Smitty's Oyster House — Restaurant in Gibsons

We went there yesterday, first time going to sunshine coast. We stopped by the area before heading back to the ferry. As recommended by a few friends who's live and goes to the coast often. It was very disappointing from the get go. As I read some of these reviews. It's definitely the host (guy with tattoos on arm and pull down hat). He was so off putting, the staff has no masks on, and even most of the people we see roaming the streets has no mask on. But the way he talked to us was so rude. We were trying to ask how long the wait was and he told us to put our names down. And told us we couldn't linger around the front of the store and that they will call us. Which is fair and understandable but it felt like he was directing this only at us, while another couple were right behind us were just standing there even before we got to the restaurant. But isn't the first one, everytime we looked to the restaurant, we would see that there were a few people lingering around. But anyways, So we walked around since it was our first time, it was a very cute and beautiful little area. A must go if you havent yet. So 20mins went by and we go a call to return for our table, as my husband was getting off the phone, he mentioned that sure we will go for drinks. And once we got to the restaurant the host once again, was very stern face, no emotion. "hey guys, sorry for the wait." we're not looking for a cherry host or anything crazy. We know times are tough but at least make us feel like we were welcome to the place. As we were going to sit in, he said "You mentioned you were only drinking? We can't serve you, cuz we can lose our liquor license, and my husband said. Ok we will order appetizers too will that be enough? And he shrug at us and said I don't think so. I'm unsure he that's true or if he's just saying that so he doesn't have to serve us. We're like okay forget it I don't want to be here. As we were leaving, we were so upset as he was so rude and unwelcoming. He could have said it in a nicer way. I wish I could give this place no stars because honestly if the service from the front is already this poor, how much better can the food be? Diners go out to restaurants to enjoy the atmosphere and not be looked down upon. We will never be coming back to this restaurant no matter how good it is, because honestly why would I support such bad service. I'm not the only one who's said the same thing about him. All the one stars are usually about him on here. It's...

In any other situation I would give this place 5 stars. But today was not that day. I had called 6 days prior to June 4th 2021 to make a reservation for my boyfriends 35th birthday. To no avail on 3 different phone calls. I finally got through the 4th time and got this lady on the phone who verbatim said “we do not take reservations” I explained about the special day even asked if I could call them 20 minutes to just put my name on the list, again met with “this is our policy, no reservations.” I then reached out to a friend who knew one of the managers, to get me the reservation. She had said it was successful and to show up June 4th at 6:30pm. When Me and my 5 person group, all dressed up for the first occasion we’ve been out to in months, and I walk up to the door and the first thing the blonde hostess asks me is “do you have a reservation?”... funny I thought reservations were against their policy. I let it go and said my name. She said my name was not on the list and it would be 45 minute wait. I then explained to her the situation about my friend connecting me, and she said that manager had already left and didn’t say anything. No problem just a miscommunication. So I ask her if in fact they do take reservations, to which she replied yes we do. I told her of my phone conversation with the person a few days ago, to which she says “oh ya my manager sometimes likes to make random rules”.... who does that? A professional establishment throwing out “random rules” so I asked to see her manager. Who came out of the freezer next to the entrance, while half listening to my situation and ignoring me and throwing ice in a bucket. He then says “ok gimme a moment wait here, and we can figure something out”. I waited for 10 minutes and then approached the blonde hostess again and asked “how long will your manager be?” And she says “I don’t know he’s super busy, he can text you when he’s ready” while literally laughing at my face. I left and was so upset. As I walked away I saw the hostess look at the said manager and they both laughed at me walking away. I have never felt so bullied in my life. I actually cried. I was not only upset about driving from half moon bay to smittys for my Boyfriends 35th birthday to not be able to give him the night that I had to thoughtfully planned. I will not be returning here, treating your customers with respect should be top of your priority. This all went down on Friday June...

✨ A Hidden Gem in Gibsons – A Magical Seafood Experience at Smitty’s ✨

We had such a wonderful experience at Smitty’s! From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and taken care of. We were told it might be a 20-minute wait, but we were seated within seven—an unexpected and much-appreciated surprise, especially because we were starving and so excited to try the seafood.

We sat at the bar, which turned out to be the perfect spot for two. While the tables are large and perfect for big groups or families, the bar gave us an intimate and cozy setting without ever feeling awkward or out of place. The venue itself is absolutely stunning—dark, moody, and tastefully decorated, creating the atmosphere of an upscale yet grounded coastal restaurant. You can tell there was so much thought put into the design—it feels both elegant and earthy, like a love letter to the sea.

We started with oysters, which were deliciously fresh and beautifully presented. Although they weren’t local (the ones we tried were from NB) , they still carried the bright, clean taste of the ocean, and it did leave us wondering—why isn’t it more common in Canadian culture to celebrate and enjoy our own local seafood more often? There’s so much richness and beauty in what these coastal waters offer.

As for the menu overall—it’s not cheap, but that’s to be expected when the quality is this good. Every dish that passed by us looked like a piece of art, and we found ourselves dreaming of coming back with a bigger group so we could sample even more. It’s definitely the kind of place where sharing is encouraged and celebrated.

The service was kind, attentive, and warm. Everyone made us feel right at home without being overbearing. It’s rare to find that balance, and they absolutely nailed it.

All in all, Smitty’s is more than a meal—it’s an experience. We left full, happy, and excited to return. Next time, we’ll be back with friends so we can dive even deeper into the menu and share the joy.

Thank you for creating such a beautiful space and sharing such incredible food. We can’t wait to...