Joe Fortes has been specializing in classic, American cuisine since 1985. The turn-of-the-century inspired dining room features 30-foot high ceilings and six unique dining venues that include brand new green roof top patio. Executive Chef Wayne Sych prepares each dish with a focus on natural flavours and features the finest ingredients from Pacific Northwest farmers, fishermen and other food artisans. Serving more than 50 kinds of fresh fish, premium oysters and thick chops daily, Joe’s signature dishes have become a favourite with locals, celebrities & tourists alike. Joe’s is known as the best oyster bar in Vancouver and is home to some of North America's best oyster shuckers. Our award winning wine list features over 400 selections from British Columbia, California, the Pacific Northwest and prominent wine regions throughout the world. Enjoy a delicious cocktail at our bar with live piano music nightly or at our Roof Garden Bar.
"We enjoyed our dinner from appetizers to dessert, we had a small table on the second floor overlooking the main floor with a view of the piano player. Service was prompt, attentive and knowledgeable. We had apps, entrees, one martini for me and a half carafe of wine for my husband and shared a half dessert. Plenty of food! The tab was approx $180.00 Canadian before tip, so not a bargain but food was superb."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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"Our server for the evening (wish I got her name), was wonderful.. She took care of us in a natural way without seeming like she was trying too hard. She was doing her job and she did it very well. The food was excellent although the main took a little long. It was unfrotunate as we had to rush a bit so that we could make it to the Fleetwood mac concert. However, It appears that the whole restaurant was going to the concert so it is foregiveable that the kitchen felt slammed and delays were incurred. In any event, my wife and I both enjoyed the experience. In additon the live pianist made it a very energetic evening."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Super service and the food was so delicious! Zack was the best server ever! Very knowledgeable, funny, personable and he made our special evening such a pleasurable time! Would recommend Joe Fortes to all my friends with no hesitation. Next time I am in Vancouver Joe Fortes is where I will come. Thanks for treating us like royalty!!!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We had a party of 6 come for brunch on Mother's Day. The hostess/greeters were very friendly. However once we were seated, our waitress seemed indifferent and impersonal. We never received bread , when others seated after us, received baskets. We had to ask repeatedly for refills of water and then coffee. The waitress seemed to want to "upsell" all of us on bigger orders. She got quite annoyed with my 76 year old father when he only wanted a clam chowder soup, and the appetizer crab cake. I would go again, but if seared in this waitresses section, I would ask to be moved."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"loved this occasion, really enjoyed the food, and setting..the evening couldn't have been better.. absolutely incredible service! Kept us humoured and satisfied all night long. Thank you for the great evening!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Too long to get a table, meal took an hour and half to arrive, service was very hit & miss - not entirely the server's fault - she was super busy. Don't go there on a Friday night if you want a relaxing meal."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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"It was my husband's birthday and I wanted something special. Ambiance was...ok. way too loud.
Service was good. Very attentive and friendly.
As for food...we ordered surf and turf platter for two. we were quite disappointed. Honestly expected more from such high class seafood and chop restaurant. Steak was not impressive at all so I don't recommend steak here. Lobster was alright...scallop and prawns were excellent. now for crab...we didn't even touch the crab. it was dull and tasteless.
If we ever go back we would like to try their patio and we will never order steak or the seafood platter again. Maybe just plate of oysters, wine and some seafood dishes."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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"Joe Fortes always meets or exceeds our expectations in all categories. Our last visit requires a terrific shout out to Donna for her excellent service; also to the hostess who quickly moved us from the bar area to more comfortable seating in the main dining room. Well done !!!"
Dined on 23/04/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"First time there myself, however, know lots of people who have gone and have had nothing, but great things to say about it. The food, service and ambiance was fantastic! Will definitely be going again!"
Dined on 26/04/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"It is always a pleasure and enjoyable experience. I like the atmosphere and the food is always great. Fried calamari are really the best. I order some each time."
Dined on 21/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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"I came because of the recommendations that people have made and it was not a disappointment. It can be loud once full and so it's hard to hear conversations over the table but it gives off a lively and vibrant atmosphere to the restaurant which fits its style."
Dined on 15/04/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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"As always the food and service was perfect. Over the years I have had Sean serve us on more than one occasion and as always he was outstanding. I look forward to our Friday reservation."
Dined on 23/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Food, Service and atmosphere were awesome! Piano in the background was the perfect volume to allow visiting, server was attentive and helpful and the food was wonderful! the Kalamari is a must try!"
Dined on 21/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I love the rooftop patio at Joe Fortes... and great food, especially the crispy oysters! Server was attentive, but not hovering. Have been to this restaurant many times for lunch and dinner over the years, always consistently good. Great place to bring out of towners for well prepared seafood."
Dined on 16/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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"Dining experience was great. We were a party of eight which they were easily able to accommodate. Foods was outstanding. The scallops are to die for.
Great food, great service, great wine. I'll definitely return soon enough."
Dined on 12/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Outstanding service by dedicated servers who know all, noisy environment not a secluded romantic setting. Decor has not changed since the 1980s. Food is reliable but not on the cutting edge, tough to get a bloody steak but easy to get a tough one. That said the oysters and other seafood is excellent. So go - its a Vancouver tradition."
Dined on 08/04/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic
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"I am in Vancouver from Europe 3 times a year, and always try to visit Joe Forte's at least once (not always booking uner my name). A lot going on, what I call "instant party", very pleasant staff, and "Monsier Frenchie" does a great job at hosting his clients! The fresh halibut this time was outstanding. Terrace not open, but have been there and love it. ... and everyone loves and Oyster Bar. The atmosphere in Joe Forte's is cosmopolitan and at the same time European chic."
Dined on 09/04/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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"when we placed our reservations, we left a note mentioning it was our daughter's 22nd birthday. Upon arrival, there were personalized menus created wishing her a Happy Birthday. After ordering they took the menus and rolled them and tied them with ribbon so that we could take them home!!"
Dined on 08/04/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Each time we come to Vancouver we make a reservation at Joe Fortes. The mussels are excellent. The staff is very attentive and knowledgeable. The menu selections were terrific for a party of five with seafood and steak. Well Done."
Dined on 01/04/2013
2013
Special Features: hot spot
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"We get to Vancouver 5 or 6 times a year for business and pleasure. Joe Fortes has become a favourite must go to restaurant for every trip. Excellent seafood and great service.The mussels are exceptional."
Dined on 22/03/2013
2013
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"We had great service and very good food. All the fish was fresh and properly cooked as were the steakes. My daughter's fish was a little too salty but, the waiter quickly accommodated her (to her amazement as many waiters do not tend to 13 year old girls.) We had a very enjoyable meal and I would recommend this restaurant to others."
Dined on 31/03/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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"We had benny's from the bonanza menu which was outstanding value and delicious to boot. Hope the menu sticks around for a while, we'll definitely be back."
Dined on 31/03/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Great food and AmbienceOur Waitress Leigh did a Fantastic Job and made up the fact that I had trouble booking with Megan for 1pm when I said I had Groupon, but went on open table and lots of tables available at 1pm.However the Fresh duo of Fish as well as the Fresh Halibut the best we have tasted in Vancouver.Will come back for sure.........."
Dined on 28/03/2013
2012
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"We made Joe Fortes our final stop in our culinary tour of Vancouver and we saved the best for last! Incredible food, outstanding service, and vibrant atmosphere! My favorite place in not just Vancouver but Canada!"
Dined on 28/03/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"Simply a great restaurant, very attentive staff, great food. Good wine list. A little loud as we were seated almost between 2 large tables full of energetic people but a welcome experience overall."
Dined on 28/03/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, hot spot
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