Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

A VANCOUVER ICON

We recently revisited one of my favourite restaurants in Vancouver.

@joefortesvan is one of the old east restaurants in Vancouver. This classic seafood and steakhouse has been serving carnivores for 35 years. An impressive amount of time in Vancouvers forever evolving restaurant scene.

The food and service here never fails to disappoint. Every time we've visited the service has been fantastic. And I've yet to dislike something food wise.

Their breads are served with lobster oil and balsamic vinegar dip. The aromatic flavour of lobsters that cover each bite marks the start of every meal. We especially love their Miso Marinated Sablefish and Bone-in Rib Steak. The Dotty's chopped salad is also a must.

Miso Sablefish 10/10
So tender, flaky, and fat. The miso flavour is delicate but flavourful.

Oysters 10/10
The oysters are always amazingly fresh.

Bone-in Rib Steak 9/10
My favourite cut of steak. The bone adds so much flavour to your steak, and they always do this cut very well.

Dotty's Salad 10/10
Quite possibly one of the best salads I've ever had. It's refreshing, crunchy, sweet, and savoury. Love the green apples and candied pecans. And the chicken is always super tender.

Have you guys been to this Vancouver classic?

9/10
‍10/10
$$$ (aprox. $60-$100/person)
Joe Fortes | 777 Thurlow St, Vancouver
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Joe Fortes holds a special place in my heart as one of those timeless dinner spots. Despite its relatively recent establishment in the 80s, it exudes a classic restaurant charm that is hard to find elsewhere.

During our visit, we indulged in a selection of dishes, including Brussels sprouts, truffle Parmesan fries, corn and crab fritters, calamari, and accompanied them with two glasses of Merlot. It dawned on me afterward, when the fullness set in, that our choices leaned heavily towards fried items. Nevertheless, every bite was delicious, and I particularly enjoyed the flavorful sauces that accompanied each dish, although the calamari sauce was a tad rich and heavy for my taste.

The service was exceptional, with attentive staff constantly checking on us throughout the meal. Before we knew it, the bill totaled around $150 for the two of us. I would definitely return for happy hour pricing, as the overall experience left a positive impression.

When I arrived in Vancouver the top recommendations I received for dining experiences was this place and it did not disappoint. It welcomes all: from family gatherings, solo travelers to intimate dinner celebrations. The pianist and dim lighting transport you to another time and truly set the mood for the dining experience. I was seated at the oyster bar which served a full menu and you were able to watch them shuck the oysters for all the orders coming in. The staff are wonderful and very knowledgeable about seafood and wine pairing.

For my first course I opted for the crab cake, truly the size of a hockey puck and so light to eat. I was also served warm bread with house made lobster infused oil with balsamic. This was good but I can see how someone might only want that to try, the lobster taste is prominent. For my main course I was recommended the sablefish which was very flaky and light a perfect balance to the crab cake and bread I filled up on. It is on the healthier side (no potatoes) So if you are coming for the carbs and a hearty meal it's maybe not the best option. Overall everything was wonderful and service is top notch.

The carrot cake was heavenly! The truffle fries are some of the best. This steakhouse is massive there are levels and levels to eat on and they are all packed. The service was really quick and friendly all the food came out very hot as well which is impressive. I liked that they had live music playing and some mocktails to choose from. It felt like an "old school" steakhouse.

I came here alone for the first time. Today was a Wednesday around 6pm, and I didn't have a reservation, but I was able to sit at a high chair and table near the bar. Even on weekdays, it's full and only the bar, the high chair I was sitting at, and the table are open. The inside of the store is quite lively and there is a lively piano accompaniment. The woman who took my order was very pleasant and busy moving around. I wanted to try the popular raw oysters, but this time I chose a cod dish from the recommended menu that was separate from the menu book. While you wait for your food, bread, sweet chili sauce, and balsamic vinegar will be served to you.
The cod dish was freshly prepared and the plate was kept warm. It looked delicious and whetted my appetite. The cod meat was plump and the accompanying vegetables were just right and I was very satisfied. It was a pity that I was full and couldn't get dessert. I want to try again next time.

Ok, old school steakhouse off Robin Street I'd been dying to try for years and today was the day ! Sensational vibe Joe gave off. Seated myself at the large horseshoe bar and a nice gent greeted me, provided menu and ask what ya drinking.

I noticed the 20oz Bone In Rib Eye so I said "I shall have that monster" . Steak arrived as requested medium and was juicy, flavorful & tasty. Potato's, , veggies & some yellow thing accompanied the flesh. However I was needing protein so that steak was devoured and a few bites of spuds were consumed. Mmmmm good!

Gotta say I'd be back when in the area cause the dinner menu looks amazing. So if your thinking of dining here, JUST DO IT!

Amazing!! The food was so good. My boyfriend and I went here for our anniversary, and we got free creme brulee for dessert (which tasted so creamy). Our entrees were delicious, and the oysters tasted so fresh. The ambiance of this place was perfect for an anniversary date. There was a live piano player, and the servers were lively. Our waiter specifically made the occasion for us special with his hospitality. We really appreciated our time here and want to return here again.

HAPPY HOUR - Reservations are highly recommended and only reservable indoors!

My partner and I arrived around 4pm, the Maître D offered a table and proceeded to mention they needed the table back by 530, I get it, they were busy so we agreed but when the waitress walked us to the table in the back corner behind a ladder, that was ridiculous, all these seats open and they happen to put us there. DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS, if they do that, say something - we said something because we work in the industry and we knew that was not right!! Also, why was it so uncomfortably stuffy in there? The A/C not working? My partner having traveled to many places said that this would be typical of Vancouver (a European thing), I hope not.....

On a different note, the food was excellent and super fresh! Heard Happy hour was a happening spot...so we decided to give them a try. Ordered

Joes Chilled Seafood Platter - Local oysters, marinated mussels and clams, prawns, albacore tuna crudo, scallop ceviche, tuna poke.
--Oysters, mussels, clams, prawns were incredibly tasty as for the crudo, need salt, ceviche lacked flavor and coming from Hawaii the poke didn't need to be on the plate

Oysters - Happy hour oysters were the same on the tier which was odd because the flavor so different but they must've
been harvested in different spots?

Short Ribs - Short ribs were typical and flavorful.

Vancouver you are so lucky to have this beautiful establishment! It's such a beautiful establishment with lots of history. Decor is so luxurious and still has a wonderful charm to a century of history.

The restaurant is old but gold .. lots of vintage decor but built to last a lifetime. The dining area is banquets very spacious.

I went to the newer side as it was on the terasse seemed very modern on the top floor.

Food: 5+++++++++

I had the sable fish quinoa kale glazed dished yum fish was extremely tender and exquisite.

The crab cake was definitely worth every penny it was amazing and fresh

i went for the BC oysters they were deelish and fresh . I am in the west coast so I definitely had to have some BC oysters !!!

Service: Incredible from start to finish I had a great experience and will definitely be back here again when I'm back in Van City!

Definitely recommend this place lots of history and an amazing fabulous place historic treasure right by the english bay !! Check it out if you have a chance ! It is so worth it!

Luckily we were able to walk in and get a seating right away. We found this place online with oysters craving and there's a happy hours menu 3-5PM
during happy hours the oyster here are $2.15 each. Pretty cool atmosphere