The Best Oysters in Toronto

A trendy appetizer on Toronto menus these days seems to be the oyster shooter - perhaps best pulled off at spots like Japango or Fuzion. Nothing quite says aphrodisiac like a slimy mollusk coated by uni, quail egg yolk, ponzu jelly, tobiko and green onions.

But when oyster cravings call for something more substantial then a savoury snack served in a shot glass it's time to hunt down one of Toronto's oyster houses for some fresh and seasonal Malpeque, Watch Hill, Quonset Point, BeauSoleil, Kumamoto, Aspy Bay, Pickle Point, Newport Cup or, say, Blue Point oyster on the half shell options.

Leading the pack of five oyster-destinations that made the cut in our recent Best of Toronto survey is Queen West's Oyster Boy. Over the years they've carved out a reputation as one of the city's best and most reliable suppliers of fresh oysters to restaurants, corporate events or shuck-'em-yourself parties at home. To get oyster-lovers in the mood they also offer regular shucking classes (they call it Shuck U) at the restaurant.

But beyond Oyster Boy there's some other spots worth a look - all of which distinguish themselves not just by the quality of their oysters but also by other tasty seafood options that round our their menus.

Above photos by Jen Chan.

Oyster Boy

Their wholesale and retail oyster business might keep the cash registers humming, but it's worth a visit to their Queen West restaurant to catch the shucking in action. The menu also features fish cakes, mussels, chowder and fish and chips. More...

Rodney's Oyster House

Formerly on Adelaide, Rodney Clark's oyster house moved west to a sub-level space on King in 2001. Don't miss his five varieties of oyster sauces including the aptly named Back From Hell. More...

Starfish

Starfish is home to Patrick McMurray, one of the fastest oyster shuckers in the world - he set the world record for the most oysters shucked in a minute (33). Splurge for one of his "Shucker's Special Plates". More...

Pure Spirits Oyster House

A good bet if you're dining with friends who aren't fans of the slimy stuff. Fresh oysters plus an extensive range of fish and other seafood options. Bonus - a side patio open in the summer. More...

Zee Grill & Oyster Bar

Going strong since 1981, Zee Grill feeds Mt. Pleasant locals with fresh crab, fish, mussels and a dozen varieties of oysters (in season). More...