Vancouver’s best oyster joints
Every oyster lover has their own reason for shelling out for these savoury treats: for some they’re a delicacy, a little bit of a self-indulgent treat, for others, they’re an aphrodisiac. My love of oysters comes from a little stand selling them by the shuck (Kumi’s are the best if you didn’t know) and has grown to an ongoing search for the best spots in Vancouver to enjoy these little and addictive ocean pearls.
Oyster Express
296 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X5Let’s get one thing straight – oysters are the main focus here. They love oysters but don’t let the name fool you, as there is nothing rushed or express about them. Oyster Express hosts buck-a-shuck specials on certain days of the week, as well as a number of other daily specials. That being said, I have never left without trying at least one of every type that they serve. It’s a small joint that packs a big punch, and definitely the best spot in Vancouver to check out for oysters.
Finest At Sea Seafood Boutiques Vancouver Ltd
1805 Mast Tower Rd, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X7Located on Granville Island, Finest at Sea is not a restaurant, though it helps that you can’t forget the source of your addiction! At this seafood store you can grab the oysters by the crate and shuck them yourself. If you’re at the level of appreciation for these beautiful, fishy, scrumptious, God-sent shells from the ocean as I am, this could be the best option for you.
Bao Down Snack Bar
221 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2Cork and Fin serves their oysters in high-to-the-sky dishes that look as good as they taste. The impressive multi-layered towers are helpful if you want to turn a typical date-night into a success. The atmosphere here is the main attraction and staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the varieties of oysters served. Oysters are not the main focus at this Gastown spot, but they definitely get a 10 for the vibe.
Chewie's Steam & Oyster Bar
2201 1st Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1E9Okay, so not only does this place serve some good schucks, they also serve Southern food – a cuisine that is criminally underserved in Vancouver. Expect top-cuts of meat and fall-off-the-bone-BBQ along with other New Orleans favorites such as jambalaya, gumbo and bouillabaisse. You can’t go wrong when pairing this amazing food and with fresh oysters (oh, and buck a shuck goes down daily from 3:00 to 6:00 pm!).
Bistro Pastis
2153 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7Bistro Pastis is a favourite for a casual afternoon on 4th Ave. The vibe is everything that you want it to be for that authentic French feeling: laid-back, expensive and a just a touch condescending, in the best way possible. Popping in for a couple of oysters with a mid-day café au lait is exactly what you need after a lengthy shopping spree at Gravity Pope across the street. Another place where oysters are not the main focus, but are a delicious and a solid contributor to their menu.
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