A wide array of dishes will be available through the second annual Dine About Mid-Island festival, featuring over 30 regional restaurants, cafés, breweries and bakeries. (Dine About Mid-Island)

By Alex Rawnsley

foodie festival

Over 30 mid-Island restaurants offering special ‘Dine About’ offerings

Jan 17, 2024 | 3:46 PM

NANAIMO — It’s an opportunity to discover some of the best dishes across the mid-Island.

Dine About Mid-Island, previously Dine Out Nanaimo, returns for a second year beginning Wednesday, Jan. 17, through Feb. 4, with a full roster of over 30 restaurants, breweries, bakeries and more creating unique menus and items for customers to explore.

Event organizer Sarah Wallbank told NanaimoNewsNOW they’ve got places from Ladysmith to Qualicum on board this year, providing a great snapshot of the local food and drink scene.

“After the highs of the holiday season…we find a lot of people in January might be feeling they’d like something to look forward to, so both businesses and customers can have something really exciting on their calendar to explore and discover something new…or they can revisit the tried and true.”

A full list of participating businesses is available on the Dine About Mid-Island website.

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Wallbank said many are returnees from last year and are excited to offer something different for guests old and new.

“Every single business that’s participating has designed a bespoke menu for this festival, so you’ll find some really great menus with great prices. One thing the businesses do, they offer a special price for a combo menu, so you might get a three-course menu for a surprisingly good price.”

Seafood, burgers, beers and more are all being included in specialized menus for Dine About Mid-Island. (Dine About Mid-Island)

It’s not just three-course menus on offer.

Several bakeries and cafés are also participating, providing options for all.

“It is a diverse offering from bakeries to distilleries to restaurants, from burgers to fine dining. It’s a mixed gamut which then appeals to a wider audience, everyone can participate at any price point they feel comfortable with.”

Last year’s festival focused on Nanaimo and the surrounding area, with businesses from Cedar to Nanoose.

A mid-Island event was always part of Wallbank’s vision and she’s thrilled to see it come to fruition in year two.

Wallbank suggests those keen to try some of the participating eateries should call ahead to ensure they’re open in light of recent weather conditions or irregular operating hours.

Reservations are also strongly encouraged for some places too.

Many restaurants will offer unique dishes and menus during the roughly two-week-long festival. (Dine About Mid-Island)

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