Sip and Savour

Nanaimo restaurants offer plenty of good times and great food choices. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, or a four course meal on the waterfront, you’ll find a Nanaimo dining spot to suit your needs. This city’s cultural diversity has fostered a culinary scene rich with flavours from around the world, from Middle Eastern to traditional Coast Salish fare.

Food & Drink in Nanaimo

The widest selection of Nanaimo restaurants can be found right downtown. Some kitchens here are geared toward the nightlife, combining a stylish urban atmosphere with fancy drink menus, while others are situated in character Victorian-style homes, and serve the finest in high-end international cuisine. Did you know we have 4 floating restaurants? Visit Penny’s Palapa, Troller’s Fish & Chips, the Lighthouse Bistro or the Dinghy Dock Pub and dine dockside while watching seals, sea birds and ocean life all around you. Where else can you do that in one day?! Other parts of the city, like mid-town, and the north end, also have a great variety of cafes, restaurant chains, classic diners, pubs, and fast food outlets.

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Nanaimo Bar Trail

Nanaimo is known as the home of the Nanaimo bar, a Canadian classic with rich chocolate, filling and a nut and coconut base. Our iconic dessert can be sampled in traditional form, with variation and even as cocktails and coffees.
 Explore the Nanaimo Bar Trail

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BC Ale Trail – Nanaimo’s Craft Breweries

Taste craft brew at its finest in Nanaimo. Stay local or venture along the Nanaimo & Comox BC Ale Trail or the Cowichan, Nanaimo & Parksville Qualicum trail to sample brews at three breweries in Nanaimo as well as at their neighbours on Vancouver Island.

Longwood Brewery

Here you’re on island time, so you might as well crack one and sit back. Longwood Brewery’s uniquely crafted “Island Time Lager” uses only ingredients sourced on Vancouver Island. Be sure to say hello to greeter Milo, a Labradoodle who makes you feel right at home the moment you walk in the door.

White Sails Brewing

If you prefer something dark and mysterious, White Sails Brewing can introduce you to their Snake Island Cascadian Dark Ale. White Sails encourages you to dine in by bringing your favourite fare from one of the many surrounding restaurants and pairing it with one of their great beers. With views across to Maffeo Sutton Park and the waterfront, you can sit by the cozy fireplace and drift into your happy place.

Wolf Brewing Company

Continuing south on the trail is Wolf Brewing Company, tucked off the beaten path but not to be missed. The tasting room has a warm yet industrial feel. Here brew master Kevin will introduce you to his ‘Old World Style’ of brewing with beers such as the ‘Wee Heavy’ Scotch Ale.
 Explore the BC Ale Trail

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Food & Drink Tours in Nanaimo

In Nanaimo, you have the luxury of booking a customized Craft Brewery or Taste of Nanaimo Tour with Vancouver Island Expeditions. Leave your keys at the hotel and climb aboard with travel curator Leif for a customized tour including breweries, estate winery, vodka distillery and even a hops farm.

Banner image by Andrew Nixon.