We are passionate about our oysters out west, with local favourites washing up within close proximity to our shores. From the salty, thick-shelled Fanny Bays that reside right off Vancouver Island in Comox, BC, to the burrowing little Kusshi cuties grown by innovative oyster farmer Keith Reid over in Deep Bay, we are blessed with the best at our doorstep. Although many people enjoy the oyster in its prime, peak season during the winter months, British Columbians have the privilege of sucking back these briny barnacle-like crustaceans year-round. Clustering along the Strait of Georgia, sheltered by the sheath of Vancouver Island, BC oysters thrive in tranquil hideaways nestled in cold, icy, unpolluted waters.
We have scoured the seas for shuck-worthy spots to enjoy your favourite BC oysters, offering selection, hospitality, and a passionate staff that cares just as much as you do about this delicious delicacy. Shuck, slurp, and savour away!
Blue Water Café + Raw Bar
Sit at the bar and marvel in the execution and attention to detail that encompasses Blue Water Café + Raw Bar. An exceptional oyster establishment, Blue Water is always on top of their game when it comes to shucking the finest, tastiest oysters in Vancouver. A Yaletown landmark dawned by its emerald awnings over a generous strip of patio, Blue Water Café + Raw Bar is one of the best places to enjoy a savoury selection of oysters this summer.
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Cork & Fin
These guys love their seafood and do shellfish well. Their big ticket item has (and always will be) their fresh selection of ever-evolving oysters, paired with knowledgeable, friendly staff, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Slurp on several oysters followed by their seasonal “Summer Seafood Boils” that are now available on their recently updated June menu. Cork & Fin is a classic joint for good service, good eats, and good vibes, located in the heart of Gastown.
Merchant’s Oyster Bar
The little kid bro of Cork & Fin, Merchant’s Oyster Bar is a warm, inviting and authentic neighbourhood restaurant on Commercial Drive (check out our Happy Hour Guide for the low-down on their oyster specials). You’ll enjoy something quite unique when you visit the small space of Merchant’s in that staff and owners provide personal, one-on-one service that creates a memorable experience. The oyster bar is a beautiful display of the week’s best picks.
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Rodney’s Oyster House
There’s no way we could get away with not including our Rodney’s boys in Vancouver’s best oyster spots. These charming gentlemen know how to shuck an oyster well and have been in the business for years out here. There are many virgins to the oyster experience, and Rodney’s has popped hundreds of Kusshis in their hay days (remove mind from gutter). With locations in Yaletown and Gastown, you are not far from one of the oldest, wisest, and most well executed oyster establishments in the industry.
Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar
Southern gentlemen reside here, offering a spinoff on Cajun dining and a New Orleans inspired ambiance. The oyster bar is the center hub of Chewies’ operation, with an assembly line of shuckers available at all times to meet the neighbourhood demand. Offering a visual display of what’s hot and fresh at the moment, Chewies’ oysters are always fresh and tasty, comin’ at you steamed, stewed, or nude. We love their amazing selection of sauces (some piping hot, others complimenting the briny flavours of the oyster). Now offering two locations in Kits and Coal Harbour, Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar is steadily rising to the top of its game.
What are your favourite oyster hotspots in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
