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Hours
Sun
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Mon
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Tue
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Wed
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Thu
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Fri
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sat
4:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$40.00 – $75.00
CUISINES
Seafood, Sushi, Canadian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Details
About
Blue Water Cafe is Vancouver's definitive destination for seafood, widely known for its excellence in celebrating the extraordinary flavours of BC. Consistently awarded "Best Seafood Restaurant" in Vancouver and recognized for its unparalleled service, an evening at Blue Water Cafe is truly an unforgettable experience.
PRICE RANGE
$40.00 – $75.00
CUISINES
Seafood, Sushi, Canadian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
3,250 reviews
Excellent
2,379
Very good
614
Average
167
Poor
54
Terrible
36
Andrew L
Vancouver21 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
At this point, I didn't really think my addition of a review would really be needed as Blue Water Cafe is already clearly an established Vancouver institution in the restaurant scene. That said, I re-visited again recently and read some of the other recent reviews and felt the need to submit a few comments.
First: while some folks may have faced some unfortunate wait times, this is also a large restaurant where many people often do multiple courses. You should not expect to be in and out of this restaurant in an hour. Second: people love to comment on prices here. Yes, it's on the more expensive range but it's not exorbitant. Markups have clearly gone up a bit with COVID. But you're paying some standard restaurant mark-up on premium fresh product plus perhaps a little bit more to make up for COVID losses. I can list many nice restaurants in Vancouver where I feel ripped off by the higher menu prices - this is not one of them. Third: you are not getting frozen fish here, as someone else suggested. There is a massive difference in quality when you are served frozen vs. fresh fish.
For my own review: I attended with a small group recently and our server handled our table excellently. We were clearly not coordinating and prepared for our ordering on multiple occasions and we were still met with care and patience. Everyone was very happy with their food. For my main, I personally opted for the Sabelfish which is one of their staple dishes. It's a light dish but it's very flavourful, the miso glaze is not too powerful against the other flavours in the dish, and the sablefish was very well cooked and simply flaked apart within the glaze and bok choy and edamame.
Toptable restaurants are known for charging a bit of a high premium on cocktails but they also have an extensive wine list here with many options that are quite affordable.
Continues to be a top restaurant in Vancouver.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robby321
Burnaby545 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Excellent all star service from the staff. Pork Cheeks were very good, scallops entree was dope, and I got sablefish entree. All good. Oysters and dessert.
I'm my honest opinion, the only reason we went to eat there on a Thursday night was that we had a giftcard. Normally that place is way out of our price range, comfort zone, scene, etc. All of the prices of the dishes are $8-$10 more expensive than they were worth. For example, sablefish was quite big and very tender/juicy, etc. but it came with a few edamame beans, bok choy veggies, and carrots and mushrooms. So for $43, I got serve beans and veggies that I could have gotten from T&T. It they weren't 'cooked to perfection' or anything, these side dishes were just cooked and placed there in the bowl. Fish on top. Nothing to write home about.
I rarely say this but, unless I get invited, I won't be going back. Rent must be high to be so expensive to the average joe.
Written January 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel Addict
Vancouver614 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
We were here for our wedding anniversary and we had a great experience with their food. And plus we would like to thank ""Melissa"" for all the good services she gave us that day. She was very kind, thoughtful and super friendly. We felt grateful beyond words.
The only one thing we hope is that they will open a little bit earlier like 3 p.m. or so so that we can get our lunch-dinner around 3~5 p.m.
Written February 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack Guy99
47 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Night was ruined by the terrible service. One of the worst dining experiences I have had in years. Delay after delay between servings and when we commented about the endless delays and the poor risotto it was ignored. When the shorter bearded manager came by to see how things were going we explained to the manager we had been there 2 hours and no entrees and it so far our experience was a "disaster". He he said he knows but how is the cook??? Then he ran off. No apology or comp of at least a glass of wine. I couldn't believe it when they brought the full bill after that. Sorry epic fail. New management needed.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam C
Vancouver728 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
Came here to celebrate my birthday.
Pros: Feature mozzarella salad was a large portion. Server was friendly, and genuinely tried to make conversation. the pumpkin financier was delicious. The oysters were very good.
Cons: Server didn't seem that knowledgeable about the menu. Menu is overpriced. They seated us in a small wine cellar type room off to the side which was cold and had different, less cozy lighting than the main room. They recognized my birthday with a handwritten card and a message/candle on the dessert I ordered, but other than that they didn't really give me anything extra special. Some places would offer a small free dessert or something else. The scallops i ordered were not that tasty. I didn't really like the dessert either. It was black treacle panna cotta, and the portion was so small, plus it didn't really have much flavor to it.
Overall, once again - I have been here I don't know how many times, and I never like it, not ever. It's not terrible, it's just not impressive, and not worth it.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane S
London24 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
On the basis of the food alone this restaurant would have received a higher score. When you pay 300 Canadian $ for a two course dinner for two with wine you expect a good experience. Certainly the starter of a seafood taster for two was excellent…but it went downhill from there. It took two hours from ordering for the main course to arrive - despite the restaurant claiming they needed tables back within two hours. When it did finally arrive the main course was OK - but nothing special. We got the distinct impression that corporate locals queue jump over visiting tourists….so may be OK to dine there early evening during the summer but wouldn’t bother booking a table at 7:30 or after at other times.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia D
Edmonton3 contributions
Sep 2021 • family
The blue water cafe insists on 2 hours maximum for dining, which is fine. However, upon our arrival (mother and daughter on quick holiday) we were aggressively pressed by our server Chris to quickly choose drinks, wine, appetizers and mains. Chris hovered over our table and rushed us to make decisions. He insisted that we needed to get those appetizers ordered fast! He was obnoxious throughout the short experience, “mansplaining” to 2 women the difference between old and new world wines. I have my WSET certification, have travelled extensively and don’t need a Vancouver server to give me a primer on wines. He ridiculed our choice of appetizer and added it to our main.
The food was good, but pricey, the ambience was a zero and the rushed service gave us indigestion. We got our bill after ONE HOUR. Hope he got a gold star for pushing 2 women out fast to make room for bigger drinking groups. I will never be back.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen Keaton
Vancouver Island5 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
Our favorite restaurant in Vancouver when we visit The food and service are always first class! Among all the options they have on the menu, we always go for the seafood tower. Fresh seafood, crab cooked at the minute, you can not expect any better Their wine list is impressive and they carry a cab sae from Oregon only produced by the owner Aqualini. Cant find ithat wine anywhere else. Dam it.... A great cabernet at a good value. IMy husband and I love the restaurant atmosphere and the traditional style. It was a fabulous meal for a special occasion.. Will be back soon.
Written February 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine L
Vancouver187 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
I was somewhat reluctant in booking this restaurant for a 70th birthday dinner for six lady friends, thinking we would be seated poorly and served as if we were invisible. Oh how surprised I was to be treated like royalty and seated on the patio. Our waitress, Melissa - was nothing but the best and was the reason our evening was so enjoyable. Service was outstanding, just the right touch. She spent extra time taking quite a few photos (to get the perfect shot!)...Amazing. It was a lively Tuesday evening, great location and the food was enjoyed by everyone. We tasted a number of deserts - all excellent. Although somewhat pricey it was worth every penny just for the outstanding service by Melissa. I shall return.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexander C
Victoria37 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
Picked this restaurant from the Eater 38 recommended restaurants in Vancouver and very good choice.
On the advise of our very personable server we tried the seafood for 2 appetizer, tuna entree and flatiron steak with truffle fries. Everything that we had was above expectations and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Highly recommended.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeleine S
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • none
Food and service was excellent,. The seafood was excellent, you must try the scallops that melt in your mouth, and sushi . Just loved the hand blown glass bowls centerpieces on the tables such a beautiful personal touch, so beautiful. The washroom cloth hand towels was also a nice touch. Enjoyed the server making an effort to connect with us which made us feel comfortable and relaxed. Thank you for the experience.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald S
4 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
First of all, I want to say Spencer was as helpful as he could be as my waiter. Great suggestions! My food was fantastic. The sablefish and my oysters were fantastic but the length of time it took to get the food was absolutely too long. The restaurant was busy but not that busy at 7:30 pm. Just a little disappointing.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter W
Manchester12 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
We were fortunate enough to get two chances to eat at Blue Water Cafe, before and after our tour of the Rockies. We went with high expectations and they were met both times. Our overall plan was to try to eat seafood wherever possible and to try as many BC VQA wines as possible. The waiters proved very helpful at recommending a good range of Okanagan Valley wines for us to enjoy (no duds!) and guiding us through a comprehensive menu. First time around we feasted on the marvellous sashimi and the lovely mixed starter - the highlight of which was the delicate Dungeness crab dish. First time around we concluded with a well prepared sable fish to share which was perfectly cooked and quite delicious.
For our second visit, which was a late decision so thanks for accommodating us, we started with a selection of oysters before continuing with the sashimi - again our waiter's help with the wine choice was spot on. Finally we had to revisit the mixed starters again and have just a little more of the Dungeness crab as well as all the other delights. Blue Water Cafe select the very best ingredients and their skilled chefs enhance them to make for a memorable experience.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IzzyEdmonton
Edmonton697 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Came here for a business dinner. The food was absolutely amazing - fresh seafood, expertly prepared. My favourites had to be the ahi tuna, the salmon tartar and the jellyfish but everything we tried was fantastic. Our server was very knowledgeable and was most helpful in helping us choose items based on our likings. She was attentive without being intrusive. The sommelier helped us choose a perfect wine to go with our dinner. Overall, a very positive dining experience.
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Modelnut
Calgary77 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I've been to B.W.Cafe many time over the years. Always good quality, delicious food, very consistent. Whenever I come to Vancouver, I have to eat there. The sushi Chefs at the Raw Bar serve fresh, delicious sashimi & sushi with a beautiful presentation: I rank this among the best in town. Good wine selection to go with the food. Their braised shortribs are to die for, as are their fish dishes. Good service, excellent food.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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