Nanaimo, the hub city on the island, boasts a range of excellent restaurants alongside its scenic waterfront views, heritage attractions, and vibrant scuba diving scene.
Quick recommendations: visit Melange Restaurant for its diverse cuisine and chic atmosphere, or enjoy the stunning ocean views and exquisite seafood at The View Oceanside Grill.
Explore our list of the 10 best restaurants in Nanaimo to enhance your culinary journey.
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1. Melange Restaurant
Melange Restaurant is known for its eclectic menu that creatively fuses various cuisines. The chic, modern ambiance adds to the dining experience. Must-try dishes include the Pork Belly Buns and Ramen, known for their tender meat and light yet flavorful broth. The Vegan Ramen and Glassen Farms Chicken also come highly recommended for their unique taste and juicy texture.
What to order: Pork Belly Buns, Pork Belly Ramen, Vegan Ramen, Glassen Farms Chicken.
Address: 101-223 Commercial St. Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G5
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2. The View Oceanside Grill
The View Oceanside Grill, inside the Best Western Dorchester, offers stunning water views and a diverse seafood menu. Recommended dishes include Flash-Fried Brussels Sprouts, Red Thai Coconut Curry, and Sesame Crusted Tuna, each skillfully prepared with a balance of flavors, including sweetness, garlicky aroma, and savoury notes.
What to order: Flash-fried Brussels Sprouts, Seafood Dip, Red Thai Coconut Curry, Sesame Crusted Tuna, Lime Swirl Sherbet.
Address: 70 Church Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4
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3. The Nest Bistro
The Nest Bistro, a hidden gem in Nanaimo, specializes in French and Italian cuisine. With its romantic patio and elegant interior, it’s perfect for date nights. The Spinach Lasagna Verde is a hit, blending pasta, cheese, béchamel, and pistachio-and-herb pesto.
Other popular choices are the Seafood Risotto, Sicilian Pizza, and Spaghetti Bolognese, known for their rich flavours and artistic presentation.
What to order: Spaghetti Bolognese, Spinach Lasagna Verde, Seafood Risotto, Sicilian Pizza
Address: 77 Skinner St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G9
4. Bistro Taiyo Japanese Restaurant
Bistro Taiyo Japanese Restaurant, a local favorite in downtown Nanaimo, offers a small, cozy space with an outdoor patio. Their Philadelphia Roll, with creamy filling and sushi rice salmon layer, is a classic favourite. The Spicy Sushi Don, featuring spicy tuna over steamed rice, is known for its freshness and flavour.
What to order: Spicy Sushi Don, Poke Don, Philadelphia Roll, Beef Yakisoba, Tonkotsu Tantan.
Address: 321 Wesley Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 2T5
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5. Smokin’ George’s BBQ Restaurant
Smokin’ George’s BBQ Restaurant in Nanaimo is a haven for BBQ lovers, serving southern-style favorites like pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, chicken, and homemade sausage.
The Combo Plate is ideal for groups, offering a choice of Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Smoked Pulled Chicken, or BBQ Ribs. The Beef Brisket Sandwiches, with tender meat and fresh veggies, are also a must-try.
What to order: Beef Brisket Sandwiches, Smoked Bulled Chicken Sandwiches, Smokin’ George’s Combo Plate, Pulled Pork Poutine.
Address: 4131 Mostar Road Unit 5 Nanaimo, BC V9T 6A6
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6. Alexandra’s Bistro
Alexandra’s Bistro is a popular Greek restaurant in Nanaimo, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes. Their Gambretti Livornese, with prawns in garlic, white wine, parsley, and marinara sauce, and the Souvlaki, available in lamb, chicken, or prawn, are highly recommended for their aromatic and flavourful qualities.
What to order: Gambretti Livornese, Lamb Souvlaki, Chicken Souvlaki, Prawn Fettucine, Spinach Meat Ravioli, Pollo Piccata.
Address: 21 2220 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H9
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7. Firehouse Grill
Located in Nanaimo’s No.2 Firehall, Firehouse Grill offers creative sushi, grill dishes, and craft beer. The interior blends historic and modern elements. Their signature sushi rolls, particularly the Black N’ Blue and Hawaiian Dynamite, are known for their unique flavours and sauces. The Fire Hydrant Burger, paired with Blonde Ale, is another favourite.
What to order: Black N’ Blue Roll, Hawaiian Dynamite Roll, fire Hydrant Burger, Bad Ass Burger, Crab Cake, Blonde Ale.
Address: 7 Victoria Road Nanaimo, BC V9R 4N9
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8. Milano’s Ristorante
Milano’s Ristorante in Nanaimo specializes in Greek and Italian cuisine, offering a relaxed European atmosphere. Start with their 7-layer Mediterranean Dip, followed by Pasta Corfu, featuring linguini with prawns, scallops, shrimp, garlic butter, white wine, and Romano cheese.
What to order: Mediterranean Dip, Pasta Corfu, Beef Ravioli, Maui Luau Pizza, Milano’s Special Pizza, Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Address: 300-6551 Aulds Rd V9T 6K2, Nanaimo, BC
9. Jalapenos Mexican Food
Jalapenos Mexican Food serves authentic Mexican cuisine in Nanaimo. The restaurant’s traditional decor adds to the dining experience. The Carnitas Plate, featuring seasoned, slow-cooked, pan-fried pork, is a standout dish. Also try their Tostados for a lighter option, topped with cheese, refried beans, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and salsa.
What to order: Carnitas Plate, Tostadas, Corn Encepollada, Taco Trio Plate
Address: 450-B Wakesiah Ave, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3K9
10. Zalathai Thai Restaurant
Zalathai Thai Restaurant is known for its authentic Thai dishes and homey, traditional Thai decor. Signature dishes include Lime Leaves Wrap, Som Tum, and Jun Pad Pu. The Lime Leaves Wrap, with minced chicken and pork, herbs, and spices, and the Jun Pad Pu, an enhanced Pad Thai with crab meat, are especially flavourful.
What to order: Lime Leaves Wrap, Som Tum, Jun Pad Pu, Pad Thai, Roasted Duck Curry, Seafood Curry, Soo See.
Address: 22 Victoria Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B8
Nanaimo has never failed to impress with its extensive choices of the very best restaurants in the area. Including so many different backgrounds, cuisine, and style, we hope to help you find your most suitable destination.
For more food recommendations, take a peek at our picks of the best Victoria restaurants.