We have been to the AQUA Bistro a few times for afternoon appys and to try some of their signature…read morebeverages. Went to Ocean7 restaurant to give the finer dining side a try. For the most part it was very good, but fell short of a five star experience. With reservations we were seated quickly in the restaurant which was decorated for the holiday season. First thing I noticed is haw far I sunk into the seat, and I'm not a big dude. Second thing I noticed was the dirty wine glass in front of the lovely K. They took it away when it was noted with another off the table, but did not replace them. Our guests arrived and as locals they had been here on occasion and spoke highly of the place. Drinks were ordered and came out along with a bottle of wine. Still only two wine glasses, which our waiter offered to fetch, but I just gave mine to K. Should've already been dealt with. Both couples ordered the Caesar salad which we were told was big enough to share, and was. Pretty good salad, but the romaine was left large enough you had to cut it with a knife to get it anywhere close to bite sized. The entrees were good, a couple of chicken two ways, a lamb, and an eight ounce strip loin. My chicken was a little over and had no real carbohydrate on the plate. K's steak was cut right down the middle, for presentation, which she does not like as the steak cools too quickly. Overall it was good, not fantastic. I also noted the AC/ heat above our table needed a vacuum as it was very dusty, a little thing, but it's blowing air down on us. We'd give it another go, but there are things to improve upon.

We are staying at this resort and decided to try the Aqua Bistro attached to it. We are so glad we…read moredid! Our server, Jocelyn was professional and cordial. She made excellent recommendations. We both had the Korea Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls. Delicious! For mixed drinks we had an Old Fashion and Lycee Martini. The inside has adequate seating and a well stocked bar. We had a delightful time here!

Could not be happier that the Arbutus Lounge exists (and the distillery) in our town. This place…read morerivals the best quality cocktails I've had in major cities, and when you factor in the INCREDIBLY low price, it truly can't be beat. From the classic martini to the weird and wonderful Where the Wild Things Are, and everything in between, the drink list is unique and exciting with something for everyone. The mixologists are amazing, and they even have board games and snacks available. They also do a happy hour, but I can never get there in time so can't speak to it. By far the best kept secret in Nanaimo!

Just discovered this place! Awesome craft cocktails from a serious mixologist. Never even knew this…read moreplace was here, as it's kinda hiding out of sight on a bit of an industrial park road. Nice cozy eclectic atmosphere with herbs and flowers drying all around. The cocktail menu is lengthy and def has something for everyone. Each drink has a chart letting you know sweet, herbal, boozy, etc. Not very busy on a Friday night, I imagine people haven't discovered it just like we didn't! Check it out!

Happy Hour 3-6pm and 9-close…read more Daily drink and food specials! Fish Tacos and Seafood chowder were on point! I would highly recommend eating here whether staying in the hotel or just in the area! Bar had lots of seating with many options and pool tables, to boot! What a gem to find in our hotel!!!

A nice friendly and beautiful lounge where you can just sit back relax and chill out be friendly…read moreand play a wonderful game of pool. 100% good customer service with very loyal-dedicated--cheerful-happy-good hearted-fun and loving staff featuring Robert-Birendra-Josh and Desmond who are always extremely happy to serve their guest with big happy smiles on their faces at any time. And very extremely delicious food including the West Coast Sicilian Pizza and a nice selection of Tapas all cooked by Chef Raymond. There is a diverse selection of music including Top 40-Country Music and a nice beautiful dose of Heavy Metal on the side all played on their Spotify Stereo system. I have always had a nice friendly positive experience and have always received a lot of TLC while visiting the Chalk Lounge and the manager Todd who is also the manager of the Flying Canoe pub looks exactly like a member of the British rock legends The Beatles. Hey everybody peace out and have a wonderful day and rock n roll all night and party every day. Cheers.

Extremely dirty bathroom, can't be up to code. Open mike, unorganized, no sign up sheet, started…read moretoo late. Great idea, but make a few improvements.

Under new management. Brian and great staff deliver superior customer service in this small bar…read morein the heart of Nanaimo. Lovely place to rest and enjoy a beverage. No food sold yet but you can bring in your own or order from a great kiosk a couple doors down. Give them a try - you won't be disappointed.

You can't beat the Davis Bay view. Food was solid - service was fine. Ambiance is fantastic though…read more I'll be back for brunch and cocktails because both looked good!

While there's limited range of restaurants in the area, Joe's on the Beach has good quality food…read moreand reasonable prices. Service was a bit mixed depending on the waiter. I had to ask the adjacent table about the happy hour or specials after overhearing something being said. Dining room overlooking towards the water but then it was a bit blinding with the sunset so shades really helped as the sun moved across. Comfortable and not pretentious. Looks like locals do enjoy the place. Mussels were flavorful with coconut tomato broth. Shrimps were good and large but could have used another kick. Chowder was rich and fish cakes were okay. The Strawberry Rhubarb pie disappeared before our eyes - awesomeness. Enjoy!

Yeah maybe it is starting to show a little age in the furniture, and the tables, but our experience…read moreearlier today was excellent. We had great service, quick friendly and informative. Our server was young, but you could tell she knew her stuff. She kept our water glasses full along with all the other guests. The menu is pretty vast, without being too big. Plenty to choose from with a great sounding special and soup of the day. There really is something to please everyone. Our drinks were cold, and to food we ordered was great. The lovely K got the clam chowder and a starter Caesar salad. Both were very good with the starter salad being larger than most large salads we get. I had the Mediterranean falafel and the soup of the day which was split pea with ham. Both were excellent. The Stella I ordered was a full pint, not something I see every day, they are typically 500 mls. All in all we thought it was outstanding, and will most definitely be back!

We stopped by the Timbre bar at the golf course for happy hour and were thoroughly impressed! The…read morenachos were a standout - not only were they delicious, but the generous portion size and affordable price made them an unbeatable value. We grabbed a seat by the window on a cloudy day, but still enjoyed a lovely view. Really, though, anywhere you sit is great - the cozy decor makes every spot feel welcoming and comfortable.

Gosh, I am not sure how to go here with our experience. As far as the Bayside goes there were good…read morethings, a few not so good, and maybe one or two real head scratchers. The signage to even find the place in the dark on foot (we walked from a neighbouring hotel) and by car could be better. Once there, plenty of parking (mental note) and a welcoming entrance. Our server was funny and engaging, but perhaps a little flippant. He also had to go back into the kitchen numerous times to check if they had things that were on the menu. They make gyoza in house, and it is one of my favourites. 6 PM reservation and they are out already with barely a soul in the place. Our beverages were pretty good, so we soldiered on at ordered our entrees one grilled halibut, one seafood pasta and two bbq ribs. Once the food arrived I was surprised at how small the halibut was given the price. That was nothing in comparison to the two that ordered the baby back ribs. Normally they fall off the bone when the professionals cook them, not this time. It was fork and knife time to get them off the bone which is totally wrong. I could go on, but you get the idea. I doubt we'd come back. Shame to have a place on the water and then serve food like that.

We recently stayed at the Bayside and truly appreciated the ability to bring Pippi, an elder…read moreChihuahua/Doxie mix! They were very accommodating providing dog bed, bowls and a welcome gift which included house made dog cookies! Prior to our arrival, Shannon called to alert us to the fact that their onsite restaurant would be closed Christmas Day and that she had sent a listing of local establishments that would be open (which we were truly thankful for!) We truly enjoyed the views (spectacular mind you!) and their courteous nature! Rooms were comfy and spacious and the cafe and restaurant were equally satisfying! Housekeeping was highly attentive and the in room amenities were well-selected! The staff of the Bayside are some of the best - kind, attentive and truly responsive! The only negatives worth noting were the lack of "puppy potty locations" most (located to the back of the parking area) were muddy and not very accommodating and the staff in the cafe were unfamiliar with certain style lattes (which will come over time) other than this, great stay, truly affordable and appreciated by all of our family!

This is a very nice place to eat. The patio, on the waterfront has amazing views. The inside…read moreseating show a modern and well designed restaurant, on par with anything in Vancouver. The menu was not large, but had many good things on it. I had 5 options I would have been happy with, but selected the daily special, panko encrusted cod. My companion enjoyed her meal as well. The prices were low in comparison to the lower mainland. 100%!!!

We had an excellent meal. Payton was an awesome waitress that was both knowledge of them menu and…read morethe surrounding area.