Jason V.
Yelp
The Vancouver Fish Company was the first place my wife and I ever patronized, during our first ever trip together to B.C., so it holds a special place in our hearts. Granted, our two fleeting sojourns here has been mostly to grab a drink after a long drive up from Portland, taking in the warm spring/summer sun and gorgeous views of the harbor, but both visits have been stellar from start to finish.
On both visits, our servers have been remarkably attentive, knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. Dockside tables outside offer a phenomenal view of greenish-blue water and a veritable sea of sails: the vessels of the idle rich at anchor in the adjacent marina; within, the atmosphere is appropriately reminiscent of a restaurant at a yacht club, although less exclusive and more welcoming, dimly yet warmly lit mostly by ambient light from windows granting views of the full-to-brimming docks on one side, and wave after wave of endless tourists (such as ourselves) heading deeper into the island interior on the other.
A significant selection of quality wines, skillfully crafted cocktails, and upscale entrées, although our experience with the cuisine here has been limited to the bison tartare: a curiosity I'd never tried before, and consumed alone, as the idea of raw red meat doesn't sit well with my wife. Other than a slightly unusual texture that likely becomes more palatable with repeat exposure, it was delicious: the shallots, capers, and mustard tie it all together, and it spreads wonderfully on the accompanying garlic bread, which was fresh, crispy and chewy, as all good garlic bread should be!
Granville Island may be an attraction unto itself, but the Vancouver Fish Company is a major component in upholding the standard of excellence we have come to expect, and enjoy here, and of Canada in general. You already have a reason to come; this fine-dining establishment is a reason to stay.