Routinely crowned the city’s top seafood restaurant, Blue Water Cafe is also among the continent’s best. After honing his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, executive chef Frank Pabst opened this Yaletown classic to marry fine-dining techniques with local, sustainable ingredients. Eventually, the restaurant became a founding member of the Ocean Wise program, which helps consumers make ocean-friendly seafood choices. When visiting, you can belly up to the bar—which boasts more than 200 whiskeys and 1,000 wine labels—or reserve a table in the elegant brick-and-beamed dining room, housed in a heritage warehouse. Come summertime, however, you’ll want to head straight to the patio for sushi and premium sake. Fancy a splurge? Go for the seafood tower, which showcases the bounty of British Columbia.
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Sushi on the Patio in Yaletown
Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge but it’s likely some of the best seafood you’ll eat in North America. I love the seafood towers, especially when they showcase the incredible bounty of all-BC seafood. Chef Frank Pabst is one of the city’s sustainable seafood champions and each February Blue Water run an ‘Unsung Heroes’ menu which throws a spotlight on those lesser-known seafoods such as jellyfish or periwinkles. But in summer, for me, it’s all about sushi on their patio from their superb raw bar to people-watch in Yaletown. They also have a killer drinks selection, from great cocktails, a superb wine and beer menu, and one of the city’s finest whisk(e)y lists. Check out some of the local sockeye salmon here, and see what else they’ve got in when you visit, that’s been fished straight from the pristine waters around BC.
Blue Water Cafe: Vancouver's Favourite Place for Seafood
If you are looking to try some of the best of what the West Coast has to offer, this is a good place to start your journey. Blue Water has played host to action stars (Tom Cruise) and Prime Ministers (Paul Martin), who keep coming back for their selection of perfectly prepared wild, sustainable seafood. Our favorite are their Seafood Towers on Ice, ranging from $28 - $128. If your looking for a souvenir from your Vancouver visit pick up one of their cookbooks while you are here.
Blue Water Cafe And Raw Bar: Splurge-Worthy Seafood
Looking for a place to celebrate? Have you saved put some travel money aside to have a ‘special’ dinner while you’re in Vancouver? Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar is your spot. The seafood here is consistently the best in the city, and fear not, they have plenty of ‘from the land’ options too. I always bring clients here when I’m hosting a dinner, because the food is quintessentially West Coast and the atmosphere is warm, and not stuffy in the slightest. The staff strike the perfect balance between friendly and expert. They’re always willing to give more detail on any dish you’re curious about. I’d recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as this spot is popular. Oh, and if you’re an oyster fan, the selection and quality here are fantastic!
