The Culinary Delights of Small-Town Cedar
The village of Cedar is a small community south of Nanaimo, known for its natural beauty and semi-rural designation. Despite its size, this area has a lot to offer, from outdoor recreation to restaurants and entertainment—and so much more.
Cedar offers a selection of excellent dining options for a casual excursion or a more upscale experience. All of the following are located in and around the center of Cedar, and each offer something a little bit different!
Mahle House
2104 Hemer Road, Nanaimo
Mahle House is a fine dining restaurant in Cedar’s downtown area established in 1983. Set within a refurbished historic house, this restaurant is considered a longstanding gem of the area with its charming, fairy-tale-like atmosphere—including wood tables, a beautiful garden, and an outdoor patio area.
Proudly family-owned and operated, Mahle House sources ingredients from local vendors. They also offer “Adventurous Wednesdays” which features a surprise, chef-curated, five-course menu. If mentioned in advance, dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Mahle House recommends that interested diners make a reservation.
Website: mahlehouse.ca
Phone number: (250) 722-3621
Directions (from Cedar, the intersection of Holden Corso Road and McMillan Road): Continue south down McMillan Road, and then turn left onto Cedar Road. Drive south for 1 kilometre until reaching Hemer Road. Mahle House is right on the corner, on the left-hand side.
Crow & Gate Pub
2313 Yellow Point Road, Nanaimo
About 8 minutes south of the center of Cedar, off of Yellow Point Road, is a cozy pub in a Tudor-style building. Crow & Gate Pub first opened its doors in 1972 and has been proudly serving the community since. On the inside, the pub serves delicious comfort food, with a particular focus on traditional English cuisine. And, of course, they have a selection of cold beers on tap—plus wines, coffees, and tea.
Crow & Gate is popular for its ambiance: its brick and wood finishes and its roaring fireplace, all set in what guests have come to know as a welcoming countryside tavern atmosphere. On the outside is a lush garden with outdoor seating, for those warmer nights and get-togethers with friends.
Crow & Gate Pub does not take reservations, nor do they host special events.
Website: crowandgate.ca
Phone number: (250) 722-3731
Directions (from Cedar, the intersection of Holden Corso Road and McMillan Road): Continue south down McMillan Road, and then turn left onto Cedar Road. Drive south for about 2 kilometres, then make the sharp left onto Yellow Point Road, just after Woobank Road. Continue south for another 1.5 kilometres. The Crow & Gate Pub is on the right.
Wheatsheaf Pub
1866 Cedar Road, Nanaimo
Wheatsheaf Pub is located in the center of Cedar, and is connected to the Wheatsheaf Liquor Store. Known colloquially as “The Wheaty”, this pub is also a historic landmark in the community, and features a classic pub interior, including half booth seating, and a wood stove.
When it comes to food, the Wheatsheaf Pub offers pub staples, including burgers, wings, pizza, and their famed pierogies. Patrons are also invited to enjoy the patio, which is heated and dog-friendly, as well as the pool table, which is a central feature of the establishment.
The Wheatsheaf Pub hosts a wide variety of events, such as karaoke nights.
Website: wheatsheafpub.ca
Phone number: (250) 722-3141
Directions (from Cedar, the intersection of Holden Corso Road and McMillan Road): Continue south down McMillan Road, and then turn left onto Cedar Road. Drive south for about 1 kilometre. The Wheaty will be on the left, right after Village Drive.
Cedar Farmers’ Market
1984 Woobank Road, Nanaimo
As an alternative to dining out, Cedar has a much-beloved Farmers’ Market, which operates every Sunday, from 10am to 2pm, between the months of May and October. Here, residents and visitors alike can browse the vast selection of handmade goods from local artisans, artworks, fresh produce, and delicious food.
The Cedar Farmers’ Market has been part of the community since 1996, and is focused on fostering a great community, supporting new and small businesses, and giving back. The market also offers early access for seniors and those with accessibility and/or mobility challenges.
Website: cedarfarmersmarket.org
Phone number: (250) 618-3565
Directions (from Cedar, the intersection of Holden Corso Road and McMillan Road): Continue east down Holden Corso Road, then turn right onto Woobank Road. Continue south for about 1.5 kilometres, and then turn left onto Morland Road. The Cedar Farmers' Market has its temporary location in the field, just behind Woodbank Primary School.
Discover even more Cedar highlights by getting in touch with the Carly Carey Real Estate Team.
Leave A Comment