Every bit the quintessential coffee shop, with its cheerful canary-colored walls, warm lighting, and friendly baristas, The Bee's Knees cafe still carries a bit of a quirk that sets it apart from its other coffee-wielding counterparts. Find it in the cafe's unusual clock, its unique light fixtures, or its brightly designed upholstery. Besides being delightfully quirky, this characterful cafe gives out super cozy vibes and offers incredibly fresh and satisfying coffees, so that you can start your mornings right. Along with your coffee, tuck in to some of their baked goods, like freshly made cinnamon buns topped off with cream cheese, sandwiches, or cookies.
The corner of Commercial Street opens up a little window to Paris, presented by the French-loving Mon Petit Choux café. This breezy café has Parisian flair written all over it, and not just in its décor, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into the street, and casually laid out tables. The menu features everything from French toast and eggs, to fragrant breads, brioche, and croissants for you to gorge on. Pair these up with some lovely coffee, and you're all set to live your Francophile fantasy here in good ol' Nanaimo.
Old City Station Pub in Downtown Nanaimo is a local watering hole serving an eclectic selection of craft beer, local spirits, and classic American fare. The decor is classy with a lot of polished woodwork employed in the flooring and furnishing. The tap consists of a wide range of brews, catering to a variety of tastes, offering something for everyone. Do try some of their burgers which are known to be juicy and satisfying.
Few can match the excellent Italian meals that this cozy bistro near Nanaimo's downtown dishes out. In its intimately designed layout and a quiet ambiance, the Figo Italian Bistro serves top notch Italian fare alongside a great selection of wine. Start off with a plate of one of their most popular dishes, the risotto balls, and follow it up with a delicious prawns linguine pasta. If you're a more conventional eater, then a few simple appetizers like the Caesar Salad and the bruschetta work well too. Leave some space for the tiramisu that perfectly tops off an incredibly satisfying meal.
Marina's Taverna & Pizza brings the flavor of the Mediterranean with its Greek and Italian food. Their authentic dishes are made daily and you can feel the love when you savor every bite of your meal. Try their Prawn Saganaki, Keftedes, Souvlaki and Spanakopita. Their pizzas are equally delicious and definitely worth a try if you love pizzas.