5 Best Patios In The Nanaimo Area

Five Best Patios In The Nanaimo Area For Summer Time Sitting!

There’s nothing like a good patio to make it feel like Summer and the Nanaimo area has plenty of outstanding patios to offer.

What makes a summer time patio? Our top criteria is great views, good atmosphere, excellent food and drinks. Keeping these things in mind we have curated a list of the top 5 patios in the Nanaimo area that check these boxes!

Cactus Club Patios Nanaimo

5. Cactus Club

The patio at Cactus Club is one of the coziest patios I’ve experienced for its size. There are regular tables as well as three low down sectional seating areas each with their own firetable. Trees and grasses line the glass perimeter and there is a large beautiful fireplace that anchors the entire area. The patio is quite large and backs onto the highway however they have done an excellent job at making it its own little oasis.

4. Pacific Prime Restaurant and Lounge at The Beach Club Resort

This patio is a unique one! Located right on the board walk of Parksville beach it is an exceptional location. The patio is surrounded by a glass railing letting you fully take in all of the gorgeous views and salty air. This also allows for great people watching if you are able to snag a front row seat.

The menu is also quite large with lots of seafood options. They have an extensive wine list with plenty of variation and breakfast is served seven days a week! They also have a quiet bar where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail made right in front of you as well as a separate bar menu with light snacks.

Location: Parksville

Pacific Rim Website click here

Riso Patios Lantzville

3. Riso Foods Inc.

Riso is an adorable little Italian restaurant and specialty bakery located in Lower Lantzville. The patio is small and intimate. There are white lights strung across, striped umbrellas and high fencing making it very private from the road. Once the sun sets the fire heaters are turned on and you are provided with a cozy blanket.

They have a large wood fire pizza menu and you cant go wrong with any of them. There are a few appetizers, pastas and mains as well. I strongly recommend the Rigatoni con Salsiccia! They make the most delicious pastries and desserts as well as fresh baked breads, specialty coffees and teas too! Brunch is served Sundays from 10 am-2 pm and dinner is served Wednesday-Sunday from 4pm onward. Make sure to make a reservation as this little spot gets very busy!

Location: Lower Lantzville

Riso Website click here

2. Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria

Where do I even start with this beautiful patio! As soon as you enter it will feel as if you have been teleported straight to Italy! The patio is tucked around the back of the restaurant at the very end of the Coombs market. If your lucky you will see the goats bouncing around in their field right from your table. Ivy grows up the side of the breathtaking building. There are white lights strung across the entire patio and you will be seated at beautiful handmade farm tables. They too will provide you with a cozy blanket for when it gets a little chilly.

The food here is incredible. A large pizza and pasta menu. As well as an excellent variety of appetizers and salads. You cant go wrong with anything on this menu. My favorite items are the Beef Carpaccio, Risotto Cinque Terre and classic Spaghetti Carbonara. They also offer a family style menu for 4 or more people. With this you get 2 salads, 2 homemade pasta platters and 2 thin crust pizzas. This is a great way to try a little bit of everything with your friends and family! They also have an excellent wine and cocktail menu.

Location: Coombs

Cuckoo Website click here

Qualicum Beach Patios

1. CView Restaurant & Lounge

It was hard to decided between these last two patios but CView got number one because of its amazing location for those unforgettable summer sunsets. The patio here is not very big. To guarantee you get a spot outside making a reservation is a must. Having said that they do have an area outside that can be reserved ahead of time for large groups. To take advantage of the gorgeous sunsets having a later dinner reservation is best. The music they play is a upbeat jazz and is very relaxing.