Newly open in the West End at 1193 Denman Street is Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, offering casual, seafood-focused dishes as well as cocktails, wine and craft beer. Papi’s is open for lunch, happy hour and dinner seven days a week and weekend brunch.
Occupying the space that was formerly Beach Bay Café and Patio, Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar is the latest project for the Viaggio Hospitality Group, which also owns and operates Cibo Trattoria, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar and Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio.
I was invited to a media event recently and had the opportunity to sample some of their offerings and see the space.
Patio & Panaromic Views
The restaurant features a spacious dining room, oyster bar and outdoor patio offering panoramic views of English Bay.
The inspiration for the restaurant is derived from Poseidon, mythical Greek god of the sea and waters, and is reflected in the monochromatic colour palette as well as the use of trident motifs throughout the space.
The centerpiece is a full-wall mural depicting the Greek sea goddess Amphitrite that was painted by local artists Arden Marow Ross and Peter Ricq.
Papi’s Seafood Menu
Papi’s oyster bar offers as many as a dozen daily varieties on the half shell. A half-dozen oysters are also featured as part of Papi’s seafood platter that includes a prawn cocktail, ceviche (lime, red onion, cilantro), crudo (soy vinaigrette, fresh cucumber, radish) and mussel escabeche.
Other highlights of Papi’s menus include Papi’s chowder, crab cakes, kale salad, Papi’s burger featuring Beyond Meat, fish n’ chip, and steamed mussels (aromatic curry or white wine broths).
Papi’s Bar Menu
At the bar, Papi’s features summer-friendly signature cocktails such as charred peach bellinis, honey water margaritas, sea wall bangers, Papi’s Caesars and mermaid sours.
The bar program also offers Champagne and sparkling wine, mimosas, craft beer on tap, and oyster shooters available in single shots with a choice of tequila, vodka or whisky or all three in a Papi’s ‘Oyster Trident’.
Papi’s front-of-house team is led by General Manager and Sommelier Alessandro De Pieri, a veteran of the European hospitality industry and luxury hotel circuit. Max Straczek, who appeared on The Food Network Canada’s latest season of Top Chef Canada and was a mainstay at Fable Kitchen and Fable Diner for five years, takes the back-of-house helm as Head Chef.
Hours and Address
Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Weekend Brunch: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Happy Hour daily 2 to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close
Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
1193 Denman St., Vancouver BC
www.papisoysterbar.com/