Niva's Restaurant

It was a good experience to dine in at Nivas. The atmosphere was very nice and the food was great too. The service by the servers was notable; felt so homely. The line ups for dine in was really big even though we got in before the rush time.

I’ve been to Thunder Bay four times now. Ate at Niva’s the first time and really enjoyed it. The food was great and the place had this cozy, charming vibe. But ever since then? No luck. Every other time we’ve tried to go back, they’ve been closed. That’s three trips in a row now. What’s extra frustrating is that Google will say they’re open, so we get our hopes up, make the drive, and then show up to an empty parking lot and a “sorry, we’re closed” sign. They’re also almost always closed on long weekends, which just makes it harder for people visiting from out of town. I get that things happen and sometimes you need to close up, but it takes two seconds to update your hours online. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference... especially for people who aren’t local. As much as I liked the food the first time, the inconsistency just makes it not worth the effort anymore.

This place was awesome. Had just flown in and went here for breakfast. Waiting was non existent. Seated immediately, service was so fast, so many coffee top ups, and as soon as we finished eating somebody cleared our plates within seconds. We were in and out in under 30 min. Clean location and friendly staff.

Love Niva’s. Always feel like family when I eat there! Food is delicious, especially when they have raspberries. 😎 Friendly servers who make the wait seem short if you get there and it’s busy. 👏

We came on a Sunday morning, they're very busy but you know that's always a good sign. We didn't have to wait to long to be seated as there wasn't any available tables when we got there. Our waitress was very friendly and courteous and it just plain felt like you were talking to a family member. I ordered one of the specials, back bacon with 2 eggs, toast and home fries. My dad ordered a clubhouse sandwich with fries and gravy. Both were absolutely phenomenal and really hit the spot. If you're looking for a good ma & pa home cooked breakfast then look no further than Niva's!! You don't be disappointed I can assure you of this. If you are you then have no taste buds in my humble opinion.

Go were the locals go, go to Niva's.A very busy breakfast and lunch spot. At 11:00 am on a Friday expect a line up to get in. Quality at a good price. Can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Local and casual.

Delicious lunch and excellent service from their top-notch hostess and waitress. Wish I would have got their names. I was excited to try some FINNISH PANCAKES (kind of like crepes) and they didn’t disappoint. My wife got a burger, fry, and pie and was happy with her choice also. Wish I could go back and try the putin!

Extremely efficient. The food is just what you expect and want. Reasonable prices.

We came here for Sunday brunch with friends and ordered the Timberjack Special (all day breakfast meal) and Mojakka Meal (homemade menu). My husband and I wanted to try the Finnish staples. Overall, the food was good. The breakfast was standard and as expected. I liked the Finnish pancakes because they were soft, buttery, and the right amount of eggy. I just wished the dish was a bit more filling. My husband enjoyed his Mojakka stew -- it was hearty and comforting. The beef was tender. It wasn't the most flavourful stew, but I think the point of this stew is to be hearty and classic rather than unique / bursting with spices. Again, my only criticism would be the portion size being on the smaller side. The service was prompt and friendly.

BEST pancake restaurant ever! Went here as a kid and came back many times every time I visit. I could eat a million pancakes from here. Super friendly staff and service really! People are really nice here, usually families or old people. Parking is kinda tricky, some might find it cold inside by the fans/ ventilators but aside from that it's perfect!

Nova's is probably the most efficient restaurant I've ever eaten at, while still managing to be friendly. There was a bit of a line when we got there, but we were seated within five minutes. The hostess brought our coffee right away. The server was there in a couple minutes to take our order and the food was out in five minutes. It was amazing how quickly they moved people through there without seeming like they were trying to push them out the door. And, by the way, the food was excellent. You'll want to try the Finnish pancakes.

Good homemade food but the place closes too soon. The service is good however it's a bit noisy at lunch and good luck getting a parking spot let alone a seat. I don't think they are open in the evenings which is too bad.

Frozen fish and chips? When I inquired they said "we don't cook fresh." Well pardon me! They promote their " home cooking." Needless to say I won't be darkening their doorway anytime soon.

Go here for the breakfast. The food is not special but it fills you up. Servers are great and friendly. Do not buy the fish and chips. I thought it would be fresh but it was frozen - literally. I ate and and part way through it was still frozen. They charged me half price for their mistake. Despite this basic menu they remain busy.

Best place in Thunder Bay for breakfast or lunch! The food is always good but the service is outstanding! Niva's is always busy so be prepared for a wait if you're close 9:00 or 12:00. The staff really hustle to give their outstanding service but you can tell they really enjoy working there. That's a testament to good owners/management!

It has been a while since I've eaten here. I was really looking forward to Finnish pancakes but was truly disappointed. They looked and tasted much like thinned out regular pancakes, of note they were all the exact same size, not what you'd expect for Finnish pancakes. Bottom line, truly disappointing.

The cinnamon buns and desserts are the same;delicious from scratch.Family centric staff.Nice crowd. Miss scalloped potatoes.The food is fresh , basic and good.Fine hospitality . The kindness of Mrs Niva , her family and staff shine.

This is last Great Restaurant from our Thunder Bay history and the food is unfreakan believeable better than the Hoito .It should be an historical site for our kids to appreciate.

I always come for breakfast and the portions are amazing. You will never leave hungry. The finish pancakes rank with the best in the city and there is a good variety on the menu. This is fast becoming an icon in Thunder Bay. Debbie and her family are the best. They treat you like you are coming into their home. The service is amazing. My coffee is never lower than 1/2 way and the staff are attentive without being bothersome. You gotta eat here!

Amazing experience!! This restaurant has a a very friendly atmosphere with great staff. Coffee arrived within minutes of being seated and the restaurant is very busy! The layout is spacious and the decor is average. The seating arrangement is free for all, so I imagine it might become difficult to find a spot during busy times (or maybe people are more courteous in Thunder Bay than Toronto, so it is not an issue!) The food is amazing. The serving is generous and it is quite delicious! The coffee is out of this world. Full bodied and flavorful. It is a wonderful place. I highly recommend trying this place out!!

If you are traveling through or visiting Thunder Bay and looking for a great spot for breakfast this is were the locals go. Good food and great service.

Wow! This restaurant has great food, a friendly staff and is a local hangout. I had the liver and onions - delicious! My husband had breakfast, also great. The cinnamon rolls are worth ordering too!

Went to Niva's for the first time this morning. Came highly recommended by friends who say this is their go to breakfast spot. We got there for right at 9:00am opening to a well staffed restaurant who were very prepared. Staff were very attentive, orders were taken pretty well right away and food came out fast and hot. They were very accommodating with having a little one as well. Will definitely be returning.

Went for breakfast on a Saturday. Food tastes great but there was a decently long wait, 20 minutes maybe. Lots of options for food. A Thunder Bay iconic restaurant

The first thing that struck me as I entered this restaurant was the pungent air steeped in years of cooking. Next were the people. It was 8:30 in the morning and sparsely populated with local patrons who were mostly older with grey hair. During my time there it got busier with more locals The decor is kind of old and reminded me of Greek restaurants with its blue and white columns. I don't recall seeing any windows which gave the space a closed in atmosphere. I would come here again as a neighbourhood diner with good food and a family-like setting. It's not somewhere that would impress a date or new guest. I give four stars because the food was delicious, the service was professional, friendly and prompt and it was clean. I took a cinnimon bun to go and it was as yummy as the best I've ever had. Dangerously yummy! The wait staff were experienced and friendly and looked a bit like their clientele. I ordered basic bacon, eggs, toast and hashbrowns. coffee. The eggs were over easy and perfectly cooked. The bacon was too salty and chewy not crispy.the hash brown kind of tadteless. Overall it was delicious, kind of what your mom would have made for you. The coffee was a bit weak t wasn't appealing but it wasn't off-putting either. The scond thing I noticed was the people. The patrons all had grey hair and the waitresses matched the clientele.

One of the best breakfast spots in town, Niva's is a gem for pancakes, eggs and luncheon fare. Don't miss out on the best pie in the northwest. Mother Niva's piecrust is light and flaky perfection.

Amazing experience. The wait staff came around every 6 minutes to refill coffee and or check on us. The food was very good and fresh. I wish i had known about this place before, as it may be hard to find (the old blue parrot)... Am hungry just thinking of them.

I think at this point I only come because it's familiar, every time I come I get more and more disappointed. The food is always really good but service is starting to suffer. I'm not impressed that they bring out meals at different times and they've done it the last couple times I've been here.

The best breakfast/lunch place in the city. Great food, fantastic service.

Does not live up to the reviews it got. My scrambled eggs looked like powder eggs and the potatoes had zero flavor.

Best breakfast in the city! Awesome food and friendly staff. Sometimes there are long line ups, but definitely worth the wait.

Great breakfasts and fish and chips for lunch! Can't beat their homemade desserts! They really have it together!