Gigi's Oysters — Restaurant in Comox

Where do I start. I spent a quick weekend in Comox and Gigi's was on my bucket list, and I'm so glad it was. It should be on everyone's bucket list. I dined here twice for late night dinner. Probably ate my yearly quota of oysters between the 2 days, but the staff were so fun, friendly and knowledgeable. They were super busy both nights but still took the time with each order and customer to make everyone feel at home. It was thanks to the care of the oyster shucker supreme there that I finally found the name of oysters I like, instead of just ordering anything like I normally do. The food from the kitchen really highlighted the skill and care that went into pairing the ingredients together. It wasn't just food, it was, pardon the cheese, a culinary journey. But that's just the vibe there. I chose to sit at the bar and it was a great way to make conversation with others, especially when dining solo. Like one big communal, family table.

But more on the food! The crudo was super fresh and just that drizzle of oil balanced raw+oily nicely. If I wasn't obsessed with oysters, that would have been my go to raw starter. The shrimp roll was like a delicious cloud of creamy saltiness, and the caesar salad? I get why it's nicknamed the best caesar in Comox. The smoked salmon rillette had just the right amount of oil to keep the salmon together on the crostini and every bite was a joy, without fear of any soggy mess.

Aside from oysters I do also have a soft spot for seafood chowder (I did a literal tour along the Irish coast just trying chowders one year), and despite having eaten so much already, I did not feel overwhelmed. Full, yes, but not that bad kind of full. The chowder was just perfect to end the night. It reminded me of the Irish chowders I had. And it's always a treat when food brings you back to good memories.

1,000 compliments...

Gigi’s is the kind of place that makes you wonder how a not yet year-old restaurant could manage to inspire its patrons so completely right from the get-go. Good ideas, good planning, a superb team, creative inspiration? Some combination?

Whatever the formula, we were thoroughly impressed with the food and the experience.

Our meal included a dozen fresh oysters, which, as our server explained in response to our question, needn’t only be consumed in ‘R’ months (e.g., JanuaRy, ApRil) as per the usual lore. Because most of the local varieties originally come from Japanese waters and were imported here in the early twentieth century, they have a different growth cycle. Whatever the science or history, the oysters were fabulously tasty, helped along by perfectly made traditional mignonette, green jalapeño sauce, lemon and horseradish.

We also enjoyed the outstanding ‘crudo,’ a plate of assorted raw fish bites marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, basil and capers.

The scallops in broth we had next tasted refined and fresh. This dish paired perfectly with a crisp traditional caesar salad in a balanced anchovy dressing, with a healthy sprinkling of grated Parmigiana-Reggiano.

Lastly we tried the shrimp roll, which was simple yet good with its light mayo sauce, in an unpretentious combo with potato chips.

The margaritas we had were icy, balanced, and not overly sweet.

Our server made us feel like welcome regulars — an impressive feat in Comox, with its summer surge of out-of-towners. We were even asked if the Latin jazz music was too loud (it wasn’t), something we’re almost never asked, and which reinforced Gigi’s personal touch.

We couldn’t have asked for a better...

UNPLANNED HIGHLIGHT

Travels from BERTA, missed an earlier ferry crossing and immediately searched comox oysters. Was stoked to see an oyster bar listed, Gigi's.

Arrived for happy hour to a welcoming staff eager to wait on , ordered 2 doz oysters from "shuckers choice", of 6 at the time from west coast to east. I always try the first of each kind with no add-ons, best way to gauge quality of oyster and often the best way to eat an oyster in my opinion when quality presents. Presented. Each with it's own unique size, texture, and liquor. All fresh, all delicious with fantastic complimentary sauces/adds if you desire ( unique and very tasty ). Chef was extremely knowledgeable about each oyster and routinely shared without ask.

The room quickly filled up and as I seen orders coming out, thought maybe I should have saved room to explore other dishes as each coming out looked better than last ... however "when in Rome" and yer at an oyster bar with limited time to catch the next ferry well.

This is a high-end restaurant with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Looking forward to the next...