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Bistro Taiyo
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Is this restaurant good for brunch?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Contribute
4.6
82 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
22
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
0
asimick2016
Nanaimo6 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
This tiny little restaurant serves the best japanese food in a freindly atmosphere at reasonable prices. Outstanding sashimi, really interesting rolls, great okonomo yaki, tempura, yakisoba - all the standard fare and more. This is a hidden gem - the food and service here is infinitely better than the restaurant in the north end that everyone knows about.
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali921
Edinburgh1549 contributions
May 2022 • none
It really is hidden away and from outside it is very unassuming. Even when you first enter it is not a "smart restaurant". Once you start to receive the food you realise that you are getting a very genuine experience. We had a "beginners set" sushi and the Oyako Don (chicken, rice, egg, onion composition). Both dishes were excellent. So glad we were recommended it by our B&B host, otherwise we would never have found out about it.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J B
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • none
Bistro Taiyo is my favorite restaurant in Nanaimo and has consistently provided excellent food and service for almost 20 years. The sushi made at other restaurants in Nanaimo tends to be heavily Westernized and slathered in weird ingredients, but here you'll find only traditional Japanese dishes exquisitely crafted by a master chef to bring out the natural flavours of high quality ingredients. I have never had a bad meal there, and it's the only restaurant I can eat at when I'm feeling unwell and have no appetite. The meals served there tend to be light and nutritious, yet also incredibly delicious.
My favorite dish at Bistro Taiyo is the takoyaki, but it's a bit of an acquired taste so I don't recommend it for first-time diners. The agedashi tofu is a close second; both are made using the chef's special recipe and are far superior to the same dishes served at other restaurants.
Pretty much everything made there is excellent, but I do recommend a bit of caution for diners who've never experienced authentic Japanese food as some of the dishes may taste odd to a Western palette. It's great to try new things, but make sure you know what you're ordering!
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tjmU4374LJ
San Juan Islands927 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
Delicious dinner with attentive friendly and knowledgeable service. Bento box dinner with shrimp shumai and sashimi was a big hit. Assorted sashimi was just what I’d dreamed of : wow. Service prompt but not clingy. A short walk up hill on Bastion to Wesley. We’re coming back!!
Written September 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hao L
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • family
Authentic food and nice staff and affordable price ($120 for 5 people). All staff are Japanese. highly recommend. my favorite: grilled mackerel, tonkotsu black ramen, assorted sashimi
Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tom m
28 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
What a fantastic restaurant. From sushi to salmon belly these guys make a varied selection of delicious and truly authentic Japanese food in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The service is also wonderful and we always feel very welcome back (yes, we're return customers!!). Highly recommend the Takoyaki, crispy octopus and gomae (spinach with sesame sauce). On Sundays they only serve Ramen: my favorite is crazy good - black sesame with roasted pork and garlic chips. OMG.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melistress
Edmonton220 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
This little Japanese restaurant is located in a picturesque little oasis of downtown Nanaimo. Judging from the amount of reserved tables and walk ins it is very popular. My husband and I ordered an assortment of sushi while my son had the ramen. The food was delicious, pleasantly presented, and quickly prepared. Our wait staff was friendly and attentive despite the rush in the restaurant. We would absolutely eat here again
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dani-Chan7
Prince George209 contributions
Oct 2019 • solo
Whenever I travel, I enjoy checking out the local food scene before I arrive. When I saw this place online, I knew that I had to visit here during my trip to Nanaimo. Located in the Old City Quarter, this restaurant is a quaint little gem. The staff were friendly and professional, and the food was fantastic! The menu is extensive, and it has items that I normally don't see on menus at other Japanese establishments.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peer Ristine
Nanaimo13 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
If I could I would give Bistro Taiyo more than a five star review. The service was exquisite. Polite, efficient, and friendly people. Very quick service. I have eaten sushi at every place in town and I like this sushi the most. The salmon quality was excellent tender and delicious. Every ingredient was abounding in flavour and always surprised. I left feeling lighter than when I came in and less sleepy that is how clean the food is! It seems like a truly authentic Japanese food place with little westernized elements to it. Nanaimo is blessed to have this place.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flower P
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • family
Some of the best I have ever had and I’ve had lots. Great service and delicious food. The spicy dynamite tool was so yummy. Nice ambiance and a cute little place
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eliot W
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • none
Amazing izakaya cuisine, and the ramen is incredible too. Very reasonably priced and great atmosphere.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
687rieh
Thank you so much,
we hope to see you soon!
Written October 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lavandulaNangus
Vancouver Island43 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
The wonderful staff loaded us up with delicious food. We enjoyed crispy tempura, tight maki and delectable sashimi... cannot wait for our next meal here!
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kinko
Vancouver Island24 contributions
Aug 2019 • couples
As an expat from Japan, now living in a Nanaimo, whenever I miss the atmosphere and the comfort foods (as well as sushi, of course!) of Japan, I pick up a phone to make a reservation. And Yes, I talk in Japanese to make this reservation as well as while at the restaurant!
This restaurant which means Bistro Sun, sits in a corner in a charming old town of Nanaimo.
It is peaceful and lovely inside, food delicious and the Japanese young couple, the owners, and staff members are warm and attentive.
My husband and I sit there over sake or a Japanese dry beer or two and favorite foods, and as always enjoy our time together, happy as a clam...
A must in a Nanaimo.
Written August 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie M
British Columbia27 contributions
Jul 2019 • family
Love the sushi, best miso i have ever had and the bento boxes are delicious. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Lunch or dinner you will not be disapointed.
Written August 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annie J
Nanaimo33 contributions
Jul 2019 • couples
The best thing about this restaurant that serves sushi tapas is that the food is fresh. Not so impressive are small portions-a roll consists of a few pieces-and fine dining prices. They charge for tea which is usually free in competitive places. Potato croquettes-no sauce-were very small. Pork dumplings were not great either. Miso soup OK but nothing special. Sashimi-raw fish-OK but six thin slices of salmon for $10 is not a filler. For a total of $75 we got 2 appetizers, tea, 1 sashimi and 2 rolls. Will not return there.
Written July 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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