Nothing says summer like slugging back some fresh oysters, and Vancouverites are blessed with the freshest seafood around! Even though oysters can be impossible to crack open, they make any meal infinitely more sophisticated and go great with champagne. Whether you like these slimy, salt-water delights au naturelor with all the fixings, here are the top 10 best oyster bars in Vancouver!
1. WildTale Coastal Grill Merchant's Oyster Bar - 1079 Mainland St
Credit: WildTale
WildTale’s slogan says it all— “a nod to coastal living.” With 2 locations in Yaletown and the Olympic Village, WileTale boasts the freshest local seafood, craft beers, and yummy cocktails all in a relaxed yet elegant setting. The best part? They offer buck-a-shuck oysters every day during happy hour from 3 to 6 PM. And if you’re a bigger group that’s looking for something a little more private, WildTale also offers custom group dining experiences for up to 30 people!
2. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House - 777 Thurlow St
Known for their excellent service and buzzing atmosphere, Joe's offers $1.50 oysters every single day along with half-off bar items and $7.50 wine during happy hour. Beer and highballs are also available at $6 each. Happy Hour is available 3-6pm Monday to Friday and 4-6pm Saturday and Sunday. Located just off of bustling Robson Street, they've even got a rooftop patio where you can spend the day sipping white wine and slurping oysters in the sun!
3. Rodney's Oyster House - 52 Powell St
Credit: Rodney's Oyster House
Rodney’s Oyster House offers a huge selection of oysters sourced from local Vancouver waters to Prince Edward Island and Washington state. Enjoy $1.50 oysters Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6 PM served with a range of their signature house-made sauces.
4. Coast Restaurant - 1054 Alberni St
This upscale circular raw bar located on Alberni Street has an amazing selection of BC oysters and seafood in general. The breathtaking decor and elegant atmosphere make it the perfect date night venue. It's a true west coast dining experience that you have to check out!
5. Chewie's Steam and Oyster Bar - 1055 W Hastings St
This New Orleans inspired oyster bar knows what they're doing when they serve their oysters steamed, stewed or nude. Check out the original location in Kitsilano for a more neighbourhood vibe, or visit their new Coal Harbour location for 1$ deals every week day. They've got an amazing cocktail menu too!
6. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar - 845 Burrard St
Located on BurrardStreet in the Sutton Place Hotel, this high-end locale won a slew of awards and boasts an impressive selection of West and East Coast oysters along with an array of house-made sauces. The dishes look like a work of heart and the decor is stunning as well so your Instagram feed will thank you!
7. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio - 1600 Howe St #2
Credit: Ancora Waterfront
In case you thought the waterfront views weren't beautiful enough, the decor and the food presentation at Ancora will make your jaw drop. Enjoy a plate of freshly shucked oysters on the half shell while sitting by the water-- is there a better way to spend a summer afternoon?
8. Oyster Express - 296 Keefer St, Vancouver
This Chinatown eatery boasts a friendly staff and fresh oysters delivered daily that are served three ways: raw, steamed, and fried. They also offer a $1.50 special during Happy Hour, which is every Tuesday through to Sunday from 4:30 to 6 PM.
9. Blue Water Cafe - 1095 Hamilton St
Credit: Blue Water Cafe
Awarded “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Vancouver multiple times and known for their excellent service, Blue Water Cafe is anything but a coffee shop. They've got an amazing oyster selection from the West and East coasts as well as an impressive sushi bar. And if you’re whiskey lover, you have to check out their incredible collection of over 200 whiskeys!
10. Cibo Trattoria - 900 Seymour St
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver’s arts and cultural district, Cibo Trattoria serves up authentic, rustic Italian cuisine highlighting local and ethically sourced ingredients. They offer daily buck-a-shuck oysters from 12 to 6 PM.
