Dining

Sample the Famous Nanaimo Bar

Another delight: The Nanaimo Bar, a sinfully rich and sweet no-bake square with a wafer base, creamy white filling and chocolate topping. Take a self-guided tour on the Nanaimo Bar Trail, featuring 23 tasty stops. The Visitor Centre can supply a map and a list of local bakeries and coffee shops that sell the bars, which have given the city an international reputation since their advent in the 1950s.

Restaurants and Ethnic Eats

Many fine and popular restaurants are clustered in the Old City Quarter just up the hill from downtown on the west side of Highway 1 (Terminal Avenue). Greek, Italian, Japanese, Thai and vegan restaurants are in the immediate vicinity of Wesley and Fitzwilliam streets.

Another concentration of eating spots is in the heart of downtown, many of them strung along or near Commercial Street. The choices include tapas, Middle Eastern, fish 'n' chips and West Coast fusion.

Also in the city centre are two popular cafes with sumptuous baked goods. Mon Petit Choux (120 Commercial Street) is a French bakery known for its organic breads, pastries, rustic sandwiches, excellent breakfasts and soups. Just up the street is Perkins Coffee Company (234 Commercial), an intimate, red-walled hangout serving organic coffee and a wide selection of muffins.

Other Local Dining Highlights:

• Dinghy Dock Pub (Protection Island): A five-minute ferry ride takes passengers to Canada's only floating pub. Enjoy the seafood and burgers, then step back on dry land and explore Protection Island.
• Longwood Brewpub (5775 Turner Road): Nanaimo's only brewpub serves its own selection of beers along with a full menu in an elegant, wood-accented restaurant. The Belgian-influenced, raspberry scented Framboise is a refreshing tipple.
• Crow & Gate (2313 Yellow Point Road): This Tudor-style landmark in nearby community Cedar specializes in English pub fare both indoors and in its landscaped garden. In 1972, the C&G became the first "neighbourhood pub" allowed in BC, when the provincial government changed its liquor laws.
• Modern Café (221 Commercial Street): This hip downtown cocktail spot serves an adventurous fusion menu highlighted by tapas, wraps and upscale macaroni and cheese. Red brick walls, sassy waiters and a lively atmosphere.
• Mahle House Restaurant (2104 Hemer Road): Fine, candle-lit dining in a century-old house in Cedar. Steaks are a specialty here and the greens come from such local suppliers as nearby Hazelwood Herb Farm.

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