Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar Set to Launch Next to English Bay Beach

Exterior of Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar | courtesy SMC Communications

Replacing the West End’s recently shuttered Beach Bay Cafe (1193 Denman Street — previously the legendary Raincity Grill) will be a casual restaurant called Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar.

Rather than give up the desirable location opposite English Bay, the same owners (Viaggio Hospitality Group, see also Cibo Trattoria, Ancora, Uva) have refreshed the 2,200 sqft space, making it more approachable and straightforward in concept with a promise of “casual favourites for lunch, brunch and dinner”.

I have yet to see what they’ve done with the interior but if the exterior paint job is any indication, it’s likely going to be playful with plenty of colour. Opening day is set for June 6th — literally D-Day.

Here’s the official announcement…

A new casual, seafood-focused restaurant and bar drops its anchor in the heart of Vancouver’s vibrant West End neighbourhood this week when Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar opens its doors on Thursday, June 6 at 1193 Denman Street.

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 — and will offer panoramic views of English Bay Beach in its bright and spacious dining room, oyster bar and outdoor patio.

Papi’s menu will feature such seafood-forward fare as ceviche, crudo, freshly shucked oysters on the half shell and a signature seafood platter in addition to an array of casual appetizers and mains, as well as a bar menu of sparkling wine and Champagne, signature cocktails and craft beer on tap.

Papi’s front of house team will be led by General Manager and Sommelier Alessandro De Pieri, while Head Chef Max Straczek will oversee the kitchen. Straczek — who appeared on The Food Network Canada’s latest season of Top Chef Canada — spent a decade mastering his skills at a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe as well as local establishments such as Fable Kitchen and Fable Diner, while De Pieri brings more than thirty years of management experience in the hospitality industry and at luxury hotel properties across the globe to the fore.

“At Papi’s, we have an opportunity to give visitors and locals alike a taste of what makes the Pacific Northwest such a destination,” says De Pieri. “It’s a bright and welcoming space that offers a truly unique spot to enjoy one of the most popular and picturesque areas of the city.”

There are 3 comments

  1. I always wondered how they kept getting this location wrong. Several conversations with industry friends frequently stated “Man i bet you if they would just do something more casual like oysters and fish tacos they would kill!” Looking forward to enjoying some bubbles and oysters with that view!

  2. Money meet pit. The fact that they kept Beach Bay afloat for so long was hilarious! This part of the west end literally has no appetite for fine-dining or fine-casual (which I suspect this will end up being). There is literally no point in having a Sommelier here, especially at a placed named “Papi’s”.

    Just make it a fry house and call it a day.

  3. @juan in a million. Never underestimate a good champagne pairing with fried chicken! Haha

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