This Michelin recommended oyster bar serves Fanny Bay oysters (of course) as well as an impressive selection of West Coast seafood. Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market just recently re-opened with a refreshed and expanded space. The Cambie Street oyster bar first opened in 2017 in Vancouver’s Stadium District. The oyster bar is named for the region on Vancouver Island where Fanny Bay oysters are farmed. The original Fanny Bar farm was founded forty years ago by three local oyster farmers. Then, in 2006, it became a part of the Taylor Shellfish Family of Farms. Taylor is a renowned name in oysters, and rightfully so, as they’ve been farming shellfish since 1890.
Hyper Local
Oysters are fascinating because the different techniques used to raise them deeply impact their shape and flavour. Terroir is another major factor. It’s why oysters in France or on the East Coast taste so different from our West Coast ones. In British Columbia we have some of the best waters for oyster farming in the world. Fanny Bay is making use of this prime environment and is cultivating not just oysters, but also Manila clams, savory clams, and Salish mussels. All of the seafood on Fanny Bay’s menu is sustainably farmed or fished, and Oceanwise certified.
Fanny Bay is Back and Bigger Than Ever
Fanny Bay’s expansion is an exciting development as it has doubled their capacity. As well as expanding the bar, they’ve added one hundred seats, including a private dining room that accommodates twenty. This new private dining space features a stunning undersea mural complete with an octopus surrounded by kelp. This private room, which is bookable for parties, meetings, or small celebrations, is also decorated with bubble-like, orb-shaped lights which really add to the undersea atmosphere created by artist Kelly Logan’s mural.
Let’s dive into Fanny Bay’s menu. In terms of drinks, they have integrated seafood into their beverage program by offering four different kinds of oyster shooters. There is also the Oyster Martini. Made with Copperpenny No. 6 Oyster Shell Gin, and Brewmaster’s Sake, this cocktail comes with a fresh oyster and its liquor, as well as a twist. Fanny Bay also has a selection of other tempting cocktails like the Spicy Paloma, the Fanny Bay Caesar, and the Smoked Old Fashioned.
From Caviar to Fish & Chips
As well as serving a daily selection of fresh oysters from BC, Washington State, and PEI, Fanny Bay has an extensive raw bar including clams, geoduck sashimi, octopus, and a premium oyster topped with uni and caviar known as The Umami Bomb. They also offer cracked Dungeness crab and a classic prawn cocktail. For those truly looking to indulge, try the Canadian sturgeon caviar with accompaniments.
In terms of hot dishes, they have a Clam Chowder with clams they cultivate, as well as Fish Tacos, Fish & Chips, and Paella for Two with scallops, prawns, octopus, mussels, clams, chorizo, and peas with saffron rice. From smaller share plates, to bigger seafood feasts like the Paella and the West Coast Seafood Boil, Fanny Bay’s menu allows you to cater to your hunger-level.
Happy Hour Seafood Feast
Happy Hour at Fanny Bay runs from 2 to 6pm daily, and their Happy Hour menu is one of the best in the city. They have a $2 feature oyster that rotates daily. Other Happy Hour eats include Tuna Tartare, Fish Tacos, Lobster Rolls, and the decadent Lobster Poutine. Fully loaded with Atlantic lobster, cheese curds, and a lobster bisque gravy, this poutine is a luxurious take on the Canadian classic. As well as all the tasty menu items served at the oyster bar, Fanny Bay also offers catering which can include their mobile oyster bar ready to shuck and serve at your next party.
Take Fanny Bay Home
As mentioned, Fanny Bay is at once shellfish market and oyster bar, and they sell some ingenious take home kits with everything you need to have a sumptuous seafood meal at home. Their Dungeness Seafood Boil Kit serves two to four people and includes an entire Dungeness crab, as well as mussels, clams, prawns, scallops, and andouille sausage. It comes complete with boil broth and cooking instructions. You can also order to-go from the Raw Bar if you want to take home Fanny Bay’s Seacuterie Board.
With sharing plates and happy hour snacks, Fanny Bay is a great spot to stop en route to a hockey game or show at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. They also offer a satisfying spread for lunch or dinner and, now with a newly expanded space, they can serve more guests than ever before.
