On my third night in Vancouver we visited the Blue Water Cafe. When I heard that this restaurant was on the agenda I did a bit of checking, and the Blue Water Cafe has a very good reputation and a menu that I could not wait to try, the great wine list did not hurt either!

Photos courtesy of the Blue Water Cafe website

“We are committed to sourcing sustainable seafood — and crafting innovative and memorable West Coast dishes. Our Raw Bar exudes a true Japanese culinary aesthetic, consistently delivering pure, clean flavours and unique presentations.

The striking dining room provides active views of the “East meets West” kitchen and Raw Bar. The sweeping main bar leads out to the heated patio and the private dining rooms, which hold our deep and diverse wine collection.

Housed in a handsome brick and beam heritage warehouse conversion, Blue Water Cafe is in the heart of the historic and vibrant Yaletown neighbourhood.”

From the Blue Water Cafe website

When we arrived I realised right away that this was a very popular place, most tables were already filled and we were fairly early.

Once seated at our table it was time for a pre-dinner drink, left the selection to Ken and picked a Glenmorangie Signet, which is one of my go to whiskies, so I was very happy.

Next up it was time to go try to work out what to eat, so many great choices, so much seafood, lots of different items I have never heard of let alone tried, and extensive wine list, which was my duty for the night.

The Food

First Course

For starters we shared the Seafood Plateau with oysters, prawns, mussels, clams, jellyfish and scallop ceviche.

I was impressed with this, a good selection of local seafood, very tasty. My favourite was the scallop ceviche.

Main Course

There were so many choices on the menu that I would have like to try, so obviously I have to return, I went with the special of the day, a Stuffed Trout.

Sablefish with miso sake glaze, baby bok choy, edamame, quinoa and shiitake mushrooms yuzu dashi

Lou had this and she allowed me try a little, liked it, sablefish has flesh and pleasant taste, not overly “fishy”. Sablefish is also known as black cod.

Scallops caramelized Belgian endives, wild rice griddle cake candied ginger and citrus butter

This looked yummy and was, Ken shared one of his scallops with me. I was impressed by the number on the plate, definitely a dish for next time.

Trout stuffed with lentils, spinach, wrapped in bacon

This was my choice and it was very tasty, lots of flavour and the bacon just added to it. Very happy!

The Wine

Name:      Pazo de Señorans
Vintage:   2015
Region:     Rias Baixas, Gallicia, Spain
Varietal:   Albarino
Alcohol:   12.5%
Colour:     Vibrant pale straw
Aroma:     Pleasant mix of peach, citrus and a hint of mineral aromas
Palate:      Crisp, refreshing, structured, smooth
Finish:      Medium-Long

Comment: I chose this as it was a varietal that neither of my hosts had ever tried before, and Albarino has not failed me yet. It was a very good pairing for the fish and scallops, with just the right mix of crispness and sweetness with a long clean finish. Great wine and very good value!

Blue Water Cafe

Would I return, absolutely! This was and is a great restaurant, it has a laid back feel, but still has a bit of formality about it. The food is prepared perfectly, the staff are attentive, not overly so, helpful and cheerful, plus they have a great wine and spirits list. I would be happy to just sit at the bar and eat sushi next time. Definitely another place to visit in Vancouver.

2 from 2, awesome, can’t wait until the next meal.