Vancouver’s top seafood restaurants for lobster
Lobster used to be a bottom feeder and the only thing that poor families in outport communities could afford. It's still a bottom feeder today, but now the clawed crustaceans fetch high prices in elite restaurants across the world. No matter your take on it, Vancouver’s renowned seafood restaurants serve up plenty of lobster dishes to satisfy your palate. [Photo credit: iStock.com/GMVozd]
Pink Peppercorn Seafood House
1485 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2R6A modest facade on the ever-modest Kingsway strip belies the upscale interior, white tablecloths and distinctly high-quality feel at Pink Peppercorn Seafood House. Take a seat among the marine-themed decor and enjoy friendly service and ethically sourced seafood. The lobster here, flown in from Nova Scotia, is succulent and worth every penny. Want to recreate the experience at home? Their lobster oil is famously delicious and available by the bottle.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5A beacon of club-like elegance in downtown Vancouver, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House offers a wide array of lobster dishes. If you’re willing to splurge, Joe's signature seafood tower on ice (with Atlantic lobster) is a must-try that rings in at a pricy $59.95 a tier. For those with less ambitious dinner plans, the lobster bisque is a delicious classic, as is the simple but delectable lobster roll. The servers at this Robson Street institution are knowledgeable, friendly and happy to keep the complimentary lobster oil dippers fully stocked.
Seasons in the Park Restaurant
33rd Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M5A beautiful dining destination inside and out, Seasons in the Park is nestled in Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Park and boasts scenic views of the ever-growing skyline and the mountains beyond. The service is attentive but relaxed, reflecting the laid-back elegance of the space. For those with appetite to spare, the menu features a whole lobster with Asian salad and soy vinaigrette, or the reliably mouthwatering surf and turf. For brunch, try the eggs Benedict topped with moist chunks of lobster meat.
The Fish Shack
1026 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L5Take a seat at the long red banquette under the gloriously high ceilings and dig into one of the many dishes on offer at The Fish Shack. There's the traditional Atlantic lobster accompanied by Cajun fries, or try the fortifying cioppino in a lobster broth. With nine televisions and a projector, this Granville Street restaurant and bar is a good place to come and catch the game. On Sundays, stop in for reduced prices on lobster and crab dishes.
Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar
1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar is a fine dining restaurant complete with white tablecloths and attentive and knowledgeable service. That said, the award-winning spot has a distinctly mellow vibe thanks to the warm, honey light against the brick walls. Certified by the Vancouver Aquarium for its ocean-friendly seafood choices, Blue Water offers lobster served with seasonal vegetables, fork-crushed potatoes and a mouthwatering white wine sauce laced with tarragon. If you’re looking for something zesty and fresh, try the Latin American inspired lobster ceviche. Take a seat outside and watch the street life of Yaletown as you eat.
Yew Seafood + Bar
791 Georgia St W, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T4Come to Yew Seafood + Bar for options; the signature lobster tank menu offers six different dishes, including lobster tempura with kimchi aioli and lobster mac and cheese with farmhouse cheddar. Don't miss the amazing lobster nachos with avocado and spicy jalapeño dressing – a great dish for sharing. Located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, the service is impeccable and the decor is the contemporary chic with wood and brick accents.
Coast
1054 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A3Located on the upscale Alberni Street row, Coast has a chic and contemporary, if somewhat corporate, look. The seafood-forward menu features numerous lobster dishes designed to satisfy your crustacean cravings. To start, there’s chilled lobster served with spicy cocktail sauce or a decadent surf and turf poutine. If you want to go big, try the grand chilled seafood tower or a hearty lobster pot pie. Your trusty, traditional half Atlantic lobster comes with Old Bay fries, garlic aioli and drawn butter. The service is friendly, and there's outdoor seating if the weather is agreeable.
