The Place to Go for Vancouver Seafood
For seafood fans in Vancouver, every “best of” list will invariably include the terrific Blue Water Café in Yaletown. They’re known for the quality of their seafood, and coming here without any intention of ordering seafood seems like a cardinal sin. The seafood is what brings the people in here, and it’s the main reason why every Blue Water Café Review gives it top marks. They’ve earned their place as the most highly regarded seafood restaurant in Vancouver since 2001, and it’s a reputation they’re not ready to shed any time soon.
Ambience
This is a ritzy place, and you should realize that right away as the valet parking will set you back $12 at the onset. The room looks extremely classy, so you’re well-advised to dress up to match. There’s a coat check service as well. On the other hand, they’re quite gracious to their guests, and you’ll be accorded the utmost courtesy even when you arrive in ordinary street clothes.
The room upon entry is very striking, and you get a nice view of the Raw Bar as well as the Western yet Asian kitchen. The main bar leads to the nicely heated patio and several private dining rooms. They don’t do takeout or delivery, so these private rooms are best if you don’t care for crowds at the moment.
Along with the outdoor seating, they offer free Wi-Fi and quiet music in the background. Smoking isn’t allowed though. They do have bike parking too, and they’re also wheelchair-accessible.
They’re open for dinner from 5PM to 11PM. However, their partner Raw Bar is open from 4:30PM to 1AM.
Food Quality
Yes, the quality of the seafood dishes is quite breathtaking. Part of the reason for that is because they’re very picky in the fish and shellfish they choose. They only offer the freshest and highest quality seafood for their patrons, though they’re ethical enough to choose only from the wild yet sustainable species.
For “First Plates”, you’re advised to try the “Seafood Tasting for Two” especially if it’s your first time here. The varied ingredients will immediately explain to you what the place has to offer, and why it consistently draws rave reviews year after year. This dish will introduce their smoked sockeye salmon terrine, albacore tuna tartare, Dungeness crab and baby shrimps, and scallop ceviche.
Other options include the Northern Shrimp Cocktail, with Marie Rose sauce, romaine leaves, avocado, and espelette garlic crostini.
Then for the Principal Plate, the most recommended here is the Sablefish. Even if you’ve tried this dish in other places before, here in Blue Water Café the preparation and the taste is nothing short of amazing. It comes with a miso sake glaze, baby bok choy, edamame, quinoa and shiitake mushrooms and yuzu dashi. Seriously, you’re missing out if you don’t try this.
Of course, there’s also Long Cod, Sturgeon, Scallops, and Yellowfin Tuna. You can ask for lobster from the tank, as well as a whole fish depending on what’s available.
But come in here all dressed up, enjoy the luxurious atmosphere, and get the Sablefish. You’ll find yourself planning to come back soon for more, and you’ll be sending in your own rave Blue Water Café Review.