A Mexican restaurant between two gas stations? A hole-in-the-wall you might have walked right by? Food blogger Sarah Au-Yeung (@NanaimoNoms) joins us to shout out some of her favourite restaurants in Nanaimo and beyond. If you’re looking to have a little escape with a meal out, “Dine About Mid-Vancouver Island” and “Dine Around Greater Victoria” are underway until February 9. 

Here are the restaurants she mentions, in order:

Nori Japanese Restaurant (Nanaimo)

Horang Market (Nanaimo)

Danpung Momiji Korean (Nanimo)

Momoville (Shawnigan Lake)

Pho V.Ta VietNamese (Nanaimo)

Truong Thanh 2 (Nanaimo)

Mahle House (Cedar)

Camas (Lantzville)

Bin 4 Burger Lounge (Nanaimo)

Bistro Taiyo (Nanaimo)

Gina's Mexican Cafe (Nanaimo)

Nanoose Bay Cafe (Nanoose Bay) 

Qualicum Beach Cafe (Qualicum Beach)

Deez Bar & Grill (Qualicum Beach)

Jas Cafe (Ladysmith)

Jalapenos Mexican (Nanaimo)

JLA Foodtruck (Nanaimo)

The View Oceanside Grill (Nanaimo)

Embers Wine & Charcuterie Cellar (Nanaimo)