Fishmongers



In Vancouver:

Downtown
East Side
West Side

Regional:

North Shore
Greater Vancouver
Vancouver Island

DOWNTOWN

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SHELLFISH LTD.
Direct from the farms in Fanny Bay and Desolation Sound and held live in tanks, these mussels, clams and oysters couldn’t be any fresher. Robson Public Market, 1610 Robson St., 604-688-3474. Lonsdale Quay, 123 Carrie Cates Court, 604-987-3474.

SALMON SHOP
Fresh daily delivery and a diverse selection of fish and seafood puts Salmon Shop on the top of the list. Whether it’s divining how many tiger prawns per person or recommending a perfect filet, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are eager to share suggestions, cooking tips and recipes. Robson Public Market, 1610 Robson St., 604-688-3474. Lonsdale Quay, 123 Carrie Cates Court, 604-987-3474.

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EAST SIDE

ANGEL SEAFOOD
One-stop-shopping for many Japanese restaurants (including Tojo’s), it’s a wholesale business but has a storefront open to the public. You can phone your order—over 2,000 products in stock and many on the shelf, including a wide variety of flash-frozen fish. One freezer is devoted to sashimi-grade including slabs of tuna, octopus legs, squid and jumbo scallops. As well, fresh seafood, from Spanish mackerel to Japanese blue-fin tuna, is flown in twice weekly. 1345 Grant St., 604-254-2824.

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WEST SIDE

LONGHOUSE SEAFOOD MARKET
First Nations-owned and -operated, Longhouse has its own boat and the best salmon prices in town (on par with prices at the Steveston dock). As well as fresh fish, you’ll find traditional smoked salmon, salmon candy, and jerky alongside salmon phyllo with spinach and feta or shrimp and crab. First Nations products are promoted throughout the longhouse-themed store: Chief’s pride smoked oysters, Ojibwe wild rice, and canned sockeye from the Nisga’a. A six-minute wait will get you steamed crab or lobster from the live tank. 4288 Dunbar St., 604-731-2047.

MACFARLANE'S SELECTED FISH MARKET
What started as door-to-door fish sales in 1921 has morphed into four generations of fishmongers. Grandson John helms the Kerrisdale operation, while a great-granddaughter operates a Walnut Grove storefront. Look for sashimi-grade Ahi tuna, firm sable fish and whatever else catches John’s eye on his daily morning buying trips. 2233 W. 41st Ave., 604-261-1226.

SEVEN SEAS
With a direct source to its own boats, the shop’s fish arrive fresh and early. Pick up their signature salmon candy: smoked salmon done up with maple syrup. Lots of OceanWise-approved selections. 2328 W. 4th Ave., 604-732-8608; 2011 Lonsdale Ave., North Van, 604-983-3474.

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NORTH SHORE

CRAB SHOP
The definitive pit stop for Dungeness crab (fresh daily) and lobster—whole cooked, steamed-to-order or fresh-to-go. Owner Marcel Gregori’s crab cakes are 100-percent Dungeness, jazzed with a little onion and pepper. Hot smoked salmon, cold jerky and Indian candy are always stocked in the showcase, and the tasty fish and chips are only $5 for one piece of cod, $7.50 for halibut. Dollarton Highway at Forester, North Van, 604-929-1616.

VILLAGE FISH AND OYSTER MARKET
After 65 years in business, these guys are pulling the right lines. The display case is packed with several varieties of barbecued and smoked salmon along with an abundant array of fresh local seafood. Locals love the crab cakes and bacon-wrapped Digby scallops. Every available nook and cranny features local artisans. 1482 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-922-4332.

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GREATER VANCOUVER

SUPER SEAFOODS
Specializes in all types of fresh seafood and shellfish, including the exotic and unusual, along with a full selection of Japanese groceries. They’ll also send your seafood packing worldwide. 6020E Blundell Rd., Richmond. 604-271-1424.

SUPERIOR FISH MARKET
Superior has grown from a fish market into the go-to spot for all-natural proteins. The salmon, prawns and seafood is always caught wild, never farmed. And they now carry organic exotics such as venison, elk and kangaroo along with more pedestrian offerings of organic beef and free-range chicken. The walls are lined with condiments and spice mixes—no excuse for a dull meal. 5229A Ladner Trunk Rd., Ladner, 604-946-2097.

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VANCOUVER ISLAND

FANNY BAY OYSTER SEAFOOD SHOP
Shucking, serving and smoking bi-valves for over 20 years, Fanny Bay is more than that, too. Start with fresh in-season fish and then work your way over to the hand-peeled Port Alberni shrimp, savoury clams, or a pile of black bean garlic mussels. For those with an eye on Aphrodite, it’s oysters—ready-shucked or live. 6856 S. Island Hwy., Buckley Bay, exit 101 on the freeway by the Denman Ferry Landing, 250-335-1198.

MAD DOG CRABS SEAFOOD MARKET
Success at a local farmers market led commercial fishers Scott and Katie Mahon to permanent digs in downtown Duncan. Fresh crab, delivered five times a week, is the house specialty—cleaned at no extra charge. House-smoked salmon, local oysters, fresh rock and ling cods and wild salmon round out the selection. Halibut and salmon frames available for serious stock-makers. 775 Canada Ave., Duncan, 250-715-0206.

SATELLITE FISH CO.
Located at the end of a pier, this no-frills fish store is the real deal. Apron-clad fishermen clean the latest catch on-site. Tank-free crabs, clams and mussels insure optimum quality and freshness. Succulent sole roe seasonally available for the aficionado. Reasonable prices. Cash only. At the foot of Beacon Avenue, Sidney, 250-656-2642.

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