Kelly RainierThere’s nothing quite like treating myself to a platter of fresh oysters after a big work win, you know? That briny, salty taste is just so satisfying. It’s my little ritual, and Vancouver has no shortage of amazing places to indulge.
So, naturally, I’ve made it my mission to find the best oyster bars in the city. I’ve compiled my top picks after many happy hours and countless slurps. Keep reading to discover where to get your ultimate oyster fix in Vancouver!
1. Rodney’s Oyster House
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Website: http://www.rohvan.com/
Address: 1228 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6L2, Canada
Contact details: +16046090080
Operating hours: 3–11 PM
Pricing: $$
Rodney’s Oyster House takes me on a trip worldwide by making me try oysters from BC, the Maritimes, New Zealand, and even Ireland. I saw their open kitchen and oyster shucking station when I walked in.
As the server guided me to my seat, I couldn’t help but appreciate the nautical decor and wooden accents. They even have a massive tank filled with crustaceans, so I knew everything there was fresh.
I started by ordering a dozen oysters. They came with freshly grated horseradish, which perfectly complemented the oysters’ sweetness. They also serve the best New England Clam Chowder and Lobster Poutine, which I highly recommend.
Pro tip:
Pair those delicious raw oysters at Rodney’s Oyster House with their signature Caesar cocktail. It elevates the whole experience!
2. Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
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Website: http://www.fannybayoysters.com/location/oyster-bar–shellfish-market
Address: 762 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P2, Canada
Contact details: +17783799510
Operating hours: 2–10 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re into the farm-to-table vibe, you can visit the Fanny Bay Oyster Bar. You’ll immediately see freshly shucked oysters on freshly shuckedter this place. You can even stand at the open bar and see the chefs shuck them in front of you.
In addition to oysters, they serve seasonal seafood dishes like the Blackened Snapper Gumbo. I may have licked the bowl clean because I love snapper and all the spices it comes with.
It’s one of those places where you can sit for hours, have a casual lunch, or have an intimate dinner. The decor is modern and rustic, and the seats are by large windows, so you can enjoy the good seafood while taking in the views.
Pro tip:
Pair your fresh-shucked oysters with some Grilled Sourdough from their Seacuterie Board. It perfectly complements those briny flavors!
3. Blue Water Cafe
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Website: https://bluewatercafe.ca/
Address: 1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W9, Canada
Contact details: +16046888078
Operating hours: 4:30–11:30 PM
Pricing: $$$
If you’re feeling fancy, let me share my favorite seafood spot: Blue Water Cafe. This restaurant specializes in delicious, sustainable seafood dishes and has won “Best Seafood Restaurant” multiple times.
From sushi to Canadian classics, every dish here always felt like a treat and an adventure. However, their oyster platter never fails to impress me. The oysters are sourced locally, and I just can’t get enough of how fresh they taste.
If you want to enhance your oyster experience, pair it with their Smoked Salmon Terrine. You can also drop by their raw bar, where you might catch Chef Masa preparing sushi with passion, art, and precision.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to visit during peak season or want to try something special from their Unsung Heroes menu (which highlights lesser-known sustainable seafood), book ahead!
4. Oyster Express
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/oysterexpresscanada/
Address: 296 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4, Canada
Contact details: +16046843300
Operating hours: 4–8 PM
Pricing: $$
Oyster Express is a cozy little bar tucked away on Keefer Street. It is a local secret for oyster lovers on a budget. The laid-back vibe makes it feel more like a friend’s living room than a bar.
They offer two types of oysters, and the rotating menu features East and West Coast varieties. I admit, there are nights when I try 10 kinds of oysters, and they all perfectly blend with a squeeze of lemon.
It’s an intimate setting with seating for 20 diners only. My tip is to swing by early in the evening, as the place fills up quickly. They also only accept reservations for groups of six or more, so be prepared to take your friends and family.
Pro tip:
Pair your freshly shucked Kusshi Oysters with their housemade spicy sauce. It adds just the right kick without overpowering those beautiful, briny flavors!
5. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
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Website: http://www.joefortes.ca/
Address: 777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5, Canada
Contact details: +16046691940
Operating hours: 11 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$$
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is known for its fresh American cuisine. However, it’s a little-known fact that it also serves the best oysters in Vancouver.
Their oyster bar is legendary. My friends and I usually lose track of time slurping down freshly shucked oysters. We also pair them with their chilled seafood platters, which are loaded with the day’s catch.
They also serve over 50 types of fresh fish, so you’ll never run out of options to satisfy your seafood cravings. I love that live music plays from the piano bar all the time. It’s the best ambiance for enjoying oysters and even cocktails.
Pro tip:
Pair your freshly shucked oysters with Kusshi Oysters accompanied by champagne. Kusshi Oysters are known for their sweet flavor profile, which pairs beautifully with the crispness of champagne.
6. Harbour Oyster + Bar
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Website: https://harbouryvr.com/
Address: 1408 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X9, Canada
Contact details: +16042516900
Operating hours: 11 AM–12 AM
Pricing: $$
Harbour Oyster + Bar is another laid-back spot where you can enjoy fresh oysters and seafood. They’re one of the best places to get oysters on the West Coast. I love lounging on their patio and enjoying those fresh oysters served with lemon and a cocktail in my hand.
If you ask me, the menu is just a treasure chest of seafood goodness. Besides oysters, I always make sure to get the shrimp po’boy. It’s a fun mix of shrimp and aioli in a soft bun. They also serve craft cocktails that pair perfectly with everything on the menu.
The best part is that they have happy hour daily from 11 AM to 5 PM. Those oysters are only $1.50, which is quite a steal!
Pro tip:
Try pairing those succulent lobster rolls with an order of garlic fries. They’re twice-fried perfection!
7. Song
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Website: http://www.songyvr.com/
Address: 317 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W5, Canada
Contact details: +16045680400
Operating hours: 5–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Song is another well-kept secret among Vancouver seafood lovers. It’s perfect for a date night or a catch-up with friends. The restaurant is known for its Asian-inspired oyster dishes.
What makes their oyster dishes unique is their sauces. I tried their homemade Nam Jim sauce, and it was a total game-changer. It had the right amount of heat, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the fresh oyster.
Another cool thing about them is that they serve creative cocktails that pair well with oysters. I tried their ginger and lime cocktail, which elevated my oyster experience.
Pro tip:
Pair your Nam Jim-spiced oysters at Song with one of their craft beers—like an IPA—to balance out the spiciness while enhancing the freshness of each bite!
8. Smitty’s Oyster House
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Website: https://www.smittysoysterhouse.com/
Address: 643 School Rd, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0, Canada
Contact details: +16048864665
Operating hours: 12–9 PM
Pricing: $$
Smitty’s Oyster House is an awesome spot for a casual meal for seafood lovers. They’ve got a wide oyster offering. We’re talking about raw oysters, broiled oysters, and pan-fried options.
Sitting by the oyster bar was just a fun experience. Every dish has different toppings, which I never knew would complement oysters. The best part of the place to chill is the patio. It faces southwest, so it offers great lighting during the golden hour.
They also have a happy hour special. It was a steal: I enjoyed freshly shucked oysters for only $2.50 each. My friends and I almost always drop by during happy hour to enjoy them at such a low price.
Pro tip:
Pair your freshly shucked oysters with Smitty’s signature chowder. Its creamy richness will beautifully balance out the salty freshness of the oysters!
9. Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean
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Website: http://www.hydravancouver.com/
Address: 475 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B3, Canada
Contact details: +16044160880
Operating hours: 7 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$
Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean is like a charming corner of Greece in Vancouver. Its soft, warm lighting and even Scabetti chandeliers make me feel like I’m in a little Mediterranean escape.
Their oyster bar is undoubtedly the highlight for me. They have a lot of deals, so I got to enjoy as many oysters as possible without exceeding my budget. I’ve seen them all freshly shucked before my eyes, all paired with a squeeze of lemon.
Their gorgeous ba also caught my eye because of its fish-scale tile design. The bar serves creative cocktails that are perfectly paired with my oyster feast.
Pro tip:
If you indulge in oysters, I highly recommend pairing them with that signature vine-ripened tomato salad. The freshness of both complements each other beautifully.
10. The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
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Website: https://www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar
Address: 1535 Johnston Street, Creekhouse #102, 1535 Johnston St #35, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S6, Canada
Contact details: +16046699030
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$$
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant is a little treasure right by the waterfront in Granville. Every table has an amazing view of the water, so it’s the perfect blend of casual dining and an elegant vibe.
But my favorite place here is their oyster bar. My friends and I ordered a platter where we got to try the different oyster selections of the day. The oysters were just fresh and bursting with briny goodness.
They also serve delicious seafood dishes, such as lobster and steak combos, and even unexpected ones, like mushroom gnocchi. They also have surf-and-turf platters, which I love sharing with my friends and family during every visit.
Pro tip:
Pair your freshly shucked oysters with steak and lobster. This combination will elevate your dining experience by balancing oceanic freshness with rich land-based flavors!
