The Modern Cafe Nanaimo Menu (Update 2025)
Welcome to The Modern Cafe Nanaimo, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Nanaimo, BC. Known for its enticing all-day menu, this cafe showcases a medley of tantalizing appetizers and fresh salads. Guests can savor exquisite dishes like the Crispy Humboldt Squid and the rich Wild Mushroom Pate, each crafted with care and sophistication. The seafood offerings, such as Saltspring Island Mussels and Rare Seared Tuna, reflect the cafe's commitment to quality and local ingredients.
Salads like the Roasted Beet Salad and Turmeric Cauliflower are not just nutritious but also visually stunning, making every meal a feast for the eyes. Customers rave about the friendly service and inviting atmosphere, making The Modern Cafe a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re indulging in comfort food or refreshing salads, this cafe promises an exceptional dining experience.
Menu - All-Day - Appetizers
Rare Seared Tuna
Albacore Tuna, Goat Cheese Corn Cakes, Pickled Onion, Harissa Aioli
Crispy Humbolt Squid
Pickled Fiddleheads and Spruce Tips, Wild Greens Pesto Labneh, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Smoky Tomato Sauce
Mezze Platter
Gluten Free Accessible Baba Ghanoush, Hazelnut & Pumpkin Seed Cream, Roasted Yam Hummus, Wild Greens Pesto Labneh, Olive Tapenade, Marinated Feta, Pickled Turnips, Turmeric Cauliflower
Saltspring Island Mussels and Baynes Sounds Clams
White Wine, Cream, Garlic, Focaccia
Daily Soup
Bottomless bowl. Served with Focaccia Bread
Wild Mushroom Pate
Gluten Free Accessible Black Walnut, Rosemary Focaccia, Roasted Garlic, Beet Chips
Wild Greens Pesto Cream
Bacon, Truffle Oil, Panko
Menu - All-Day - Appetizers - Baked Oysters
Menu - All-Day - Salads
Turmeric Cauliflower
Gluten Free Chickpeas, Marinated Feta, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Toasted Sesame Seeds
House Salad
Gluten Free Mixed Greens, Arugula, Hemp Seeds, Seaweed Flakes, Watermelon Radish, Seasonal Vegetables, Wild Berry Dressing
Roasted Beet Salad
Gluten Free Goat Cheese, Kale, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Wildflower Honey Vinaigrette
Planted Platter
Gluten Free Accessible Baba Ghanoush, Hazelnut & Pumpkin Seed Cream, Roasted Yam Hummus, Olive Tapenade, Pita
Wild Mushroom Pâté
Gluten Free Accessible Black Walnut, Rosemary Focaccia, Roasted Garlic, Beet Chips
Plant-Based Meatball Sub
Gluten Free Accessible Smokey Tomato Sauce, Vegan Mozzarella, Arugula
House Salad
Gluten Free Mixed Greens, Arugula, Hemp Seeds, Seaweed Flakes, Watermelon Radish, Seasonal Vegetables, Wild Berry Dressing
Fava Bean Falafel
Gluten Free Accessible Hazelnut Pumpkin Seed Cream, Baba Ghanoush, Pickled Turnip, Roasted Yam Hummus, Pita
Nut Loaf
Gluten Free Accessible Lentils, Chickpeas, Black Walnuts, Roasted Yams, Wild Mushroom Gravy Available 5pm to 9pm
Menu - All-Day - Vegan
Menu - All-Day - Entrées
Seafood Stew
Gluten Free Accessible Smoky Aleppo Tomato Sauce, Local Seafood, Vancouver Island Kelp Salt, Pearl Couscous, Seasonal Vegetables, Focaccia
Wild Salmon
Gluten Free Pan Seared Sockeye Salmon, Sushi Rice Cake, Shishito Peppers, Nori Ginger Butter, Seasonal Vegetables
Steak and Foraged Mushroom Demi
Gluten Free Grilled Striploin, Chimichurri, Duck Fat Parm Pavé, Seasonal Vegetables
Shellfish Linguini
Manila Clams, Salt Spring Island Mussels, White Wine and Roasted Garlic Cream, Linguine, Charred Lemon, Focaccia
Cowichan Bay Chicken
Gluten Free Pan Seared Chicken Breast, New Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Bacon and Wild Greens Pesto Cream
Mushroom Linguini
Sautéed Foraged Mushrooms, Seasonal Vegetables, Candied Hazelnuts, Parmesan Cream, Focaccia
Voyageurs Toast
Three Pieces Egg Dipped Brioche, Wild Berry Compote, Sumac Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup Gluten Free Accessible
The Hunter
Gluten Free Accessible Two Eggs Any Style, Hash Browns, Bacon, Elk Sausage, Venison Sausage, Toast
A Lot At Steak
Gluten Free Accessible Two Poached Eggs, Steak Bites, Wild Greens Pesto, Roasted Garlic, Green Onions, Mixed Bell Peppers, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Smoked Aged Cheddar, Cilantro, Smokey Tomato Puree In a Cast Iron Skillet
The Funghi
Vegan Available Our Take on Mushrooms on Toast, Sauteed Foraged Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Garlic Cream Reduction, Chard, Arugula, Hemp Seeds, Grana Padano on House Focaccia Gluten Free Accessible
The Hungover Vegan
Vegan Chard, Baby Kale, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Yams, Bell Peppers, Falafel, Hazelnut Pumpkin Seed Cream, Green Olive Tapenade, Babaganoush In a Cast Iron Skillet Gluten Free Accessible
The Gatherer
Vegan Black Walnut, Legume & Seed Loaf, Wild Mushroom Gravy, Fresh Tomato Slices, Baby Kale, Hazelnut Pumpkin Seed Cream, Hash Browns, Toast Gluten Free Accessible
Menu - Brunch
Menu - Brunch - Benny’s
Salmon I Used To Know
Sockeye Salmon, Cream Cheese, Baby Kale, Roma Tomato, Seaweed Flake Hollandaise, Wasabi Microgreens
Don’t be a Boar
Two Poached Eggs, Crispy Pork Belly, Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Cilantro, Classic Hollandaise, Radish Shoots Gluten Free Accessible
Loose Morels
Vegan Available Morel Mushroom Medley, Garlic, Caramelized Onions, Baby Kale, Smoked Paprika Hollandaise, Amaranth Shoots Gluten Free Accessible
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Vancouver Island Sea Salt Caramel, Vanilla Bean Gelato, Sumac Maple Whip
Black Walnut Brownie Cake
Vanilla Bean Gelato, Wild Berry Compote
Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake
Chocolate, Almond, Coconut Crust, Cream Cheese Custard Filling
Vegan Cheesecake
Gluten Free Vegan Cashew and Coconut Cream, Cardamom, Graham Cracker Crust, Wild Berry Compote