If you're a fan of these delicious, briny treats, you're in for a real treat. Saskatoon might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fresh oysters, but this city has some fantastic spots that are perfect for satisfying your seafood cravings.
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the 6 top oyster places in Saskatoon, from cozy cafes to upscale lounges. We’ve handpicked these spots because they offer a unique and diverse oyster experience.
1. Bon Temps Cafe
When it comes to finding a place with a mix of lively atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes, Bon Temps Cafe in Saskatoon stands out.
With its unique New Orleans-inspired decor and live music, Bon Temps Cafe promises a dining experience that’s both fun and memorable.
Let’s start with their standout dish, the Oysters Bienville. They’re baked with white wine, garlic, mushrooms, and cherry smoked bacon, then topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and Grana Padano Parmesan.
It’s a taste explosion that you simply must try! And the fun continues. Their menu includes a variety of other flavorful dishes like the Petite Crab Cakes Louisiana with a spicy habanero aioli, and the spicy, cheesy Pimento Cheese spread served hot with French loaf.
Bon Temps Cafe also knows how to keep things exciting with their weekly specials. Start your week with Margarita Monday, or enjoy freshly shucked oysters for just $3 each on Wine-Down Wednesday.
The specials continue throughout the week with $5 Highballs, Voodoo hour drinks, and more, making every visit a unique experience.
The decor, reminiscent of a medieval dining hall with seafood elements, creates a chic yet cozy ambiance that’s perfect for both casual and special dining occasions.
2. Primal
Primal in Saskatoon promises a culinary adventure with its locally sourced ingredients and a menu that's both compact and full of flavor.
The restaurant's fresh oysters are a standout, and they offer them by the half dozen for $21 or by the dozen for $42. These oysters are so delectable that they keep patrons coming back for more.
The atmosphere at Primal is both classy and cozy, with a unique boho vibe. The dark and moody lighting, wall-mounted wine displays, and stools adorned with faux-fur seats create the perfect setting for a relaxed evening out.
Among the many mouth-watering dishes, the bone marrow with gremolata and horseradish served with focaccia stands out at $20.
The restaurant also features homemade pasta made from Saskatchewan's ancient grains.
Dishes like rigatoni with goat cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, and greens drizzled with truffle oil, or the spaghetti carbonara with pancetta, pecorino, pepper, and a slow egg are highly recommended.
Primal's wine selection is just as impressive, with options like the Tenuta del Portale Basilicata Starsa red and white wine from Puglia that pair beautifully with their dishes.
The restaurant also offers a four-course tasting menu for those wanting to sample a variety of flavors in one sitting.
Shared dishes such as bison filet, spaghetti cacio e pepe, and of course, their fresh oysters are highly recommended.
To top off the meal, their dessert menu includes delightful options like chocolate truffles and potato donuts with espresso and vanilla ice cream.
3. POP Wine Bar
If you're looking for a trendy spot with a cozy vibe, POP Wine Bar is a prime destination in Saskatoon.
It offers a unique blend of delicious food, creative cocktails, and an extensive wine selection. The ambiance is both cool and family-friendly, making it ideal for any occasion.
A highlight at POP is their fresh oysters, perfectly paired with a scallion and horseradish sauce. Enjoy these tasty treats during their Tuesday night oyster special.
For those who love a bit of variety, the menu also includes dishes like schnitzel, a chicken sandwich, and the highly recommended bison tartare.
But the delights don’t end there. POP offers an ever-changing menu that focuses on fresh, local ingredients.
Their Rockefeller pizza, topped with roasted kale, oysters, and chili oil, is a unique twist on a classic favorite.
For dessert, you might want to try their charcuterie board with mostly in-house made items or the chicken liver pâté with crusty bread.
Drinks at POP are just as impressive as the food. Their seasonal cocktail list is always a hit, with creative concoctions like the pineapple punch and the strawberry daiquiri.
The atmosphere at POP is often praised for being both relaxing and inviting, making it a great spot for a quick drink, catching up with friends, or even a family visit before 8 PM.
The venue also offers a lovely patio, perfect for enjoying your favorite drink on a warm summer evening.
4. Earls Kitchen + Bar
Earls Kitchen + Bar is a standout in Saskatoon's dining scene, offering a diverse and flavorful menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including delicious plant-based options.
The atmosphere is both welcoming and versatile, making it perfect for casual hangouts or more formal dining experiences.
The unique aspect of Earls is its commitment to freshness and quality. The oysters here are a must-try, known for their super fresh and unique flavor.
The restaurant has an open kitchen concept, which adds an element of excitement as you can watch the skilled chefs in action.
The menu is frequently updated to keep things fresh and exciting, ensuring there’s always something new to try. This dynamic approach helps make each visit a delightful culinary adventure.
Among the highlighted dishes, the seafood chowder and Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl are crowd favorites, offering rich and satisfying flavors.
Other notable mentions include the Spicy Black Bean Soup, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and the ever-popular pork ribs.
These dishes consistently receive positive feedback for their high quality and flavorful taste.
Additionally, the service at Earls is known for being professional, friendly, and attentive, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
5. Carver's Steakhouse & Lounge
Looking for a place that combines both elegance and exceptional dining? Carver's Steakhouse & Lounge might just be your next favorite spot in Saskatoon.
This restaurant is known for its classy atmosphere with soft lighting and darker interior finishes, making it perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
The menu at Carver's is a delight for the taste buds. Their filet fresh oysters are a standout, known for their rich and in-depth flavor thanks to the unique spices used.
If you're in the mood for something meaty, the ribeye and braised short ribs are exceptional choices.
One of the restaurant's unique features is its complimentary appetizers and desserts, adding an extra touch of hospitality to your dining experience.
They also offer a variety of healthy meal options, with notable sides like Brussel sprouts and the romaine and kale salad.
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you're in luck, as Carver's accommodates such preferences without compromising on taste.
The staff often goes out of their way to make special nights memorable, from arranging private spaces with candles to allowing personal wine.
The filet mignon with truffle mushroom butter comes highly recommended, often leaving guests raving about its perfection.
6. Charlie's Seafood Market
If you're a seafood lover in Saskatoon, you simply can't miss Charlie's Seafood Market. This locally owned establishment has been delivering high-quality fresh and frozen seafood since 1985, making it a true staple in the community.
Charlie’s offers one of the largest selections of seafood in Saskatchewan, with over 30 varieties of sushi made fresh daily and ready for takeout!
One of the key reasons why Charlie's stands out is its commitment to freshness. The market brings in fresh seafood 4-5 days a week, unlike supermarkets that restock only once a week.
This high turnover ensures that every product is of the best quality. Fresh items never leave the ice and are stored in special temperature-controlled coolers, while frozen items are vacuum-sealed, keeping them fresh for up to six months.
At Charlie’s, you'll find a wide array of fresh produce, including oysters, clams, shrimp, lobster, and calamari.
The market also stocks a variety of other fresh and frozen fish and shellfish, perfect for any seafood dish you might want to whip up at home. Their Arctic char and salmon for sashimi are particularly praised for their delicious taste.
Charlie's is also a fantastic spot for those looking to make their own sushi or poke bowls at home, offering raw materials and even pre-diced tuna and salmon.
They also carry niche items like caviar and miso products, making it a go-to place for unique and high-quality seafood.
To Sum It All Up
Saskatoon has some truly amazing spots to enjoy these ocean delights. From the cozy vibes at Bon Temps Cafe to the refined tastes at Primal, and the chic atmosphere of POP Wine Bar, there's a choice for every oyster lover.
These spots were chosen because they offer a mix of cozy, fancy, and casual settings, making sure there's a perfect place for everyone to enjoy. And for more fantastic ideas on what to do in Saskatoon, don’t forget to visit ActiviFinder Saskatoon. Happy oyster hunting!