restaurant review: blue water cafe + raw bar in vancouver, canada

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar.

During a recent work-related trip to Vancouver, Canada, Mr. Sazy Rock and I dined at Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar in the Yaletown neighborhood of downtown. Despite the depressing rainy weather, the welcoming atmosphere inside and the impressive food gave us a pleasant introduction to the city's food scene. 

On to the review:


The Scene

The large space, which was nicely lit (but not too bright), accommodated a lot of people. And, on a Friday night, the main dining area, the bar and the sushi bar were full. The buzz, although noticeable, did not hamper our ability to converse quietly. Diners dressed nicely although a few wore jeans. 

Inside the restaurant.

The Food

• Shellfish Plateau Seafood Platter - This was the smallest of the three seafood platters on offer. All the seafood on the plate were fresh and sourced nearby. Included on it were: 
• prawns that were large and meaty with a nice snap; 
• mussels, oysters and clams that were fresh and sweet;
• jellyfish salad that had a bite and not overpowered by the sesame oil and seeds;
• fresh scallop ceviche that needed just a tad bit of salt (although Mr. SR disagreed that it needed any).

Shellfish Plateau Seafood Platter.

• Stamina Roll - Fresh crab rolled inside a bed of rice and topped with smoked salmon, eel and a miso glaze. There rice was a bit too fridge fresh for me (too cold) but the crab, the salmon and eel were full of flavors of the sea. The glaze provided just a hint of sweetness that did not overpower the dish.

Stamina Roll.

• Seared Scallop and Risotto - Our server explained that this small dish was an amuse bouche (a dish to excite the palate). But, because they served this dish after the platter and the roll, it seemed odd because I thought my palate was already excited. That being said, the scallop was delicate, fresh and lightly seared. I thought the risotto was unnecessary especially because it tasted too grainy.

Seared Scallop and Risotto.

• Sablefish - The fish was creamy and perfectly cooked. It was also glazed with miso that gave its sweetness. It came with a light yuzu broth that included bok choy, quinoa, edamame and shiitake mushrooms. Although the accoutrements were good, the fish alone was well worth the price.

Sablefish.

• Ling Cod - Again, the fish was fresh and perfectly cooked but the nature of the fish was such that it was a bit bland. That being said, the accoutrements, which included a spicy chorizo in a ratatouille-like vegetable medley that included chickpeas, tomatoes, eggplant and bell pepper, was so bright and full of flavor.

Ling Cod.

Instead of ordering dessert, Mr. SR and I opted for the following:

• Dragon Roll - Crisp prawns rolled inside a bed of rice and topped with eel and avocado. Again, the seafood were outstanding. Plus, the rice was not as cold as the ones in the Stamina roll (hurrah!).

Toro Sashimi and Dragon Roll.

• Toro Sashimi - 17.50 Canadian Dollars for seven pieces of generously sized tuna belly seemed like a steal. And, it was. The fatty fish melted in my mouth. Although it was not the best toro I have ever had, for that price point, it arguably may have been.

Along with the check, they served complimentary petit fours: a carrot cake topped with dark chocolate and an almond financier. While they were delicious and tasty, we really didn't get to enjoy them because we were bursting at the seams at that point.

Petit Fours.

The Service

Our server was very sweet, friendly and knowledgeable. And, if she did not know the answer to a question, she stated that she would make inquires on our behalf and promptly obtained an answer for us. The rest of the staff were similarly friendly and efficient. No snootiness at all. Mr. SR was also very pleased that they passed his Napkin Test every single time he left the table.


The Price

The meal was not cheap although I thought it offered good value in light of the quality of ingredients and execution of most of the dishes. We paid about 260 Canadian dollars, which included a bottle of wine but excluded the tip.


The Verdict

I really enjoyed our meal at Blue Water Cafe -- good thing too because we ordered a lot of food. The quality of the ingredients were just so amazing. If I am back in town, I'd definitely go back.

I easily made reservations via OpenTable.com. You may also call them at (604) 688-8078, if you would rather speak with someone.

Have you dined at Blue Water Cafe? If so, what was your experience? Please share below while I go on a diet.