The 10 Best Restaurants In Nanaimo British Columbia

Located in British Columbia, on Canada ’s Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is a city referred to as the ‘harbor city’ and sometimes the ‘hub city’ because of its central position on the island. It also has a reputation as a ‘pub city’ and a number of restaurants are famous for providing the freshest, tastiest and locally sourced food. We explore 10 of the best restaurants in Nanaimo.

Hilltop Bistro

Bistro, Restaurant, Canadian, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Fast Food

No wonder Hilltop Bistro is considered to be Nanaimo’s best fine dining restaurant. It offers casual dining and excellent food made from locally sourced ingredients. The talented chef certainly makes superb dishes with exciting flavors. There’s also a great selection of wine.

Le Cafe Français

Cafe, Restaurant, French

Offering the best of French cuisine, Le Cafe Français is Nanaimo’s unique French restaurant owned by the chef himself, Gilles Le Patézour, who brings good taste and expertise to the restaurant after having won many distinguished awards and worked in nine other countries.

Nori Japanese Restaurant

Restaurant, Japanese

Nori Japanese Restaurant is the best sushi place in town. It is really popular with locals so guests might want to make a reservation first. The food is incredibly tasty, fresh and flavorful. Undoubtedly the best Japanese restaurant on Vancouver Island, Nori Japanese Restaurant offers amazing and efficient service combined with great tastes that will delight sushi lovers.

Bistro at Westwood Lake

Bistro, Canadian

Bistro at Westwood Lake beats most restaurants when it comes to combining a beautiful view with excellent food. While looking at the stunning lake, guests can enjoy a nicely presented delicious meal with a good glass of wine (you can bring your own bottle). The menu has something for everyone, from pasta to meat and fish dishes.

Marina's Taverna and Pizza

In addition to offering tasty pizzas and dishes from around the world, Marina’s Taverna and Pizza offers delicious Greek cuisine, including starters to share and delicious main courses, in a casual and relaxing setting. A must-try is their excellent souvlaki.

The Mahle House

Restaurant, European, Canadian, Contemporary

The Mahle House is a charming little restaurant situated in a farming community about ten minutes south of Nanaimo. Located in a restored heritage house dating back to 1904, this one acre property features a stunning ornamental garden together with an organic vegetable and herbs garden. This family owned and operated restaurant offers delicious food full of flavor in a warm and relaxed environment with excellent service.

Power House Living Foods Co.

Power House Living Foods Co. is Nanaimo’s best juice bar and raw food restaurant. Strongly believing in the idea that ‘you are what you eat,’ they only offer food with health benefits. Their menu is bursting with the most nutritious, organic and tastiest raw food.

Power House Living Foods Co., 200 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

The Nest Bistro

Bistro, Canadian, Italian, Fusion

For fresh, locally sourced and organic food, The Nest Bistro is the place to go. The owners, together with their dedicated and talented culinary team, make everything from scratch using regional ingredients wherever possible, and add a little French and Italian touch to their menu. The venue boasts a beautiful patio in a comfortable and elegant setting.

Chefs Affair

Bistro, Restaurant, Canadian, Dessert

At 2 Chefs Affair the chefs invite guests to experience the freshest seasonal food that is cooked right in front of them, since the restaurant has an open kitchen. In a bistro-like setting, guests can enjoy a tasty meal. They also offer catering services and take-away options.

Longwood Brew Pub

Pub, Restaurant, Canadian, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

Longwood Brew Pub is home to both a beautiful dining room and a pub. With stunning views of the mountain range of Vancouver Island, especially at sunset time, the restaurant welcomes guests to enjoy a culinary and brewing experience in an impressive setting. The chefs are passionate about providing the best fresh and local food, and they make everything on-site, including the bread. The beers are great too.

About the author

Sarine Arslanian

Sarine Arslanian is a freelance writer, photographer, researcher and documentary filmmaker with a passion for travelling and a strong interest in arts and culture, society and development. She graduated from the University of Cambridge with an MPhil in Development Studies.