Mon Petit Choux — Restaurant in Nanaimo

My long-time favourite place to eat in Nanaimo -- I only wish it were open for dinner, too! The atmosphere is warm and cozy and light-filled, the air scintillating with the many regulars' conversation, with the eclectic, mellow music almost subliminal, at times, a subtle, non-intrusive 'counterpoint' to conversation and eating -- all very welcoming. And 99% of the service is focused, warm and just attentive enough. And the food -- well! First of all, I seldom eat bread anymore, but this little bakery makes their own loaves with such deliciously chewy crusts that I, for one, can't possibly resist. Although I've tried many of their other dishes (all beautifully prepared and tasty), I seem to keep alternating, mostly, between the same two sandwiches: the Niçoise (tuna with capers), and the Roasted Vegetable. But then, the Roast Beef with Brie is awfully good, too...and the -- well, you get what I mean. Their deep, dark and handsome coffees smell seductive, and make you want to keep company with them more often than you might think wise.... And if you like sweets, their front pastry counter will beguile you with the modestly named Pecan Bar (try to resist ordering one again sometime once you've tried it!), the varied flaky pastries and petits gateaux (only a few of which I've tasted, but which look downright magical) and what I consider to be the definitively best Nanaimo Bar I've ever tasted: not too sweet, with a nutty base and velvet-like chocolate and custard bits -- I swoon just thinking of it. (They've often sold out of these by the time I think to ask for one, so I've taken to ordering it along with my main course). If I'm too full, or just don't feel like anything sweet right then and there, I occasionally take one of these treats home -- where the elegant little box winks at me every time I open the fridge door. I haven't lived in Nanaimo for over two years, but every few months I plan a pilgrimage around at least four fixed points of interest: my private/retired mechanic's expert ministrations to my aging Toyota, the pleasurable surprises to be excavated at both Well Read Books and Fascinating Rhythm, and the cozy delights of a leisurely meal amongst the frequenters of Mon Petit Choux. Why not give them a try; you may become...

Located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, Mon Petit Chou is an absolute gem for food lovers seeking a unique and memorable culinary experience. This charming café offers a delectable array of dishes and treats, with a delightful twist on traditional favorites.

One of the highlights of Mon Petit Chou is their Vegetarian Benny. This twist on the classic eggs Benedict is a vegetarian's dream come true. The perfectly poached eggs effortlessly blend with the rich, creamy Hollandaise sauce, atop a bed of spinach and toasted English muffin. The addition of mushrooms brings a burst of earthiness to the dish, making it truly irresistible.

For those with a sweet tooth, Mon Petit Chou is a haven of delightful treats. The chocolatine, a flaky pastry filled with rich dark chocolate, is an absolute delight. The exquisite buttery layers of the pastry give way to the luscious chocolate center, creating a heavenly combination that will have you savoring each bite.

No visit to Nanaimo would be complete without indulging in the iconic Nanaimo bar. Mon Petit Chou provides their unique take on this famous dessert. While it may be less sweet than traditional versions, its richness is truly remarkable. The layers of crumbly chocolate, creamy custard, and coconut add a delightful texture and depth of flavor that leaves a lasting impression. I would say it was too rich for my own palette.

The staff at Mon Petit Chou are warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. It was a self-seated restaurant, but I found getting service and a clean table to be...

Food was good and that’s the reason for the 2 stars.

Bad attitude from barista with slow coffee/drinks. What other reviewers mention about slow drink service is true. We got our breakfast and finished it without even a glass of water or my coffee being served. Lined up 20 mins to pay, was offered to make the coffee to go, but since we had already finished our meal, we decided to deny that offer. This was met with the barista responding “your loss”, which ironically is her loss, as that comment cost her the tip on my bill. Table beside us also had to chase for their coffees with one of them eventually going up to the counter to check, after getting no response from their server.

This place needs a lesson on how to run a restaurant. I agree with other reviewers about the inefficient processing. No one had set duties. I saw the server become hostess/busser/barista/cashier. The staff who eventually rung my bill at the till went from prepping food, to taking a take-out order, to putting dirty dishes away, to letting me know that she’ll be right with me at the till, to aimlessly staring at the wall wondering what to do, to sliding/pushing a dirty tub of plates on the floor under a counter to finally ringing my bill up on the till. Just no direction or clear sense of duties at all, with a very slow-pace lackadaisical attitude as noted by another recent reviewer.

Won’t...