Hey foodies! Looking for a getaway where food is the number one attraction?
Plan a gastronomic weekend away in Nanaimo and give your taste buds a treat with flavours as unique and bold as our city’s spirit.
Nanaimo’s impressive food scene may be our best kept secret – but smart cookies are figuring out that the eatable options available here are anything but bland and tasteless.
From locally inspired menus sourced from local suppliers, to the best of international cuisines with a modern twist – Nanaimo’s culinary creators will not only fill your belly but your soul too.
From waterfront bites to food truck delights, from atmospheric spots for romantic plate sharing to lively bars with the tastiest snacks, it’s as easy as pie to find a great place to eat.
This itinerary takes you around Nanaimo in 3 days – highlighting just some of the amazing options for dining – and a few places to stop at in between eats!!
Of course, you don’t have to explore Nanaimo’s restaurants and cafes in this order – with so many independent, adventurous and locally inspired spots to choose from you can’t go wrong! Just use this guide as food for thought!
Day 1 – Downtown Nanaimo
Breakfast
Start your day with a breakfast that actually fuels adventure. Gabriel’s Café is all about fresh, local ingredients, and their Mt. Benny? A Nanaimo-approved twist on the classic eggs Benny!
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Not a big breakfast person? No worries. Swing by White Rabbit Coffee, a bright, modern café serving up drool-worthy vegan and gluten-free treats. Pair a homemade pastry with a perfectly brewed coffee, and boom. You’re off to a delicious start.
Now that you’re fuelled up, it’s time for some fresh air. Head to Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo’s waterfront showstopper, where ocean views and salty breezes are a given. Take a leisurely stroll along the 3km seawall or hop on the foot ferry to Saysutshun Island, where history and nature collide. Wander scenic trails, breathe in the coastal magic, and dive into the deep cultural significance of this land to the Snuneymuxw people.
Note: No ferry service from October 16th to April 30th
Lunch
If the sun’s out, Penny’s Palapa is calling. This floating cantina brings all the waterfront vibes with Mexican classics and a West Coast twist. Grab a pal and share the freshly made ceviche, or dive into some authentic tacos! Light, tasty, and packed with flavour.
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Looking for something more hearty? You’ll need both hands to hold lunch at Top Notch Burgers inside the Dorchester Hotel. For a taste of something local try the West Coast Burger made with locally sourced albacore tuna.
After lunch, it’s time to wander. Downtown Nanaimo’s shopping scene is a mix of charm, creativity, and just the right amount of quirk. Hit up Commercial Street and the Old City Quarter for a treasure hunt of local artisan goods, retro finds, pre-loved gems, and those how-did-I-live-without-this kind of must-haves.
Dinner
Downtown Nanaimo’s dining scene? Chef’s kiss. Whatever you’re craving, there’s a spot for it.
Adventurous eaters will love Melange where local produce is at the forefront of their eclectic and diverse menu. Try the Omakase and leave it to the chef to create something fresh and unique just for you.
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Street food fans, rejoice—Nanaimo’s food truck game is next level. From loaded spuds to birria tacos and ice cream sandwiches to donut poutine, you’ll find it hard to choose just one to try. Food Truck festivals run at Maffeo Sutton Park on select nights in the summer, but food trucks can be found throughout the city year round.
*Celiac? Off the Hook in the hospital area is a 100% gluten free, full service restaurant serving classics such as fish and chips and 24-hour smoked brisket.
Day 2 – North Nanaimo
Breakfast
Rise and shine, brunch lovers! The Piper’s on Hammond Bay is serving up morning magic with a Korean twist. Craving something bold? Sink your teeth into the KFC Mania Waffles, crispy Korean fried chicken piled high on fluffy waffles. Wash it down with a blended boba tea and consider your day officially off to a delicious start.
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If you’d rather take a portable breakfast with you while you explore, drop into Bodhi’s Bakery at the top of Rutherford Hill for a delicious, baked on site, treat to go. Their giant sticky cinnamon buns are hard to resist!
Now that you’re fuelled up, take the morning to explore two of Nanaimo’s most picturesque parks. Neck Point Park’s network of trails wind through forest and around the edge of the coast with stunning views and frequent wildlife sightings. Pipers Lagoon’s long sandy crescent beach is the perfect place to dip your toes while you admire the mountain views beyond.
Lunch
Savour the atmosphere and creative menu at Horang, a modern Korean inspired eatery with Instagram-worthy dishes. Try the signature Cote Galbi beef ribs cooked on a tabletop BBQ.
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Stop by Nanaimo’s original brew pub and pair an on-site brewed pint with above average pub fare. As well as eight core beers, Longwood Brew Pub’s menu offerings include Longwood Ale battered fish and chips.
Walk off that lunch in style! Take a breezy stroll around the serene Cottle Lake loop in Linley Valley, Nanaimo’s biggest protected greenspace, clocking in at a lush 145 acres. More of a sea-gazer? Head to Departure Bay Beach, where you can wander the shoreline and watch the ferries come and go like clockwork.
Dinner
Tonight, let’s slow things down in the best way. Camas in Lantzville takes farm-to-table to the next level, crafting a seasonally inspired menu that’s as fresh as it gets. Go all in with the three-course dinner and wine pairing, because why not make it a night to remember?
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Vegans, non-vegans, and everyone in between! Eve Olive on Rutherford Hill has got your taste buds covered. Prepare to be blown away by their 100% plant-based menu, including the Greek Goddess plate, piled high with house-made ‘feta’ and crispy oyster mushroom ‘kalamari.’ Who says plant-based can’t be crave-worthy?
Day 3 – South Nanaimo
Breakfast
Kick off your day at Coco Café in Cedar, South Nanaimo, where great food meets a great cause. Not only does this lively spot serve up mouthwatering dishes, but it also trains and employs people with diverse abilities. Dig into their eggs benny selection, including a West Coast benny with smoked salmon, all topped with their legendary house-made hollandaise. Breakfast with a side of good vibes? Yes, please!
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Craving a bite that’s as sweet as your Nanaimo adventure? Swing by Hearthstone Artisan Bakery at Southgate and grab a freshly baked treat made with locally milled grains. Whether you’re snagging an apple strudel or one of their award-winning Nanaimo bars, you’ll be set for a snack that’s as unforgettable as the city itself.
Take a morning walk with epic views of downtown Nanaimo at Jack Point and Biggs Park. Look for the sandstone formations and sea caves along this mixed trail route. Afterwards pay a quick visit to Petroglyph Provincial Park where you can view a collection of 10th century CE indigenous rock carvings.
Lunch
Ready for a lunch with a side of cozy charm? Head to the Crow and Gate Pub on Yellowpoint Road, where the vibe is pure English country pub. Think open fireplaces, wooden beams, and mountain views that’ll have you feeling all sorts of relaxed. Dig into a Scotch Egg or Ploughman’s Board for a legit taste of Britain.
(P.S. This pub’s 19+ only, so leave the kiddos at home!)
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Ready to sip, savour, and maybe even get a glimpse of your future? Swing by the Calico Cat Tea House, where a fresh pot of tea is just the start. Book ahead for a tea leaf reading and let the mystery unfold! While you’re at it, treat yourself to one of their famous teahouse crepes. Whether you’re craving shrimp and asparagus or spinach, feta, and onion, it’s a bite you won’t forget.
After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive around rolling Yellowpoint countryside, stopping into some of the many local artisan workshops that can be found dotted around the area. Discover artwork, botanicals, glass creations and more!
Dinner
Back to Cedar, where the Mahle House Restaurant is impossible to miss with its bold orange hue and even bolder flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, swing by on an Adventurous Wednesday and let the chef work his magic, no decision fatigue here. Kick things off with the show-stopping porcupine prawns and prepare your taste buds for something unforgettable.
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Steak and seafood lovers, get ready for a dining experience that’s as bold as you are. Head to Bold Knight Restaurant, where the Mediterranean-inspired menu is always on point, and the annual Lobsterfest is the stuff of legends – hello, steak and lobster Neptune! Pair it with a cocktail flight or go all-in with a Death by Nanaimo Bar martini. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Hungry for more? Get all the foodie inspo you need from our blogs and satisfy those cravings.
