The Fish Counter in Vancouver is a seafood restaurant that serves some of the best fish and chips in the city. The atmosphere is fast-paced, and the interior design is rustic and attractive. Prices are reasonable, with 1 piece of halibut with fish and chips costing approximately $17. Portions are generous, customers get a lot of fish for their money. The menu has a wide range of options, including the bouillabaisse, which is highly recommended. Other dishes worth trying are the po-boy with crab and shrimp, fried oysters and fish and chips with salmon. The dairy-free soup is fantastic, and the tartar sauce is a must-try.

The restaurant also offers a gluten-free fryer for those with dietary restrictions. The fish counter can get busy so seating is limited, but there is outdoor seating available. The staff is friendly and efficient and the service is fast. The restaurant is located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, so it’s easy to get to. Overall, The Fish Counter is a great place to enjoy delicious seafood in a cozy atmosphere.

Everything on the menu and on the adjacent fresh fish counter is seasonal, local and sustainable. In 2005, owners Mike McDermid (formerly of the Vancouver Aquarium) and chef Robert Clark (formerly of Restaurant C) founded the Ocean Wise program. McDermid and Clark compare their venture — a tiny, bustling restaurant and fresh fish shop — to a seafood farmer’s market. They can tell you exactly where, when, and by whom the fish was caught. In addition to fresh local fish, there are shellfish (crabs, shrimp, oysters, and scallops) and ready-to-eat meals that include everything from halibut cakes, fish pies, and salads to fish broths and soups. Seating is limited to a corner table and a few benches. If the weather is nice, you can take it to go or try it at a table in the small courtyard.