Review Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant - Nanaimo

Lovely and warm welcoming staff! The atmosphere of this place is cozy, vibrant and very inviting. Food was yum !I got the burrito speciality and the flavours were good and well balanced.

The 3 of us ate here last night and overall it was a good experience. I'd definitely go back to try again or get take out. We got 2x Navajo plates and I got the Frisco Kid. Flavor was really good aside from the rice which was a bit bland but I think that's how it's supposed to be. I have to say that the blended margaritas were SERIOUSLY below par though which was shocking considering everything else seems to be pretty good quality. The lime one just tasted really watery and we couldn't taste any tequila. It was a Saturday night and really busy so we waited longer than usual for our food, probably around 40 mins, which was ok because the place is cute and you can pass the time if you have company, but our server didn't come by to check on our empty drinks. We only had to wait about 15 mins for a table when we arrived though so that was reasonable. Would have rated a 4 if the service was a bit better.

We had friends visit from out of town and they requested Mexican for dinner. We gave Gina's a go and it was FANTASTIC! So good actually that we went back two nights later again 🙈 Portions were great, prices fair, flavour top notch. Our kids came with us on the second visit and asked for seconds, and they're usually picky eaters (to be fair, kid-friendly Mexican food is usually some variation of cheese and tortilla, regardless they loved it). Churros for dessert was just the cherry on top. Highly recommend giving them a try!

Really good Mexican food. This was one of the best lunch restaurants visited on a 6 day Vancouver Island vacation. Great staff service too.

A great get away to get some brilliant Mexican food. Tried their jalapeno cheese filled meal option and it was lip smacking. Drove 1.5 hours from Victoria just to try their food and their fancy lil place and it was worth it. Would definitely go there again. The place such a nice Mexican vibe and an amazing view! Do not miss this spot of you are crazy for the Mexican cuisine!

I absolutely love Mexican food and eat at many Mexican restaurants. This is by far the most bland Mexican food I’ve ever tasted. There was barely any flavour and if anything, it’s more of a Tex-Mex style of flavour than authentic Mexican flavour. One whose had authentic soft Mexican tacos would have sauce and juicy liquid drip from the first bite. The taco was so dry and so was my plate. Had to use the salsa given to add some taste. Food is expensive for what is served. We couldn’t finish the food as we got tired of the taste soon after.

I am Mexican, and I have eaten in different Mexican restaurants outside my country. sadly food will never taste good away from home. If you have ever tried Mexican food don't waste your money and time here, it is the worst food I have ever tasted. It is an offense to our gastronomy

Loved this place, is not like 100 authentic but really good still, love their salsas and just everything will go again for sure! I could not even take a picture of my dish bc how fast I ate it

Quick service even when sitting outside in the patio. It was a quiet late friday lunch. Portions were generous and had a good dining experience.

Moderate food, the flavor wasnt there. Better place up the road beside an esso gas station across from the university. Nothing authentic except for the hot sauce

Had 2 excellent later lunches here of quesadillas and Tamales and one terrible dinner of a $14 1/2 order of awkward-to-impossible to eat oyster "tacos" with deep-fried to rock-hard oysters as well as "diablo" taco with similarly overcooked shrimp. Wife's pork taco charred. Ate it and left as no time to ask for replacements (busy so took 50min for food and we had an appointment). Don't know if I'll be back...

Awesome!! Food was fantastic. Tasty and generous portions. Service was top notch. We will definitely be back whenever we come through Nanaimo.

Some of the worst food and service I've had was here. The server didn't speak English or just didn't understand our questions or know the menu and it was very hard to communicate. The food came out wrong and very overdone. We keep thinking it's gotten better from the reviews but it seems we always catch them on an off day. Not sure if we will give it yet another try.

Always enjoyable. Food has been consistently fresh and tasty. Never a complaint from my young kids. Been here with family about a dozen times.

This is by far the best Mexican cuisine in town. Whether you are just getting some street tacos or sitting down for a big dinner, you wont be disappointed.

UP - Lots of bang for your buck! I got myself a snapper taco (halibut was out) and it was excellent. Perhaps just as good as Tacofino. Rice and beans were spot on and completely filling. <br/><br/>DOWN - The walk-in wait time was long, even though it didn't seem too busy. I think it's because they maybe took a bunch of orders over the phone. The area is a little bit hood, but at least the whole complex is decent.<br/><br/>OUT - A great little spot to get your southern fix. Can't wait to sample more off the menu.

Left standing at the door.... 3 of us stood at the front door for 10 minutes while 5 "front of house staff" members wandered around confused and never once acknowledged us... Granted, it was busy... But none of the staff were cleaning dirty tables or the filthy floor... when we were leaving, we told them why and they didn't even seem phased or unhappy about losing customer, they actually seemed relieved that they didnt have to deal with us. Maybe I'll try baby salsa express in the future, but if it's anything like the 5th St. location, I guess I'll never get to try their "allegedly" wonderful food.... Feeling very disappointed...

Baby Salsa?. I like the place. The ridiculous name boggles my mind. I just dont get it. The salsa is really good though, and the rest of the food we ordered was decent. My main gripe with the place was the price though. I know its not going to be as cheap as eating mexican food in mexico but our bill was a real flinch piece. I would have been a repeat customer otherwise.

Disappointing. Sorry to say we were very disappointed with Baby Salsa. We had been there before some time ago and really enjoyed it, but tonight the food was just not very good. Our server was very nice, but it took 3 requests to get a glass of water and then the kitchen lost our order. When the food did arrive, the $15 halibut tacos weren't bad except the halibut was nearly non-existent and the sides were very bland. My husband had two or three bites of his chicken enchilada and politely told the server it wasn't very good. She was nice, and apologetic, but there was no discount even though the dish went back nearly untouched. Very unlikely we will ever go back.

No Value. Not happy with the new high prices and small meal sizes. <br/>The value for the dollar is not there. <br/>The food is good, but they should throw on some beans and a few greens to add some value to the high prices.

Gourmet Mexican food with fresh ingredients, an amazing eating experience. The dishing are created using freshest ingredients. The chef makes every thing from scratch the salsa, marinades, corn tortillas and Tamales. <br/>After ordering a few things from the menu it was so good we ordered more. An authentic truly enjoyable dining experience.

Decisions, decisions!. It is obvious from all the reviews that the battle is on in Nanaimo as to who has the best Mexican food. It's Monday evening and we're reading up on both Gina's and Baby Salsa. No definitive winner. Go to the front desk at our hotel. Two locals there. Each place gets a vote. What to do? We picked Baby Salsa and had a very good experience. Fresh food. Good service. House made salsa to die for. Chicken Enchilada with mole sauce...mmm! Haven't been to Gina's so nothing to say. Baby Salsa works for this traveller.

Best Mexican in Town. I'm not sure why "Gina's" gets the hype, because I think Baby Salsa's is MUCH better! <br/>Maybe Gina's has the better atmosphere - Baby Salsa is a bit more "cafe-ish"... (still has some A/C tables inside, as well as some nice tables outside though) But the food at Baby Salsa's was much more enjoyable!<br/>The Quesadillas at Gina's are just microwaved blobs, chincey on the cheese, and very disappointing. Where as Baby Salsa's has good amount of cheese, and most importantly, it was a bit CRISPY! And I liked the yummy rice that came with it!<br/>I also got the caesar salad, which I am always nervous about ordering at a restaurant, as often the dressing will be way to creamy and thick, but it was delicious! Nice light dressing. Best caesar I've had in a long time!<br/>The salsa itself was excellent, and I thought the WARMED tortilla chips (free appy) was a really nice touch.<br/>It just seemed like they put a bit more effort into the food here! I walked away full and satisfied!

The taco soup was good. Our Entree's sucked, nobody enjoyed their meals at our table, and we even ordered what the server had recommended as the most popular and his most favorite items on the menu. We would never go back there. We left thoroughly un satisfied. All of us left over half our food still on our plates, that's how gross their food is. Our server was friendly, however not great as a server. Don't waste your time or money at this place.

Authentic Mexico. By far the best Mexican restaurant I've visited in Nanaimo. Friendly wait staff, most from Mexico who will teach you a few words of Spanish while you wait for your meal. From hand made corn tortillas and sopas to the pozole and churro's. The food is fantastic. The "Sampler" gives you a little of everything to try from street taco's, flauta's and tamales. Love the chicken enchiladas with your choice of salsa. Deconstructed oyster taco's are probably my favorite with cilantro sour cream.<br/>If you haven't tried Baby Salsa yet, you're missing out on something special in Nanaimo.

Good food, had some nachos and tacos. Nachos were fresh with. Lits of fresh tasty topping. Salsa was great.<br/>service was ok, just needs a little more experience and our waiter will be ready for the major leagues ;)

Gives variety to neighborhood but. Service is nice and polite but the food was nothing special. When my order came out it was cold and bland. I am back and forth to Mexico so i know the real authentic cuisine..and this was not for me again. I fully enjoy Pennys Palapa food but its unfortunately only open seasonally.

I went to Baby Salsa for the first time tonight. I had the Santa Fe Chicken Burrito and it was great. My boyfriend has been there twice now and has enjoyed both his meals immensely. I look forward to going back again soon.

Great Food. I've been to this place a few times now, and I honestly have not been disappointed once. The food is delicious, and you're served complimentary tortilla chips and homemade (at least I assume it's homemade) salsa while you're waiting for your order. The service has been great to date, the waiters and waitresses seem to have a keen knack for coming around exactly when you need them. I read one review about how a burrito came without any sides- that is true, but my friend ordered a Pastor burrito and could only finish half of it, so I don't think that the lack of sides should be a problem.

Very hit and miss. Staff doesn't seem very experienced. When it's good though, it's fantastic.

Mexican Review. I AM a real Mexican girl, so I feel well qualified to determine the authenticity of the food. it ́s just a little funny to read some comments on "real" or not "authentic" Mexican here from some "nice trips to Mexico" vs someone that has live there from birth. <br/>First, I can assure you that all the dishes served in this place are authentic, we DO eat rice with vegetables, and this may shock you but we don ́t put beans to all our dishes. Our tacos (the normal ones) are indeed SOFT! that ́s the way we eat them, we don ́t eat crispy stuff like taco bell . If you have ever tried before a rolled crispy tortilla that is called a FLAUTA not a taco! then those crispy nachos they serve as an entrance are soo normal in Mexican restaurants! they ARE authentic my friends, sorry if you thought it was a gringo stuff. Margaritas I give you that ..to be honest we drink Palomas no Margaritas which is Tequila with lime pop and salt (is stronger)... The food is not as spicy as in Mexico but just ask for "Valentina sauce" to any of the waitstaff, and that will help you totally. My experience here was great, I felt back home in a cozy, nice ambience, not in a pink, tacky place full of piñatas and colours, or worst donkeys or wrestler masks!! that is just a very narrow minded and tourist way of think of Mexico, I have never in my whole life ever been into a place like that in Mexico, only in other countries where they think we like to eat in a bad taste, colourful place. So that was something I really appreciate from Baby salsa, that the owner respects our culture and has a nice place not a "piñata place". Of course there are things I will add to their menu, or even take out. The service is friendly like in Mexico which was great! but please don ́t pretend you know our Country just because you visit Puerto Vallarta, or any other Turist area, go to Mexico City or Guadalajara and then you can talk about tacos!! Adios amigos !

Great service, delicious food.. The haters on here don't know what good Mexican food is...

Owner response to Louisa. Hi Louisa - just to clarify, I have told my story dozens of times, which is that I travelled to Mexico from Saskatchewan and then after some years in the south-eastern U.S. returned to Canada and opened this restaurant. If anyone mistakenly thought that I came from Mexico, that was never the intention and I am quick to point out that I am Canadian and grew up on the prairies. I have never responded to a review before, but I really can't stand by and be semi-accused of lying about where I am from in order to spin a whimsical tale about my life story. I'm quite happy with my story just the way it is :)<br/>The recipes I gathered in my travels include the rice you spoke of, and the wonderful lady who I got it from uses those mixed vegetables in her recipe and I'm good with that. However, every one of our salsas are made from scratch with fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, tomatillos, onions, serranos, fresh squeezed lime juice, etc.; as well our marinades, our bread, our corn tortillas, our tamales, are all made from scratch, by hand, and so on... <br/>The 'wrap' you got is indeed a burrito - perhaps you were expecting something else, but I assure you that's what a burrito is, but if it wasn't to your liking, please come in and let's see what we can find on the menu that is.

How do you confuse a burrito?. I am thoroughly disappointed with my meal at Baby Salsa. I ordered the vegetarian burrito, without dairy (I am allergic). What was presented to me was a wrap, with no sides, solitary on a plate. The vegetables used inside were from a frozen package (a- though they claim freshness on their website! and b- anyone who has had to cook with frozen peas/carrots before would recognize these wrinkly vegetables in my "burrito") and they were carrots, peas, corn with rice. No beans anywhere? How does this constitute a burrito? Finally, I had heard a lovely story from my mum who had visited Baby Salsa before about how the owner had come up from Mexico and started this business (as the owner had told her during her visit). After my meal, I spoke with the daughter of the owner (who was very friendly, I'll give her that) about her family coming up from Mexico and she said that they're from the prairies and here parents were born there... So much for authenticity or even continuity?<br/>Edit: Thank you to the owner for her response- I would like to retract anything I've said about her life story... obviously there's been some miscommunication. I don't want to troll or start an internet debate, but I do still stand by my food critique. I'm checking out the menu online and the veggie burrito is in fact supposed to have refried beans (I thought so!), so maybe there was a mistake that night? In any case, the owner seems to be very friendly and for that I'll try Baby Salsa again :)

Good Meal. We had a very good meal here. Heard by word of mouth that the food was good here, then read reviews on this site which caused me to hesitate... but we went anyway and are glad we did. <br/>A small restaurant in Harewood Mall with limited seating. We went for a lunch "date" and the place was full. We sat at the bar till a table came free. We ordered at the bar and received a small bucket of tasty chips and some fresh and zesty salsa along with our drinks when a table came free. I had the Chilli Rellenos and Sangria, both of which were on special that day, while my wife had the fish (halibut) tacos and a Corona. We watched the world go by thru the large window facing their patio and Fifth St. while enjoying the nacho chips. The food arrived in good time and both dishes were fresh and well prepared. The Chillies were the best I've had in about 12 year (since San Diego-old town restaurant); very light with salsa topping along with beans and rice all very well prepared, with two accompanying flour tortillas, which i didn't need. The fish tacos came with lettuce and a light sauce, and also came with beans and rice. This dish could have been more flavourful and dressed up, but no complaint. The sangria was very well prepared as well. Service was good and attentive, although they were quite busy. The meal was about $50 (tax&tip in), which is in line with what you expect for the quality ... we didn't have room for desert and coffee, which would have brought the cost to about $60... again reasonable for such a meal. <br/>This is not TACO Time/TACO BELL fare... and likely not were you take the kids for a quick snack. For us it was "date" type of meal and would be appropriate for a dinner before a night out, or some other "occasion" where you want to sit down to a good meal and refreshments. Comparable to Gina's but I loved my Rellenos, so I'm a little biased here. Not quite "fine dining" but a good meal. Will definitely recommend to friends and family.

Really Enjoyed it. Tried Baby Salsa after a few recommendations. Really enjoyed the meal! I had Flautas de Pollo, which was a generous serving. The flavours and atmosphere really made me feel like I was in Mexico again. I was a bit nervous as I am not fond of ultra-spicy food, but the spicy was on the mild side, so I really enjoyed it. We had good, concientious and quick service from our waiter.

What a great gem! Drove by many times stopped in for lunch and had a great shrimp quesadillas !

The food was ok, but the service was terrible. Appetizer showed up after the meal and guacamole was in my burrito, when i specifically asked for it on the side. Even saw the owner (?) park her Lexus in the handicap spot to come in for five minutes.

Thoroughly enjoyed the chicken quesadillas. The food tasted really fresh, nothing store bought. The chips and salsa to start was great as well. <br/><br/>I had asked for my quesadilla to be as spicy as possible, but it fell short in that category. Overall we will visit again.

Went there last week for the first time after hearing many great reviews and sad to say that will be my last time too. my sister and i ordered chicken tacos and were very disappointed to only see a tiny piece of chicken, a couple onions and cilantro. the chicken was bland and the taco fell apart. Where was the rest of it....?and the service wasnt good at all. I wanted to ask for lettuce for my tacos but she never came around to see how our meal was. and basically threw the check on the table. I didnt tip and would have rather gone to taco bell.

Really enjoyed our meal.. We tried out Baby Salsa for the first time tonight and we're very pleased. My husband had the cheese enchiladas and I had the chicken quesadilla. We shared both meals so I got to try both, and I would definitely have both again. Also the salsa for the chips is made there, and I might add that it was some of the best salsa I've ever had. The atmosphere is really nice, music was not too loud, great friendly service and did I mention the best salsa? Prices were a bit high, but the quality of the food made up for that in my opinion.

A Good Restaurant With A Few Tweaks Could Be Excellent. This is a good Mexican restaurant with a great vibe. But, a few tweaks could make it an excellent one.<br/><br/>It is a small restaurant that seats about forty people. The music is too loud for a place this size. The waitress was friendly & welcoming. But, she missed some of our food order due to the loud music. She just couldn't hear the whole order. The loud music makes conversation difficult, too. <br/><br/>The food was very good, But, the lack of spicy heat was disconcerting. The only heat was out of a bottle of hot sauce that we had to ask for. The salsa served with tortilla chips (free) was well executed but, needed some Serrano peppers to spice it up!<br/><br/>I ordered a snapper taco and pork carnitas street taco. Both were very good. My husband had a chicken burrito which he enjoyed. My daughter had tamales, a street taco & a Caesar salad. <br/>She like the tamales & taco. She was disappointed with the stale commercial croutons in her salad. Her husband had tamales and a snapper taco which he enjoyed. But, we all felt the food was good but under spiced.<br/><br/>The Margaritas are really yummy. It was hard to only drink one!<br/><br/>I am looking forward to warmer weather so, that we can sit out on the patio at Baby Salsa & drink their Margaritas while eating Mexican food which by then will hopefully, have some kick.:)

I loved it. I have beer here twice and was impressed both times. This is by far a restaurant worth returning to. La Cubana sandwich is to die for. <br/>Can't say enough, you must go try it for yourself. <br/>Summer patio and a Margarita, here we come.

Authentic!. Went with a friend from Mexico and she can vouch for the authenticity of this place. Salsa and warm chips on the table as soon as you sit down. Nice choice of green or habanero salsa with the street tacos. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Favorite item so far - the tamales. Can't wait to eat my way through this menu.

Ok food but is it worth it?. I visit Baby Salsa after many people told me how amazing it was. The restaurant has good ambience, it looks clean and service is ok. The menu is a little limited in my opinion but has enough options to visit two or maybe three times. However, I find the prices ludicrous for the location and the kind of service they provide. $14 dollars for 1 "chile relleno". All dishes are in the $12-15 dollars neighbourhood. If you order something to drink (that is not a pop) and one dish, you can be certain it will come to just under $30 dollars. Which to me is unreasonable for the kind of establishment it is.

I have tried Baby Salsa a few times now, told everyone to give them a try , but sadly what started as great service and good food, quickly turned on the next few visits, the last visit ended us going back to try again. Even after giving the worst service and food we had ever had, and I shared my upset , nothing was done...no here let us try and, no please come let us make this right, no I am sorry having kitchen? wait staff issues here is a dessert or even a pop on the house....they need some real lessons in customer service and satisfaction...perhaps a meal at Gina's will inspire them,

Brian. The food is authentic "Tex-Mex" which is so often confused with "authentic Mexican". The food was too bland for my liking, so if they were to offer some "authentic" Mexican options it would be better. Great atmosphere and good service.

Great Food and Great Service. The food was great.I loved the fish in the soft taco and the stuffed jalepeno peppers. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. More importantly my wife loved the food on Valentines Day.I would recommend this place

That wasn't it, food I mean. I was so happy to hear there was a new mexican place near my house. Shame on the food. The 'street tacos' were unspiced chicken with raw onion with a bit of cilantro in a soft taco....no salsa, no SEASONING, bland.... the quesildilla was sqishy, looked microwaved, the steak burrito had NO flavour at all. The best part of themeal was the hand cut fries, ya the non-mexican thing was the best thing. AND, I ordered takeout, and waited, the waiter brought me the debit machine and said, have a good night, bye bye, but didn't give me the food... and I was dumb enough to tip. $40.00 worth of bland. Not a chance of giving GINA's any competition.

Hate to be the first bad review but I was so disappointed. The food was overpriced and bland. I was looking forward to authentic Mexican food like the reviews said. Aside from the chips, the salsa, the margaritas, and the tortillas my meal was disappointing.

Tacos different kinds. I am from Mexico and I am dying for Mexican food. When Maria told me about this mexican restaurant I took my family there. It is no doubt the only one here in Nanaimo with authentic mexican food.<br/><br/>You will love it. You have to go, you won't regret it.

The service is outstanding.It may be pricey for some,but this is not fast food.I loved the Chile Rellenos,hope I spelled that correct,so much better then 'G's".The Enchiladas with Mole is fantastic.The salsa and chips are addictive.My only complaint is the rice was overcooked both times I have been,not a big issue.Give this place a try and you will come back again and again.

Baby salsa is such a great restaurant! the atmosphere, staff and food are great. You have to come here at least once!

Baby Salsa. This place is amazing. Best Mexican food I ;have had in years. Head and shoulders above Ginas. This food is actually authentic. Wonderful staff and atmosphere. Very friendly and terrific food.

Amazing. I had the Tortillo soup, and the fish soft taco's, They were amazing, and all made in store, even the free bucket of chips are hot out of the fryer. Friendly staff, Gypsy Kings playing, This Cafe has only been open for 1 week and it was jammed on a thurs at 730 pm, Check it out Nanaimo you won't be disappointed, I know I'll be going once a week for my fix.

Amazing food! Service was wonderful too. The whole family enjoyed their meals. Try the Jalapeño appetizer, it rocked.

Finally... a Good Restaurant in Harewood!. We went for dinner last night and were pleasantly surprised!<br/>Buzzing atmosphere, friendly waitstaff, delicious Nachos & Margaritas! I love how authentic it was! Good Job and welcome to the neighborhood!

Street Tacos are the real stars here. Try them ALL! The Pastor and Pork carnitas are Amy’s favourites, both with great seasoning and tender meat...

I ordered a lengua taco, but sadly there was no tongue to be had today. The aroma of the grilled steak mingled well with the raw onions and cilantro. It’s simple and does the job.