Friends Dining Lounge

Was served veggie plate first. Couscous was okay, other veg. cold or nearly cold and sprinkled with very salty topping. Chicken curry okay but not great. Again, the strange salty spices on top. At the end of our meal found two head hairs (hopefully) mashed into the plate. Food is strange and not all that nice. Would be better if served hot at least on a clean plate. Will not be going again.

Don't expect tuxedo reception, just a casual operation by an elder down to earth guy who takes pride in making it like you are dining at your Dad's or grandparents house. Despite the large menu, he would say you really need to make one word order chicken, lamb, beef, port, vegetarian or seafood. Lunch or dinner will be a 2 course with the same greens & grains, the same veggies and basmati rice, the only diffrence is the meat and cooks it fresh ready in 10 - 15 minutes. Most importantly, a sincere positive full of warm enery friendly spirit by a guy who is just struggling in a poor location to make a living.
I wish the best.
Dan Reid, Parksville, BC

This dining was beyond excellent, this very well educated Chef is a very special person, with a very loving, caring, dedication to his clientelle, making this a happy and fun experience for all. Look past the decor, not everything matches but the food is the best you will ever taste - even the drinks were an experience which I will never forget. The menu is extensive, and for those exotic items you will have to preorder a week in advance, so worth
it, even his blended coffee was the best. Ring the bell the Chef, will respond from one of his many tasks, making all the dishes himself, entertaining you with his book of poems and please do take the time to read the menu, I didn't count the pages but there were over 50 pages of everything you could imagine in this small establishment. Paul I'm being selfish when I say I'm glad you didn't go on to become a Doctor, we would have not had the pleasure of sharing such a fantastic meal prepared by yourself, along with entertainment and we understand you even do the dishes, after you have satisfied your patrons. Never doubt you have the best food and service possible. Hugs to you - Don and Donna from Kamloops, BC

Not really great food to be honest

a typical old fashion small operation, a family guy running a little casual place - not a busy location but as he said he just wants to make a living and raise his kid and he dos make great food. Location and exterior image are poor and may not attract those who never been in before. my wife checked it out and they aced the health inspection reports for years. I promised him to tell my friends. They deserve a good word.
Brad Chignoich

Good quality, 2 course meal something you would get at an expensive Manhattan hotel tavern, yet for less than the average chain restaurant such as the keg or rib places and much much better food. They deserve this input.

excellent food. The operator-cook is a nice hardworking guy but has problems in his location - for one out of sight and I heard his 7/11 neighbor in the same plaza next door is badmouthing him trying to get him out of business so he can act as a take-out restaurant too. I wish Friends well, they have good food. Bruce Leigh, Oct. 08

excellent.

I heard about this place in Seattle and I finally made it there last month on a visit to the Vancouver osland. A litle place with character and truly great food. The chef is very experiences and creative and takes pride in his dinner which is rare thes days .Ms Dena

I was referred to Friend by my Nanaimo friend mr Mike and i now see wath all the hapy is all abaut. This is truly five star food,something you can only get a Manhattan Sheration Lounge gor $200 a dinner. Mr John

I have dined in many restaurants all - over North America and Europe and i finally tried Friends restaurant after several recommendations from Parksville friends. I feel in all famiess , that i have to give credit to this nothing- to look -at small place ,hidden in a notso-glamorous location. At Friends restaurant i have experiencedtaste sensations I could not describe. They use a lot of imported herbs ,rose petals and spice. As well, the chefcapitalizes on the elegant use coffee , rum and chocolate in dinner entrees. This is truly gourmet food , a true 5 star quality masked unfairly by a modest exterior.It is now my family's favorite place to dine. Dr Roberts

This is the best food in all Vancouver island.I bean hear with family and we will back agen and agen and agen.Thank you to the ovner. All is EXCELLEN. Mike Trajkovic

Top quality food, but not a great location. Couldn't find it for 20 minutes. It was an experience, I would never thought that such a small place would have such quality dishes.

amazing food, a great, and different experience. Really nothing to compare.

I heard a lot about it, supopsed to be very good, but never had the chance to try it yet. I searched it and found this review link about it
http//www.gonanaimo.com/nanaimo/restaurants/friends-nanaimo.html
Jim Breez

The Hookah here is very good...

Ambiance is nothing at all to rave about, perhaps a renovation is in order. Food took a long time to come, was alright. Staff was friendly enough.

I dined around the world and certainly at every establishment in this area, I have to give credit to the kitchen of this nothing to look at small place their food is nothing short of 5-star calibre.

Absolutely the best food anywhere.

Great food.

i love it and am going o go back ASAP

Ate here for the first time. it was FANTASTIC!!!! the chef is quite personable and the choices on the menu are far out!!!
eat here as i will be telling all of my friend about it!!!