great choice especially if you crave earthy flavours.
Another dish you should try is Paparo all’Arancia for a rich, citrusy, and a little sweet duck confit. To make the most of your stay at Il Falcone, I recommend you get the 5-course menu with wine pairings.
What to order: Spaghetti Amatriciana, Braised Lamb Shank, Vegan ‘Farinata’, Paparo all’Arancia
Address: 536 6th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1M5
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7. Atlas Cafe
Being home to perfectly-prepared breakfasts, bustling lunches, and comfort dinners, Atlas Cafe is always the place to rely on for real high-quality food and good moments in downtown Courtenay.
You can also find some of the very best Vancouver Island artisan spirits and British Columbia award-winning wines at Atlas Cafe, which have set this place apart from the rest.
Consider getting the Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Hearty with melting goat cheese and potato. If you’re into something smoky, try out their House Smoked BBQ Sandwich and be seduced!
If you are into something with the same smoky and hearty taste, try out their House Smoked BBQ Sandwich and be seduced!
End your meal right with Dark Chocolate Mousse for dessert, which just melts on the tongue and brings up a rich, smooth mouthfeel.
What to order: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, House Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Chicken Souvlaki Roll, Atlas Salad
Address: 250 6th Street Courtenay, BC V9N 1M1
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6. The Yellow Deli
Munching on a delicious sandwich while immersing in such a vintage ambiance, how does that sound to you? If this is just what you need, come and visit The Yellow Deli!
Impress you with its beach driftwood, weathered barn wood, and nourishing atmosphere, you’ll also be amazed by how outstanding and mouth-watering their sandwiches, bread, and rolls are.
Their Deli Rose Sandwich is a legend, so you will want to make sure that dish is on the list!
With roasted beef and smoked meat slathered in-home secret sauce, provolone cheese, and caramelized onions, this sandwich is simply tasty and surprisingly packed with flavors in every bite!
Some worth trying none-sandwiches include Chili with Beef and a heartwarming Homemade Soup; or the slightly sweet and smooth Cream Cheese Pie for dessert.
What to order: Deli Rose Sandwich, Chili with Beef, Homemade Soup, Cream Cheese Pie, Reuben Sandwich, Yellow Submarine
Address: 596 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1K3
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5. Fluid Bar & Grill
Fluid Bar & Grill is a place for everyone and made to enjoy at every moment, and by saying that, we actually mean it. Whether you want a fine eating experience, some casual snacks, or simply a well-crafted cocktail, Fluid Bar & Grill is on it!
With an open, comfortable ambiance, and extensive food & drink choices, this is the only place you can get all your taste cravings satisfied in Courtnay!
For a well-deserved treat, go for Pork Gyoza, Tuna Tataki, Spinach & Artichoke Dip or Tempura Cod. The Gyoza is pan-fried to create a deliciously crispy bottom, then briefly steamed for a delicate finish that is undoubtedly addictive!
The Tuna Tataki is also my top pick because of the gently-seared tuna and citrus-soy sauce that gives it a gentle ginger kick.
If you want something simple, the Spinach & Artichoke Dip is a must-have—tangy, nutty, and cheesy.
What to order: Pork Gyoza, Tuna Tataki, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Tempura Cod, Creamy Seafood Chowder
Address: 1175 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 2K2
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4. Nikkei Ramen-ya
Where can you get the best ramen in Courtenay? Nikkei Ramen-ya, without thinking twice! Serving fresh, handmade noodles, and a varied menu in an inviting, cozy atmosphere, Nikkei Ramen-ya is a hit with customers.
Their Ebi Ramen is the least thing to be missed at Nikkei Ramen-ya, made from wild side stripe shrimp and local pea shoots to create a rich, dense soup and pair perfectly with chewy, thick noodles.
Topped with pork chashu, half an ajitama, dried shrimp, and green onion, Ebi Ramen is going to be your all-time favorite item!
For a more unique choice, try Tori Ramen, Shibuya-inspired salt ramen with sliced chicken breast, pea shoots, dried tomato, bamboo shoots, and green onions. you can choose to add yuzu kosho to give out the refreshing spicy, citrusy notes.
What to order: Tori Ramen, Ebi Ramen, Hokkaido Miso Ramen, Kara Miso Paitan
Address: 320 5th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 2M6
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3. Seh-mi Japanese Restaurant Courtenay
Seh-mi Japanese Restaurant Courtenay is heaven for all Japanese food lovers, as they’ll find all sorts of sushi, specialty rolls, udon, soba noodles, donburi, teriyaki, and so on!
Once you step into Seh-mi, you’ll be welcomed by the authentic Japanese ambiance with light-wooden furniture and a cozy atmosphere that is sure to leave you with a lasting memory!
It’s always good to start with Salmon Tuna Don which comes up with sashimi-grade tuna and salmon marinated in soy sauce, sake, mirin served over rice, garnished with sesame seeds, and nori. A basic but classic choice all the time for raw fish lovers!
For specialty rolls, never miss their Island Fever and Kiss & Tell. While the Island Fever is filled with tempura prawns, pineapple, cream cheese, and smoked salmon, mango, seared tuna on top; the Kiss & Tell is no less delicious with tempura prawns, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, salmon, tuna, and garnished with eel sauce. Stunning!
What to order: Ebi Mayo, Chicken Katsu Don, Salmon Tuna Don, Dynamite Cone, Island Fever Roll, Kiss & Tell Roll
Address: 1320 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 6P5
2. Javier’s Latin Cuisine Restaurant
Specializing in authentic Latin American food, ranging from Mexico, Colombia to Peru, Javier’s Latin Cuisine Restaurant is opened to inspire you with the Latin culture and tradition through its food, bright, vibrant decorations, and rustic ambiance.
I highly recommend getting Araminta’s Chicken, Javier’s mothers’ recipe. It’s a complete package, grilled juicy chicken topped with veggies like carrots and peas then served with rice and plantain.
Their Chicken Golden Tacos are also worth trying. Crispy rolled chicken tacos are made creamy due to the feta cheese.
And finally, end your meal right with the unique Deep-fried Ice Cream, we’ll let you experience this yourself, believe us, this is an excellent one!
What to order: Araminta’s Chicken, Chicken Golden Tacos, Deep-fried Ice Cream, Alambres Steak, Peruvian Beef Stir Fry
Address: 307 B 14th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 6P5
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1. Yiamas Greek Taverna
Being the home of truly authentic traditional Greek cuisine, Yiamas Greek Taverna invites you to soak up their friendly, welcoming ambiance, and finest Mediterranean & Cypriot delights.
Relax and enjoy your time spent in these lovely, softly lit surroundings, it is so worth it!
Settle down with their Keftedes, Lamb Souvlaki, Stuffed Chicken, and Saganaki. You can never go wrong with these masterpieces!
The Keftedes, which are Greek meatballs, are beautifully flavoured with red onion, fresh parsley, a touch of mint, and hints of dried oregano.
Wanna know a secret? It can taste even better with rice, Pita bread, or Greek feta salad.
You can also try the famous Lamb Souvlaki, which is juicy, well seasoned, and garnished with cooling tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in a delicious crispy and fluffy pita, what more could you ask for?
What to order: Keftedes, Lamb Souvlaki, Stuffed Chicken, Saganaki.
Address: 275 8th Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1N4
It doesn’t matter what you are in the mood for or what the occasion is, there is something here for everyone at Courtenay. We have to admit, the diversity of food choices in this little town has never let us down, and we’ll bet you will surely enjoy those 12 Courtney restaurants above just like us!
Keep yourself updated with the best restaurants in Nanaimo to discover and dine in now!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.