Flavours of India - BC V9R 2X7

486 A Franklyn St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2X7, Canada
+1 250-591-9190
$$$ Indian restaurant
(843 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Flavours of India on Franklyn Street offers a straightforward, comforting take on Indian cuisine in Nanaimo’s downtown scene. This full-service restaurant caters to both locals craving familiar, well-crafted dishes and visitors looking to experience traditional Indian flavors without the fuss of overly stylized dining. The atmosphere leans towards casual and welcoming, with seating arranged in a clean, diner-style setup that feels unpretentious and practical, making it easy to relax whether you’re settling in for a hearty lunch or a casual dinner.

The menu reflects classic Indian favorites, including a variety of lamb, beef, seafood, and vegetarian specialties that use recognizable spice blends and traditional preparations. Dishes like Chicken Biryani, Lamb Bhuna, and Bombay Fish Curry showcase a balance between comfort and authenticity, while sides such as Garlic Naan and Mango Lassi round out the meal with familiar textures and cooling flavors.

Flavours of India is known among locals for generous portion sizes and a menu that can be adjusted for spice preferences, catering well to those who favor bold flavors or milder options. The staff contributes to the welcoming feel here, often providing personalized recommendations and taking time to engage with diners about local spots or cultural tidbits, which adds a personal layer beyond just the food.

Given its lively service and steady weekday crowds, this spot is well suited for midday meals and early dinners when you want a satisfying, flavorful plate without formality. It’s a place where diners who enjoy familiar Indian dishes, especially those with a taste for rich curries and fresh naan, would appreciate the genuine care in preparation and the relaxed, fuss-free environment. Whether arriving solo, with family, or a small group, visitors can expect a down-to-earth dining experience that feels more like an honest neighborhood meal than a destination-driven outing.

Highlights
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves halal food
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

843 Reviews
Sumit Sharma

06 Jan 2026

We had a fantastic experience, visiting twice during our trip to Nanaimo. The food was excellent, served in generous portions, and the wonderful staff running the restaurant provided outstanding service. Make sure to ask for the best recommendations on local attractions and some excellent book suggestions from the owner, Ashmit. You can see the difference off before and after of their Lunch special Meal. Loved it.

Terry Brunton

07 Dec 2025

What a friendly welcoming atmosphere. Seating is classic diner but comfortable, clean and perfectly fine. Quite busy for a Tuesday I feel which says a lot about the food. The spinach cheese nan was very good with the lamb bhuna goast which was excellent. If you like fresh flavours and great friendly service. I Highly recommend you give this restaurant a try.

Una S

17 Oct 2025

A lovely find. Stopped for lunch on our way to Comox valley, after reading the reviews. We were not disappointed. We had the Chef’s dal, Bombay Fish Curry, tandoori roti, Gobi garlic and chilli fish. Their Bombay fish curry was excellent! Actually everything was bang on and delicious! We asked for extra spicy, the chef did not disappoint! Will definitely stop here on our return journey! Staff were very friendly and welcoming! Service was within minutes.

Colin Roch

07 Oct 2025

So good.. I love indian food and i go to London UK often and I havent found many Indian restaurants as good as this- everything was great.. the main dishes, the soya starter, the gobi garlic, the mango lassi, the thin garlic naan. Best rasmalai i have ever had!

Dejan Loyola

29 Sep 2025

I had to stop mid meal to write this review because it is so exquisite, so refined yet filled with comfort it is bringing up memories for me of my father’s cooking. The staff here are the absolute best, whether busy or calm they provide a smile, warmth and love to their work whether it is front of house or the kitchen. Very grateful for this meal and the highest recommendation I can provide. Check it out, and try the vindaloo! Great atmosphere as well.

Mindy Lou

26 Sep 2025

Naan was completely burnt. I ordered yogurt-marinated tandoori kebabs but received legs and thighs that were simmered in a tomato/oil/herb sauce. The entre was supppsed to come with chutney, salad and butter sauce -- not one of those arrived with the chicken. I only knocked one star off of the food because even though this order had major mistakes, I can tell the food is good quality and authentic. If the food was correct and not burnt I bet it is 5-star quality. I knocked two stars off of service because someone was satisfied sending burnt, hard, naan out the door and zero entre sides/sauces with the meat. This was my first time ordering here. I will definitely give this place another chance.

Shuja Khan

23 Sep 2025

A very nice restaurant on the island with good service and staff. Ordered channa masala, spinach cheese naan and garlic naan for the brunch. Channa masala was spot on, so were the naan. Ordered chai as well that tasted good too!

Rubal Singh

16 Sep 2025

Flavours of India in Nanaimo is truly fantastic. Our recent dinner was exceptional in every way, confirming that everything was great. The customer service was warm and attentive, and the dining area felt genuinely comfortable. We absolutely loved the food. The Fish Pakora was perfectly crispy and tender. The main Kadai Paneer, was rich and perfectly spiced in a magnificent gravy. Highly recommended for an authentic and satisfying experience!

Join the Flavours of India - BC V9R 2X7 Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.