Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Joe Fortes is a Vancouver institution on Thurlow Street, known for its fresh seafood, legendary oyster bar, and one of the best rooftop patios in the city. It's a splurge restaurant for families, but for a special dinner it's hard to beat.

The menu centers on seafood: oysters, grilled fish, lobster, and a raw bar that's one of the best in the city. For kids, there's a dedicated children's menu with crowd-pleasers like fish and chips, chicken fingers, and pasta. The adult portions are generous, and the quality of the seafood is consistently excellent across thousands of reviews.

The rooftop patio is the main reason families should try to visit. It's a lush, garden-like space on top of the building with greenery, string lights, and views of the downtown skyline. Getting a rooftop table requires either a reservation well in advance or a lucky walk-in during off-peak hours. Early dinner around 5-6 PM on a weekday is your best shot.

Downstairs, the oyster bar is worth a stop even if you don't do a full dinner. Kids who are curious about seafood can watch the shuckers work through dozens of varieties. The restaurant is a short walk from Robson Street and English Bay, making it easy to pair with a beach visit or downtown shopping.