Located on the stunning coastline of Vancouver Island you’ll find Nanaimo, one of Canada’s hidden gems for dining! As the second largest city on Vancouver Island, behind Victoria, Nanaimo has long taken a back seat when it comes to culinary accolades–but that’s about to change!
With incredible restaurants opening up throughout Central Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is without a doubt becoming a culinary hub in the region! With a vibrant food scene, this charming city offers everything from international cuisines to west coast classics. Whether you’re exploring the historic Old City Quarter or relaxing by the waterfront, you’ll find Nanaimo’s restaurants are packed with complex flavours and incredible dishes.
Looking for the perfect base to explore more of Nanaimo? Book a vacation rental with EMR Vacation Rentals near Nanaimo, Parksville, or Qualicum Beach! These properties offer comfortable and stylish accommodations, putting you just moments away from the city’s top-notch eateries and attractions!
Now, let’s dive into our list of Nanaimo’s best restaurants and find you your next dining experience on Vancouver Island!
Asteras Greek Taverna
250-716-0451 | 347 Wesley St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$$
Why We Love It: Authentic Greek flavours in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Melitzanosalada, moussaka, calamari & lamb souvlaki.
Asteras is a must-visit Nanaimo restaurant for anyone craving authentic Greek food! Located in the Old City Quarter, this spot serves flavorful Methes like dolmedes and spanakopita, perfectly grilled souvlaki and creamy, flavourful dips and spreads. Pair your meal with a glass of Greek wine for a true Mediterranean dining experience. Γεια!
La Stella Trattoria
778-441-4668 | 321 Wesley St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Handmade Italian dishes in a charming bistro setting.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Arancini, campanelle & tiramisu.
Nestled in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter, La Stella Trattoria is an Italian gem! With a dedication to old-world techniques and sourcing fresh local ingredients, La Stella Trattoria is a great place for an incredible noche Italiana! Their hand made pasta and wood-fired pizzas are bursting with flavour, and their creamy tiramisu is the perfect way to end your meal!
Longwood Brew Pub
250-729-8225 | 5775 Turner Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Craft beer and Canadian comfort food.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Korean BBQ pork tacos, wings & seasonal beer flights.
If you’re looking for a classic down-home pub vibe, this is the place to go! With plenty of comfortable seating, a large fireplace, a large patio for outdoor dining, the Longwood is a great place to go for a fun, casual night out! The iconic Nanaimo restaurant combines craft beer with hearty pub-style dishes with a west coast fusion twist! Enjoy a seasonal beer flight while digging into their Korean BBQ pork tacos, crispy wings or a juicy burger made with fresh, local ingredients!
Mahle House
250-722-3621 | 2104 Hemer Rd, Cedar, BC
Price Range: $$$
Why We Love It: Fine dining in a heritage home.
Family Friendly?: No (best for special occasions).
Top Dishes: Porcupine prawns & cold smoked duck breast
Just south of Nanaimo, in the little seaside area of Cedar, Mahle House offers an exquisite fine dining experience. Located in a heritage home and offering incredible cocktails, an extensive wine list and beautiful European-style dishes made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, this menu is a culinary journey that highlights the flavours of Vancouver Island.
Melange
250-740-0163 | 70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$$
Why We Love It: French-inspired fine dining.
Family Friendly?: No (ideal for date nights).
Top Dishes: Ahi tuna tataki, pork belly bao buns & scallops a la vodka pasta
This upscale, French inspired bistro is a fantastic option for date night in Nanaimo! With a blend of diverse culinary techniques made with locally sourced ingredients, Melange consistently serves incredible food that is as delicious as it is beautiful!
Milano’s Ristorante
250-390-5060 | 620 Morpeth Ave, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Cozy Italian classics.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Milano’s special pizza, smoked salmon penne & Skor cheesecake
Milano’s Ristorante, founded in 1998, offers authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with award-winning pizza, pasta, and generous portions. Known for fresh ingredients and warm hospitality, it’s a family-friendly favourite!
Smokin’ George’s BBQ
250-585-2258 | 4131 Mostar Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Smoky, tender BBQ with Canadian flair.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Beef brisket sandwich & pulled pork poutine.
For classic southern flavours and melt-in-your-mouth BBQ, Smokin’ George’s is unbeatable! Their pulled pork buns are tender and flavorful, and their signature cornbread is a perfect side dish!
Nori Japanese Restaurant
250-751-3377 | 203-6750 Island Hwy N, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Creative sushi rolls and authentic Japanese dishes.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Lobster tail miso soup, pacific poke bowl, fresh oysters.
If you’re looking for elevated Japanese cuisine, Nori is a must! From fresh, bright appetizers and rich complex ramen to perfectly balanced sushi rolls, Nori is sure to impress even the most discerning sushi lovers!
Firehouse Grill
250-716-0323 | 75 Front St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Fusion flavours in a fun atmosphere.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Fire hydrant burger & fighting Buddha sushi roll.
This Nanaimo hotspot offers a unique menu with a little bit of everything! Here you can find mouth watering burgers, incredible sushi rolls and towering sandwiches. Plus, you can enjoy your meal with a long list of cocktails, wine and local beer!
Gabriel’s Cafe
250-741-2571 | 39 Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $
Why We Love It: Fresh, healthy meals.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Thai green curry, gluten-free wraps, smoothies.
Gabriel’s Cafe is a vibrant, locally-loved eatery known for its fresh, wholesome dishes and commitment to sustainability. Located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, this cafe prides itself on catering to a variety of dietary needs with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Milton Street Public House
250-591-1090 | 247 Milton St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Elevated pub food.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Seared tuna, caprese sandwich, oyster mushroom pasta.
Opened in 2015, Milton Street Public House offers a refined take on classic pub cuisine, emphasizing comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients. Housed in a charming heritage building, the ambiance combines historic character with modern comforts. With a welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and attentive service, it’s an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions!
Kim’s Korean BBQ House
250-591-6369 | 1607 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Authentic Korean flavors.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, bulgogi.
Kim’s Korean BBQ House is a top choice for authentic Korean cuisine in Nanaimo. Known for their fresh bibimbap and perfectly crispy Korean fried chicken, this restaurant blends bold flavors with traditional techniques. Their bulgogi is tender and full of rich, smoky flavors. Whether dining in or grabbing takeout, it’s a satisfying experience for Korean food lovers.
Gina’s Mexican Cafe
250-753-5411 | 47 Skinner St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Colorful Mexican dishes.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Tacos, enchiladas, margaritas.
Vibrant and fun, Gina’s Mexican Cafe serves up bold, authentic flavors in a cheerful, eclectic setting. From freshly made tacos to cheesy enchiladas, their dishes are crafted with care and packed with flavor. Don’t miss their refreshing margaritas—perfect for winding down after a busy day. This is a go-to spot for families and friends looking for a taste of Mexico in Nanaimo.
Da Tang Chinese Seafood Restaurant
250-585-8128 | 2220 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Authentic Chinese cuisine with generous portions.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Steamed prawn dumplings, Szechuan beef, Singapore fried noodles.
Da Tang Chinese Seafood Restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Chinese dishes and generous portions. The spacious dining area and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for families and groups. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, Da Tang offers a satisfying Chinese dining experience in Nanaimo.
Cold Front Gelato
250–591-4954 | 60 Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $
Why We Love It: Artisan gelato and ice cream.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Pistachio gelato, salted caramel ice cream.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can find hand-crafted ice cream in unique flavors like pistachio gelato and salted caramel. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing treat on a summer day or a sweet finish to your meal, this charming dessert shop delivers.
Bistro Taiyo
250-716-8861 | 321 Selby St, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: A cozy eatery offering traditional Japanese dishes.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Ramen, sushi, teriyaki chicken.
Bistro Taiyo is a hidden gem for Japanese cuisine in Nanaimo! Their rich and flavorful ramen bowls are a customer favorite, and their sushi is always fresh and beautifully presented. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or dinner, this cozy eatery delivers a delightful taste of Japan.
Huong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant
250-756-7943 | 19-1925 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Traditional Vietnamese dishes with fresh ingredients.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls.
Huong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to Nanaimo! Their steaming bowls of pho are richly spiced and comforting, while their fresh spring rolls are light, crisp, and full of flavor. Don’t miss their banh mi sandwiches, which are packed with fresh ingredients and served with a perfect crusty baguette.
Amrikko’s Indian Grill
250-951-0682 | 487 Island Hwy E, Parksville, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Bold Indian spices and satisfying portions.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: Butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, naan bread.
If you’re looking for incredible Indian food near Nanaimo, you’ll want to head to Amrikko’s Indian Grill in Parksville! With smooth, creamy and flavourful butter chicken and fiery lamb vindaloo, no matter what your favourite Indian dish is, you can find it here!
Montana’s BBQ & Bar
250-758-2388 | 4715 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Price Range: $$
Why We Love It: Canadian BBQ classics in a laid-back atmosphere.
Family Friendly?: Yes
Top Dishes: BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, mac and cheese.
For smoky, tender BBQ classics, Montana’s BBQ & Bar is the place to go! Their fall-off-the-bone ribs and smoked brisket are packed with flavor, while their creamy mac and cheese is a hit with kids and adults alike. This laid-back, family-friendly spot is perfect for casual dining in Nanaimo.
You’ll Find Incredible Restaurants and Dining in Nanaimo!
Nanaimo is more than just a destination—it’s a dining adventure packed with diverse cuisines and unforgettable experiences. From international flavors to Canadian classics, this city’s eateries deliver something special for every taste. Whether you’re savoring brunch at a cozy local spot, indulging in fine dining, or enjoying takeout from a family-run eatery, Nanaimo’s restaurant scene is second to none.
Make your Vancouver Island getaway even better by staying with EMR Vacation Rentals. With properties in Nanaimo, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach, you’ll have easy access to all the top-notch dining and natural beauty this region has to offer. Start planning your adventure today, and let your taste buds lead the way!
