Penny's Palapa Restaurant — Restaurant in Nanaimo

A gem of a place and not to be missed when in Nanaimo.... or anywhere close by. It's worth the trip. The owner and Chef Franz pays meticulous attention to quality of ingredients, flavour and presentation in every single meal that goes out. Flavours are authentic Mexican, key ingredients where not locally available and possible directly imported from Mexico, to ensure that authentic experience. Of course, as any good Chef will, he adds his personal touch to many of the dishes he offers. His salsas and dips are spectacular, the chipotle mayo the absolute best you will get anywhere in the world.... and no, I am not kidding. A word to some of the less positive remarks, often centered about the rudeness....it can be an eccentric little place, and the owners will pursue their line. The kitchen is too small to cater much to special needs and requests, and the flow of customers frankly to steady to be able to do that. Also, if critical remarks are unqualified, (like.. "my well done tuna was dry" after you would have been told it would be) you may be told to go somewhere else next time, but the sometimes prickly nature of the proprietors in fact add a lot to the charm of the place, and both Penny and Franz are the most amazing people you ever want could meet. It is an experience to go to Penny's..... and last but not least, it is located right on the water, in a very beautiful Harbor. Not to be missed. If you are wondering, I have eaten here many, many times over several years, so I had a chance to ensure that it was not just a one time positive experience, and I can now not remember one truly negative experience... I am sure they do happen, perfection is impossible, and things happen.... but overall this is as good as it gets. Not open year round, and closed as I write this, (just noticed I had neglected to review) but should be open again in May, until early...

I wanted so badly for this to be my new go to for tacos. Unfortunately I can't recommend this as a great spot for a couple of reasons. Nachos, $24/plate plus $6 to add Chipotle chicken. Very simple plain old corn tortilla chips w cheese and a 'couple' of extremely mild jalapeno rings. Refried beans and a small portion of some good guacamole plopped on top.(side would be much better) Definitely not layered/assembled properly, one big whack of chicken tossed on the moderate pile of chips with a conservative portion of cheese on top. Cheese was melted but not Monterey just plain and far from that crispy oven roasted finish we're looking for on a plate of nachos. More chives and bacon and fresh crema, please!!!

Halibut Tacos. Fairly tasty, but for some reason they're afraid of using the proper amount of cilantro on their tacos and in their pico...not sure why as cilantro isn't super pricey. Next unfortunately the portions of halibut are dispicable. We ordered 3 Halibut Tacos @ $8/taco. $24 for three tiny tacos. I don't believe there was more than 4oz of halibut combined between the three tacos - I truly wish that was an exaggeration.

All this being said, the staff were friendly knowledgeable and accommodating - hence the 5 star rating for service. I truly hope Penny's can change things up to make it more appealing for people to frequently visit this little gem of a spot. (Hint #1 first step to fix your nachos- fry your own tortilla chips,...

Went there a few years ago with my grandfather who is bound to a wheelchair. The manager tried very hard to refuse him service, simply because he was on a wheel chair and they "did not have room" for him. The manager's behaviour was unacceptable and beyond rude. He was actually acting as if a family of paying customers was a major inconvenience to his business, simply because my grandfather was on a wheelchair.

We've been there plenty of times before and told the manager this. He was extremely rude and inconsiderate of my grandpa's disability. I could see the defeat in grandfather's eyes... he just wanted a nice dinner with his grandchildren. When looking in the facility, there was plenty of room, only a few chairs had to be moved. Thankfully (and sadly,) my grandmother is experienced with this type of behaviour from poor customer service in the past, and had a stern talking with the manager. He let us in, but that completely ruined the experience.

The food itself, was lackluster. The vegan options were bland.

If you, or someone you love has a physical disability that requires a wheelchair, I strongly suggest you avoid this place. What a disappointing and sad experience...