The difference between a good oyster and a bad one is night and day.
One bad experience with a plate of rubbery, metallic-tasting bivalves almost left me convinced I’d never eat another one.
It wasn’t until I had the delicate, briny taste of a perfectly shucked oyster that I became a converted oyster fan.
So, if you’re looking for the best spots for oysters, I’ve done the shucking for you. Here are all my top spots where you can indulge in this seafood delicacy.
How much do oysters cost in Calgary?
It costs at least 2 CAD per oyster to order oysters in Calgary. This cost is just an estimate. The actual price depends on the type of oyster, the restaurant, and the time of year.
Table of Contents
1. Rodney’s Oyster House Calgary
Address: 355 10 Ave SW
Contact Details: +1 403-460-0026
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
The fact that Rodney’s Oyster House is their own broker convinced me to check them out. Since a majority of their oysters come from their own beds, they are fresher than other imported ones.
Their selection is impressive. They have oysters from all over—the west coast, east coast, and even Japan! And I love how they shuck them right there, fresh to order.
I first tried the Malpeque oysters, which are known for their sweet and salty flavor. They were plump and juicy, and the taste was just incredible.
I also tried a few Kumamotos for a change of pace, and they were really unique. Smaller and more delicate, but still packed with that delicious, sweet, and briny flavour.
The presentation was just as impressive as the taste. The oysters were piled high on a bed of ice, and they came with a basket of sauces to customize the experience.
However, my only real issue was with the slightly inattentive service—they took a while to bring me my drink refills.
Oysters were amazing as always
“Oysters were amazing as always. Waitress was very helpful. All around 10/10.”
– YYC Calgary – K B, Google Reviews
Amazing place for oysters
“Amazing place for oysters. I don’t eat a whole lot of oysters but it was super delicious. The staff that served us was first class service. Explained all the different kinds of Oysters that come from different parts of the world and what would suit our taste buds. Highly recommend for Oyster lovers!”
– Michael Yuan, Google Reviews
2. Embarcadero Wine & Oyster Bar
Address: 208 17 Ave SE
Contact Details: +1 403-263-0848
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 9 PM
Embarcadero Wine & Oyster Bar is definitely a place I’d recommend for any oyster lover out there. They’ve got a really impressive selection, sourced from both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
They’ve got all kinds of varieties, from the classic Malpeque to the more unique Paradise oysters. I personally love the Kusshi oysters; they’re so smooth and sweet.
I also enjoyed the Malpeques; they’ve got that classic briny flavour, and I’m a sucker for anything that’s got a good salty kick.
They’re presented beautifully, too. The oysters are served on the half shell with a variety of accompaniments, like lemon wedges, horseradish, and mignonette sauce. I love that they give you options to customize your experience.
My only complaint is that sometimes it feels like the servers are trying to push you toward buying their most expensive wines to pair with your meal.
It’s not bad per se, but it’s a bit annoying if you’re just looking for a simple glass of something to go with your oysters.
An awesome restaurant for happy hour oysters
“An awesome restaurant for happy hour oysters! You’ll find fresh and delicious east coast P.E.I. oysters here during the appropriate season and they are the best. So big, firm, and tasty. If you order during their happy hour you can get up to 2 dozen at a discounted price. Any additional oysters will be at regular price unless you order another regular dish, which will allow you to get an equivalently priced amount of discount oysters. There are lemon slices and 5 different hot sauces to choose from. Customer service here is friendly and the restaurant interior is somewhat dark and cramped, but not uncomfortable. A nice cozy atmosphere and delicious food makes this a wonderful restaurant to dine in at! Check this out”
– Jason Ngo, Google Reviews
The JUICIEST oysters I’ve had yet in Calgary
“I’ve always walked past this restaurant because by “oyster and wine” bar, I always assumed it would be expensive, but this is now definitely my go to seafood spot. The atmosphere is very cozy and classic, and our server was great.
Their website hasn’t been working, so I’m unaware of their daily deals, but on a Thursday we ran into a $1.5/shuck for east cost Malbeque oysters from PEI that were the JUICIEST oysters I’ve had yet in Calgary, even though they were very well priced before the deal. We also grabbed the black tiger prawns which sadly only lasted us about 30 seconds because they were also huge and flavourful (I wish it came with at least 8 rather than 6). Their menu had a really great selection of offerings overall.
Additionally, it was nice to see 2oz cocktails for $10, and they were very well done.
Overall I am overwhelming impressed with my experience here and will most definitely be coming back to try the rest of their menu, and will be becoming a regular for my seafood fix.”
– Evelyn Balachova, Google Reviews
3. Big Fish & Open Range – Renfrew
Address: 1112 Edmonton Trl #1
Contact Details: +1 403-277-3403
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Big Fish & Open Range has a really fun, casual vibe—perfect for a relaxed night out.
Their “Oyster Bar” menu is a total standout, and visiting on a Monday meant I got to enjoy their amazing buy-one-get-one-free deal on oysters—a serious win for any oyster lover!
The selection of East Coast and West Coast oysters was impressive. Each variety I tried was incredibly fresh and plump, with that perfect briny sweetness you hope for.
What made the experience better was their range of house-made sauces. The caper anchovy mignonette was a favorite—tangy, flavorful, and just right without overpowering the oysters. The ponzu sauce was another solid option, adding a subtle citrusy twist.
As for the four-chili cocktail sauce, it was bold and fiery, though a little too intense for my taste. It overpowered the delicate flavor of the oysters, but I can see how spice lovers would enjoy it.
And let’s talk about the presentation—it was absolutely top-notch. The oysters were elegantly arranged on a bed of ice, complete with a chic lemon wedge for that perfect finishing touch.
I came here specifically for their raw oysters
“I came here specifically for their raw oysters and they were Delicious! I had 2 dozens, Will definitely be coming back here in the foreseeable future”
– Dat Vu, Google Reviews
One of the few places I’ll go in the city for oysters
“The oysters were terrific! One of the few places I’ll go in the city for oysters. Our server was friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable! Great place to take a date!”
– Ryan Shaw, Google Reviews
4. Pigeonhole 17th
Address: 306 17 Ave SW
Contact Details: +1 403-452-4694
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Pigeonhole 17th is a trendy restaurant with a menu of shareable plates and creative cocktails, all with a European bistro-inspired flair. It’s the kind of place where you can count on unique flavors and a lively atmosphere.
Though their oyster selection is limited to just East Coast oysters, these are truly something special. Served half a dozen or a dozen, they are fresh and briny—absolutely worth the trip.
What really sets them apart, though, are the condiments. Their fresh oysters come with a scrumptious plum mignonette and a house hot sauce that adds a bit of kick without overpowering the oyster’s natural flavour. Together, they’re a perfect combination.
That said, be prepared for a bit of wait on the weekends. The restaurant gets busy, and it took me some time to snag a table. Still, I didn’t mind—it’s clear why this spot is so popular.
My go to place for late night oysters!!
“My go to place for late night oysters!! The best place in the city for Happy Hour oysters imo. Highly recommend checking them out and the other variety of food and drinks on their menu 🙂 the service is awesome every time I been there!”
– Lucy Li, Google Reviews
Best Oysters in Calagry
“5 starts all around. Best Oysters in Calagry and the best Beef Tartare I have ever had. Not to mention the phenomenal service! We will be back soon!”
– Sam, Google Reviews
5. Modern Ocean
Address: 10606 Southport Rd SW
Contact Details: +1 403-300-1424
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Modern Ocean offers flavorful oysters in a beautiful presentation and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s easily one of my favorites for enjoying high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood.
Since they’re all about fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, their oyster selection tastes absolutely fantastic.
I’m a big fan of the Kumamotos here. Although they’re on the small side, they have a sweet flavor that almost reminds me of melon. They’re so good I almost ordered another dozen!
But if you’re looking for something more robust, the Pacific oysters are the way to go. I love their Olympia oysters; they are a nice change of pace with their cucumber notes and salty flavor.
Plus, the oysters are presented beautifully on the half shell, and you can choose from a variety of accompaniments. I went for the classic mignonette, but they also have cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
That said, Modern Ocean leans toward the pricier side. If you’re after budget-friendly oysters, this might not be your best bet. But if you’re looking to splurge on quality seafood in a laid-back setting, it’s worth every penny.
Hands down the freshest oysters in the city
“Absolutely incredible seafood! Hands down the freshest oysters in the city and the cocktails are to die for!”
– Braedon Baragar, Google Reviews
Premium oysters at half the price
“We went for the 1/2 price oysters in October deal. Premium oysters at half the price, best deal in town. We tried a bunch of the new menu items: Garlic buns, seafood roll, shrimp toast, and black cod. We will be back and definitely recommend.
Kyle was a fantastic server and knew is wine pairings.”
– Krishan Mall, Google Reviews
