Modern Café

The tasty menu created by new owners featured fresh and local ingredients. Everything from the drinks to the dessert was delicious! We had the Huckleberry gin, Coastal cakes, Korean fried chicken burger and the crème brûlée! A new favorite date night spot or even just drinks with friends! Vegetarian options: 1/3 of the menu was vegan/vegetarian… the table next to us had the falafel wrap and it looked delicious! Dietary restrictions: So many modifications available

Can not recommend this place enough! Came mid week and got in right away for lunch. Korean fried chicken sandwich was so good. The beat salad was one of the best salads I've ever had! Our server was fantastic and he was so friendly and didn't bat an eye at my aunts picky request for just greens. Will be returning :Food: 5/5

We visited after ownership recently changed to new owners who also own another very reputable and popular downtown eatery. Our visit and meal was very enjoyable with amazing customer service. We like this restaurant because of the slightly upscale atmosphere and when you want a “modern” fine dining experience.

Honestly, I think we were disappointed with the contrast between a funky neon sign and what we found inside. We were hoping for an upscale diner experience. But instead, what we found was a restaurant struggling with its identity. I know that food prices are much higher and I fully support paying more to ensure that staff receive a fair wage, but if I wanted a fully loaded burger with boar bacon, cheese, and mushrooms and fries it was going to be $36. Even in the most unique of circumstances in Vancouver this would be pushing the limit. My wife and I both had the Korean Fried Chicken burger and beet salad. It was very good and fairly priced. But again, it would have been cool if they could have leaned into the diner aspect. Fun high end diner plating with wax paper around a delicious messy burger. It would make them competitive with an amazing restaurant like Melange that is two doors down. I'm sorry. I really wanted to enjoy the experience and my food. It just fell short. The only other thing I would say is about the drinks. My wife had a stout that seemed flat if that was the intent, then it's more a case of her not liking that particular stout and the selection of bourbons was a little lacking only two and the bartender had to go up a ladder to find them tucked behind the Amaretto.

We held our Staff Christmas dinner party here and couldn’t have been happier. Absolutely first class all the way. From initial booking and communication, friendly and attentive service, and of course, incredible food. We have varying food needs in our group and there was something for everyone. We all left full & happy. Highly recommend!

It was just want we wanted on a rainy day, a hearty salmon soup, delicious elk hoagie and an amazing clam and mussels plater! We’ll definitely be back to try the wild mushroom specialties! Thank you The Modern!

An amazing place to visit. Meal options for everyone from no food sensitivity’s to vegan and gluten free. Satisfying for our whole family. Elder person to preteen. Definitely will be back.

I'm very excited about the new Modern!! The latest addition to Nanaimo's growing food scene: Amazing from scratch, locally driven menu with a beautifully refreshed interior. Had a chance to sample of few offerings and wow! the flavours and quality is top notch, you won't be disappointed! Add to that amazing cocktails and a locally focused Island and BC wine list and I'm in my happy place!! Cant wait to come back!

My wife and I went there for our anniversary. Food was great, service was great, drinks and atmosphere were great! Great place for a date night or dinner with friends.

Our waitress went beyond our expectations to make sure we had a great experience here. The food was excellent and we enjoyed the outdoor ambience looking out at Nanaimo as the sun set and the lights came on. Will be back!