Bow & Stern, Fraser Valley’s beloved seafood destination, has officially dropped anchor in Burnaby’s Amazing Brentwood, marking its first Metro Vancouver location. Seafood lovers in the city can enjoy the same ocean-inspired dining experience that’s made its Abbotsford and Chilliwack spots such a hit. With a 5,000 square foot space featuring a stunning oyster bar, exclusive seafood towers, and a welcoming ambiance, Bow & Stern Brentwood is shaping up to be the next go-to for fresh seafood, hearty surf & turf, and family-friendly dining.
Family-Owned and Operated
The restaurant brand is wholly owned and operated by the Smith family, which first originated when Jon and Jacki Smith opened a fish ‘n chips concept in 1988. The recipe remains a Bow & Stern staple. Bow & Stern is now a joint venture between Jon, Jacki, their sons Jordan and Jake, daughter Erin, and son-in-law Adam Crosariol.
The Menu
Bow & Stern’s newest location offers an array of irresistible seafood creations exclusive to the Brentwood Outpost. These include the Hot Seafood Platter featuring a mouthwatering combination of arctic char, tiger prawns, lobster tails, mussels, clams, seasonal vegetables, and jasmine rice; the Chilled Seafood Plate offering a refreshing selection of oysters, prawn cocktail, tuna tataki, and their signature B&S roll; and the Signature Cold Seafood Tower which provides a seafood lover’s dream with raw oysters, jumbo prawn cocktail, poached lobster tails, tuna tataki, and the signature B&S roll.
To complement these decadent platters, the beverage menu offers a variety of carefully curated options. Local craft beer enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, including Bow & Stern’s very own lager and pale ale. Wine lovers can explore a selection of Okanagan wines, while cocktail aficionados can indulge in unique creations like the Maracuya Brulee, a tropical blend of Casamigos Blanco, passionfruit, ube syrup, and egg white; the Barrel & Wood, a rich, smoky mix of Glenmorangie Nectar, Basil Hayden, Suntory Toki, Grand Marnier, and bitter-infused sweetener; or the Blue Very Beach, a refreshing combination of Ciroc Peach Vodka, Ciroc Berry, Blue Curacao, lemon syrup, and pink grapefruit soda.
For those seeking non-alcoholic options, Bow & Stern also offers an inventive selection of zero-proof cocktails.
The Vibe
Located just outside the Tables food court, the restaurant welcomes you with a coastal, yet intimate setting. Warm natural wood, lush greenery, and soft lighting create an airy, elegant feel. The curved arches and sea-inspired accents tie it all together, while the L-shaped bar serves as a focal point. It’s setting up to be a great spot for both casual dinners and special celebrations.
What We Tried
I attended a media preview and here is what we tried.
Hot Seafood Platter
Arctic Char, Tiger Prawns, Lobster Tails, Mussels & Clams, Seasonal Vegetables, Jasmine Rice
The Hot Seafood Platter is an impressive spread, bursting with the briny flavours of seafood. The Arctic char was perfectly seared with a crispy skin; the tiger prawns and lobster tails added a sweet, tender bite; and the mussels and clams were nicely steamed. Paired with jasmine rice, this platter is a satisfying seafood feast.
Signature Chilled Seafood Tower
Selection of Oysters, Jumbo Prawn Cocktail, Poached Lobster Tails, Tuna Tataki, Signature B&S Roll
A feast for the eyes and palate, the Chilled Seafood Tower is a must for raw seafood enthusiasts. The selection of oysters was briny and fresh. The jumbo prawn cocktail was succulent, and the poached lobster tails were delicate and sweet. The tuna tataki was lightly seared. The signature B&S roll added a bit of umami richness to balance the plate.
Seafood Linguine
White Wine Cream Sauce, Prawns, Mussels, Clams, Salmon, Warm Bread
The Seafood Linguine was a creamy, indulgent dish with a prawns, mussels, and clams. The salmon chunks provided a delightful contrast, perfectly complementing the white wine cream sauce. The warm bread served alongside was ideal for sopping up the rich sauce. A comforting classic done right.
Lobster & Prawn Mac N’ Cheese
Lobster, Argentinian Red Prawn, Lobster Bisque Cheese Sauce, Toasted Herb Bread Crumb
The Lobster & Prawn Mac N’ Cheese marries the decadence of lobster and Argentinian red prawn with a rich lobster bisque cheese sauce. The toasted herb breadcrumb on top added a satisfying crunch, balancing out the creaminess. It’s a dish that delivers both luxury and comfort in one bite.
East Coast Lobster Dip
Lobster, Mozzarella and White Cheddar Dip, Toasted Garlic Bread Crumbs, Served with Grilled Sourdough
The East Coast Lobster Dip was a tasty starter. The mozzarella and white cheddar blend created a rich, gooey dip, with chunks of lobster adding bursts of flavour. The toasted garlic bread crumbs provided a nice texture, and the grilled sourdough was perfect for scooping up every bit of the savoury dip. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a shareable appetizer to kick off your meal.
Halibut Fish & Chips
With House-Made Tartar and Coleslaw
You can’t visit Bow & Stern without trying their signature Fish & Chips. The halibut was flaky and moist, encased in a crispy golden batter. The house-made tartar sauce added a tangy, creamy kick, while the coleslaw offered a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Prawn & Avocado Cobb Salad
Mixed Greens, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Sliced Avocado, Gem Tomatoes, Radish, Medium Poached Egg, Grilled Tiger Prawn Skewer, Remoulade, Bacon, Green Goddess Dressing
For a lighter option, the Prawn & Avocado Cobb Salad delivered in both flavour and freshness. The grilled tiger prawn skewer was juicy and seasoned just right, while the mix of goat cheese, avocado, and poached egg added a creamy richness. The bacon bits provided a smoky touch, and the Green Goddess dressing brought everything together.
Cioppino
Mussels, Clams, Prawns, Salmon, Seasonal White Fish, Tomato Fennel Broth, Garlic, Chili Flakes, Grilled Bread
The Cioppino was a warm, comforting bowl of seafood goodness. The tomato fennel broth had just the right balance of acidity and sweetness, with garlic and chili flakes adding a subtle heat. The mussels, clams, prawns, and salmon were well executed. The grilled bread was essential for soaking up that fragrant broth. It’s the perfect dish when you’re craving something hearty.
Steak Platter
8 oz Top Sirloin, 10 oz Striploin, 12 oz Ribeye
For those craving a break from seafood, the Steak Platter delivers a range of perfectly cooked cuts. The 8 oz Top Sirloin was tender and lean, packed with flavour. The 10 oz Striploin had a beautiful marbling, resulting in a juicy and flavourful steak. For the ultimate indulgence, the 12 oz Ribeye was rich, buttery, and full of umami. Each steak was expertly grilled to order, and the platter offers a great option for sharing or indulging in a personal steak night.
Bow & Stern Brentwood is a welcome addition to the Metro Vancouver dining scene, offering a seafood-focused menu that’s both elevated and approachable. My favourites were the Halibut Fish & Chips, Cioppino, Steak Platter, Seafood Linguine and Hot Seafood Platter.
Bow & Stern Brentwood
4567 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby, BC
Follow them on Instagram: @bow.and.stern
Website: www.bowandstern.ca