Review Wa-ku Japanese Restaurant - Nanaimo

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.

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.

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

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

Delicious and delightful local spot. It’s a one server show but the service is still spot on ! I had the agedashi tofu and the veggie ramen. It’s homestyle and delicious. I’d love to go again and try what else they’ve got on offer.

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

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!

I got take out and maybe it's 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 wasn't our "thing." The other pics of food in the restaurant look good, but maybe don't do take out?

Seriously unclean. Our beverages were delivered in dirty glasses; when we requested a clean replacement, our server brought us an empty glass visibly caked with filmy gunk. Our server would not actually look at the dirty glasses, simply repeating that they had been 'sterilized'.<br/><br/>One appetizer was seriously overcooked, just shy of burned; another was not prepared as requested, with the kitchen refusing to make a very small adjustment. Main tempura dish had been 'altered to suit Canadian tastes', and was heavily doused with a sickly sweet sauce before it arrived at the table - pertinent information that was not included on the menu. Our server claimed they didn't even have any genuine tempura sauce in the kitchen.<br/><br/>With so many other Japanese restaurants in Nanaimo, I certainly can't recommend this one. We definitely won't return.

Ichiban, yo!!! Truly a #1 joint, in my opinion but sorry, no sushi. As a place for udon, ramen and donburi, I have yet to experience anything as solid as Wa-ku. Rich broth, succulent ingredients and carefully constructed dishes bump this place several notches above the competition. When are you guys moving to Calgary?

I used to have a Japanese roommate (as well as being culture obsessed) and I often crave miso ramen the spicer the better (as well as other things but we ate ramen a lot and she was an amazing cook). so seeing the reviews on this place I was excited to try it....now maybe I'm picky but I probably won't go again. Number one I was a little scared to eat anything because the kitchen especially the deep fryer looked really dirty but I braved it because well I miss good properly made ramen. Got the spicy miso ramen and I was ....underwhelmed for starters I swear people see me coming and think white girl she doesn't mean spicy (but I really do!) and second two small slices of pork and no other protein I could find, the noodles weren't bad but I have had better, and for the price it was sad. All this said it is probably the best place for ramen in Nanaimo (because it's the only place I could find) so if your craving it go here just don't have high expectations. They do have some of the sodas and Japanese treats (pocky! And mochi) that are hard to find so worth the trip for those of you are having a hard time finding. Overall go only if you have the craving and don't expect a lot.

Delicious Food & Good Service. I had some delicious ramen here on a recent visit to Nanaimo. The waitress was very helpful in explaining difference menu items to me. The restaurant has a very authentic feel.

Waku is great. The food is great, presentation, service, everything was stellar. Big fan will be back.

Didn't much care for it. My friend had the tempura veg rice bowl, mostly onions. I had the chicken yakasoba, found the chicken quite greasy and not much flavour in the noodles. Also almost no wheat-free choices. Service was great.

Outstanding service. Good food, well-priced, and at a good price point for everyday eats. Wished there was one in Victoria.

Awesome addition to the city!. Chicken karaage is fantastic! Will be back for sure.

Authentic shoken-style eats. Lovely new addition to Nanaimo - this small restaurant offers authentic quick Japanese meals including ramen, udon, and donburi (rice bowls). Prices are good and portions very reasonable. Service was very friendly and our lunch came quite quickly after having been ordered. Food was nicely presented & tasted very good. <br/>Restaurant has parking in front and takes debit/credit. We will be back!