The Green Olive By Old City

About

Tucked into the Old City neighbourhood on Skinner Street, The Green Olive brings Mediterranean cuisine to downtown Nanaimo. This restaurant has earned a solid 4.0-star rating, which speaks to its consistent execution and appeal across a diverse customer base. The moderate pricing means you're looking at a casual dining experience without breaking the bank, making it accessible for both weeknight dinners and weekend outings.

The restaurant's location puts it at the heart of Nanaimo's downtown revival. Skinner Street itself has become an increasingly vibrant corridor, with The Green Olive sitting alongside other established venues like Horang and Simonholt Food & Drink. This cluster of restaurants has helped revitalize the Old City neighbourhood, drawing both locals and visitors who are exploring what the area has to offer. The proximity to other quality dining options means you can build an entire evening around the neighbourhood if you choose.

What you can expect when you visit is a dining experience centred on Mediterranean flavours and cooking traditions. The restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to regulars and first-time visitors alike. The 4.0-star rating suggests the kitchen delivers reliably good food and the service meets customer expectations consistently. Given the moderate price point, this isn't fine dining, but rather honest, well-prepared food in a comfortable setting. It's the kind of place where you feel equally at home grabbing a quick dinner after work or lingering over a meal with friends.

The Old City itself has distinctive character—it's where much of Nanaimo's heritage architecture remains, and the neighbourhood continues to attract independent businesses and restaurants. The Green Olive fits naturally into this landscape, offering something different from the standard chain options while remaining unpretentious and accessible. Its presence on Skinner Street reflects the ongoing efforts to make downtown Nanaimo a destination for dining rather than somewhere people pass through.

If you're planning a visit, keep in mind the moderate pricing allows for flexibility—you can explore the menu without worrying about cost overruns. The neighbourhood location means parking may require a bit of effort during peak times, but it's worth the minor inconvenience. The restaurant works well whether you're a Nanaimo local looking for reliable dining nearby or a visitor wanting to experience what the downtown neighbourhood offers beyond the typical tourist spots. The fact that it shares the street with other quality restaurants means if you're planning an evening in Old City, you've got options, but The Green Olive itself stands on its own merits with its solid reputation and Mediterranean focus.