The ambiance was excellent, service was very good and the food was enjoyable. I tried the special and the size of the meal was just right. I recommend this place. read more

I'm a huge fan of Mexican food and, in my experience, most Mexican restaurants are top notch, especially when they're billed as being traditional. This place is the exception. Besides the gaudy decor and the years of set in dirt and grime in every corner, window sill, and seating surface, the food is terrible and the service is worse. 100% DO NOT recommend. read more

If you're looking for a polished exterior and interior, you are probably in the wrong place. If you are looking for solid relatively authentic Mexican food, be sure to stop in. It's not flashy, but it is honest and fairly plentiful. It kind of reminds us of the shanty Mexican places that are street side in Vallarta or Mazatlan. The service was quick, the food came out quick, and their beverage options are wide ranging and pretty tasty. I mean what Mexican place can you think of that has a Japanese lager on tap? The parking is terrible, it's tucked away just outside of old downtown Nanaimo, and you really should give it a go! read more

See all

Recently moving from Southern California to Nanaimo I've been dying to find a Mexican restaurant that had good food. This place is really cool. I love the look at the place inside and out. It's got brilliant colours and looks fun. reminds me of Southern California and Mexico and the food was very good. Our waitress Brooke was very nice and was always asking us if we needed anything. We will come back again. read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

great food excellent service. cook decor as well. We really like coming here when we are in Nanaimo!

I love the subtle changes and the more authentic flavours Portions are more substantial We will be back soon

Great food and great service! Best Chili rellenos ever. We ended up having a side order for dessert!

The servers were very attentive and asked me several times how was my meal. Not too familiar with authentic Mexican food but this, in my opinion, was very close to authentic plus it was tasty. I am one impressed customer and would return if I was back in the area. read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Strawberry Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

See all

Cute place we spotted from the free way, we read the reviews and came and gave it a try. I had the chili Relleno and my wife the beef chimichanga. Both were excellent. We will be back if we travel through again. read more

See all

Great little place, very dated in a good way, I wouldn't change that. Staff is very friendly and prompt. The food however is reminiscent of my college days in the dorm when all we had was canned food and a microwave. Hate to leave a negative review but the quality of ingredients and execution of recipes left me disappointed. I'm being very nice. read more

We had a great meal at this funky, colorful tex-mex place! We were greeted and seated quickly at a table in the ex porch area with a fantastic newish view of Newcastle Channel thanks to the neighbour removing a large tree. My friend had the Coyote, cheerfully made with a vegan cheez option and including a lovely fresh salad. My Frisco Kid was tasty and a good option for larger appetites with generous portions of corn, rice and beans! There was an order mix up at a table near us. The complaintant was facing away so not sure what the problem was but I did overheard the server cheerfully and quickly making it right in a friendly, professional manner. All in all an enjoyable dinner, with tasty Margaritas! read more

Extremely Disappointing Experience - Felt Discriminated Against (人種差別) ANTI-ASIAN, Racist restaurant Despite the restaurant not being busy, we waited for over an hour for our food, which never arrived. We even checked the kitchen, only to find our order was still not prepared. Other tables that arrived around the same time not only received their food but had finished and paid and left. When we finally decided to leave without food (We were starving), the cashier did not offer any apologies; instead, she laughed at us, which felt very dismissive. We were the only ethnic group in the restaurant and felt targeted. The owner's response to my initial review was equally disappointing as well. レストランが混んでいないにも関わらず、注文した料理は1時間以上待っても提供されませんでした。キッチンにも確認しに行きましたが、まだ料理は全然準備されてない状態でした。同時期に着いた他のテーブルの人々はすでに食事を終えて、帰ってました。 最終的に帰ることにした際、レジのスタッフからは謝罪の言葉一つもなく、笑われるだけで非常に失礼な対応を受けました。これは特に辛かったです。アジア人はレストランで私たちだけでした。 read more

After being a customer when I lived in Nanaimo in the 90's, what a disappointment! The beef nacho/quesadilla plate was really lacking. Firstly, barely one teaspoon of sour cream on top of the nachos which you could not even dip the quesadilla into (zi had asked if it came with sour cream to dip in and server said yes!) . I did order guacamole, but it was so chunky in a small container it was not really dunkable. There was so little cheese on the stale nacho chips, I had to look for it, and found a tiny bit of overcooked cheese on the bottom chips and the plate. There was a fair bit of really overcooked (black), dried-out ground beef but it was so yuck I could not eat it. Quesadilla was greasy and just not enjoyable. I ate 3 bites all together. I was asked if I wanted take out (no) and if I liked it (no) and if I wanted anything else (no). They did not apologize, they did not ask what was wrong with it. They did not do a damned thing. THEY DID NOT CARE. THEY CHARGED FOR IT ALL. I always went to Gina's when visiting Nanaimo, but NEVER AGAIN!!! read more

The highlight for Gina's Mexican Cafe is the view from atop but its pretty much stops there. We asked for a table next to a window to enjoy the sunset. As most reviews have mentioned, if you have had mexican food in Texas or California (lived in both states) the food here is going to taste bland or not upto expectations. We got the chips and salsa. The salsa could definitely have been more spicier. The enchiladas weren't that great either. Didn't get good vibes from our server either. Sub-par experience. read more

I had really high hopes for this restaurant. The outside and decor is cutely decorated. It makes you think it may just be the best homemade Mexican food you'll have north of the border. Unfortunately this is where the actual charm of Gina's stops. The service is abhorrent. Waited for over 10 minutes and then finally sat myself. Server came back once at the end of the meal, no water, no questions, no emotions really. On top the kitchen music was so loud it was battling the music being played in the dining room. The chips and salsa tasted pedestrian. Salsa tasted days old, the chips were cheap store bought ones. You can get better and fresher from the supermarket, and that shouldn't be the case. Maybe a drink will lighten the mood? The absolute worst cocktail I've had in a while. Overly sweetened, under poured, and definitely boring. Didn't finish it, and wouldn't recommend. Please at least watch a YouTube video on how to make a great margarita for a decent price. Yes, they exist. Now the food came out way too fast, not a good sign. A warning of a hot plate usually equals a microwave being used, and I'm certain I'm not wrong. Old mushy corn, dry refried beans, and the main although spiced a little, was devoid of any type of flavor (especially any Mexican ones). I would recommend the owners/managers/cooks and bar keeps take a trip to Victoria or the mainland and try what decent Mexican food and drink tastes like. I realize you'll never get as authentic as mexico or some southwest states, but there has to be at least some attempt. There was no value, flavor, or experience at this restaurant. Would not recommend it at all and feel bad for anyone who thinks this is what casual Mexican dining is. Seriously can't believe the owners/managers are fine with everything. Please do better, the good people of Nanaimo deserve it. To the owner who responded: there's no need for me to call. If you don't know how abysmal your food/drink/service is, then my calling you won't change anything. Please, visit a food Mexican casual restaurant somewhere else and bring a notepad. Best of luck, I hope it works out for you. read more

Pretty decent food, most things tasted good. Flavour was on the mild side, even when asked to make it hotter, but that's okay. Mole was too sweet for me but members of my party enjoyed it. The beans and corn on their own lacked flavour, but the burritos and enchiladas tasted good because of the sauces. Atmosphere of the place was nice, funky and fun. read more

See all

Awesome food location is tight for parking But it's all good Food is awesome I go there and get a different dish each time Staff is great read more

Been comming on and off for over 20 years! Decor the same. A plus! Staff always friendly, Food exellent! Thanks read more

Not good at all. ordered the beef burrito, with rice, beans and corn. it was not made fresh. the ground beef was dry and dusty. she used paper plates, so the burrito was stuck to the plate. beans were hard and dry like they sat out for a while and the rice was crunch. definitely not worth almost fifty dollars for me and my husband. he had the taco salad. He also wasn't impressed. the whole thing was a disappointment. Will not be back. read more

This is a must if you are into Mexican food! It was our second time here and the foods is amazing. Good portions and fresh tangy salsa. As a creature of habit I had the chicken enchiladas and I wasn't disappointed. My dinner partners had the halibut enchilada, fish taco and a special, all super delicious. They have a nice variety of Mexican beer but the sangria is super yummy. read more

Honestly the food inst the best had way better Mexican food service isnt that great aswell. really should give it a 3 star but they do there effort to get it i would better the food and service read more

Amazing food! Amazing service! Fantastic ambiance! Highly Recommended Great hospitality...super friendly servers. Family friendly. Parking is def tight and tables are close together, but, everyone is happy and enjoying the delicious Mexican feast...SO good‼ Go, you won't regret it read more

Service: 4.5/5 Professional, quick to cater Food: 10/10!!!! Amazing! Plenty meats, beans & rice to jam pack your burritos & plates. You'll leave feeling full & in a coma. Pueblo - 5/5 Awesome Taco, Tostadas was a fun item to devour. Shrimp Quesadilla: - 5/5 Savoury goodness! Price: 3/5 Pretty pricey. 2 items from the menu plus a Beer amounted to $50 after tips between 2 ppl. read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Pueblo (Front) Shrimp Quesadilla (back) - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and we felt comfortable dining there. I wish there were more stars as our server was genuinely helpful and lovely. The food was excellent, my husband really enjoyed the shrimp Tampico and I had ample chicken in my chimichanga. will definitely dine here again and highly recommend Gina's read more

The 1 star is for the decor. It looks like the food will be good, however I was mistaken. All of the positive reviews on this restaurant has made me lose faith in Yelp's ratings. How? Maybe I'm biased because I grew up in Texas, but this may very well be the worst Mexican food I have had in my life. Bland/lacking flavor/no Mexican taste whatsoever. I should have clued in when there was no one to speak Spanish to, but I took a misplaced leap of faith that has led me to write this review to save anyone else the pain and suffering. If you like the food here, I imagine you have never had actual good Mexican food and I am sorry for that. read more

Great food and portion size, horrible service from the moment you walk in, standing at bar waiting to be seated while people behind walk up in close quarters for pickup and pay for their order, after 2 behind paid we were told to sit wherever we'd like.... Empty glasses whole time having to pretty well beg for a refill as the server walks by to one of the other 2 tables that have guests, 2 servers working and 3 tables with a total of 8 guests, yet can't get any service read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Be prepared for empty glasses whole time - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

I absolutely love this little gem of a restaurant the service is always excellent and the food is awesome thank you so much we will be returning again many many times lol read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Look at beautiful Mexican Ambience they have going on! - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

This is my favourite spot in Nanaimo! It has good vegan and gluten free options but everyone I take there loves it. Theyve even got vegan cheese (I recommend the nachos and the enchiladas). Cute decor that has an authentic Mexican feel. read more

Good building with atmospherics. The setting was definitely Mexican. The food was more Can-Mex though. As a former Californian I do love my Mexican, somI gave this a try. Not bad, but my socks remained on my feet. read more

What can I say about Ginas!? Just keep doing what they've been doing. Love this place and the fact they have stuck with the same menu for as long as I can remember. Shrimp Flautas and the Quesadilla Con Poli are my 'go to' menu items however Inhave had most of everything at least once over the years. Super delicious. read more

Tried it out for the first time recently Pros: cute interesting interior. large menu. HUGE servings (double edged though). Free salsa that comes with chips is amazing... really awesome. Cons: Not very cost friendly. The side stuff that comes with the entrees are filling for sure but gets a little boring. That being said, instead of 1 entree each, you could get 1 entree (between 2 people) and easily share the whole thing (or maybe add a side thing). I'm pretty sure i'll be back for a round two at some point. read more

Great authentic fresh Mexican food and good service. Great menu variety. Cozy atmosphere with good views

Meals are pricey but the portions are HUGE - take half home for a whole other meal. Everything we ordered was delicious. Service was prompt and friendly. I would stop here again the next time I'm in Nanaimo. read more

This is by far my family's favourite restaurant. We all have our favourite dishes and mostly stick with those. My favourite is the Adobe. Perfect quesadilla and the enchilada has the most delectable mole sauce. If you ask nicely, and if they have enough, you can ask for some extra mole sauce to go, like you can buy their salsa to go. Taking home the mole sauce is my favourite way to end a visit. It makes the delight of visiting Gina's last through the week! We have been going to Gina's for the past 25 years and the food is always good! read more

We stopped by after a day at the beach and it was a perfect spot for supper! Gina's is a charming restaurant in an older house filled with all kinds of Mexican trinkets. We ordered 2 vegetarian dishes- the veggie soft tacos and the veggie platter. Both meals very very fresh and had plenty of flavour. I liked that they had tofu in them, and the portion sizes were large. The service was good, all servers were very relaxed but friendly and attentive, it felt like we were at a beach restaurant in Mexico! The only thing about the meal was that we went on one of the hottest days of the year and it was so hot in the restaurant. The staff opened windows and brought lots of water though. read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

See all

This place was highly recommended by my SIL. But unfortunately I have to disagree with the favourable reviews. We came in around 1 pm on a Thursday and place was empty. Probably it was during a work day we thought. It took about 15 min for the host to ask for our drinks and she proceeded mopping the floor. Then another host came and took our orders and drinks again. We ordered the snapper fish taco, the diablo, and beef tacos. When our plates came we see 2 tacos with a few pieces of snapper fish that smelled. Included is a bed of mashed up beans and day old rice. Everybody took a look at their plates and just stopped eating and asked for the bill. Fortunately no one got sick but I'm hoping this place improves their food and service. read more

Gina's is my favorite restaurant! They use the best and freshest ingredients. All their meals are made with love because the attitudes are so great in there. You MUST try the Fruit Chimichanga. It's considered a dessert but I enjoy it for lunch too. read more

We always try to make it to Ginas when passing through town. There is something on the menu for every member of my family. That's a tall order! read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Civiche was bland like most of the food served, prawns were only blanched no sizzle on the flavour side there, chips and Salsa generic no heat . We won't be back however our server was quite enthusiastic. read more

Packaged food, cheap cheddar cheese, low quality produce. Certainly not an authentic Mexican establishment. The building and the view are visually excellent but that's as far as the positives go. No knowledge of actual ethnic Mexican alcoholic drinks aside from Minute-Maid-mixed margaritas. The servers wear casual clothes (ie brand-named logo t-shirts). The service wasn't friendly, but wasn't rude. Appallingly high prices (eg $18 for a boring burrito with cheap packaged ingredients, dried up retried beans, and completely bland flavours). Very unimpressed and won't be returning. read more