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

Don't know where to start, terrible terrible food. No quality check. We were greeted with a friendly smile when we walked in. Sat down and and our order was taken. 4 minutes later our food was removed the microwave and dropped on our table. Screaming hot. Way to hot to eat, by the time it had some what cooled down enough to eat, it was a soggy mess. The fat had separated from the cheese it had become that hot. The beans and rice was soggy microwaved mess, the grilled chicken soft tacos, had never seen a grill in their life. It was pre cooked chicken microwaved and placed in soggy soft tacos, with terrible marbled soy cheese. It honestly felt like it was a really bad high school cafeteria food, made by the angry old lunch lady who hates her life. One sad sad lunch. Please do yourself a favor a skip this place. read more

Oh Gina - we were so glad that you were "Very Open" when we walked by. We were hankering for a beer and some conversation and you filled the bill perfectly. Your waitress/bartender/server and Jacqueline-of-all-trades gave us some great info on the town of Nanaimo and what a wonderful place to visit. Sorry we weren't able to eat (stuffed from all the Nanaimo Bars we ate) but a quick beer and we continued on our way. Thanks for being there!! read more

Gina's was recommended to my mum, a recent transplant to Nanaimo by way of the U.S., by her coworkers. I have had a hard time finding decent Mexican food in the greater Vancouver area in general since moving here 5 years ago, and Gina's is no exception. Gina's was mediocre in every way, unfortunately. We had a litre of margaritas, which were blended and then served over ice (weird). They were quite watery as a result. We ordered the chimichanga (around $11) and the Sierra platter ($12.50ish) which contained one chili relleno and a chicken burrito in mole sauce. Both came with rice, beans, and corn. The chimichanga was crispy but lacked any flavor. Basically just mildly seasoned ground beef inside the fried wrap. The chili relleno was also bland and contained a disproportionately large hunk of cream cheese. The burrito was alright...mole was probably the most flavorful thing we ate. It did appear to have an authentic tortilla wrapping. Everything appeared to be microwaved, however, and we were sitting beside the kitchen so we could hear the beeping. That's pretty disappointing. The chips were not served warm, and the salsa was, again, bland. The bill was $59, most of which was due to the liter or margaritas ($25.90). Waste of money. The atmosphere was cute, but frankly I think I've had more satisfying burritos at Red Burrito, and for much less money. read more

So Raven and I vacationed to Nanaimo from Seattle for his birthday. We knew nothing about Nanaimo coming here. It was more out of spontaneuity for our fun that we wandered around downtown Nanaimo (traveling over six hours from Seattle). We stayed at Maple View B&B in northern Nanaimo, and when we drove downtown, taking a left at the Mr. Lube to see what delightful restaurants there were to offer. Sitting at a red light..... we saw Christmas lights on a little building perched at the top of a hill. We didn't expect to go there, but as we began walking around downtown and ended up walking right by this Christmas-lit restaurant, we had to go in. And it was Gina's. And Gina's Mexican food is DELICIOUS. Reading the news paper clippings on the walls, we saw they are famous for their nachos. Raven ordered a frijole nacho and I ordered a chicken quesadilla. OMG SO TASTY. Raven, who is extremely afraid of bad Mexican food, said the frijole nachos were made "exactly how I would make them." The staff was a group of lovely, lovely women (and the older blonde woman, I hope that was Gina, she was superb and delightful) were running the show. I was extremely happy to have found this little place on a random Wednesday night in Nanaimo. If the blonde woman was Gina, she insisted we come back and visit again. And if we ever return to Nanaimo, we definitely will be back! read more

Gina's is super quaint, colorful and very cool. The service is super friendly, and the food is excellent also. Prices are reasonable, the meals are filling and delicious. We've only been in the area for six months, and Gina's is absolutely our go-to family restaurant. We've been back five times now, and have introduced it to two sets of friends; all of whom loved it as well. We've tried a wide array of selections from their menu, and have not found a single stinker. Every visit has been absolutely consistent: incredibly friendly service, and wonderfully flavourful (and filling) meals. IMPORTANT!! I've also just learned that Gina's is offering a 'pay-what-you-can-afford' option for people, and are sharing their tips and donations with those hardest hit in the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic*. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS, NANAIMO! There are people out there looking to profit from this sort of situation, whereas Gina's is doing what they can to help the community when we've been knocked down. Please consider supporting the people that stepped up to support the community during challenging times! (* For the benefit of future readers, the economy was hard by this outbreak - particularly those in retail and service industries. Social isolation = no recreational shopping, no movies, no clubbing, or dining out. It's hard on small businesses, and harder still on the workers needing every shift to make rent.) read more

I rated this 5 stars, not because it's as good as any restaurant can get, but because it's about the best mexican food I've eaten this side of Tijuana. If you feel like an authentic mexican meal in an authentic mexican atmosphere at a totally reasonable price, then Gina's is perfect. It's the only mexican restaurant I eat at in Nanaimo, when I'm in the mood. read more

I am curious if the people rating this place so highly have ever had Mexican food prepared by actual Mexicans. Granted I'm from Houston where our Tex-Mex (what this food actually is) is legendary. I'm talking homemade tortillas, homemade tortilla chips, guacamole made table-side and fajitas that are served properly (on a sizzling skillet with cheese, guacamole, tortillas, pico and sour cream). However, Gina's was really one of the worst meals I've had in Nanaimo. I visited Gina's yesterday with my coworker. The one bright spot? The liter of strawberry margaritas. They appeared to have been prepared with real berries, which was nice. It also came with the option to change the tequila involved (I chose Hornitos). They had Patron (yuck) and Don Julio (yay!). I will say that when asked, the waitress said the 1/2 liter provides about 4 margaritas and the truth is, it's closer to 2.5-3 (max). If you're trying to have 2 drinks a piece, go ahead and get the liter. On to the food. My coworker ordered the fajitas. In my opinion "fajitas" is a misnomer. What she actually got were 2 tacos (steak wrapped in tortillas with cheese inside) served with rice, beans and corn. The rice and beans were both hard (nearly inedible) and the corn looked frozen/reheated. 2 thumbs down. I got the "chipotle and cheese" with chicken. It was supposed to be chicken melted w/cheese and chipotle peppers. If you are unaware, chipotle peppers are smoked jalepenos in adobo sauce (delicious!). This however was not that. My food tasted like chicken breast covered in chipotle mayo and then covered with cheese. I opted not to get rice and instead asked for corn and double beans. Just like my dining companion, my beans were hard and tasteless and the corn sad. I asked for tortillas on the side and learned they don't make theirs in house (double sad). I was only able to eat about 2 bites before I gave up. I was wholly disappointed. I had to season the corn and beans with salt/pepper just to get down the few bites I was able to eat. All in all, Gina's was a huge bust. If you have no experience with Mexican food, have a blast because you don't know the difference anyway. If you know how Mexican food is actually supposed to taste, I would caution you to drink only the margaritas and save your money for a meal somewhere else. read more

A few years ago, my wife and I spent a week on V.I. After a couple of days on the west coast of the island, we were on our way back to Victoria when we decided to get dinner in Nanaimo. We spotted the old house up on the side of the hill and, finding out it was a Mexican restaurant, knew we had to eat there. Why? Because we're from southern California and had gone almost a week without Mexican food -- I don't know how we lasted that long. To be honest, I don't remember what we got and I don't remember how much it cost, but I definitely know we enjoyed it. Gina's is one of those hole-in-the-wall accidental finds that you never forget. read more

I will make the drive from Victoria just to go here. Absolutely delicious, fresh and priced great. The atmosphere is lovely and while its a sweatbox there in the summer, it makes you feel like you're back in Mexico a bit. I will be coming back again before the summer ends and I encourage anyone on the Island to make the trip as well. read more

We've been a bunch of times and after that last time we'll never go again. It's always been ok, nothing overly special so I never understood the so-called hype, but as others have said its gone way way way downhill. Very little space to eat and out-dated atmosphere. Why this has 5 star reviews in the last few years is beyond me. I can only conclude the food was made fresh that day and the staff were in good moods. Save your money but don't take my word for it, look at all the bad reviews and draw your own conclusions. It will be hit or miss. Do better! EDIT: Is it nice that the owner took the time attempting to rectify our views? I clearly state "we'll never go again". Nice condescending tone to his response too: "just blatting on social media solves so very little as there is no chance to put in the fix. so next time you are tempted to post in this vein, please ask " have I made my case personally and then not been satisfied because all the 25 folks who work here have had zero opportunity to reconcile you " The "25 folks" had nothing but opportunities when we walked in the door...'nuff said! read more

I'll give this place a two for the funky room and the staff. It is an old house with several rooms serving as the restaurant. The staff are very young but attentive and polite. Then there is the food. Premade and frozen then reheated to lava hot and served. Tasteless and watery. I went here twice because I love Mexican but never again. read more

Ugh. Been here a few times over the years because it is a lovely, festive little place but the food gets worse every time we go. Taco Bell is more Mexican. The food is plentiful but came out within minutes of ordering which tells you something about how it's prepared/reheated. Salsa and whatever tomato sauce they use is abysmal - tastes like pureed tomatoes schlepped out of a can - no flavour development at all which is too bad because making a decent salsa isn't that difficult. Guessing they are extremely cost conscious with their food and/or have limited kitchen space. Obviously don't care as the place still gets packed every night. read more

Love Ginas! I always order one of the combos and it's all delicious but the standout is always the cheese enchilada verde. I always say I am just going to order that next time but have yet to follow through. My 5 year old says the chips and salsa are her very favourite meal. read more

Gina's Mexican restaurant; it's a converted house and is nice and cozy. There's enough room to move around freely even in a wheelchair. We started out with a combo appy to start (which included a variety of authentic Mexican delicacies, some with coastal flair) followed by a Navajo platter and a chicken chimichanga. Each served with Gina's homemade beans and some stellar salsa!! Like, REALLY good secret recipe style! Rounding it all off was a fruit sombrero and a fruit burrito. My only complaint, not enough sugar/cinnamon mix sprinkled on top of my fruit sombrero! This thing should be bathed in it! #TheBitk #BrosInTheKnow read more

One word: EPIC. I was so insanely surprised by this place that if they served breakfast, I'd live there. Chris ordered the Quesadilla de Pollo. He cleaned his plate. I ordered the two chicken soft tacos and subbed salad for the traditional sides. I highly recommend both dishes and I have a feeling that basically everything on the menu is fantastic! You can tell that the food was FRESH and good quality , you could taste it in every bite. Normally, I would give a restaurant of such a small size and loud atmosphere a 4 or even a 3 but the food is AMAZING and the staff are all fantastic and the PRICES! OH THE PRICES! Good luck finding food like this with prices like that anywhere else. In ending, again, I highly recommend and we will most definitely return. read more

Love this place,haven't had a bad meal yet.The salsa is sooo good.Chicken enchiladas,mmm.Very friendly place to come,the service was awesome.I will be back for sure.I love the decor so colourful. read more

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

Gina's has been around and under the same ownership for 30 years (so I was told by an employee there) Great location and atmosphere and always busy. I've read some of the other comments referencing authentic Mexican food to Gina's menu. I have to agree that Gina's is far from the real Mexican flare but nonetheless, the food is still quite satisfying. The building is a converted old house from the 40's or 50's situated on a rock bluff over looking the city of Nanaimo. You can't miss this purple and pink coloured exterior building even if you blinked. Gina's has my thumbs up for delicious food, yet prepared Gina's way...not a bad thing. It's definitely on your list of restaurants to discover if ever in the seaside town of Nanaimo. Good eats, Stef read more

I'm kind of torn. I lived in the States for 11 years and had phenomenal Mexican and TexMex food so to compare is challenging. Pros: Funky, cute atmosphere, friendly, casual staff, fresh salsa, yummy flautas and chimichangas. Cons: Very dry & bland beans, lacking an abundance of flavour in almost anything sadly, asked for more tortilla chips and did not receive any, ordered a veggie variety plate and was given an enchilada with chicken in it...understandably mistakes occur but no offer to discount or comp the meal was made/just an apology. I want to like this place and I definitely want to give it another try...my constructive criticism is to include more spice/flavours in their food (more cumin, cilantro, lime, salt, chili's,etc). Nanaimo unfortunately does not have much to choose from for Mexican food and I am hopeful for improvements at Gina's! read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe - Acapulco (I believe) 2 small shrimp crispy flautas, chicken taco, corn and frijoles. Rice and cheese chimichangas in background!! Yummo! - Mexican Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Lovely little place! I've only been here once, and it was incredible. Friendly staff, great food which is very unique!! Highly recommended read more

This place is great. The location is quite small so try and reserve a spot. Has a great atmosphere and authentic Mexican food. You can see the location high above the city and it noticeable with the bright coloured paint. If you love Mexican. You should check this location out. You won't be disappointed!! read more

The service was horrible. My family kept trying to think back if there was something we did to upset our server because she was so rude. Both other ladies we very rude to us. The younger girls were really sweet, but I can't say the same for the older ladies. Maybe they're burnt out, but we didn't want to ask for anything like water or more salsa because they were so sharp with us. We won't be back. We travel to Nanaimo often, but we'll stay on the dock instead. Too bad, we were excited! read more

We went to Gina last week and it was by far the most disappointing meal we've ever had in Nanaimo. The rice was tasteless, the refried beans were extremely dried. The enchiladas had some kind of store bought tomato sauce on them. My taco was so weird. It was WAYYY TOO expensive for what we got. Covid wise, the waitress wasn't washing her hands between adjusting her mask, answering the phone, bringing us our plates. Do not go there. read more

Gina's deserves five stars for service alone! Definitely has a family-run feel, with any available staff member attending our table at any given point in time, all very friendly and welcoming! Decor is delightfully eclectic, making you feel like you're in a beachside surf shack. Started with some of the best ceviche I've ever had - huge chunks of halibut in a flavourful chili-lime marinade - and a combo platter of a chicken soft taco, shrimp flautas, beans and Mexican corn. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. read more

Had been here before. It is a good road stop for a filling plate of Mexican..I had Enchiladas and it was a sizable portion. House salsa is very plain. They have a Chipotle salsa which was good. Reasonably priced also. read more

Great authentic food. Navajo is amazing as it features best beef enchilada i have ever had

Quite authentic looking Mexican sit down restaurant that can be a little unexpected here in Nanaimo. You feel immediately immersed in the experience and the service is good. This has been a great family meal out with the kids and the food is good. Parking was a bit tricky but it is a relaxed place to try something a bit closer to a real Mexican meal. read more

Amazing food, great flavor & awesome service! Every time I eat there Gina's raises the (very low) bar that I find Nanaimo to have. I had the salmon tacos - my boyfriend had the chicken tacos. We were both very impressed. The portions are so big too that we had it for dinner the next day too! read more

The atmosphere was nice, very unique and cozy. However, I felt the good was bland and under seasoned. Over all not impressed.

Gina's is an amazing little restaurant! First thoughts on the place were the new renos done to the place. being greeted by a lovely hostess and be blown away by the amazing view of downtown Nanaimo. Their margaritas are just to die for And the chicken burrito is so massive in size but very tasty, I could barley finish it. Their dessert that are made in house are so rich and delicious... So happy they had put in those new window made a huge difference in temperature. Thanks Gina's! Would highly recommend! read more

Gina's Mexican Cafe will go down in history as my worst dining experience. On arrival, we were met with rude staff. We were told that we would not receive service if we ate on the patio (in the middle of summer). When receiving our chips and salsa, the waitress threw the dishes onto our table and stormed off without saying a word. The meals arrived shortly after. The presentation was foul. Each portion on the plate was unseasoned and soggy. It can be best described as overpriced slop, garnished with marbled cheese... I will never be back. read more

We've been to Gina's a handful of times. The food is always great. The service is good and the atmosphere is lively and colourful. A great little Mexican restaurant. read more

Good mole chicken and prompt service. The frijoles, rice and corn sides were standard fare. Will definitely revisit to try other menu items. Great little spot on the hill with a nice family atmosphere read more

Love the ambiance of this restaurant but was disappointed with the meal. The enchiladas were tasteless and bland as were the beans that tasted like they came out of a can and were heated with no spice. The corn was also plain. Nothing in my meal resembled real Mexican food and all I could do was pour masses of hot sauce on everything to get any taste whatsoever. Service was mediocre. I love Mexican food and this was a huge disappointment of an entire meal. read more

A standard stop over when we roll through town over the years. Consistent in their quality usually. Gone with many a group and everyone is happy with their portions. read more

I love Gina's! We used to enjoy bringing our young kids here to this funky little fun restaurant when we lived in Nanaimo. Now that we live in BC's southern interior and only make it to the island once or twice a year, we consider it a rare treat to come here to enjoy the delicious food. Fish tacos are amazing and the fresh salsa is WOW! read more

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

My wife has been talking about a good Mexican restaurant for a while so we stopped by on a Friday afternoon and from the taste of the "salsa" that was sweet and with carrots..??but when the food came, different story, and not in a good way.. The beans were the driest I've ever seen or eaten... bland... the "quesadilla" was horrible...!!! A flour tortilla filled with greasy beef.. bland... the whole plate was covered, DEEP in that sweet salsa that was a sad first impression of the worst "Mexican" food I've ever seen, smelled and worse yet, tasted...!!! And I'm Spanish and I know what Mexican food looks, smells and tastes like...!!! Their hot sauce was from the store and NOT their own recipe... Please stay away... read more

Enjoyed a fantastic meal Gina's Mexican Cafe! Our server Sherry was amazing! Food was hot, delicious, and fast! A+!

I was there a couple of days ago with a few friends. We all decided to order many items and share. The place is really neat and the staff is very friendly. Prawn Coriander 3.5/5 Nachos 4/5 very good Pollo con Chipotle 1/5 looked like slop. You can tell alot of it was on a heating tray Chicken Enchilada's 1/5 none of us like it, we couldnt eat it. The positive was the staff was friendly and the prices were ok. Its a really neat place for drink and some of the food. From what I see I would stick to the appetizers. Stay away from anything with baked beans, corn and rice, It all taste overcooked and that is was cooked many hours ago. I may go back for the Nachos alone. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing or it was a bad night. My friends in the past have been speaking high about them. Too bad I wanted to give this place high rating. read more

Stopped here for my first visit to Nanaimo! We had an early lunch/brunch, and had a lovely waitress who answered all of our questions and took good care of us. The portions were big, and there were a lot of options to choose from. They were easily able to accommodate some special requests, and the food was pretty tasty. Decently priced, and pretty fun. read more