Bar Luna — Restaurant in Nanaimo

I am a taco aficionado. Tacos are one of my favourite foods. However, I was hesitant to try Luna because I have been "burned" by the local taco places in Nanaimo. Generally, they are not up-to-standard and are insanely overpriced and/or poor quality (ie, cheap ingredients that lack flavour and likely nutrition). Nanaimo's food scene is sad overall. But that is a whole other story.

But Luna was a pleasant surprise (to no fault of their own)! I ordered two veggie tacos the other day with a side of pico de gallo (and chips), and I was obsessed. Specifically, I had the "rajas" (poblano pepper tacos) and "veggie chorizo" (tofu based). I was vegetarian and plant-based for years, so I am confident judging veggie dishes. I have to give so much credit to Luna. Typically, veggie dishes are less thought out when compared to their meat counterparts and often are just plain bland and disappointing. Luna exceeded my expectations. Both tacos were perfectly flavoured and substantial. Again, I have to credit Luna for using quality ingredients. I can taste the difference. With that in mind, Luna's prices are more than reasonable and justified.

Tonight, my fiance and I had the chorizo (he had the meat, and I had the veggie again), barbacoa, and al pastor. My fiance really enjoyed them and had no complaints. I really enjoyed the pineapple salsa on top of the al pastor. And the barbacoa was flavoured perfectly. I continued to enjoy the tofu chorizo. I am not a big fan of animal protein sources, out of preference, but everything was still delicious. I should add that the pastor, chorizo (both kinds) and barbacoa had generous portions of protein. So it is safe to say you are getting your money's worth.

Additionally, I noticed a few reviews complain about the cabbage and consider it "filling." Still, I must say, it is helpful to have "filling" like that when you are eating such rich foods to break down the heaviness. So I'm afraid I have to disagree with some of the negative reviews. But to each their own. I strongly encourage anyone to try Luna. They use quality ingredients, season their food deliciously, and charge a fair price.

I hope Bar Luna can flourish in Nanaimo. Because we need more quality restaurants that provide great food, excellent service and fair prices (and the bonus is that Luna is...

The following review is my personal opinion.

This is an extremely disorganized place with good food, good (but expensive) drinks and pretty nonexistent service. To make a long story short, I felt randomized and not cared for at all.

I arrived at quarter to 8 hoping to catch a jazz show. All I wanted was to sit down and get a drink. Instead, I got a lecture from a surly, bearded waiter who immediately attacked me with facts about the menus changing or me having to wait until 9. What did I do to this man? I just wanted a drink.

Eventually, I got the chicharron with the salsa verde, and the El Fuego cocktail. Both were good; what was the point in hassling me about the menu change earlier? Then, I became a ghost: No one came to check on me and it was as if this place doesn't believe in napkins. I went up to the bar and ordered another drink; confusion reigned supreme.

The hour was 9pm when I was asked to pay up (??) and was told that table service was over. Whatever you say. The entire atmosphere seemed very unpleasant and the bearded, surly bartender kept treating me like he was tolerating my existence with one last ounce of patience. Eventually, I was permitted to order another drink and some tacos. The promised 9pm menu was a bit of a joke, but I went with it.

I don't know what to say. If I can help it, I may catch a show here again, but I'll probably be avoiding this place in the future. Clearly, they don't care about my...

We really wanted to have an amazing experience but unfortunately 3 items we tried to order they didn’t have! They were out of Mezcal, sold out of the steak and subbed the plantain for French fries. The meal was over an hour wait with no explanation? They would come by and fill our water but no explanation where our meal was? It seemed to be a real theme for the whole restaurant on Family Day . People seemed annoyed that they couldn’t get the staff’s attention. One of our meals came 20 -30 minutes before our other two meals with again no explanation. It would have been so easy to communicate to their patrons what was going on! We overheard the manager say they were sold out of a ton of products and not sure how they were even going to serve people the following day! Apparently it was their busiest day since reopening! Unfortunately it was really mishandled! They could have given all the tables some chips and salsa complimentary and explained why there was such a delay! The one meal of roast chicken with rice and subbed fries was very mediocre and a huge disappointment and was expensive! The crispy chicken burrito and the Al pastor yam was very good! Our meal wasn’t discounted and an apology came at the end when we were paying! The managers solution was a free coffee at a local bakery when you purchase something. It wasn’t even his restaurant! Really disappointing evening and unfortunately it was enough to...