Large spacious patio gets sun during the day, cooler in the evening, but always a stunning view of…read morethe water. The inside dining areas look great too. Service was very good. Cocktails are good. The steak, chicken, lamb, fish all looked amazing. We had the steak and lamb sirloin, both nicely presented on a bed of veggies and roasted potatoes. My only qualm is the steak was cut too thin for a NY striploin so it was difficult to cook medium (came out well done but very tender and juicy). Overall plenty of choices for everyone, not cheap but priced typically for the area.

Review Template ===…read more1. VERDICT/VALUE View of the water during lunch or dinner (in the late Spring through early Fall)? Check. Good food? Sometimes. Live piano player Thursday through Saturday nights? Check. Good service? Check. Good value? Sadly, no. If you're coming here, you're likely coming for the ambiance. === 2. FOOD I came as part of a large group dinner and so can comment about: The appetizers: they were alright but far too small for their price: - Brussel Sprouts ($20) - Baked Brie ($22) - Limoncello Prawns ($26) - Calamari ($22) Chicken Piccata ($33): Breaded chicken breast on pappardelle pasta; I changed the cream-based sauce to a tomato-based one and it was alright but I am so grateful for the apples and dessert because it was very small - especially for the price. Tiramisu ($14): It was good, but also overpriced / too small for the price. Note: coffee is $4.50; pop/soda is $4 - but refills are not included. === 3. SERVICE Nicole was super-friendly and really cared about our experience; her teammates helped deliver the many dishes. She was prompt in helping when it was later realized we were missing two of the group's dishes. If I were to go back, I would ask to be served by Nicole if possible. === 4. ENVIRONMENT It's like a steakhouse on the water: dark wood, dim lighting; it could be like that to have diners focus on the many windows facing the water. There appears to be outdoor seating available also. You can bring groups of all sizes here; wheelchairs and baby strollers should fit also in some areas. Parking is based on luck - what you can get on the streets nearby (and you may be looking around for a bit)!

We weren't expecting this place to be as nice as it was. We thought it was similar to the…read morerestaurant beside it. We came for lunch so I ordered the chicken burger and my wife got the battered halibut burger. The halibut was flaky and moist and just the right amount of batter. My chicken burger was good but i liked the halibut more. The service was excellent, the staff super friendly and thr place was spacious. They have an enclosed glass area so you get the sun and view.

Food was pretty good! I got the halibut burger which was very tasty, definitely would recommend…read more Service was normal, no complaints. Ambiance is pretty average here but I also went on a poor day where no outside seating was open. I'd imagine on a nice day this would be a great spot! Maybe it was just me but I had heard lots of complaints about the food here and I'm not sure why? It was good! Wouldn't travel to eat here but if you're in the area I'd definitely give it a try!

Excellent eats and great service. Interesting specials, and a cozy vibe. No notes. Friendly and…read moreattentive staff.

Duncan's best-kept secret just set the gold standard. From the moment we walked into the Old…read moreFirehouse, it felt like we were stepping into a vibe that hits that rare, perfect note: elevated but unpretentious, energetic but intimate. Huge shoutout to Owner-turned-Mixology-Mastermind Jeff, who absolutely crushed it behind the bar -- every cocktail and mocktail was a handcrafted work of art that could hold court in any top-tier city. We're talking serious flavour fireworks here. And April -- what can we say? Her service made us feel like VIPs who owned the joint. She read the room, anticipated every move, and wrapped the whole evening in the kind of hospitality you can't teach: pure instinct, heart, and grace. The food? Next level. Every bite was a flex of flavor and presentation. The kitchen is clearly playing in its own league, balancing creativity with pure culinary muscle. Combine that with an ambience that feels like cozy meets cool, and you've got an absolute home run. If you haven't experienced Firehouse Grill yet, fix that immediately.

Many gluten free options, with a dedicated gluten free fryer. Server seemed very knowledgeable…read moreabout Celiac and cross-contamination. Cocktails were creative and tasty.

Fried Brussels Sprouts - Fried to perfection. Brussels sprouts are ubiquitous these days, known for…read moretheir hearty health benefits and delicious taste, but this restaurant truly did them right. They were perfectly fried with a crunchy exterior, all heightened by a lovely drizzle of honey. 5/5 Fried Chicken Sandwich - This sandwich was a monstrosity! If I were Sasquatch, I'd still be full after eating this. They practically put two fillets into one sandwich. The breading was flavorful, and the chicken was incredibly juicy and tender. I definitely appreciated the generous portion size. 4/5 Ahi Tuna - Deliciously fresh and simple. The tuna was lightly seared and served sashimi-style with a perfect rare interior. Being so close to the ocean makes you appreciate how fresh seafood can taste, and they deliver that here. It's lightly dressed with soy sauce and citrus to bring out the natural flavor of the fish. 5/5 Service & Atmosphere - The service was great, and we were seated quickly. Our waiter knew the daily specials by heart; he was quick yet succinct in explaining what the restaurant specializes in. I really enjoyed this place!

Cute cottage cocktail bar on the island. First stop on our college girls reunion trip and it did…read morenot disappoint. The ambience is cozy with a little nautical flare. Bar seating & a handful of bar top tables located inside. Self serve water crafts and a whole menu of fun cocktails and light bites with locally sourced items. The So Long Summer was a refreshing drink. The owner chatted with us and gave us the run down of all items harvested today. Blueberries being one of them, score! Definitely a must pop in to start off an island vacation.

Great ambience and drinks. Really fun to sit at the bar and watch the bartender do her thing. Light…read moresnacks, not heavy food items, so beware. We stopped before dinner to grab drinks and hummus plate - it was perfect!

Fabulous business in Vancouver! I signed up for a cocktail making class and our instructor Aaron…read morewas amazing! I've always wanted to do something like this but have been a bit nervous to do so but he made the class fun, funny, and so easy! You have the chance to make 3 bespoke artisan cocktails during this 3 hour class, 2 of their signatures and then the 3rd Aaron let us pick! He made it so easy and explained each step well, also how to use the tools properly along with sharing some great tips on shaking, measuring and also the importance of balance in your cocktail. I enjoyed every minute as well as consuming the cocktails after... each so delicious made with their in house liquors. If I had room I would have bought several bottles with me to take home!

Aaron was absolutely fantastic. We came by and were so disappointed because there was a sign out…read moresaying they were closed for a private event. Aaron came out as we were looking for Plan B and let us know the event had just ended and they were open again. (5 loud cheers on the street for sure!) I tried both the Kyoto and Wet Work, enjoying them both. They would even work as a blend of one another. My dad accidentally ordered a chocolate martini instead of an espresso martini, and Aaron made it happen. (The entire table loved it! Take that poured over some ice cream and I'd be far too content!) My brother had the gin martini, and while not a fan of gin straight up, it had a nice smooth finish that I could appreciate.

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!

Four words: Happy hour house chips. Warm, thin, crispy, yummy salt and pepper flavor. Best potato…read morechips I've ever had! Korean fried chicken was also delicious and made with dark and white pieces. Everything was stick-to-your-ribs good and well-made. Summer tourists, get your grub on here at least one meal during your visit!

8 of us came for Boxing Day brunch. Food was Exceptional, Service was wonderful, barhrooms lovely,…read moreno problem with seating us. We were there 2 hours, our choice, continuing coffee and tea, and they never stopped topping us up. Order any Benedict, or anything with housemade chorizo it's 'stupid-good' I can't wait to get back. Thank you for a GREAT respite from the xmas crazy. I recommend 100% and will return!!

TL;DR: Yes, it's a tiki bar. That's about as far as it goes…read more Drinks: Coming from someone with a rum shelf and a closet of tiki mugs, this was thin. Very limited rum selection, nothing distinctive. The menu reads like flashcards: Trade Winds, Trader Vic's Grog, Saturn. Correct, competent. Vibe: The ambiance is fun and well done. It checks the boxes, but it doesn't push past them. What could be better: Depth. The rum program feels bare, and there's no sense of curiosity. Bottom line: If you don't know tiki, you'll probably have a good time. If you do, have a daiquiri and move on. My review matches what the locals say - Yup, it's a tiki bar.

Great ambiance, good friendly service, a private karaoke room, and stellar cocktails, what more…read morecould you ask for. If I lived here I would definitely become a regular.

I do not eat tomato soup and was told to try it WOW! It's more like a rich sauce. I also had the…read morekind of Blue sandwich and it was great. My husband had a different sandwich and both were AMAZING. We started with the warm mixed Mediterranean Olives, soooo tasty and NOT salty. The service was excellent and the restaurant was very chill. Loved this, we will be back. I wish I would have taken photos!

Worth a visit for sure…read more A talented couple bring their Ontario foodie experience to the island and create an awesome Bistro.