Menu
Popular dishes
People also searched for
Location & Hours
You Might Also Consider
in Diners, Indian
in Mexican
Amenities and More
About the Business
The freshest raw oysters in town, warm hospitality and soul food
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
168 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Betty L.Vancouver, Canada63168Jun 15, 2012
Luv it! Luv it! Luv it! It's Friday, so screw a boring healthy lunch! Instead I checked out Oyster Express located in the heart of Chinatown. I had a fab quick lunch. The place is small but bright. I love the quirky old windows that were used as decore for this room. They added a lot of charm to the space. I was really surprise that there weren't any customers when I walked in. Thank goodness a few partrons came in shortly after me. Shawn the owner greeted me. He then proceeded to tell me the different type of oysters he had available. I could feel his enthusiasim when he described to me what was on the menu. In the end, I settled for 3 oysters and a veggie chili with corn bread.
The oysters came out very quickly. The presentation was clean and simple, so the focus was really on the oysters. There was plenty of freshly grated horseradish. Those oysters were damn fresh. I devoured it in no time! Then he brought out the chili and cornbread. That chili was packed with veggies and it had a hint of heat. It was pretty hearty. Also the cornbread was slightly warm, soft and moist. Simply delicious!
Too bad OX doesn't have a liquor license yet. I could sure use a glass or two of crisp white wine to go with my meal. When I came in I was in a grumpy mood but I left with a huge smile on my face and a big sense of satisfaction. What a good way to start my weekend!Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - 84204568Jul 5, 2024
Felt like oysters and read excellent reviews of Oyster Express but they don't have much of an active IG page or Facebook page. Liked the fact that they had Happy Hour prices from 4pm to 8pm. At around 6:45pm arrival, we were able to grab the last 2 seats in the small restaurant on a summer Friday night.
Oyster Express is a gem with a small, nice, and friendly environment that makes you feel right at home. The service is excellent, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.
The selection of oysters is impressive, featuring both West Coast and East Coast varieties. The happy hour oysters were exceptionally fresh, juicy, amd with a nice briney flavour - a true delight for any oyster lover. The daily oyster changes daily and today's was the local BC Apex Oyster that were for $2.50 each on Happy Hour. We also tried the fried oysters, which were perfectly crispy and tasty.
The Korean chicken wings were another highlight, coated in a delicious sauce that complemented the flavors perfectly. Overall, Oyster Express is a fantastic spot for oyster enthusiasts and anyone looking for a great oyster experience. The menu is small but they do all the dishes well.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 136103268Oct 21, 2023
Came here for Happy Hour the other night with my friend and ordered a dozen oysters at $2.50 each to split. They were delicious. I hear oysters are in season (fall/winter), which may be why they were so tasty...super fresh, briney, with a hint of salt.
Also ordered yam fries, which arent totally my favourite, a bit soft but still tasty.
The husband and wife operation was friendly and the quaint little tables make the place quite welcoming.
I believe Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm. The location, tucked away in Chinatown, makes it a hidden gem. We'll be back!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - James R.Callaway, MN18336Jun 4, 2024
On a quick two day road trip to Vancouver and wishing to try some oysters we went to Yelp and based on positive reviews we chose to try Oyster Express. Most easy to find and great parking close at hand
The owner came to greet us and most friendly and went thru the oyster lineup of what on hand
Went with his choice of Apex, one I had never heard of but found them most excellent Full of flavor and just a great oyster taste. We loved them and ordered a second go around
Also had the yam fries, thin like i prefer and more than good. Also had a half order of fried oysters and again a real hit. The iced tea we had was especially delicious
Cute and cozy room, not large by any means and most comfortable
When leaving Vancouver the next on the way home to USA we were fairly close by and what the heck we motored over and partook of another dozen Apex. Again the owner greeted us and we had a nice chat
So if you happen to be in Vancouver and have a craving for great oysters you cannot go wrong by stopping and eating at Oyster Express
Jim at Maplelag in MinnesotaHelpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Anna L.Vancouver, Canada7780109May 24, 2023
Simple go-to place for oysters. I walked in a few times and always got a seat right away. I wouldn't recommend for a large group because it's a small venue.
They know their oysters and will give you recommendations if needed (size, texture, brine, finish). They always have one on special all day so no happy hour nonsense. Just go before 8pm (when they close).
I went for three kinds of fresh ones and the fried one, the two on special and a medium size one. The effingham was perfect size, plump and creamy, clean finish. The okeover was salty, more flavorful but smaller. The gorge Inlet was a good size. I preferred the effingham but we all have different tastes.
Spicy Ceasar was on special for $10, also delicious. I should come more often.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 2 - C W.Calgary, Canada397241Dec 23, 2022
Coziest little oyster bar ever! I don't know if it seats more than a dozen people, but I am glad I was one of them last week. Top class fresh oysters, usually 6-7 varieties to choose from.
The raw shucked are outstanding - the shucker is a master. We had 2 dozen raw and each was a work of shucking art - each oyster perfectly separated from its shell, undamaged in any way. And with the liquor intact. Every single one. That is some skill. Oh, and the homemade chili-vodka condiment is excellent.
The fried oysters were big meaty west coasters, perfectly crispy, juicy.
I want to go back with a bigger group, so we can try them all.
Big thanks to the owners - such nice peopleHelpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Danisa M.Phoenix, AZ81293Apr 11, 2024
My husband and I were visiting Vancouver and I was craving oysters. I saw this place on yelp and said we had to go. I'm so glad we did! The restaurant is small, but still provided a nice ambiance. They have a very limited menu so I see this as more of a light meal before you head out for a concert/show/the night rather than a main dinner. There was only one server who may also be the owner. She was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the oysters they were serving that day. We tried all of them and found some new favorites. We would have gone again, but ran out of time on our trip. Definitely stop by and give this place a try. We got there just after opening and it was a rainy day so there was no wait for seats during the whole time we were there, but there was a moment where there were only 4 seats left so it can fill up fast. We did meet some regulars who kept raving about the restaurant. We also ordered some chicken wings and local beers which were also delicious!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Matt G.Kailua, HI217134May 3, 2023
This place was so good! We love oysters and try to eat them in every city we visit. The attention to detail at Oyster Express is incredible. The shucking is a deceptively complicated part of the whole experience, and Sean did an excellent job. Service was great, non invasive but attentive. Minimalist but fun ambiance. Run don't walk, these guys are killing the game.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Jason M.Vancouver, Canada245241313Jul 21, 2022
Love this mom and pop shop - a little gem in Chinatown. The owners here are super friendly and make you feel at home.
The selection is great! The oysters are super refreshing especially during the summer time heat. We got one of each from the happy hour menu and they did not disappoint!
The oils and condiments that they had also elevated the flavors of the oyster without masking it, which was a nice touch. Recommend to try!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Dec 7, 2019
Delicious oysters!
As the restaurant name suggests, this place is all about oysters. There aren't too many choices otherwise but if you're a fan of them, you'll enjoy this restaurant.
There are two oyster specials each day, a cheaper one and a premium one. We mainly ordered the cheap one (Nanoon Bay) but also got some premium (kusshi) and some varieties on the larger list. My favorites were the pink pearls, so clean and sweet tasting!
Every oyster was shucked well (no shell fragments)! Mignonettes and sauces were available right at the table which was convenient. There was a vodka pepper sauce that *lowkey* got my fiancé very drunk so just remember, it's straight up vodka lol.
The restaurant is very quaint but cozy. Had a handful of beer options that are listed on the board. Service was super nice and very knowledgeable. A must visit for oysters in Vancouver!Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Apr 22, 2019
Small little spot in Chinatown. Couldn't seem to make it here in time for happy hour but don't worry, even if you miss the 5-7 window you only have to pay 40cents more for the daily special oysters.
All the oysters were super fresh and shucked to order. Came with variety of sauces including cocktail, vinegar, vodka, and horseradish. I think it tasted great with just a spritz of lemon. They also have $5 beer specials.
Service was very friendly and attentive. Might be hard to get a table during happy hour so come early. The space was small but literally emptied out right after 7.Helpful 5Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0
You Might Also Consider
in Chinese, Dumplings
in Asian Fusion, Chinese