Tag Archive for: oysters

oysters on the halfshell at Finns in Victoria BC

Looking for a Great Oyster Bar in Victoria BC?

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Come to Finn’s for Awesome Oysters on the Half Shell

It doesn’t get much more authentic than eating a plateful of local iced oysters, especially while seated on a sunny patio over Victoria’s Inner Harbour. From tide to table, luscious oysters are a quintessential treat for Island visitors and locals alike and can be enjoyed with a fine wine or slurped down with a side of beer.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, the creamy, sweet flavour and pillowy texture is a taste sensation comparable to little else. Famous for their sweet, milder cucumber taste, our oysters are smaller and ideal for the beginner palate.oysters on the halfshell at Finns in Victoria BC

Finn’s offers both Premium and Superior (Kusshi) varieties, which are always fresh and served in their purest form, iced on the half shell with a side of fresh horseradish, lemon, and cocktail sauce. The flavours of the oysters are never masked by sauces and spices, and they’re delicious as is. Little more is needed than just a squeeze of lemon to get the full effect of the oyster’s taste and texture, which is why Finn’s Oyster Bar is a truly authentic experience for oyster lovers.

To eat a raw oyster, loosen the meat from the shell with a fork or your finger, tip the wide side of the shell towards your mouth, and chew the oyster just a couple of times to get the full flavour. Savour the meat and the drink (a briny juice from the oyster).

Choose from Premium or Superior oysters any time of day, from early evening happy hour through to late night, and enjoy the marvelous mollusks with a glass of wine, beer, or bubbly.

“A Sauvignon Blanc works well, champagne is always a classic pairing, and in terms of beer, a lighter fresh beer tends to work better than a darker ale when it comes to pairing with fresh oysters,” says Executive Chef Richard Luttman.

Try the Balbich Marlborough Sauvigon Blanc (NZ), or a pint of Saltspring Island Golden Ale. If you’re feeling more decadent, we have a lovely Zonin Brut Prosecco (IT) available by the bottle or by the glass.

If raw oysters aren’t your taste, tuck into a simple but absolutely mouth-watering dish of crispy oysters battered with light and flaky Panko breading. Plump Fanny Bay oysters are delicately battered and served piping hot with a simple side of our fabulous creamy house-made tartar sauce and lemon slices.  These tender oysters have a mild flavour and delicate texture with a crunchy crust, and are a great starter paired with a cocktail or your favourite beer.

Our premium oysters are locally and sustainably sourced from Fanny Bay Oysters just up island. Fanny Bay Oysters have been growing and harvesting fresh shellfish in the waters of Vancouver Island for over thirty years, and the oysters reflect that expertise.

Note: Fanny Bay oysters are available as seasonal supply permits, and East coast Canadian oysters may be substituted when necessary.

Reviews for Finn’s Oyster Bar on Wharf Street in Victoria, BC

Stopped in for happy hour to enjoy the sunset views over the harbour. Enjoyed the local beer and wine while slurping down fresh happy hour oysters. Perfect place for drinks or a meal with phenomenal views over the water.

Dirkd300, Spruce Grove, AB

…If you like oysters or mussels this is the place to go. We liked it so much we went back a second time even though we were only in Victoria for 4 days. We highly recommend.

Geoffggmoore, Melbourne, AU

Served as an appetizer they came deep-fried but not overcooked
very tasty. a very attractive setting with a large balcony overlooking the harbour.

nupps100, Vancouver, Canada

Looking for an awesome oyster bar in Victoria BC? Look no further than Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails, overlooking the inner harbour at 1208 Wharf Street.

thai coconut curry mussels at finns seafood restaurant victoria bc

Finn’s – a (Sea)Foodie’s Delight

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Seafood lovers know what they want—a wide selection of the freshest, tastiest, seafood possible. Whether you’re a local or visiting Victoria, British Columbia, Canada for the first time, you’re going to want to try BC seafood. Finn’s seafood restaurant is home to a large selection of local and sustainably caught seafood for the freshest fare. From made-from-scratch fish and chips to the wild BC salmon fillet elegantly prepared with lobster oil and a cider and leek cream sauce, the seafood dishes range from the traditional to the more contemporary to suit every taste.

Below are just a few of Finn’s favourite seafood dishes:

Lobster and Crab

If shellfish is what you’re after, try the steamed Atlantic lobster or steamed local Dungeness crab. For the classic seafood enthusiast, Atlantic lobster and local crab are taken straight from live tanks and cooked to perfection on the spot. Served with drawn butter, charred lemon, seasonal vegetables, and steamed baby potatoes sliced into medallions tossed with butter and fresh herbs, this is an always fresh and unforgettable meal.  This dish will invoke memories of childhood summers spent crabbing off the docks or of rowdy East Coast celebrations centred around steaming lobster and melted garlic butter.

Musselsthai coconut curry mussels at finns seafood restaurant victoria bc

Fresh steamed mussels are another West Coast favourite. Larger than clams and with a delicate meaty texture, mussels lend themselves to many different flavours, with your choice of three delicious sauces: Thai Red Coconut Curry; Cilantro, Leek and Carrots or the classic White Wine and Garlic.

Pan Seared Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a menu staple among seafood lovers everywhere.  These crab cakes are packed with real crab meat, pan-seared to a golden brown and served with a delectable avocado lime sour cream and nestled in a bed of fresh greens. Perfect as a starter or small meal on their own, our guests rave about this satisfying dish.

People do love the crab cakes:

…It’s a starter and perfect to hold you over until dinner time. They’re rich and seared to a satisfying crunch, served with an avocado, slightly-spicy mayo, accompanied by a small green salad with cherry tomatoes. Yum!! – Karen P. Wilmington, DE

We came with several friends for dinner and everyone loved their meals. The crab cakes were wonderful (the best I’ve ever had) – Marjorie C

Panko Fried Oysters

Order the panko fried oysters and be prepared to share with the rest of the table. Addictively good, these are made with only the freshest locally sourced Premium oysters. These gems are coated in a light, crispy batter, and served with lemon and house-made tartar sauce. Enjoy them with a crisp salad (try the Artisan Greens Fennel and Orange salad) to complete your meal.

Wild Prawn Tacoswild prawn tacos at finns seafood restaurant victoria bc

Available as an appetizer or served as a full meal with your choice of field greens or hand-cut fries, the Wild Prawn Tacos are always a hit. Loaded with plump wild prawns, sweet grilled pineapple, salsa verde, shredded cabbage for extra crunch, and a side of spicy chipotle aioli, they’re a crowd favourite for sharing or for keeping all to yourself.

Fresh Iced Oysters

Last but definitely not least are oysters on a half shell. Available any time of day, you can choose from a half dozen local Premium or Superior iced oysters on the half shell, served simply with cocktail sauce, fresh horseradish, and lemon.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. See Finn’s full menu.

Want even more seafood? At Finn’s, you can treat yourself and add your choice of lobster tail, ½ pound of Alaskan King Crab legs, or wild prawns to your meal.

Here’s what some people have to say about Finn’s seafood:

…The drinks were good, the food was even better. The portions are huge but we managed to eat almost every bite. My hubby is a bit of a seafood (or foodie) from numerous travels overseas) so he was very pleased when he took his first bite. All of us were satisfied for our cravings and a great time was had. – CarmenV3, Fall City, WA

I wanted to have a decent meal in Victoria and I got an excellent one. The best seafood chowder I have ever had, followed by two lobster tails on a bed of mash with vegetables. This meal was rounded off with an orange and vanilla bean curd with fresh raspberries. Never has a meal on this trip made me so happy. – Aussie135, London, UK.

If you’re into seafood, be sure to check out Finn’s Seafood, Chops & Cocktails restaurant (https://www.finnsvictoria.com) at 1208 Wharf Street overlooking the harbour in beautiful Victoria, BC next time you’re visiting Vancouver Island.