Seemor
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish MarketB+Worth Trying
762 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC V6B 2P2, Canada
· Oyster bar restaurant, Bar, Oyster supplier
· 4.5/5 Google (3488 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Destination for ultra-fresh oysters and happy hour deals; creative seafood is hit-or-miss and service can be inconsistent—come for the raw bar first.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar delivers solid neighborhood dining anchored by exceptional oyster quality and convenient downtown location near Queen Elizabeth Theatre. However, inconsistent execution on cooked dishes and variable service attentiveness prevent higher standing, while recent uptick in service complaints suggests operational challenges. Best experienced for raw bar and happy hour rather than full-menu reliability.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels lively and casual, the kind of spot where bar seats overlook shuckers at work and pre-show crowds drift in from Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Reviewers rave that the oysters are "cold, bright, and impeccably fresh," while service swings from warm and attentive to brusque at the door depending on timing. The culinary approach leans creative raw-bar–led seafood: pristine oysters and specialty items like uni and geoduck, plus contemporary small plates such as ceviche, bao, and sablefish collars. Many diners love the variety and happy-hour value, though cooked dishes can be uneven—great on one visit, underseasoned or small on another. Families should know the menu is shellfish-forward with limited kid-friendly standbys. Adventurous teens who enjoy seafood will be fine, but picky eaters may struggle; there is no clear kids menu and portions on some hot dishes run modest. Consider earlier off-peak times to avoid waits and keep expectations centered on oysters.
At a Glance
- Benchmark-fresh oysters with wide varietals
- Strong happy hour value and pre-theater convenience
- Inconsistent service, especially host stand and pacing
- Cooked dishes vary in seasoning and portion size
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- deep_oyster_selection
- serious_raw_bar_technique
- pre_theater_proximity
What People Love
- Extremely fresh oysters and proper shucking
- Happy hour pricing that encourages sampling
- Knowledgeable staff explaining oyster profiles
- Lively bar vibe without chaos
- Special finds like geoduck and uni
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency: slow greet, missed drinks, and tense host interactions appear in multiple reports
- Cooked dishes can be bland or small compared to price; lobster poutine underwhelms repeatedly
- Pricing confusion and auto high tip prompts frustrated some diners
- Creative/fusion approach may not suit conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Leverage happy hour oysters ($2-2.75) to explore styles
- Pair raw bar with ceviche or sashimi for contrast
- Confirm market prices for uni and caviar before ordering
Perfect For
- Pre-show oyster feast before the theater
- Seafood lovers chasing varietal oysters and uni
- Casual dates at the raw bar counter
- Solo bar-seat grazers who like to watch shucking
Location Insights
Area: Downtown cultural core near arenas and theaters; draws pre-show crowds, locals, and visitors.
Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with strong evening footfall; typical downtown street activity.
Nearby: Steps from Queen Elizabeth Theatre; close to offices, hotels, and other restaurants.
YaletownYaletown is a trendy, upscale neighborhood known for its converted warehouse buildings, waterfront parks, and lively dining and nightlife scene. The area attracts a crowd interested in contemporary cuisine, stylish eateries, and a vibrant social atmosphere, often frequented by locals and visitors alike.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday14:00–22:00
Tuesday14:00–22:00
Wednesday14:00–22:00
Thursday14:00–22:00
Friday14:00–22:00
Saturday14:00–22:00
Sunday14:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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