For weary world travellers, backpackers, families travelling to stretch a dollar, and businesses trying to stick to a budget - getting a good meal at a decent price is always a concern - no matter what city in Canada you are visiting. We have assembled a tried and true (oh yes! we have tried them all... more than once!) list of great places to eat in Nanaimo for less than $20 dollars. Breakfast 1) Tina's Diner*, 187 Commercial Street This cute old-fashioned diner is one of the best places to have breakfast in Nanaimo. It offers traditional North-American food such as fried bacon with omelette and hashed browns. Want to try something special? Have the best Eggs Benedict ever and get your coffee refills for free with every meal! Moreover Tina's Diner offers now a "Build Your Own Burger"-program at the weekends. You might want to consider this for dinner?! 2) Mon Petit Choux Bakery & Café*, 120 Commercial Street This organic bakery is located right downtown on Commercial Street. Its menu consists of different varieties of breakfast both Canadian and French inspired. But the two most special options certainly are the French toast served with cream and maple syrup and the smoked salmon on scrambled eggs with rosti and baguette.

Lunch

1) Sukkho Thai, 123 Commercial Street Sukkho Thai offers a special lunch combo that consists of a tofu and vegetable soup as starter, salad and different varieties of a main course with rice for only $10. You find even more delicious possibilities on their menu. For more information visit http://www.sukkhothai.ca/ 2) New York Style Pizza and Pasta, 299 Wallace Street Located in the Old City Quarter New York Style Pizza and Pasta offers different kinds of lunch. You can have pizza and pasta, of course, but also soup, sandwiches, salads and several combos. But you should arrive early! It is always packed... 3) Pirate Chips, 1 Commercial Street Even mentioned in the "Lonely Planet" traveler's guide Pirate Chips is one of the places you must see while staying in Nanaimo. Have some fries and a deep-fried chocolate bar for desert or try the famous Canadian dish "poutine" (French fries topped with fresh cheese curds, covered with brown gravy or sauce). Nothing for counting calories...

Dinner

1) Gina's Mexican Café, 47 Skinner Street This lovely place is just in walking distance from the downtown area Nanaimo. You will remark it right away because of its pink front. Inside it you will find a typical Mexican ambience. Gina's offers characteristic Mexican food with a little Canadian influence (you can get cheese- and chocolate cake for desert!). And for those of you who don't speak Spanish they provide the so-called "Gringo"-card that explains the dishes. Have the best Margaritas in town and enjoy your first Taco bowl with dip on the house! For more information and hours visit http://www.ginasmexicancafe.ca/ 2) Acme Rib & Seafood House*, 14 Commercial Street The Acme is one of Nanaimo's restaurants that offer live music, too. You will enjoy all-American food such as burgers, steaks and sandwiches as well as homemade Sushi and salads. The Acme is located right downtown and it's big, flashing sign will point you in the right direction. Fore more information visit http://www.acmefoodco.ca/ 3) ManzaVino's, 77 Skinner Street Located "two doors down from Gina's Mexican Café" ManzaVinos is not only a nice restaurant but also the meeting point for Central Island's Salsa lovers. This Italian Restaurant offers Mediterranean classics, e.g. pizza and pasta as well as steaks and ribs. You can even have your dinner on their patio when it's nice outside! While visiting Nanaimo, stay stay at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse, located one block from the ocean in the heart of the Arts District and you will automatically receive extra discounts at these locations and more! For more information about accommodation rates and to take a virtual tour of the guesthouse, visit http://www.paintedturtle.ca/ Did we miss a great place to chow down in Nanaimo for $20 or less? Leave us a comment and let us know your favourite!