Vancouver has long been considered one of the best cities in which to enjoy seafood, especially considering that it’s one of the best cities in Canada in which seafood lovers reside. This fact isn’t surprising, given that it’s a city located near the Pacific Ocean, which boasts some of the best seafood in the entire world, as long as that seafood has been harvested sustainably, of course, which Vancouver takes advantage of. What truly separates a city like Vancouver from others that have an abundance of seafood at their fingertips, in a way, is the way in which its chefs mix local ingredients with international flavors, both fine dining and filling cuisine.
There are several types of seafood restaurants in Vancouver that range from high-class restaurants with a view of the sea to restaurants that specialize in just taste and quality. Regardless of your choice or preference, some restaurants offer an exceptional taste of Vancouver’s coastal cuisine. This article highlights some of the best seafood restaurants in Vancouver and can help keep you informed about some of the top restaurants around. Here are the top-rated restaurants to consider when visiting Vancouver.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the 5 best seafood restaurants in Vancouver
Best Seafood Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Blue Water Cafe
2. The Fish Counter
3. The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
4. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
5. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
5 Best Seafood Restaurants in Vancouver
1. Blue Water Cafe

Blue Water Cafe has been recognized on several occasions as one of the best seafood restaurants in the city of Vancouver. For those unfamiliar, this restaurant is seated in the heart of Yaletown in Vancouver. It is recognized for its upscale atmosphere as well as excellent service. Since its inception, Blue Water Cafe has established a reputation for consistency in creating very creative seafood dishes.
The menu provided by Blue Water Cafe serves a diverse list of seafood dishes, including oysters and sushi-quality seafood. The season’s catch ensures that only the freshest seafood is provided by the kitchen. The combination of flavors and dishes presents a harmonious balance. For most customers, the raw bar and sushi at the cafe are among the most impressive things about the place, as they offer a refined take on the classics.
2. The Fish Counter

The Blue Water Cafe is really one of the seafood places in Vancouver. It sets the standard for how good food should be in the city. The Blue Water Cafe is in the middle of Yaletown. Over time, the Blue Water Cafe has become known for being fancy, having service, and serving really good food. Since the Blue Water Cafe opened, it has been the best at being good, trying new things, and being very skilled at cooking the Blue Water Cafe food.
The Blue Water Cafe’s menu features an array of options, showcasing outstanding seafood, such as fresh oysters, sushi-quality fish, and skillfully cooked shellfish. Seasonal food undoubtedly plays a crucial role, enabling the restaurant to use the freshest fish obtainable. The restaurant might be praised by many for featuring a raw bar and sushi, offering a sophisticated alternative to the more traditional options.
3. The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant

There are many seafood restaurants in Vancouver, but the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant offers one of the best seafood dining experiences to its customers. Located at Granville Island, the restaurant offers beautiful views to its customers to go along with the seafood served at the restaurant.
The Sandbar’s menu boasts a collection of West Coast seafood cuisine that specializes in fresh fish, shellfish, and other unique seafood meals influenced by various tastes from around the world. There is a variety of seafood platters, fish cooked by grilling, as well as chowders, which are an accurate representation of Vancouver’s unique cuisine variety.
The experience of dining in The Sandbar is like a celebration of Vancouver’s lifestyle, surrounded by the ocean. The experience is further elevated by the sounds and views of the boats surrounding the building. Thus, it is the perfect place for meals and gatherings with a view. If the idea is to dine in a place with great seafood and a nice view, the Sandbar is the perfect destination.
4. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, an institution of Vancouver, has a rich history that goes back over a hundred years. Its location on Robson Street allows it to marry traditional qualities and an energetic ambience, earning it a place of appreciation from locals as well as tourists. Joe Fortes is synonymous with a lively place, big plates, and a variety of food that caters to a multitude of patrons.
The seafood provided at Joe Fortes ranges from oysters and lobsters to crab, prawns, and salmon. The menu is such that it combines traditional seafood dishes with contemporary elements. This ensures that there is something for everyone. However, a number of people like this restaurant because of its consistency and ability to deliver on high standards despite its size and popularity.
It should be noted that another side of dining at Joe Fortes lies in the relaxed and social setting. No doubt the outdoor patio, located on the roof of the building, is a great place to hang out when the warmer months arrive. Whichever one decides to take the Joe Fortes dining experience, a great seafood experience awaits them, one that celebrates Vancouver heritage.
5. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio

Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio is a place to go when you want to eat some really good seafood in Vancouver. I think the fact that Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio is near the water helps them get food. They are really good at serving seafood. They also serve sushi. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio has become a place because they serve modern seafood and sushi, which is a pretty cool combination.
The menu at Ancora has a lot of seafood dishes with classic seafood flavors and some new ideas. You can get seafood or seafood that is grilled, and they also have sushi that is made very well. The people who make the food pay a lot of attention to details so the food tastes great. Looks nice too. This makes the dishes feel special, but not too fancy. Ancora is really good at using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which is great for a city like Vancouver that is known for its seafood.
The restaurant’s décor also contributes to a pleasurable dining experience, as it has a waterfront ambiance. For example, Ancora has large windows, allowing customers to enjoy views of the waterfront while they are still at a table or in their seat, eating their meals. Ancora could be an excellent choice for special occasions, a romantic evening, or simply to partake in a seafood meal in a modern setting.
Conclusion
Vancouver’s seafood scene is a true reflection of its coastal location and rich culinary culture. With access to fresh Pacific seafood and a strong focus on quality and sustainability, the city’s top seafood restaurants offer experiences that range from elegant fine dining to relaxed, casual meals. Dining at any of these establishments allows visitors to enjoy not just exceptional seafood, but also the flavors and atmosphere that define Vancouver’s connection to the ocean.
