A must-stop spot for anyone visiting Nanaimo! You can't go to Nanaimo without trying a classic Nanaimo bar, and Red's Bakery is the perfect place to grab this iconic treat. We also picked up the banana cheesecake, and it was packed with banana flavour. It was definitely a great choice for banana lovers. Everything is ready to go and nicely packed, making it super convenient for a quick dessert stop. Service was fast and friendly. The bakery has a few tables inside, but if they are full, you can enjoy your treats outside or head across the street to the Vancouver Island Regional Library, where there are benches that make a nice little dessert break spot. A simple, convenient, and delicious stop to experience a true Nanaimo classic! read more

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The place typically recommended to get Nanaimo Bar! Despite the popularity, there was no line to order, and because of limited seating and popularity, they prepare these bars in takeout containers, but it did not detract from the presentation. The Nanaimo Bar features a graham crust, custard filling, and chocolate ganache. Definitely on the sweeter side, so it was enough to share with 2 or more people just to try out this local specialty food. read more

Red's Bakery - Inside - IG @bougiefoodieboi - Bakeries Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

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The best Nanaimo Bar we ever had. It was delicious and to die for! My sister bought some extra take back home (Toronoto). They are still delish after couple of days. read more

I heard from multiple sources that Red's Bakery serves the most mediocre Nanaimo Bars in Nanaimo, but since we were in the area (and a couple of other places were closed the day we were in town), we decided to walk on over. Red's has a kind of small town bakery feel, with old-fashioned almost eclectic decor, perhaps 60s/70s retro. Unlike some of the other bakeries, they prepackage some of their desserts in plastic, so it's difficult to tell how fresh they are. I suppose Nanaimo Bars keep well in the first place. We ended up trying Nanaimo bars from three different places, with my notes for Red's as below: Nanaimo Bar ($6) - This Nanaimo bar is much taller than the other two, probably around 50% taller than bar 3 and a full double of bar 2. It cuts very smoothly without much flaking off. The crumb base underneath is smooth, indicating that the coconut fibers are well blended to reduce strand length. It's almost like an Oreo base, with heavy Dutch processed cocoa flavor. There should be nuts mixed in, but they are crushed so finely that I can't really tell what nut is used. People on social media complain about the bottom layer, but I actually love it. For the other layers, the top icing is really sweet. It has a heavily roasted chocolate flavor and by far the darkest in color. The middle layer just tastes like standard icing. It's sweet but I think less so than the other bars. (4/5) Interestingly enough, I enjoyed the Nanaimo Bar from Red's more than both other bakeries. I think it's pretty good in quality and while sweet, has the heavy cocoa elements of the cookie base to help balance things out a bit. Washroom - I didn't see any available for customers. read more

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Red's came highly recommended by the locals, It did not disappoint! The Nanaimo Bar was delicious and to die for! We also got the turtle Cheesecake Mmmmm SO goood Must stop for for wonderful fare read more

Red's Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

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I was in Nanaimo and on a serious hunt to find a Nanaimo bar to eat in Nanaimo. Having never eaten a Nanaimo bar it was the mission of my visit to find a Nanaimo bar. Also by coincidence if you look up online, you'll find that the HBO television show the Last of Us used Nanaimo as an apocalyptic town and you can recognize it immediately when you're downtown. Anyways, after walking around and looking for a bit first at the French bakery with no luck, we found that Red's bakery was the place for us. We walked in and there were a number of colorful characters out front but weren't dissuaded. We walked in and there are really great options to choose from including both savory and sweet on both sides of the counter. We also wanted some hot drinks and found seating easily. The bakery itself is a little bit eclectic, and there are a few things worth taking a look at including a collection of hot wheels. The service was terrific and we got our orders with a smile and Cherry options. My first Nanaimo bar was quite large actually and I can only describe it as part candy bar part cheesecake. It's worth a stop. I wouldn't have super high expectations, but everything was good and it was a little adventure. read more

Ferry'd into Nanaimo to try my very first Nanaimo bar. I planned a whole gauntlet of places to try Nanaimo bars. Stopped off at Red's. Taylor was just as excited as she found out it was our first time in Nanaimo trying Nanaimo bars. Got the original, peanut butter, and cheese cake Nanaimo bars. All three were amazing!! Favourite was peanut butter. There was so much that our Nanaimo gauntlet was cancelled since we were so fulfilled haha. Inside had antique decor! It added character!! Shoutout to Taylor! Thanks for making our visit memorable! read more

Red's Bakery - Nanaimo bars. - Bakeries Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

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Nanaimo bars were absolutely delicious!! Loved having the classic and the cheesecake one! So tasty cold and frozen! Cute little neighborhood bakery! Would definitely come back when in the area! read more

Lovely server and atmosphere... very funky and fun places to sit. However the baked goods are horrible. We had gluten-free cookies and it's Samosa and some kind of cheesecake that had gobs of cream. Very disappointing for such a famous place. read more

Red's is the best cheesecake period. I take everyone that visits from out of town here and have never been disappointed. Plus the owners are absolute gems of human beings. always a great selection of cheesecakes, too read more

Selections are amazing from different types of Nanaimo bars and cheesecake flavors. I was recommended apple pie cheesecake and expresso Nanaimo bar and they both were superb! One star deduction for limited seating and less than clean interior tables and chairs. If you haven't had a Nanaimo bar, it's a cookie crust, with a buttery custard layer, topped with a chocolate ganache and is a mouthful of wonderment. Also, if you park in the public lot, be aware of urine smells in the stairwell. read more

Got a classic Nanaimo bar. The chocolate was a bit too thick for my preferred ratio but the taste was good. The inside is very run down and it's more of a take out place, and not welcoming to sit down. read more

"Best Place to get a Nanaimo Bar" [Nanaimo BC] ... as proven by awards they've received for "Best Bakery" and the best place to get a Nanaimo bar so naturally I had to try this Canadian treat. What is a Nanaimo bar? First, it was named after the Canadian city of Nanaimo in British Columbia. Secondly, it is a layered bar cookie treat that required no baking. There are three layers as was explained to me by the gal behind the counter: The base: crunchy and nutty The middle: creamy custard The top: rich chocolate layer Nanaimo bar... a real beauty, eh! Oh, and yes, they sold cheesecakes as well. There were so many to choose from and I wanted to buy more desserts but they needed to be stored in a cool place. We were just starting our day and we weren't heading back home just yet so I just bought an Oreo cheesecake along with the Nanaimo Bar. I can't compare the Nanaimo bars to other bakery's since this was my first time but I found the treat a bit too sweet for me. Red's Bakery is located in Downtown Nanaimo. Review #3158 read more

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Since we arrived in Nanaimo from Southern Ontario. Nanaimo Bar was on the must try list; Red's Bakery came up on the search and they were delicious. It's a good thing I don't live here...I would be at Red's bakery everyday. read more

When in Nanaimo you need to try out Nanaimo bars! Tried out the original one which had a firm base, sweet sugary middle and dark chocolate top. Sweet for my liking so maybe some of the cheesecake varieties would be less sweet. Overall great service and was super busy! read more

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I stopped into Red's Bakery to try a Nanaimo Bar for the first time, since they had "Best Place to get a Nanaimo Bar" signage all over the door. The bakery was cozy and the lady working there was very friendly. We got a Nanaimo Bar to share, and she even cut it in half for us. While it was tasty, it was extremely sweet, so I don't think I'd be able to finish an entire bar. Definitely glad I tried it though! read more

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Yummy cheesecake and Nanaimo bar. Very crumbly bottom layer which made it difficult to eat. Service was also sadly very unfriendly. The staff had quite a bit of attitude (telling the guest in front of us "I can't see what you're pointing at, can you just read it?") And then when we finished our bar and returned dishes back at the counter, she called us back to tell us the trash can was outside the store. read more

An option for a famous Nanaimo Bar which is 3 layers of goodness: granola, cheesecake and dark chocolate. Red's also has sandwich selection for heating. Very nice and friendly staff. read more

Red's Bakery - Nanaimo Bar - Bakeries Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Haven't been around in a very long time. It's good to know Red's still has a killer Oreo cheese cake and patient friendly service! Love the owner, such a sweet lady! So so happy to find a veggie stuffed pastry this time round :) & now they have milkshakes!!! Such a treat! read more

Red's Bakery - Oreo Cheesecake is always a good decision :P - Bakeries Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

Service is fast. The Nanaimo bars are massive a sweet. Ambiance is ecletic. Stop in Nanaimo for an original Nanaimo bar

I came over to Nanaimo with some friends with the EXPRESS mission to taste the best Nanaimo bars ever. We drove in Saturday afternoon and found out that sickness had taken the bakery by storm. I made a comment on thier Facebook page just saying I had driven in to taste the best bars and was so sorry that sickness had taken them; the owner commented that they would be at the shop filling an order and to stop by and that I did..16 bars later I cannot thank them enough for thier hospitality and I can say with confidence that these are THE BEST bars EVER!! The cooler is full and now I truly understand the reason that they are #1. Many thanks again to the crew of Red's Bakery, you all are top tier!! read more

First time on Vancouver Island and a friend said to get a nainamo bar. It happened to be Family Day though and the first place we went to was closed because of the holiday. This was the 2nd place. They had tons of dessert. I got the nainamo bar and the bf got the nainamo cheesecake bar. He wasn't a fan of his but I really enjoyed mine. read more

Red's Bakery - Good portion. So good. - Bakeries Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

The food and service were amazing at Red's. I had the chicken pot pie and the blackberry-raspberry cheesecake, both of which were great choices. With them being open 24 hours, you can go whenever you want and guarantee yourself a solid meal. The dining space was small but it was quaint and comfortable. Definitely check it out, they got plenty of great options that are worth your while. read more

Follow Red's Bakery on Facebook. They are a great, local oriented bakery that truly cares about the downtown core! check them out on Facebook and their site will leave you drooling!! Make sure u have a napkin hand!! Definitely one of Nanaimo's best local bakeries. read more

This place is located in downtown Nanaimo near the harbor. I went and tried out their Nanaimo bar. I'm not sure if all Nanaimo bars are like this, but it was way too sweet for me. Currently, there's no indoor dining here, so all food are to-go. read more

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Amazing well priced food! the boxed meals fill you up, and if you ask them to warm it up they make it up perfectly for eating! also super helpful about how long to warm up your meal if your taking it for lunch the next day! Reds is an Nanaimo staple! read more

Awesome Reds bakery is fantastic the food is delicious and the deserts are one of a kind in Nanaimo they have 11 types of cheese cake alone. I personally love their taco poker which comes with sour cream and salsa one of a kind read more

The best Nanaimo Bars on earth. Also, lovely people who genuinely care about the community and share generously and responsibly. Alex is a gem. Don't leave Nanaimo without visiting!!! And be sure to Pay it Forward. read more

As if the sausage rolls aren't amazing enough...stopped in to Reds Bakery this evening and picked up the pulled pork Mac and Cheese. Not only did one take out container feed three of us, it was likely the BEST Mac and Cheese I've ever had - and I fancy myself an expert!!!! So delicious and the perfect flavor! Added a sausage roll for lunch tomorrow and split a Nanaimo Bar with my daughter and I couldn't be happier! Seriously - try it all! read more

Reds Bakery is a quaint and delightful place to eat. They are opened 24/7, so there is no need to worry about being pressured to hurry along. The staff are fabulous and attentive. They take extra steps to make sure you feel special. We had both savory and sweet food. The chicken pot pie and taco pockets were perfect comfort food on a chilly rainy evening. Our party of four shared four different cheesecakes, all of which were beautiful in presentation and delicious. I would recommend visiting this bakery. So far on our vacation, this was our favorite spot. read more

I bought the ....... meat pocket, forgot the name beef, jalapeños, onions, this was a 10. the inside meat was a 10, the pastry beyond loveliness, flaky. loved every single bite. thank you. read more

The food here is amazing. The Nanaimo bars are legendary and easily the best in the world. The cheesecake unbearably delicious. Sandwiches are great and the sausage rolls will be stolen by your dog before you'll have a chance to eat them. It doesn't matter how good a boy your dog is. If you are from out of town it's worth the trip and if you're from Nanaimo you're not staying on any kind of diet. read more

So bad These place has not a single clue about quality baking. The cheese cakes are whipped sugar with a little cheese. Absolutely crap deserts. I've never tossed deserts before but never got past the first bite with the cheese cake and the carrot cake. I really believe these people feel their food is good. But I truly believe they have never tasted really good fine bakery and haven't a clue how to make it or would know what it tastes like. What a shit hole!!! read more

The best Carrot cake ever! The taco pockets are a must try so delicious. My favorite cheesecake is the Nanaimo cheesecake.

Reds is great . The staff are friendly the atmosphere is retro and neat and their food is phenomenal. While your there ...get my favorite combo, a sausage roll, with a oreo cheesecake with a can of grape pop lol . They use to have food trucks which would stop by and serve you food that was hot . Unfortunately covid shut that Down which the owners will gladly tell you about if you stop in . So great read more

Everything is amazing and wonderful tasty treats ! Out of town company needs to stop in for a treat ! Amazing service every time i go in !

We tried to get some baked goods here and the selection was terrible. They had a few donuts that looked pretty sad and nothing like the photos. Ok, well since we're here, let's get a coffee but the espresso machine was broken. Then, my elderly mother had to use the toilet and we were told it was for customers only. Lol Seriously?! read more

The review use only for the Nanaimo bar. We were visiting Nanaimo so had to get the famous Nanaimo bar. I don't know if the Nanaimo bar itself is supposed to be like this or it's just this place but it was extremely sweet. We got two different flavours and both tasted of just sugar. The Nanaimo bar looks complex with different layers but you can taste any of those layer because of all that sugar. The bar itself was fresh and everything but I would have enjoyed it more if it was less sweet. Otherwise the other sweet and savoury options looked good and the people working here were super friendly. read more

Quiches and triple berry muffin were very tasty. Staff member was friendly and helpful in explaining about the food.

I was staying in Nanaimo for work and wanted to bring a treat home to my family. So I ordered nanaimo bars from reds, and they were absolutely delicious. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Would highly recommend! read more