The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
About This Spot
Stepping into The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant, you’re welcomed by a warm, inviting ambiance that feels both refined and comfortably familiar. Nestled on Johnston Street near the waterfront, this is the kind of place where the gentle hum of conversation blends effortlessly with soft live music, creating a relaxed pace that encourages lingering over good company and even better food.
The atmosphere strikes a thoughtful balance—a spaciousness that never feels cold or impersonal, paired with cozy nooks for more intimate dining moments. The natural wood tones and subtle lighting invite you to settle in and savor the rhythm of a day or evening unfolding as it should.
The heart of The Sandbar is, of course, its seafood — fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and presented in a way that feels genuinely connected to the sea and the seasons. Whether you arrive craving the delicate pop of a perfectly shucked oyster or the rich warmth of a seafood hot pot, the menu offers a sense of discovery. Each dish reveals textures and flavors that are at once approachable and elegant, honoring local catches while welcoming subtle global influences.
The experience goes beyond just what lands on your plate. There’s a notable attentiveness in how the team engages with guests — knowledgeable without being overbearing, offering recommendations with a genuine ease that reflects pride in their craft. It’s this quiet care that turns a meal here into a personal moment, whether you're dropping in for a casual lunch or marking a special occasion with candlelight and thoughtful pairings.
More than a restaurant, The Sandbar feels like a gathering spot for those who appreciate the quieter joys of communal dining: sharing plates, savoring nuanced flavors, and enjoying a pace that lets you fully inhabit the experience. It’s a place where every visit can reveal something new—whether in the unexpected balance of a sauce, the sea-kissed freshness of the day's catch, or simply the friendly warmth of a well-run seafood house in Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Rooftop seating
- Sport
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Groups
- Tourists
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM - 01:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
Share Your Experience
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Leah 03 Jan 2026
Had oysters here for lunch and it was a great experience overall. We tried a mix of West Coast and East Coast oysters, and the quality was very consistent. The West Coast oysters were especially impressive — plump, clean, slightly sweet, and nicely briny without any off flavors. The East Coast oysters had a more pronounced mineral profile, which made the contrast really enjoyable. Everything tasted very fresh, and the differences between the oysters were clear and well-presented. We also ordered fish, which was well prepared and complemented the meal nicely. Service was smooth and professional. Overall, a solid spot for oysters with great quality and balance.
Marija Salamun 23 Dec 2025
I was helping out with a photo booth for a Christmas party at Sandbar and was very impressed with the overall experience! The food was incredible, the atmosphere was very warm and welcoming, and the staff were so friendly and polite! Huge shoutout to Captain Tommy and his team for the outstanding customer service! I will definitely be returning!
Dylan Li 19 Dec 2025
Happy we dropped by for a snack here because we quite liked the food here! It was quite spacious and had nice live music. The clam chowder was pretty good but could've had more seafood in it, the mussels were flavourful, and the bread was warm and chewy. It was also interesting to try the buck a shuck oysters. Service was mostly good, though sometimes hard to get a hold of like when we were missing a spoon or wanted to order more. Would return for a full meal if I visit again
Daisy Freiedman 16 Oct 2025
I recently visited Sandbar Seafood Restaurant for my birthday, and it was a truly lovely experience. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the evening had a nice, intimate feel—especially dining by candlelight. I started with oysters, followed by lobster and their seafood pasta—everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. It was truly seafood fine dining at its finest. While the service was a bit slow at the beginning, it definitely improved as the night went on, and the staff made a real effort to ensure everything was enjoyable. A thoughtful highlight was when they brought out a candle with my meal to celebrate my birthday. I had a wonderful time and would absolutely recommend Sandbar to anyone looking for quality seafood, a relaxed atmosphere, and a memorable dining experience.
Emma Ray 09 Oct 2025
I visited this restaurant today in the afternoon, which isn’t usually a busy time, but the place was still full — always a good sign. The reception and the service were excellent from the start. I feel bad I didn’t ask my server’s name — he was a very kind gentleman, extremely knowledgeable, and gave fantastic recommendations. He suggested the grilled sablefish, which was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. He also paired it with a white wine that matched beautifully. I asked him a few seasonal questions about the menu, and he gave me professional and honest answers that showed real expertise. I will definitely be coming back again and highly recommend this restaurant. If you’re visiting Vancouver, it’s an absolute must — truly an outstanding experience.
Le Duc des Critiques Malicieuses 22 Sep 2025
The Sandbar does have a way of leaving one rather well-looked after. This was my second visit and once again the service was attentive to the point of being the true highlight. The food itself is sound, fresh and competently prepared, though it lacks that elusive spark that makes one sit up and say good heavens, that was brilliant. Still, when a restaurant treats you properly and ensures you’re comfortable from start to finish, one forgives the absence of fireworks on the plate. In short, steady cooking paired with exceptional service makes for a respectable return.