The Bee's Knees Cafe

usually while reviewing local cafes i try to avoid low stars such as this… but this was cruel. the decorations were very cutesy, and it was very clean on the interior. lots of others seemed to think so since it was PACKED. which somewhat threw me off guard, though i know the cafe can’t control this. the actual food itself… $7 for a cinnamon bun, AND forcing me to leave a tip?!? for putting a bun in a box… i’m sorry? that isn’t the end of the nightmare. the cinnamon bun tasted just like bread.. and the cream cheese frosting?? um i think she accidentally slabbed on plain cream cheese, cause it tasted like i was eating a bagel. i’ve had raisin bread more cinnamon bun tasting than ts. and id also get like three loaves of said bread for the price of ONE cinnamon bun.

The Bee’s Knees Café in Nanaimo is more than just a café—it feels like community. Cozy bee-themed décor, amazing food , and excellent coffee make it a must-visit. What makes it really special is the owner, Shirin Younessian. She came to Canada in 2015 and took over the café in 2016, turning it into a warm, inclusive space with catering, cooking classes, and healthy, delicious meals. Shirin always takes time to chat with customers and make everyone feel welcome, which gives the café its heart. If you’re in Nanaimo, don’t miss this gem—great food, friendly staff, and a true community vibe. ?????????

So I usually don't leave reviews like this but I was super disappointed at this experience it was a very cute cafe but the customer service was lacking, my mom ordered a medium London fog which was $6.95 and mine was a med tea which was 4.5 but after taxes is was around 5.69 we were both forced to tip because after calculating the math there was money left over so either that means the pricing on the menu is wrong or she added a tip herself. So a forced tip feels really predatory also a 35 cents cup charge when we were staying in is kind of ridiculous. We were the only people in this morning and my mom got asked how long she was going to be here after about 20 minutes? This unfortunately is a really bad business practice I'm disappointed at this experience I would not recommend this place. Trust me there's many other local coffee shops, this one was not worth the experience koffeeology on Bowen or the drip on Dufferin are good ones.

Cutest little cafe I have been to in a while. Their bee theme is adorably quaint and their food was delicious! I had their Buddha bowl and matcha latte, and it was so good. Friendly staff and tranquil atmosphere. I am definitely coming back to try more on their menu!

She was rude lady, Asked how long I be. In the pos machine she didn't show me price. She told me med tea $6.00. I asked for receipt from till. She charged me .35 for paper cup and added 10 % tip which I never did. Breakfast menu was very expensive. Then she played Foreign music the whole time. There was nobody there at time I went and she had the nerve to say only be her 45 minutes. NEVER AGAIN GO TO THIS CAFE