A new seafood restaurant is diving into the waters in the next few days in Vancouver, and this one is right in step with what the city's diners love. Coquille Fine Seafood boasts a Gastown address, elegant decor, talented chefs, a great cocktail list, and approachable high-quality eats for all diners.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Located at the corner of Carrall and Water in the former Secret Location space, the front door of Coquille now finds guests entering off Carall, a doorway that will be flanked by sun-dappled seating on a pair of brick paved patios.
Inside, the oceanic motif is present but not obtrusive. High-backed banquettes are rosy pink and hint at shells, while you'll spot fish scale tiling and other details on the floor and bar. There's a contemporary-meet-deco vibe--lots of clean lines, and muted, warm tones like teal and brown.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Light streams in from big picture windows, and a cocktail bar shares counter space with a raw bar, where so much of Coquille's super fresh seafood will come. An open kitchen towards the rear means you can sense the activity and hum without it slapping you in the face.
On the menu at Coquille are seafood-focused dishes from laid back share-able apps like Fritto Misto (fried fish with aioli) or clams stuffed with peppers and bacon. Entrees include steaks and fish, but also a clam spaghetti and steamed mussels.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Coquille will be open from 11:30 daily, which means lighter, more casual items are available, too, like salads and sandwiches. And of course, there are always fresh-shucked oysters. The littlest diners have their own kids' menu to choose from, which has seafood along with things like Grilled Cheese.
Behind the menu are chefs and co-owners Lee Cooper and Jack Chen, who have been in the industry--and alongside each other at projects like L'Abattoir--for some time. The cocktail menu was created by bar consultant Shaun Layton--who also was the opening bar manager at L'Abattoir.
Shaun Layton teaches the staff how to make the drinks on his cocktail list (Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.)
Coquille's launch has been long-anticipated, and is most welcome. Vancouver has just in the past year or so really embraced the mid-level priced seafood restaurant, giving visitors and locals alike a break from the extremes of cheap and cheerful sushi bars or fish and chips and the high end, big splurge fancier spots.
The plan is for Coquille to officially open on Tuesday, February 13, which means lovebirds who may not excel at pre-planning have a fresh new option for Valentine's Day dining, too.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.
Coquille Fine Seafood is located at 181 Carrall Street.
