Wa-Ku Japanese Restaurant in Nanaimo

Amazing experience! Terrific food and great pricing! highly recommend 10/10!

Our first visit was fantastic. Excellent service, delicious food, it was busy but we didnt feel crowded. The Pork Katsu Curry was so good I wanted to lick my plate.

An absolute Nanaimo classic and local treasure.

Im a high school student studying abroad in Nanaimo Ive been to several other Japanese restaurants, but this one by far had the most Japanese feel and was delicious The fried tofu and miso ramen were delicious, and the soup tasted great. did! ! The staff was kind and the atmosphere was nice Ill definitely come again Thank you for the meal!

Great food all the time

Lovely place!

Brilliant. Ive had a rough day, and once that ramen settles in your mouth, you are goood.

Food has been amazing everytime. I highly recommend.

Wa-ku has been a reliable favourite the past few years. The ramen never disappoints and the staff make for a bright and happy atmosphere full of laughter. I wish there was more of it because I went to take a picture but it was gone already! Again! If you are new to ramen, I highly recommend the Aburi Tonkotsu because it is so so tasty. The regular tonkotsu, miso and shoyu ramens are delicious too of course but that extra bbqd pork (aburi) mmhmm! Parking is there but limited, so carpool if you can!

A bit disappointing. The interior is run-down and the seats are pretty dirty. Food has little to no flavour, and the waitress never came to check on us through the entire meal. We waited a long time to get the bill as well. The kitchen is quite horrifying and Im actually concerned about getting sick. Dont quite understand all the good reviews

Take a peak at the deep fryer when you walk in, then you will leave. Because that is horrid. Do not eat here.

Amazing and authentic experience. Loved the family atmosphere. Reminded me of travel days in local Japanese shops. Delicious thank you

We will be back

Terrible service, we have six people ordered food, the server ordered one wrong, after five of us getting food she told us that they run out rice, so it will take another 20min to cook the rice then left the table without any options, after 15min waiting we heard that she told other customers they can only order noodle cuz there s no rice available. This restaurant used to be my go to place but this time I feel really disappointed, the server didn t even apologize after all these terrible things happened, I don t recommend anyone go to this restaurant

Great authentic food.

Like always, this place hit the mark. Delicious Ramen at a fair price.

I think this spot has the best Ramen in town! Lovely staff also Food

We love this place. Always make a post to go when in Nanaimo. Food is always excellent and so is the service!

Try the chicken curry Udon!

Really good hole in the wall place, atmosphere is quiet server was amazing!

Delicious food with generous servings

My new obsession!!

Been going here for over 5 years and have never been disappointed. Absolutely love this restaurant! Food is yummy and the ambiance is cozy

Super friendly, super fast, super good food.

Service is always quick and friendly and the food is amazing

Exceptional food. I love this place.

Best raman in town no question!

Absolutely delicious ramen and the biggest ramen menu I have seen (seems most places just have a few options). Poor server was on her own and really busy, so hopefully she has help most other nights. Would recommend and go back!

If you want genuine ramen eat here. Made in house and they have the pork tonkotsu marinate over night, literally the most tender and delicious pork pieces in town.

This place is amazing, we found it by accident, we were looking for a sushi place and went here, they don t serve sushi but that s ok because their rice, noodle and soups are so good and they are fast with the food. Great place that we will continue to visit.

Good soup

The food was delicious. The service was excellent.

Very delicious. authentic japanese food Itvery rare to find authentic Japanese owned restaurants on the island and this is amazing. It bought me back to my days of living in Kanagawa prefecture and is reminiscent of home cooked Japanese food Superb!

Amazing food

Such good ramen! Very friendly staff also! I live in the Cowichan Valley, and I eat here every time I have any reason to go to Nanaimo. Food

Best Ramen House in Vancouver Island!! If you are passing through Nanaimo.. it is a must to stop by here! Parking: Lots of parking outside Kid-friendliness: They have manga comics while they wait. So cool!

Love this restaurant

A sweet hidden gem in Nanaimo. So happy to have found a ramen spot in town after some time. Staff are super friendly, cozy spot for a bite and they dont skimp out on toppings and add ons are well-priced. Overall a wonderful experience and will be returning! Vegetarian options: Vegetarian ramen options Parking: Parking out-front

Food was really good I love there Ramen tonkotsu and takoyaki very scrumptious. Cant wait to eat there again Recommended dishes

Some of the best ramen Ive had. Very wonderful staff and service. 10/10 would recommend

Visiting from Vancouver and came straight off the ferry. Arrived just before 1pm on a Friday. Ordered the aburi tonkotsu Ramen, added an egg and made it black (roasted garlic) and it did not disappoint. The pork belly slices were nice and thick. Broth was rich and not overly salty. Also had a prawn tempura appetizer which came out piping hot. Service was solid. Wife and daughter enjoyed their meal as well.

Consistently amazing dishes no matter what I order. Staff is so so kind. I could not recommend it enough!

Really good Ramen! So happy we found this little gem. Lots of Japanese goodies and drinks. Small space but very nice and not crowded.

It was okayish..felt the quantity was too less for the price. The server was good.

The chicken/pork katsu don here is very good! I usually get this and it never disappoints. I have tried the ramen because of all the raving reviews but I just thought it was so-so... Way better ramen in Vancouver in my opinion. The broth was ok and the chashu pieces were dry, unlike the juicy meaty pieces you get at other ramen joints on the mainland.

This place is bigger than you think. Great service, Awesome atmosphere. Wheelchair accessibility: Direct access to table from front door Food : 5/5 |

Outstanding!! 10/10

Overall a great experience.. friendly greeting as I entered, server was helpful and nice, and the ramen was delicious. My only suggestion would be to add a bit more broth to the bowls, which could add a bit more value for the price. Definitely worth a try if you like ramen and live in Nanaimo Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access, with parking right out front

Absolutely amazing. Would come back here every day if I lived in Nanaimo.

Food and service are always good!

Chicken Karaage was juicy and perfectly seasoned. Ramen soup was full of flavour. Service was very nice. Will be returning for more!

A small simple restaurant. Service was friendly and food was brought out quickly. Chicken katsu was crisp and juicy topped with tasty curry. Portions were more than sufficient. Tonkatsu ramen was delicious and quality is comparable to ramen restaurants in Vancouver. Agadashi tofu was covered with tasty sauce. We contemplated going back during our short visit here. Pleasantly surprised with the food which exceeded my expectations.

It was so good because it was like the local taste I ate on my trip to Japan If anyone hasnt tried it yet, try it soon.

Super tasty and very authentic. Im saying this as a Japanese.

Amazing food and service every single time! Truly my favourite Nanaimo restaurant

One of the best restaurants in Nanaimo.

Really good ramen!

Plenty of ramen options to choose from along with some other appetizers and dons. I had the tonkotsu ramen and added an egg. We also got the seafood ramen (Nagasaki champon). I was quite surprised by the portion and toppings for each. There was plenty of noodles. The pieces of pork were large and I liked the variety of toppings. The seafood one had soooo much seafood and had plenty of veggies. Both ramens were quite filling. Typically I dont drink all the ramen broth due to it being too salty or rich, but I found their broth had just the right balance. It was flavourful and rich, but not overly in either. Although at first I thought the price was a bit high, the quality and quantity justify it. Overall, it was a great meal and service was attentive. Ill definitely be a returning customer. Just a note that the parking lot is quite small so it may be difficult to find a spot.

Only just heard of this restaurant and popped by for lunch with some friends. This was great, authentic, and worth coming to! The décor, inside and out, matches what youd find in many restaurants in Japan. Food was great. Frosted mugs for your beer. Perfection. Will come back again for sure. Was too busy enjoying the food to get a picture :)

First time there, food was delicious, service was awesome!! Looking forward to going again

We enjoyed real Japanese foods after a week long camping! We had tan tan ramen, Oyako don, and shoyu ramen. Everything was so good that we will come back again for sure!!

Really good food!! Very authentic and really friendly staff. Will go back for sure

Pretty good Ra-men shop in Nanaimo.

Amazing food and very gracious staff. Huge portion sizes at a great price. A must go in Nanaimo!

I went there last monday, I always have the same thing , miso soup and pan fried gyoza, The miso was not hot and I could smell bleach , the pan fried gyoza was not fried thoroughly, vey disappointment, I couldn t finish the meal

I got the miso ramen and it s the best I ever had. The ambiance in the kitchen is joyful and the staff gives a great service. You won t regret it!

Delicious Raman and fast friendly service keeps me coming back every time I m in Nanaimo

Dietary restrictions: Great vegan and gluten free options Food

Yakisoba noodle was good, but $20 all said and done for take out veg yakisoba? Not worth the price as the portion is very small, very few pieces of broccoli, very underwhelming. And charging for take out containers? Better food for lower prices elsewhere.

The ramen is good but I think its overpriced.

Wonderful experience every time. My favourite place for ramen in BC. They treat their guests with so much respect and every dish I ve had there was delicious and top quality.

Authentic Japanese food in the most Unassuming Place. The Food was Amazing and The Service was Prompt. The Japanese Staff were even willing to put up with us Attempting to communicate in Very Mangled Japanese. Vegetarian options: Some of the Meals are Vegan, including the Very Delicious Potato Croquettes Parking: Just a plain old parking lot

Vegetarian Tantan was so good!

I love this cozy spot for the best ramen and best chicken kaarage . Always yummy.

Great tonkatsu ramen and superb chicken karage. The service was really great! Will be back every time Im in Nanaimo now

Dinner was amazing!

Ordered the seafood champon amongst other items. The scallops in the soup were off (tasted like bleach) and we let our server know right away and we were still charged for the bowl that was inedible.

Always the best agadashi tofu.

Overall we really liked it, the ramen wasnt the best Ive had but it was good. Worth checking out.

It is an amazing Restaurant, the food is excellent and we will be going there a lot.

Ramen

Amazing noodles and ramen.

Pretty delicious. This is one of the best ramens I take

This used to be my go to spot that Ive recommended to many friends and co-workers. Unfortunately the quality and service has gone down while the price keeps going up. I ordered well ahead of time for pickup to skip a long wait, yet ended up waiting at the front for over 15 minutes even after I showed up later than the time they said it would be ready by. I waited so long they actually forgot that I already paid and tried to charge me again for it... I gave it 2 instead of 1 because the food is still pretty good, just not really worth the hassle or price, especially if you order takeout.

It was my first time on a Japanese restaurant, and it was absolutely delicious. The waiter was beautiful, kind and helpful. 10/10 definitely recommend it. Dietary restrictions: If you have any allergies/health problems related to food, you can tell them and they will do their best to get you a good meal.

Ive had Ramen in Japan many times, and this stuff was so authentic and tasted delicious. Especially the vegetarian one

Enjoyed this cozy restaurant on a cold, rainy day. The atmosphere was warm and friendly. Server was efficient and kind. The vegetarian ramen was very flavorful. Noodles were so tasty, veggies were tender and the sweet fried tofu was delicious. Curry croquettes were also delicious. Several vegetarian/vegan options on the menu. Highly recommend.

Great food and service in a cozy environment. Loved the spicy ramen

If you are in search of tasty ramen in Nanaimo, then you should make your way to Wa-Ku Japanese restaurant. The ramen flavour was delicious. Living on the mainland, I am treated with many many varieties of ramen, however, you really cannot go wrong with Wa-Ku if your tastebuds are craving a nice hot dish.

Ive only ever tried the ramen, but if you like ramen youll like this place. Friendly and efficient service. Update, Ive also tried a few appetizers, all good!

Fantastic japanese restaurant. Dighning in brought back memories of me traveling Japan 3 years ago. Food tasted just like I remember. Very authentic. Prices are reasonable, food is great, fast and professional service. I found my favorite japanese restaurant.

Great Ramen bowl. Busy but the service was still very good.

Awesome Japanese food, best okonomiyaki and ramen in town!

Awesome Chicken Donburi!!! Prices are good too. Very nice small place.

Authentic Japanese noodles and friendly attentive service. I recommend # 18!

One of the best ramen Ive ever had and the owners are super nice people. Definitely recommend this place.

Good ramen, noodle and rice bowls, along with appetizers

Very good, authentic Japanese food. Friendly server, and nice ambiance. I was soooo happy with my pork katsudon and my partner really enjoyed the Aburi ramen. The prices are great as well! I recommend going here.

Most Delicious Authentic Ramen in Nanaimo!!

Nice cozy place. Has great ramen.

The best ramen place in Nanaimo! Hands down, the staff are friendly and the food is awesome! Highly recommend.

Amazing Japanese Restaraunt. 10/10 all day long, will go again

Fantastic food, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere. My favorite place in town.

This is our regular go to place when we want to eat out. Excellent and friendly service every time, super amazing food every time!! Can t get enough and can t say enough about this great place. Some of our favourites are chicken kaarage and aburi pork ramen. Thank you for filling our bellies and heart each time we re there! =)

The food is amazing and so is the atmosphere. They are always so kind and friendly. Love this place!

The hours of operation are not upheld, phone is always busy or not answered, portions are small, food is bland/old/unappealing. I do not understand how they have 4.6 stars.

Nice authentic japanese restaurant with friendly service and delicious food and drink

Wow! The food is authentic!! We were very please and surprise with the quality of food

I got take out and maybe its better in the restaurant, but we ate it pretty soon after ordering (within 10 minutes) and it was very disappointing. The food was mediocre at best and it was pricey for what you get. There were waaay too may noodles and not enough broth or meat/veggies at all. In addition, the tempura said prawn and vegetables... we got prawns and 1 piece of broccoli... was kind of expecting a little more in the way of the vegetables. The kitchen looked kind of dirty as well, which was off-putting. I would not go back to try it in the restaurant as the take out so disappointing. Maybe it just wasnt our thing. The other pics of food in the restaurant look good, but maybe dont do take out?

The food was delicious and prepared in a timely manner. I love this place, they are very welcoming as well.

Wow! The place was packed and there was a wait but the waitress is speeding around the place like shes got fire under her feet! When we were seated the waitress made us feel like a priority even though she had a dozen other people to serve. The food was exceptional at a great price!

Nice, but not spectacular.

Delicious each time we go!

Quick take out of karaage don on the way to Duke point ferry terminal.

Our go-to Japanese restaurant when visiting Nanaimo!

One of the best ramen I ever had! Fast service and affordable.

I havent had a bad meal yet there, the Tonkotsu Tanten and Chick Katsu Don being my favourites. Great flavours, great service, and chill atmosphere. The selection of good Japanese food is limited on the Island and Im super thankful Waku is in Nanaimo.

Everything is super authentic, the food tastes fantastic, great price... what else can you ask for?Just an incredible restaurant!

My favorite restaurant in all of Nanaimo. Amazing service, delicious food, I cant recommend it enough. 10/10, 5 stars, etc

Best food in Nanaimo, better prices, amazing service. Never disappoints!

Very authentic Japanese food! I always drop by when i visit Nanaimo.

Best Japanese food on the island. Delicious, good portions, and great value.

Absolutely astounding simple Japanese foods at great prices. Always something new and interesting on special too. We never miss it whenever we come to Nanaimo. Highly recommended.

Delicious and authentic. Very kind and attentive staff, despite how busy it was when we arrived. Absolutely recommend coming here! I had the Udon and it was full of flavor and the texture of the noodles was on point.

Most disappointing ramen have had. Staff were nice

Came here for a bite to eat, its a cozy and authentic hidden gem! The vegetable tempura was the best Ive had! My partner ordered the chicken odon and myself the tonkotsu ramen, both were amazing and flavourful and the presentation of the meals was really nice. The staff were very friendly as well, and they had a nice selection of deserts, Japanese snacks, and drinks. Definitely will be coming back when in town and craving Japanese food! Vegetarian options: Various vegetarian options, such as tempura, tofu, vegetarian ramen, vegetarian rice bowls, etc.

Best Japanese food in town by far! Been my go to spot for the past 4 years

Went here as my other two picks were closed. What a pleasant surprise! Super friendly staff, huge portion sizes and some mighty fine udon noodles. 100% Im putting that on my list to visit again.

Great food

Absolutely amazing food, great service, beer was cold and served with a smile. Don t forget your passport cause the dishes they serve will take your taste buds over seas.

Great food! We called to book for a table just in case its full. The staff was nice. I love my Ramen, unfortunately the egg was not included in my bowl. If I only I knew, I could have asked for it. The takoyaki and gyoza were delicious. The chicken curry rice was huge and tasted good. We are going back here.

Delicious ramen. Great broth. Legit Japanese green tea desserts. Solid service. Ample parking.

Hidden Gem for sure. Their ramen is always so good. The yakisoba is occasionally hit and miss, with the katsu being over cooked. Takoyaki is one of my faves Being in the restaurant really takes me back to Japan.

Doesnt match business hours listed on Google Ramen is delicious

vegetable ramen was tasty! generous portions so might be better to ask for less noodles

Most delicious SI SI Fathomed over the ramen, exceptional noodle quality, with the perfect amount of bounce! 10000/10 and most definitely return

Best Ramen in Nanaimo! And mochi ice cream too!

Great Ramen place! Friendly service.

Not the best Ramen in Nanaimo, food is so-so. Service was friendly, but I wont go back anytime soon.

The ramen made here is to die for, it is so good and the portions are perfect! All the appetizers are really good as well and decently priced! I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a good place for ramen. If you are looking for sushi though Wa-Ku does not sell it so keep that in mind!

Authentic Japanese spot and you feel transported to Japan! The vegetarian Tantanmen and black tonkotsu ramen were deep and savoury. They even sell some Japanese goods and I bought a bag of pickling rice bran which is hard to find. The service is warm and friendly and the owner even offered me tips on making the pickles ! One server runs the spot efficiently

Wow, the first authentic asian place I encountered in my one week trip from nanaimo to port alberni to tofino. Run by Japanese people and you can feel the vibe through decorations and manners. After having some fake ramens, we especially enjoyed this place which is almost on par with Vancouver ramen shops. Black garlic oil is delicious as always and the spicy one is not spicy at all. The regular chashu is very tough sadly, but the pork belly one was very tender. I gave this place 5 stars despite the tough chashu since this is the best that you can get in the Nanaimo area. We also had the fried oysters which were yummy but quite expensive.

Always great!

Authentic Japanese food, I love it! Best if you dine in

Best ramen shop in Nanaimo.

NOT A SUSHI PLACE. This is one of the finest noodle restaurants in Nanaimo. Quiet and featuring many unique snacks and drinks youd behardput to find anywhere else.

Perfect service, food, and pricing! Karaage Don was fantastic.

I am new to Nanaimo but this is not only the best ramen I ve had but my overall favourite restaurant so far! Amazing food and service.

Great ramen delicious

Always consistent and delish!

Love their vegetable tempura! The staff and chefs are always so friendly, the restaurant is super cute, and the food is delicious. Sometimes theyre quite busy so be prepared to wait, but its worth it! There are a few vegan/vegetarian options and theyre very good! Prices are not cheap, but thats pretty standard these days. They do not serve sushi.

Very good ramen soup

Love the food here. Always quality food and friendly service

Been here a fair amount over the years the staff is always nice, the food is great and I keep coming back for more.

Very good ramen, amazing environment and great service