Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Had a wonderful dining experience at Joe Fortes! Ordered a 3-courses lunch, and a burger. Our server, Sean, provided excellent service—friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly special. After finding out my birthday is tomorrow, he surprised me with a birthday cake, which was such a thoughtful touch. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the food was fantastic. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be back. Highly recommend both the restaurant and Sean!

A friend recommended this place to us, so we made a reservation for today. The environment inside is elegant and relaxing. There is also a skilled pianist playing on the second floor. The service of the waiters is very warm and attentive, always able to notice our needs in time. The dishes are exquisite and the ingredients are fresh. Even the complimentary dessert is made with great care and no negligence. When paying, the tip options are 18%, 20% and others. Compared to other places I've been to where the service is just average but the tip starts at 20% and goes up to 35%, I think the charges here are very reasonable. It was a super wonderful dining experience and I will definitely come again in the future.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Went to Joe Fortes to celebrate my bday and it was my first time there. Had an unforgettable experience! Everything from the decor, the friendly service, the ambiance, to the delicious food. Complementary lobster oil, um yes please. I even loved my mocktail! I’m still dreaming of the best fries I’ve ever had. Couldn’t recommend this place any more! Will be back for happy hour ✨💜

My husband and I chose Joe Fortes for our wedding anniversary dinner while visiting Vancouver, and it exceeded all expectations! The restaurant’s classic, with its rich wood, white tablecloths, and vintage vibes—felt like stepping into a timeless fine-dining experience. But what truly made the night unforgettable was Spencer, our server. From the moment we sat down, he made us feel like VIPs—warm, engaging, and full of great suggestions. His service was impeccable —attentive without being intrusive, professional yet genuinely friendly. The food was outstanding (the oysters were divine!), the cocktail impressive, and the overall energy of the restaurant was buzzing yet intimate. It was the perfect blend of luxury and comfort, exactly what we wanted for our celebration. If you’re in Vancouver, Joe Fortes is a must, and if you’re lucky enough to get Spencer as your server, you’re in for a treat! We’ll cherish this memory forever—thank you for making our anniversary so special.

So, haven't been to happy hour here in a while and ive never had the seafood platter* (which ill get to here inna bit). I wanted to spotlight the great service from Taylor... he's funny, charming and was a pleasure (and has been the last several times ive been there.) The seafood platter was good but not great-great (between that and the 4 corn fritters where there used to be 6 be 6 or 7), i understand things have gotten a little smaller from last time). Still enjoyed my experience here 💯

We visited Joe Fortes to celebrate my birthday, hoping for a special and memorable dinner — but unfortunately, the experience didn’t fully live up to expectations. We ordered oysters, steak tartare, the bone-in rib steak, and Joe’s Fresh Seafood Cioppino. Starting with the positive — the oysters were absolutely amazing: fresh, flavorful, and definitely a highlight of the evening. However, the steak tartare really disappointed us. It was overwhelmed with too many add-ons and sauces, completely masking the actual flavor of the steak. We’re big fans of steak tartare and usually order it at every fine dining place we visit — this one just missed the mark. The bone-in rib steak was tasty and cooked well, but we were honestly surprised and a bit disappointed by how thin the cut was. For being the most expensive steak on the menu, it didn’t feel like great value, especially since the bone is included in the weight. The cioppino was good in terms of flavor, but the balance of seafood was off — it was overloaded with mussels, and I only had one shrimp. It felt like they were cutting corners on the more premium seafood, which was unfortunate. Lastly, what really stood out — or rather didn’t — was that nothing acknowledged the fact that it was a birthday celebration, even though they were informed in advance. Not even a small piece of cake or a simple gesture to mark the occasion. For a place with a reputation like Joe Fortes, and at this price point, that felt impersonal and disappointing. Overall, while some dishes shined (especially the oysters), the experience didn’t feel special — and for a birthday dinner, that matters.

They have happy hour from 3-5pm. The oysters were super fresh and tasty at just $1.75 each. The lobster and shrimp rolls were also delicious and worth trying. Unfortunately, the cocktail shrimp wasn’t as fresh — the texture was a bit off, which was a letdown. Service was great though — staff were attentive and kept our table tidy throughout. Only downside is the tables are quite close together, and it got pretty noisy during happy hour.

Visited Joey Fortes in Vancouver and had a great seafood experience. We ordered the salmon cake and the Lobster & shrimp rolls. The salmon cake was especially delicious – well-seasoned and cooked just right. The portion size was impressive; definitely enough for two meals if you’re not super hungry. The Lobster & shrimp rolls were a bit on the bready side, but still quite satisfying overall. Prices are on the higher end, but that’s expected given the quality of the food and the location. Service was good. I had asked a staff member to pack my dinner to go, which they forgot, but to their credit, they quickly made it right and prepared a fresh meal for me to take home. That level of accountability is appreciated. All in all, it’s a solid spot for good seafood and a pleasant dining experience.👌

One of my favourite spots and institutions in the city! The best place around the holidays as it always reminds me of a NYC restaurant from a Christmas film with the live piano, friendly wait staff, decor and feeling you get when the room is buzzing with so many people and families! Every year we make it tradition to go Christmas shopping for my mom with my dad and Joes has been our go to spot with my dad post-shopping! It's one of my favourite days of the year and some of the most memorable times with my dad! The wait staff is probably the best I've had in Vancouver, they know everything on the menu, are attentive and work together to ensure you have the best experience! The food is also excellent and always consistent! I usually get the pork chop which is the best pork chop I've ever had at a resto. So juicy and amazing season on it! I've had lots of menu items as I've been to Joes a lot for both lunch and dinner. Some of my faves are: Shrimp cocktail - the shrimps are massive, such a classic dish! Great cocktail sauce. The corn fritters - so tasty, and you get a ton of them! Comes with a great aioli. The pork chop - outstanding The seafood linguini - really nice fresh and solid portion of seafood The oysters - always tasty The beef carpaccio is really nice too! Oh and one of my all time faves, the lobster oil and bread, drool. The onion rings are seriously gourmet here too and so light and crispy! The Cobb salad is another fave of mine and I like to split it because it's big! The desserts are also bomb, even tho I'm not a sweet tooth their cheesecake was delish! I love this place and I will continue to go here every year if not more!

Seriously disappointed. It's been a few years since I have been here and wow things have really changed. Service was top notch, but the food was very underwhelming. I know this place is a Vancouver Icon, but they need to do better. With so much competition these days relying on their nostalgia isn't going to be enough. FYI we had the Seafood Trio off the fresh sheet, Seafood Linguine, NY Steak and the roast chicken

Joe's Fortes was the perfect restaurant to celebrate my birthday! My family and I were in Vancouver for my birthday and I wanted to celebrate my birthday in a nice restaurant. I'm glad I made reservations for this place, because it was really busy when we went for dinner on a Saturday. We were seated upstairs which was so beautiful! I ordered their sirloin steak that comes with smash potatoes and vegetables. I added half a lobster. The steak was good just not as tender as I prefer, but the lobster was heavenly! So good! Our waiter recommended a great red Italian wine to go with my dinner. I received a complimentary crème brûlée dessert for my birthday! I was so pretty and delicious. The service fantastic, really felt welcomed. Eddie, was the best! He just made the night even more special. Tom, playing the piano was also so friendly! Great place for special occasions or just for a lovely meal in a beautiful restaurant.

I've been here a few times, and the servers are so great. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is also nice. I recommend making a reservation on weekends. I ordered Miso Marinated Sablefish this time. This dish was delicious. I was full because it was quite voluminous. I'm thinking about what to eat next time.

Loved the ambiance here! Large restaurant with upstairs and downstairs. Live piano music at the platform of the stairs was a nice touch. Sit upstairs and you will have a wonderful view of everything. Service was fast, friendly, and the waitresss was knowledgeable. Food was delicious! The salmon Wellington was amazing, definitely worth getting. They are known for their seafood platters. Plenty to choose from. We didn't order them this time around but they looked phenomenal.

The Hostee Podium is outside where it's quiet compared to the riot inside. It's a Mosh Pit of activity once you walk through the entry door. The patrons are impatient, the Staff is very patient and yet vibrating with frantic antics to keep the flow going. This buzzin' hive is slammed and jammed from the opening bell. The din of convos, clanging of pots, pans and dishes and clinking glasses all eclipse the live NoLa stride piano that is reduced to a whiff of auditory smoke. The Decor is classic Chop House Chic with multiple imposing Chandeliers, lots of brass, wood and glass. The vibe is somewhere between The Tadich Grill, Legal Seafood and after midnight on Bourbon Street. First Date territory? Only if your date is hearing impaired. Just text each other. The Bar Program: Auspicious. A few pages of Signature Cocktails. Craft Beers on draught and an interesting Wine List with some definite depth. The Staff: More warm bodies than a beginners Pole Dancing Class. There is an army of crisply uniformed servers coming and going at warp speed. It's like watching a Pachinko Machine once you jam ball in play. Brooklyn was nearby to help, suggest and recommend. She also brought a well seasoned sense of humor to the table. So, settle into your assigned space which will be in the middle of the melee no matter where you request to be seated. Who's here? Sports in Shorts, Tee-Shirts, and the odd Beater on an odd eater with just enough buckos left over post alimony, child support, and rent money to afford dining here once a month. Plus there is lot's of plunging decolletage and enough bare thigh to make you high. Hi. Sigh. But then we came for the chow, so now let's get to it. Here's an ample sample of what's on offer. A basket of warm bread appears in rapid order. Nothing fancy. Probably an outsourced Baguette-y kind of loaf sliced on the bias with a little cup of house made Lobster Oil which had a distant hint of the sea until a runner dumped a wading pool of syrupy Balsamic Vinegar into the Cup turning it into a cloying sweet goo. Well, it's all subjective, but that is my take on it. Perhaps leave the Oil and Vinegar mixture up to the diner? The Caesar Salad featured half a wheel of shaved Parmesan Cheese. The Romaine was fresh and chilled. The Dressing (a little more than was required) was within the boundaries of being decent. The bottom line on the Salad was that it was acceptable so no one flipped bowl onto the floor. On to the Calamari, eh? This was a pile of uber crisp deep fried strips. The batter created crags and shards making the Squid crunchy until it was hoovered and gone. Dip a strip into the Sun Dried Tomato Aioli and hey-oli that was good. The Raw Oysters were as fresh as you'll find anywhere. Make sure to have some Sawmill Bay monsters as big as a boxing glove and certainly redolent of the sea. These were firm and spectacularly delicious. I like my Oysters neat but you will get the full kit no matter how you like them. Cocktail Sauce with grated Horseradish, Mignonette, Lemon Wedges, and a snappy Hot Sauce if you prefer your Oysters doctored. The Halibut Cheeks Special was intriguing and who doesn't like a pair of soft, tender, inviting cheeks? I opted for the Cioppino because when it's good, it's really good. It can be Cio-fino in less capable hands. Here it was really good. My bowl had a soul. The Cioppino was served in a Lodge Cast Iron Pot that kept the Tomato-y Broth bubbling with heat for an hour. The pot was deeper than it looked and basically was a Japanese Soaking Tub chocked full of Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops and Cod all happy to be in the same soup. Add to that Slivered Poached Onions, Red Bell Pepper pieces and diced Yukon Potatoes. Every spoonful of this vibrant soup (nee Stew) was perfectly delightful. If you are a dipper you can't ignore the long slice of toasted Baguette lightly brushed with signature Lobster Oil sans Balsamic blast. All in all this place was lively without being dive-ly. I don't intend to be mean, but it was infact a scene, although the food was a cut above which is a true accolade in a City full of outstanding restaurants. My recommendation: Pull up your shorts all you good time sports and head for Joe Fortes.

This bustling seafood house has been around almost forty years, and it's easy to see why. Not only are they serving great seafood, they're doing it with impeccable service. The entire staff is laser-focused on every diner's experience, making sure your meal runs like clockwork, and everything is refilled, cleared, or delivered within moments. Beef carpaccio was an excellent starter, and unlike many restaurants seemed to be made to order, not presliced from carpaccio central. My fish duo was the lunch special--a nice piece of salmon and a wonderfully seasoned blackened tuna. It's worth noting that salads are available in half portions, which was plenty. The wine list is extensive, and offers a particularly large and thoughtful selection of wines by the glass.

Came here to celebrate my dad's birthday and was more than satisfied by the service, food, and ambience. This place is perfect for fine dining.

*HAPPY HOUR REVIEW* On our trip to Vancouver, my husband had wanted to check this place out. I saw they have a daily happy hour from 3-5 AND you can make reservations for it. We were so there! I made a reservation for a Monday 3 PM and there were plenty of people there already, for such a strange hour. We ordered some happy hour food items including: -Oysters - these looked really good and for $2.15 each, what a steal! You definitely won't find these for happy hour prices in NYC anymore. I couldn't eat them since I'm pregnant but my husband had a share for me and he said they were the best oysters he's had in a while -Jumbo tiger prawn cocktail - this came with two shrimp and they weren't as 'jumbo' as I thought it would be, so for $14, it was pretty pricey for happy hour Crab and corn fritters - not much crab but I liked the dipping sauce it came with Mini lobster & shrimp roll - really small and not much filling. It was mostly bread If I lived here, I would probably be coming here for the oyster happy hour all the time. I can't speak for the regular menu items, but you can skip the happy hour food items.

First time dining here after hearing so many good things. Called and reserved a last minute dinner on a Friday evening on the outdoor patio. Formal yet casual dining experience, with attentive and kind service, and a lovely outdoor space. My mom and I shared the Caesar salad to begin with, and then both got fish for mains. I got the miso sablefish and she got the halibut. Both were excellent tasting and well portioned. Overall, enjoyed the dining and experience and would return. Definitely would recommend a reservation on Fridays-Sundays for dinner, as it gets very busy.

Amazing seafood place in Vancouver for locally sources scrumptious seafood. This is a $$$$ restaurant the prices food quality and service reflect that. Great drinks and complimentary coat check is also available. The deserts were good as well.

Made a reservation for a Sunday night and were seated quickly. They brought out some bread with lobster oil. The lobster oil was super unique, but the lobster flavor was pretty mild. For the appetizer, we tried the beef tartare ($28). The color looked off, but it tasted quite good. It came with a generous amount of bread. For the entree, I got the cioppino ($45), and my bf got the sablefish ($56). The cioppino came with a long piece of garlic bread, and had a good amount of seafood like fish, shrimp, and mussels. It also came with two pieces of scallops! The seafood was mostly tender (some of the fish pieces were drier), and the cioppino was flavorful. At the end of the meal, I found a hair on my food; otherwise, I enjoyed the meal. I tried my bf's sablefish, and it was so tender. On the pricey side, but it is a nice restaurant with good quality seafood

We had a great dinner at Joe Fortes. We were in Vancouver for the weekend and decided to try this spot out for steaks but funny enough, we both ended up ordering fish. We split a cesar salad and enjoyed a few cocktails before our entrees arrived. I decided on the fresh seared halibut that had a delicious butter sauce. We also shared a side of creamed spinach....all of it was delicious. Our meal ended with a surprise birthday creme brulee.

Opens at 11am for lunch- roof top patio dining- patio heaters for cooler days. Bar up top top for speedy beverages. Priced on the high end but worth the pretty penny. Attentive staff, knowledgeable about the menu and delicious specials. True Canadian hospitality at its finest. Located off the main drag. Believe there "might be" street parking- don't quote me. Public parking lots in vicinity.

Ordered the clam Chowder and halibut cheeks along with a maverick sauvignon blanc. Didn't have a reservation but they had plenty of room at the bar. Clam chowder was very good with lots of clam and some bacon and small potato chunks. The tanqueray and tonic wasn't very good, not sure if it was the flat tonic or a lack of gin. The Sauvignon blanc from maverick was much better. Overall good service, great atmosphere, and a solid selection of fish and beef along with fantastic oyster selection and appetizers galore. My main dish came out and the wine is ordered specifically to come with it was no where to be seen. She did come by and ask if I was ready for it shortly thereafter though. Prices are a bit high though. My wine was $20 for a single glass and a bottle is only $28. At 4 glasses per bottle, that's a markup of almost 300%! With a decent mixed drink - and perhaps a little More Reasonable wine prices, this could have been a 5!

Went here on a Sunday it was pretty hot day and going into a fancy restaurant I would think they would have Ac wrong. The entire time we were hot inside. We were told the building is old ans AC does not work properly - What! We got some fish and chip, steak and apps none of the food was special very greasy. Lobster oil is basically canola oil boiled with lobster shell. Would not be back again. Also food didn't sit well in our tummy.

Ok, old school steakhouse off Robin Street I'd been dying to try for years and today was the day ! Sensational vibe Joe gave off. Seated myself at the large horseshoe bar and a nice gent greeted me, provided menu and ask what ya drinking. I noticed the 20oz Bone In Rib Eye so I said "I shall have that monster" . Steak arrived as requested medium and was juicy, flavorful & tasty. Potato's, , veggies & some yellow thing accompanied the flesh. However I was needing protein so that steak was devoured and a few bites of spuds were consumed. Mmmmm good! Gotta say I'd be back when in the area cause the dinner menu looks amazing. So if your thinking of dining here, JUST DO IT!

Truly outstanding restaurant in Downtown Vancouver. I had the privilege of eating here recently to celebrate my wife's birthday and I had a great experience. Let's start with the friendliness of our host, Eddie. He was very upbeat and happy. He also went out of his way to connect with my kids, which I appreciated. Our server, Spencer was also great and he recommended an Italian red wine that my wife loved. The food was fantastic, I had the Top Sirloin with 2 tiger prawns and I'm disappointed that I didn't get the 4 prawn option. It was very delicious!! It was upscale, but still everyone was very friendly and accommodating. It had a classic charm to it that I liked. We also chatted with Tom, the pianist, who happened to be playing a song from Groundhog Day (one of my favorite movies of all time). He was very professional and happy to chat. This place is very recommended if you are visiting Vancouver.

My friend and I (same as last time) had another lovely weekend in Vancouver and decided to have Joe Forte's again! The food was, again, HEAVEN. I had the lobster roll and she had the fish and chips. I got my lobster roll with fries instead of salad because my biggest pregnancy cravings has been fries and hand-cut fries are my absolute favorite! My lobster roll was delicious but the fish and chips were really the star of the table. It was such a huge portion that two people could easily share it. The homemade tartar sauce was so good and I would have loved to have the recipe! Weird thing but, the ketchup was the best ketchup I've ever tasted. I asked our server about it and he was kind enough to mention that it was Heinz and that I would probably enjoy a bottle of Canadian Heinz from the grocery store but it's different at a restaurant due to the packaging and volume that they go through. Either way, it was a great tip! Also, I went to look for the ladies room and one of the nice hosts went out of their way to show me to the handicap restroom on the first floor instead of making me climb the stairs. It was very kind because I'm pretty wobbly on my feet these days!

HAPPY HOUR - Reservations are highly recommended and only reservable indoors! My partner and I arrived around 4pm, the Maître D offered a table and proceeded to mention they needed the table back by 530, I get it, they were busy so we agreed but when the waitress walked us to the table in the back corner behind a ladder, that was ridiculous, all these seats open and they happen to put us there. DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS, if they do that, say something - we said something because we work in the industry and we knew that was not right!! Also, why was it so uncomfortably stuffy in there? The A/C not working? My partner having traveled to many places said that this would be typical of Vancouver (a European thing), I hope not..... On a different note, the food was excellent and super fresh! Heard Happy hour was a happening spot...so we decided to give them a try. Ordered Joes Chilled Seafood Platter - Local oysters, marinated mussels and clams, prawns, albacore tuna crudo, scallop ceviche, tuna poke. --Oysters, mussels, clams, prawns were incredibly tasty as for the crudo, need salt, ceviche lacked flavor and coming from Hawaii the poke didn't need to be on the plate Oysters - Happy hour oysters were the same on the tier which was odd because the flavor so different but they must've been harvested in different spots? Short Ribs - Short ribs were typical and flavorful.

Tim made the experience great. On top of awesome food, the steakhouse experience with a solid seafood menu, everything was perfect. Happy hour is a great time to visit.

Vancouver you are so lucky to have this beautiful establishment! It's such a beautiful establishment with lots of history. Decor is so luxurious and still has a wonderful charm to a century of history. The restaurant is old but gold .. lots of vintage decor but built to last a lifetime. The dining area is banquets very spacious. I went to the newer side as it was on the terasse seemed very modern on the top floor. Food: 5+++++++++ I had the sable fish quinoa kale glazed dished yum fish was extremely tender and exquisite. The crab cake was definitely worth every penny it was amazing and fresh i went for the BC oysters they were deelish and fresh . I am in the west coast so I definitely had to have some BC oysters !!! Service: Incredible from start to finish I had a great experience and will definitely be back here again when I'm back in Van City! Definitely recommend this place lots of history and an amazing fabulous place historic treasure right by the english bay !! Check it out if you have a chance ! It is so worth it!

OMG why does this place have just 4 stars?? Amazing amazing lunch today. The arctic char is melt in your mouth. The lobster roll had so much filling I didn't bother with the bread. Oyster appetizers were superb and the tomato and watermelon salad was divine. Service impeccable! Don't miss this place!

Amazing!! The food was so good. My boyfriend and I went here for our anniversary, and we got free creme brulee for dessert (which tasted so creamy). Our entrees were delicious, and the oysters tasted so fresh. The ambiance of this place was perfect for an anniversary date. There was a live piano player, and the servers were lively. Our waiter specifically made the occasion for us special with his hospitality. We really appreciated our time here and want to return here again.

Joe Fortes holds a special place in my heart as one of those timeless dinner spots. Despite its relatively recent establishment in the 80s, it exudes a classic restaurant charm that is hard to find elsewhere. During our visit, we indulged in a selection of dishes, including Brussels sprouts, truffle Parmesan fries, corn and crab fritters, calamari, and accompanied them with two glasses of Merlot. It dawned on me afterward, when the fullness set in, that our choices leaned heavily towards fried items. Nevertheless, every bite was delicious, and I particularly enjoyed the flavorful sauces that accompanied each dish, although the calamari sauce was a tad rich and heavy for my taste. The service was exceptional, with attentive staff constantly checking on us throughout the meal. Before we knew it, the bill totaled around $150 for the two of us. I would definitely return for happy hour pricing, as the overall experience left a positive impression.

Exceptional service, ambiance, food preparation and presentation. What else can I say

Great spot for dinner. Love the ambience and location in downtown Vancouver ! We got the large format 32oz porterhouse, a tiger prawn cocktail and the Ling Cod off the fresh catch menu. The steak was phenomenal as was the prawn cocktail. Unfortunately the cod was a bit overcooked on this busy night. That's the only reason it's not 5 stars. Service was impeccable. Johnny is a stellar waiter and everyone in the entire place was more than nice and accommodating!

Went there for lunch today ( Valentine's Day). Had their Ling Cod blackened, pico de gallo and Arctic Char caramelized lemon, extra virgin olive oil. It was soo good . And Aly, our server made the experience an exceptional one

It was my first evening in Vancouver, BC and I was hungry for some good sea food. While I shuttled between numerous choices amidst the passing of time, I also needed to find a place that was open late. All avenues pointed to Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House. On entering the restaurant, you are captivated by the rich ambiance, dim lighting and polished wood decor. There are two dining levels, and immaculately dressed servers glide between the tables. For appetizers, I had to get their baked oysters. For $30 Canadian, you get 4 fresh, plump, good sized oysters. The meat was tender and soft and harmonized well with the ingredients. I forgot to mention that bread was also brought to the table, accompanied by pours of balsamic vinegar and lobster oil. This was a first for me, the lobster oil was orange in color and had a distinct lobster taste. For the main, I chose the fresh halibut special (since it was in season). The fish was amazing. Its flavor was highlighted by the accompanying baked potatoes, beets, finely cut cucumbers and tomatoes, and the pumpkin purée. The whole entree elevated my dining senses to another level. The oysters were definitely the best I have had. And the halibut echoed the same sentiments. Overall, an amazing Canadian dining experience at Joe Fortes, in Vancouver.

Great atmosphere, bit on the noisy side because it's popular. Server Wade provided wine recommendations for oysters Rockefeller and a mid rare filet with tiger prawns, absolutely delicious

I came here very excited to try the oyster bar as I heard so much about it and was rather disappointed by my meal. Walking into the place, the restaurant is very spacious with a high ceiling, dim lights, and a live pianist (who was probably my favorite part of the restaurant as they were so kind and fun to chat with). From the beginning, the table we were sat at was tiny (I'm sure to fit more customers) and the ladies next to us were also visibly uncomfortable and ended up moving to a different table as they were so close together. We ended up ordering some oysters, a shrimp cocktail, and a salad. The salad was the best part of the meal. The oysters were meh and we didn't finish the shrimp cocktail because there was just no flavor. Overall, I wouldn't come back here and would recommend to check out another restaurant if you wanted some oysters.

A VANCOUVER ICON We recently revisited one of my favourite restaurants in Vancouver. @joefortesvan is one of the old east restaurants in Vancouver. This classic seafood and steakhouse has been serving carnivores for 35 years. An impressive amount of time in Vancouvers forever evolving restaurant scene. The food and service here never fails to disappoint. Every time we've visited the service has been fantastic. And I've yet to dislike something food wise. Their breads are served with lobster oil and balsamic vinegar dip. The aromatic flavour of lobsters that cover each bite marks the start of every meal. We especially love their Miso Marinated Sablefish and Bone-in Rib Steak. The Dotty's chopped salad is also a must. Miso Sablefish 10/10 So tender, flaky, and fat. The miso flavour is delicate but flavourful. Oysters 10/10 The oysters are always amazingly fresh. Bone-in Rib Steak 9/10 My favourite cut of steak. The bone adds so much flavour to your steak, and they always do this cut very well. Dotty's Salad 10/10 Quite possibly one of the best salads I've ever had. It's refreshing, crunchy, sweet, and savoury. Love the green apples and candied pecans. And the chicken is always super tender. Have you guys been to this Vancouver classic? 9/10 ‍10/10 $$$ (aprox. $60-$100/person) Joe Fortes | 777 Thurlow St, Vancouver . . . : . . #seafood #steak #dinner #surfandturf #vancouver #vancouverfood #vancouverrestaurants #vancityfood #yvrfood #vancity #yvr #vancouverfoodie #dishedvan #nomsmag #anywherevancouver #aapifoodiefam where to eat in Vancouver / what to eat in Vancouver / Vancouver restaurants / Vancouver food / Vancouver foodie

Food was delicious and the service was splendid. Had the Duos Fish lunch special with crème brûlée dessert. Our server Hugh was fabulous.

This is a 6- star property in my opinion! The venue is gorgeous with a historic charm, beautiful tall ceilings, lots of woodwork, and white table cloths to make any occasion feel special. The fact that they had my favorite cocktail on the menu, a Sazerac, won them points, and our waiter divided the salad we were splitting in half so we each had our own plate. He was accommodating, nice, and very helpful. Our fish entrees were spectacular. The breading on the fish and chips was light, crusty, and full of flavor while the fresh caught salmon was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They also served bread with a special lobster-infused olive oil they make themselves. It was so delicious we had to buy a bottle to take home with us. The creme brulee was amazing, and the chocolate cake was HUGE and packed with moist, chocolaty deliciousness. The whole meal was accompanied by a live pianist who was perched on the staircase between the two floors. Amazing meal - love it!

Hellllllo Vancouver! We were craving a steak and decided to check this place out since they also have oysters! We had a little wait since we did not make reservations. We sat upstairs at a small table but we had a great view of the pianist. We started off with some drinks we felt it was diluted. We think our drinks sat at the bar for a little bit until it was brought to us. We ordered second round and felt the same thing. We decided to get a dozen oysters with their choice to pick for us. The crab cake were delicious but so tiny. I was craving a chopped salad and it came with lots of chicken! I was surprised how much they gave us in the salad. It was very very filling. We were hoping our steak will come out with our salad since we got a lot of appetizers and 1 main dish. We were getting pretty full and still no sight of our steak. Our meter was running out and we had to get up early the next day so when our steak finally came out. We just took a bite and took it to go. What a shame. I wish I was able to enjoy it with the meal. We spoke to our server and he explained that he was just waiting for us to finish our appetizers before bringing out the main entrée since he spilt it for us. We just had a miscommunication. Overall, decent place. Im sure its super lively during the summer with the rooftop patio access.

Lobster Oil!!! This changed my life!! I came here because it was recommended by WEGH and by a few people from OEB! And boy, we were not disappointed! First off, if you want a decent table you need to make reservation. If you just show up, you will end up waiting at least 45 minutes or end up sitting at the bar, which includes the bar itself and a few cocktail high tables. My bf and I ended up sitting at one of the high cocktail table and it was still a wonderful meal. Our waiter, I forgot his name, but he was so friendly and funny! We got some oysters, because they are known for that, and we loved it! So fresh and clean and crisp. Their food was phenomenal! It's hard for me to give a place 5 stars but this place has it all! From food to service and drinks to their oil, LOBSTER OIL! Now, I've never eaten anything cooked with lobster oil, let alone eating bread with balsamic vinegar and lobster oil. Oh my, if I could, I would spend my whole dinner eating their bread dipped in balsamic vinegar and lobster oil. I ended up buying a bottle to fly back home! You have to try it and bring a bottle home too! Okay, aside their famous and delicious lobster oil, their food is amazing. We got the cioppino, beef tartar, clam chowder, few appetizers that I can't remember. Their drinks were also delicious and I love the live music from the piano guy upstairs. This places brings New Orleans southern food vibes for me. The ambiance is romantic and wonderful and the food and drinks are delicious! You really can't go wrong with Joe Fortes, unless you're hungry and did not make reservation on a super busy night!

When I arrived in Vancouver the top recommendations I received for dining experiences was this place and it did not disappoint. It welcomes all: from family gatherings, solo travelers to intimate dinner celebrations. The pianist and dim lighting transport you to another time and truly set the mood for the dining experience. I was seated at the oyster bar which served a full menu and you were able to watch them shuck the oysters for all the orders coming in. The staff are wonderful and very knowledgeable about seafood and wine pairing. For my first course I opted for the crab cake, truly the size of a hockey puck and so light to eat. I was also served warm bread with house made lobster infused oil with balsamic. This was good but I can see how someone might only want that to try, the lobster taste is prominent. For my main course I was recommended the sablefish which was very flaky and light a perfect balance to the crab cake and bread I filled up on. It is on the healthier side (no potatoes) So if you are coming for the carbs and a hearty meal it's maybe not the best option. Overall everything was wonderful and service is top notch.

The seafood is incredibly fresh, especially the oysters and lobster, and each dish is beautifully prepared. The rooftop patio adds a lovely ambiance, perfect for a special occasion or relaxing meal. Their steak options are also top-notch, making it a great spot for everyone. Service is impeccable, with staff who go above and beyond to make every visit memorable!

Great seafood. Been there twice. Raw bar is very good. Great staff. We'll be back.

5 stars definitely worth it all!!! Excellent service, food and drinks. We had a variety of fresh oysters and they were the best I've ever had. Definitely recommend this place!! It's worth the money.

Luckily we were able to walk in and get a seating right away. We found this place online with oysters craving and there's a happy hours menu 3-5PM during happy hours the oyster here are $2.15 each. Pretty cool atmosphere

Our Waiter Johnny was exceptional. Friendly and explained food items perfectly. The best fish and chips we ever tasted. The salmon and sablefish were outstanding, Also the wedge and Caesar salad were great. We were still talking about the food the next day. I absolutely recommend Joe Fortes if you are in the Vancouver area.

This place reminds me of Gibson's in Chicago. It's a classic that you will be comfortable at and just enjoyable. It was a very indulgent meal. I will caveat this by saying in hindsight to myself that I should have either paced myself or taken some things back to the hotel. I instead my husband and I split the surf and turf platter in which I ate all the seafood and some steak. I had substituted for the brussel sprouts which was all very delicious. I also had a glass of wine and a half order of the creme brûlée and an espresso. Basically I overate to a point of being sick to my stomach, which I have never done before. I was not able to sleep until 5:30am and had my husband down at the lobby getting me tums. I can't say it's worth the stomach ache in doing it. The server was great and super friendly.

Old school, no frills, just good food and service. The interior of this place reminds me of House of Prime Rib, but the service is far better. Food comes out in perfect intervals, and at the right temperature. Our clam chowder was definitely more of the Vancouver style seafood chowder, which we like more, and they give you as much bread as you need (with lobster oil!). The seafood trio and cioppino were winners, as both had some really fresh seafood. No complaints at all. It's not going to be a cheap meal for sure, so save this for a special occasion.

Good, but not mind-blown. It's a little too noisy to have good conversation in. On the other hand, it's quite pretty inside. Our server was friendly and attentive, but one of the soups came out cold. The burger and truffle fries were surprisingly good! Honestly, there just isn't much to say. It's pretty but loud, friendly but the kitchen is a little absent-minded. Come if you love oysters and you're in the area.

Brought our friends from Toronto to happy hour! Spectacular selection and every bite perfect. Our waiter Spencer was perfection. It's a privilege to have him as a server. He totally made the evening a hit with our friends and they look forward to a store opening near them in the future..

Food and Service excellent. I always order the STEELHEAD. FRESH, Perfectly COOK. LOVELY SOURDOUGH dip it into LOBSTER OIL AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR. Beverage PINEAPPLE JUICE AND MINT TEA WITH HONEY. TIRAMISU perfect finale to a delicious dinner. Nina Halliday Ambiance. It is a Saturday but so loud cannot hear ourselves talk. There really is no quiet space BUT good that they are busy. Prices are reasonable.

Was expecting a fine dining restaurant . It was such a disappointment, We ordered drinks and before we got to enjoy them our appetizer was brought over. We asked our waiter to please not rush us and to not deliver main course until we were ready. The order was already put in and all they did was keep our food warm. The plates were hot and we could tell it was sitting there. Not the quality we expected. Also the place was very noisy and hard to have a conversation. Would not recommend.

We came for happy hour on a Wednesday and was seated promptly. The service was really friendly and fast. We ordered the mini lobster shrimp rolls, a couple oysters, truffle fries and fritters. I would say their portions are okay for the price. As happy hours go, their menu is okay large (not the biggest but also not the smallest). I've been coming here for happy hour since 2011 and the quality has always remained consistent. The menu has changed a lot over the years but overall still not a bad option for happy hour. The mini lobster shrimp rolls were indeed very mini. Probably the size of my palm. The bun was really soft but not so soft that it broke. There was definitely more shrimp than lobster (which is to be expected) and I couldn't really taste the flavour of either distinctly. I would skip the mini lobster shrimp rolls. The truffle fries were pretty delicious and addictive. We finished every single fry. It tasted a bit over fried and oily but I like that they maintained the fluffiness of the potato inside. The truffle flavour was also not very prominent but still not bad The crab and corn fritters were crunchy. I could definitely taste the corn and crab. Not very memorable in terms of taste. Would not order again. Overall I would recommend getting the truffle fries and oysters. Maybe try the calamari (the table next to us ordered it and it looked good) and tempura shrimp instead of the items I got. I will note that I did like how friendly the server was and she didn't pressure us to order or leave when we were done. The decor has remained the same for a long time. I wish they would bring back the lobster oil and bread for happy hour because that used to be one of my favourites.