Vancouver sits on the Pacific, so the seafood here is about as fresh as it gets.
From oyster bars and sushi counters to upscale dining rooms with seafood towers, the city covers every end of the spectrum.
We picked 11 spots based on quality of fish, how it is prepared, and whether the rest of the meal holds up around it.
1. Oddfish
A large part of what makes Oddfish such a great spot for seafood is the restaurant’s concept: an ever-changing menu that offers what farmers and the sea provides. Isn’t that cool?
They mix it up, write down what’s available on a cute chalkboard, and let you decide. One thing you can be sure of, is the seafood will be super fresh.
If you’re confused about what to get, try their daily selection of Oysters on ice with delicious mignonette and lemon. One bite and you’ll find yourself falling in love.
Who knew Oysters could taste THIS good?
Don’t sleep on the Puglian Burrata with Toast either. Topped with honey and pistachio, it’s creamy, a little sweet, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without being over the top.
What to order: Oysters, Puglian Burrata + Toast, Daily Ceviche, Spaghetti Vongole
Address: 1889 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 5B8
Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Blue Water Cafe
Blue Water Cafe is one of Vancouver’s go-to destinations for serious seafood. Live tanks, a raw bar, and a gorgeous spread of seafood on ice set the tone the moment you walk in.
The restaurant has built a strong reputation over the years (and it earns it), offering an unparalleled dining experience with internationally renowned dishes.
The Ahi Tuna Tataki from their raw bar is a highlight, ideal for sushi lovers.
The Yellowfin Tuna and Sablefish are fresh and packed with umami flavours, best enjoyed with a glass of wine from their extensive list or a cocktail from their bar.
What to order: Ahi Tuna Tataki, Yellowfin Tuna, Sablefish, Blue Water Cafe Tower
Address: 1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4
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3. Okeya Kyujiro
Tucked into Yaletown, Okeya Kyujiro holds a MICHELIN star and earns it with one of the most theatrical omakase experiences in the city.
The dimly lit room carries a mood somewhere between a grand performance and a traditional kabuki stage.
Walking in, you get the feeling this is going to be more than just dinner.
The experience unfolds over two hours and takes you through 25 courses built around Japan’s regional flavours, with cuts like chutoro and otoro tuna that remind you why the best things deserve time and attention.
Watch chefs skillfully prepare an array of seafood, from the slender orange trumpet fish to the Hokkaido hairy crab, making each course a story in itself.
Address: 1038 Mainland Street, Vancouver
4. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Joe Fortes on Robson Street is a Vancouver landmark, and it’s not hard to see why. The place carries the kind of easy confidence that only comes with years of doing things right (and unforgettable).
It’s a seafood institution in the truest sense, the sort of restaurant that locals keep coming back to and visitors always remember.
Start with Joe’s Classic Caesar and Fresh Oysters to get into the spirit of the place.
The Seafood Linguine, loaded with jumbo prawns and scallops, is rich and satisfying, while the famous Fish and Chips remains one of the most reliable orders on the menu, classic done well and worth every bite.
What to order: Joe’s Classic Caesar, Fresh Oysters, Seafood Linguine, Fish & Chips
Address: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC
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5. Tom Sushi
Vancouver has no shortage of great sushis, and Tom Sushi earned its place among the best. It is also featured on our Best Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver list, which tells you something about how quickly it has won over the city.
In a relatively short time, it has built a loyal following by doing something genuinely interesting: pairing traditional Japanese technique with the fresh, local ingredients that define the west coast.
What sets Tom Sushi apart is how much thought goes into every detail.
Texture, balance, and quality of ingredients all get careful attention, and the result is nigiri and donburi that feel considered rather than routine. The fact that none of it will wreck your budget makes it even easier to love.
For nigiri, go for the Tobiko with Quail Egg, Shima-aji, Hotate, and Toro. If luck is on your side and you happen to visit on a day when the limited donburi are available, do not hesitate.
The Bluefin and Salmon Donburi are both exceptional and sell out for good reason.
What to order: Tobiko w/ Quail Egg Nigiri, Shima-aji Nigiri, Hotate Nigiri, Toro Nigiri, Bluefin Donburi, Salmon Amaebi Zuke Donburi
Address: 1175 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2
Order Online: Website | Uber Eats
6. Bar Bravo
Bar Bravo is a small room with a big personality. There’s no sign out front, just a quiet print on the door, but once you’re inside, the amber-lit space becomes immediately warm, lived-in, and well-kept secret, even when it’s packed.
Michelin has taken notice, and rightly so. The cooking here is inventive and full of energy, the bar program is genuinely thoughtful, and the staff strike that rare balance of being attentive without hovering.
The menu rotates, but when the Tofino King Salmon is on, order it.
Dressed with ginger, tamari, maple, and avocado, it’s one of those dishes that’s hard to stop thinking about.
The Tuna Toast with black garlic and gochujang is bold and satisfying, while the Hokkaido Scallops with hibiscus tea and crispy plantains bring something genuinely unexpected to the table.
What to order: Tofino King Salmon, Tagliolini, Hokkaido Scallops, Seared Scallops, Tuna Toast
Address: 4194 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4E8
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6. Ancora Waterfront Dining
Ancora Waterfront Dining has a lot going for it, and the stunning views of Granville Island are just the beginning.
The food matches the setting in a way that not every waterfront restaurant manages to pull off, and that’s what keeps people coming back.
The Spicy Tuna Roll is a great place to start if you’re in the mood for sushi.
The combination of fresh tuna, crisp cucumber, asparagus, rocoto aioli, and delicate chilli threads creates a spicy and savoury choice that makes the dish sing.
For something more substantial, the Octopus Tagliatelle is one of the must-order dishes. Tender octopus and squid ink pasta come bathed in sudado sauce with cherry tomatoes adding little bursts of sweetness throughout.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Roll, Octopus Tagliatelle, Cauliflower Steak, Lobster and Shrimp Risotto, Sablefish
Address:
-Ambleside – 1351 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver BC V7T 2P9
-False Creek – 1600 Howe Street, Vancouver BC V6Z 2L9
Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. UCHU
Tucked into Chinatown, UCHU is Chef Ricardo Valverde’s love letter to Peru, and the room sets the tone beautifully.
Ocean-inspired decor, exposed brick, and a buzzing Raw Bar make it one of the more striking dining rooms in the city.
The chef is known for moving through the room all night, and that warmth carries through to the whole experience.
The food is marvelous. The Hiramasa Tiradito is clean, precise, and not to be missed.
The Sablefish Nikkei is rich and layered, while the Scallop Batayaki brings a satisfying mix of textures and bright, citrusy flavor.
Everything here showcases the Peruvian-Japanese influences that the kitchen does so well.
Fun fact: this is the sister restaurant of SUYO
What to order: Sablefish Nikkei, Scallop Batayaki, Hiramasa, Pulpo Anticuchero al Pastor
Address: 158 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3
8. Sandbar
Sandbar is the kind of place that makes a night out feel complete.
The energy here is consistent on all fronts, whether you’re staying for the dancing or just coming for a good meal.
The setting alone is worth the visit. A covered and heated patio looks out over Yaletown and False Creek, giving you that open, breezy feeling even on cooler evenings.
If you’d rather something more intimate, there are three dining floors inside to choose from, each with its own cozy character.
On the food side, the Ahi Tuna Poke Bow is a reliable crowd pleaser: fresh and filling at the same time.
If you’re here for the sushi, the Special Hoshi Roll is waiting.The light frying technique adds a crunch on the outside, contrasting with the melt-in-your-mouth goodness within.
What to order: Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, Special Hoshi Roll, Wok Tossed Local Mussels, Seafood Hot Pot
Address: 1535 Johnston St. Creekhouse #102, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
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9. Pink Peppercorn Seafood House
If you’re looking for a no-fuss spot to enjoy a relaxing and delicious meal, look no further than Pink Peppercorn Seafood House.
This warm and cozy eatery offers diners top-notch service, great ambiance, and wonderfully prepared West Coast-style seafood.
This is where you don’t overthink it., Just order generously and enjoy. The Calamari is well done and a great way to get things started, while the San Francisco Style Mussels are deeply flavorful and easy to devour in one sitting.
The dish that gets talked about most, though, is the Salmon Wellington. It’s the signature for a reason.
Perfectly prepared and rich enough to linger in your memory long after the meal, it’s the kind of thing that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
What to order: calamari, San Francisco Style Mussels, Salmon Wellington
Address: 1485 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2R6
10. Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
At Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, you’ll find a modern and comfortable ambiance perfect for enjoying some of Vancouver’s finest seafood.
Whether you choose to dine at their oyster bar, patio, or in a private room, the experience is sure to be memorable.
Their Seafood Tower is an absolute delight for seafood lovers, and the Albacore Tuna Tataki is a simple yet impactful dish.
Don’t miss the Hamachi Crudo and Foie Gras – each bite is a celebration of flavour. Boulevard’s exquisite menu makes it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts.
What to order: Seafood Tower, Albacore Tuna Tataki, Hamachi Crudo, Foie Gras
Address: 845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6
11. Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market is a versatile dining destination in Vancouver, perfect for any occasion – from casual brunches to romantic dinners. The menu is built around fresh, well-prepared seafood, and it shows in every dish.
Start with the Tuna Tartare, a bright and refreshing opener made with BC albacore tuna and finished with wonton chips for a satisfying crunch.
The Truffle Fries are another great way to kick things off, crispy Kennebec fries dressed in truffle oil and Parmesan that are dangerously easy to finish before the main event.
From there, classics like the Clam Chowder, Umami Bomb, and Mussels and Clams round out the menu with bold, comforting flavors that keep people coming back.
Before you leave, take a moment to browse the market. Fresh shellfish is available to take home, and their website has recipes to help you make the most of it.
What to order: Clam Chowder, Umami Bomb, Mussels & Clams, Truffle Fries, Tuna Tartare
Address: 762 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P2
Website | Instagram | Facebook
When in Vancouver, the options of deliciously fresh seafood are plenty. These are just some of the very best in the city that you won’t be disappointed in trying.
Looking for more food spots? Well, take a look at our picks of the best restaurants in Vancouver!