Blue Water Cafe — Restaurant in Vancouver

Follow-Up Review: A Masterclass in Hospitality

After my initial experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect—until I received a personal invitation from none other than the restaurant director, Stephan, inviting me back to dine on the house (mains). That gesture alone said volumes about the integrity and values of this establishment, which I used to frequent back when I lived in Vancouver.

Upon my return, what I encountered was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in, the staff made it clear that this was not just about food—it was about making things right, with care, attention, and genuine hospitality. Stephan personally greeted me, ensuring every detail of the evening was flawless. It's rare, in today’s world, to see this level of ownership and pride in service. Most places move on. This one reached back.

The meal itself was exquisite, but it was the service that stole the show—gracious, attentive, warm, and unpretentious. Stephan and his team didn't just restore my confidence in the restaurant; they elevated the entire experience beyond expectations.

There are very few institutions left that truly care—about their guests, their reputation, and doing the right thing when things don’t go perfectly. This restaurant is one of those rare exceptions. I left not only satisfied, but genuinely moved by the level of thoughtfulness extended.

Bravo to Stephan and the team for turning a misstep into a masterclass in hospitality. I’ll absolutely be back—and I’ll be telling everyone I know to visit as well!

ORIGINAL REVIEW: This was my first time dining at Bluewater Cafe (on January 8th) in nearly 5+ years and I was thoroughly not impressed - the following is my review and based on spending over $500 for Dinner at one of Vancouver's well known fine dining establishments:

1. Service - Upon arrival and despite having a reservation, our table was not ready. We were seated at a table of 8, while they simultaneously started taking away the additional chairs and cutlery/plates not required. They did not even offer to take our jackets but rather left two additional chairs for us to hang our coats/jackets.

Our server was very rushed/anxious and seemed to be more interested in getting us "in/out" rather than serving us. Very little small talk, etc. After just 5 or so minutes of seating and getting settled in we were asked about drink orders and appetizers. There was a follow-up again 5 minutes from then. After drinks arrived (which seemed quite watered down given the oversized ice cubes), we were promptly asked about orders. Appetizers were quick to come out and tasted average at best. The server followed up shortly thereafter and made a comment with the assumption that we were only there for appetizers, "just appetizers for you this evening?". No mention or questions about how things were tasting thus far, etc. After ordering mains our Server changed, and for the best. The server was more friendly and less rushed, however he too did not take much time or make effort in asking how things were tasting, etc. No recommendations for dinner, explanation of special dishes, etc. It also seemed like there were no senior managers in attendance that evening.

One positive was that we were not held to the 2-Hour time limit and we stayed till closing.

2. Food - Both the appetizers and main dishes were quite average in taste and despite the prices. The sablefish was quite undercooked and chewy. The seared tuna had a very small portion of tuna and was also cold when served, despite being seared on high heat. Plates were also cold. Wine selection however was good and did not taste corked, etc.

3. Ambiance/Atmosphere - Not much expected from a Sunday night dinner, but the restaurant was bustling and clean. We were seated on the heated patio, which was our preference.

I filled out a review the next day, upon email notification/request, I noted the aforementioned and there have been no...

They serve the best hamachi in Vancouver. Since we first discovered the raw bar, we've been back many times. Because the bar is moon shaped and not linear, and the worktop is on display rather than shielded by a fridge, it is very interesting and entertaining. The raw fridge drawer is at the back behind the chefs, so we can see the amazing variety and fish they have each time they open the drawer. Sushi Chef Masaaki Kudo is scrupulously trained in Kyoto. We could tell from watching him prepare his fish that we will end up with the best pieces of hamachi imported from Japan. When we order sashimi, the temperature of the fish really matters to us. The Bluewater hamachi sashimi is served at the perfect temperature, cold and firm without sinew. Bluewater has so many talented chefs and a rich variety of produce. So they are able to craft off the menu item on-the-fly. Because of eczema, I cannot eat eggs, chicken, gluten and dairy which rules out rolls that contain mayonnaise. Watching them work at the sushi bar, we noticed that they hardly use mayo in their rolls. We love being able to order special items like a real crab hand roll without mayo. We also love that we can ask for a vegan main course with just vegetables. In our experience, not all the waiters can ask the kitchen for a stunning vegetable main dish. Liam served us one night, and because he used to be a vegan, we ended up with a main consisted of green beans, broccolini, perfectly roasted rainbow carrots, 4 kinds of mushrooms, quinoa, edamame, and micro-greens which was absolutely delicious (and not messed around with until they are unrecognizable like in other vegan restaurants). We've tried the booths and tables in the restaurant. I actually sat at a booth that gave me back ache because the seat was so worn out. Of the variety of tables they offer, we can't imagine eating at Bluewater Cafe without being at the raw bar. We had dinner with a friend in the patio, although the noise level is quite acceptable, I would definitely not repeat the experience. I go to Bluewater because they have the best hamachi in town. BUT, that's only at the raw bar. While sitting at the raw bar, we've seen sashimi and sushi dishes sitting on the counter waiting for the server to deliver the plate. While we were in the garden, I waited a long time for my hamachi sashimi. By the time it was delivered to me, it was not worth eating. It was not cold, and the texture was no longer firm. Bah, my dinner and appetite was ruined that night. That's not the way to eat hamachi and I would not return to the...

An Unforgettable Seafood Experience with Adrien, the Stellar Server!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a wonderful seafood restaurant and I just had to share my incredible experience! From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warm smiles and an inviting ambiance that set the tone for a perfect evening. However, it was our server, Adrien, who truly made our dining experience outstanding.

Adrien's exceptional service and genuine friendliness made us feel right at home. His extensive knowledge of the menu and his passion for seafood shone through as he skillfully guided us through the tantalizing options, ensuring we made the best choices for our tastes. From the fresh catch of the day to the delectable shellfish, his recommendations were spot-on and left us craving for more.

Not only was Adrien attentive to our dining preferences, but he also took the time to engage in friendly conversation, making us feel like valued guests rather than just another table. His warm and personable nature created a welcoming atmosphere that enhanced our overall dining experience.

Adrien's attention to detail was impeccable. He was always one step ahead, anticipating our needs and ensuring that our glasses were never empty and our plates were cleared promptly. His ability to navigate a busy restaurant with grace and efficiency was truly impressive, as he effortlessly attended to all his tables while still giving each guest his undivided attention.

Beyond his exemplary service, Adrien's genuine enthusiasm for his work was contagious. His passion for seafood was evident as he shared interesting tidbits about the dishes, their origins, and the flavors we could expect. His recommendations were not only based on his knowledge but also tailored to our individual preferences, making each dish a delightful surprise.

In conclusion, the combination of the exceptional seafood and Adrien's outstanding service made this dining experience one to remember. I highly recommend this seafood restaurant to anyone seeking a memorable culinary adventure. Adrien's professionalism, personable nature, and extensive knowledge truly set him apart, making him an invaluable asset to the restaurant. I am already eagerly looking forward to my next visit, hoping to have the pleasure of Adrien's impeccable service once again.

Thank you, Adrien, for going above and beyond to make our dining experience...