Not only is Vancouver known for its mild weather, outdoorsy lifestyle and picturesque scenery, but its neighbour is none other than the Pacific Ocean, making it the ideal location to devour anything from the sea. This is the city to chow down on everything from the freshest oysters to exquisite lobster to decadent seafood towers, and we’ve rounded up the must-visit spots to cross off your list.
Instagram/Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
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Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard, located downtown on Burrard Street, is led by Alex Chen, who was the first challenger to claim victory on Iron Chef Canada. Their menu is packed with all your favourites: from a masterful seafood tower to a linguini brimming with mussels, clams, shrimp and squid.
Love mussels? Check out these 25+ Marvelous Mussel Recipes
Instagram/Hook Seabar
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Hook Seabar
Located in the West End, close to English Bay Beach, Hook Seabar serves everything from classic seafood dishes like fish tacos and grilled fish to more innovative plates like seafood-packed red curry and lobster guacamole.
Instagram/Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
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Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Joe Fortes has been serving seafood and steak to Vancouverites downtown on Thurlow Street for over 30 years. They have a very popular oyster bar (only $1.25 an oyster during happy hour!) and a bustling rooftop patio.
Instagram/WildTale
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WildTale
From the folks who brought Vancouverites The Flying Pig is the just-as-popular seafood resto WildTale. Both locations – in Yaletown and Olympic Village – have outdoor patios, expansive wine lists and a menu full of grilled fish, seafood pastas, raw oysters and more.
Instagram/The Holy Crab
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The Holy Crab
Prepare to roll up your sleeves and get messy at The Holy Crab on Robson Street. At this classic Louisiana-inspired seafood boil restaurant, your order will arrive right on the table, with no cutlery or plates in sight! Get ready to dig into those crab legs and shrimp with your hands.
Here are 10 Tasty Canadian Spots for Fresh Seafood Boils
Instagram/The Boathouse Restaurant
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The Boathouse Restaurant
The Boathouse has been serving seafood in Vancouver for almost 40 years. Although there are five locations across the Lower Mainland, the best one to visit is the iconic spot on Kits Beach, which has expansive views of the mountains. They also have a very affordable happy hour menu.
Instagram/Blue Water Cafe/@nomnomyvr
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Blue Water Cafe
Yaletown’s Blue Water Cafe is a popular spot for seafood lovers. Known for their seafood towers and raw bar, it’s the perfect restaurant for date night or a special occasion. They also have an award-winning wine program.
Craving more? Check out Michael Smith’s 20+ Best Seafood Recipes
Instagram/Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
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Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
As its name suggests, Ancora is located right on the water across from Granville Island. They also have a second location in West Vancouver. Its menu brings together West Coast and Latin flavours, like the Peruvian red pepper glazed sablefish. Their seafood towers are also divine.
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Rodney's Oyster House
With two locations (in Yaletown and Gastown), Rodney’s serves incredible, you guessed it, oysters. They also have an impressive offering of chowders, steamers (mussels and clams) and more. Try the Haida Gwaii Candy: this candied salmon will not disappoint!
Instagram/Popina Canteen
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Popina Canteen
Located on Granville Island, Popina is a gourmet seafood eatery in a casual setting. The kitchen is housed inside a shipping container, and there’s a fun enclosed patio where you can sit and eat next door. The counter service spot is the brainchild of four of the city’s top chefs; and they’re serving up everything from delicious lobster rolls to grand seafood trays.
For more casual seafood, try out these 15 Tasty Fish Taco Recipes
