From Ocean to Plate: Vancouver’s Freshest Seafood Awaits at 7 Seas Fish Market
From Ocean to Plate: Why 7 Seas Fish Market is Vancouver’s Freshest Catch
By James Heras
Step through the doors of 7 Seas Fish Market and the ocean greets you first — crisp air, briny freshness, and the unmistakable scent of wild Pacific halibut that’s barely touched ice.
This isn’t just a seafood store. It’s the heart of the coast — right here in Kitsilano.
Why 7 Seas Fish Market in Kits has Vancouver’s Freshest Catch
Not all fish markets are created equal — and if you’ve ever stepped into 7 Seas, you’ll know why customers from Kitsilano to Burnaby still cross town to shop with us.
Freshness isn’t a buzzword — it’s a ritual. Every morning, deliveries from our trusted local harvesters arrive within hours of catch. From there, our team carefully preps every fillet, shellfish, and steak in-house.
No mystery fish. No thawed imports. Just 100% traceable, expertly prepared seafood — cut fresh, served with pride, and backed by generations of trust.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or shopping for Sunday dinner, our team is here to help — with cooking tips, flavour pairings, and the inside scoop on what’s in peak season today.
Step Inside the Market Vancouver Trusts
Step through the doors of 7 Seas Fish Market and the ocean greets you first — crisp air, briny freshness, and the unmistakable scent of wild Pacific halibut that’s barely touched ice. It’s the kind of feeling that reminds you: this isn’t just a seafood store. It’s the heart of the coast, right here in Kitsilano.
We’ve been a part of Vancouver’s food culture for over 50 years, and it shows — in the way our fishmongers know you, in the gleam of just-landed sablefish on ice, and in the stories behind every catch we carry. When you shop here, you’re not picking up dinner — you’re choosing connection. To the coast. To the fishers. To something real.
And right now, that connection is at its peak. Wild halibut season is on. Ocean Wise sablefish is glistening behind the glass. Everything is fresh, local, and ready for your grill, your miso glaze, or your lemon butter sauce.
But these catches move fast. So, if you’re wondering what’s fresh today — don’t wait. Come see for yourself.
Why 7 Seas Is Vancouver’s Freshest Catch
Not all fish markets are created equal — and if you’ve ever stepped into 7 Seas, you’ll understand why locals from Kitsilano to Burnaby still make the trip. It’s not just about what’s in the display case — it’s the care behind it. The relationships. The rhythm of knowing exactly when the halibut boat docks or when the sablefish are landed in Haida Gwaii.
Freshness, for us, isn’t a buzzword — it’s a daily ritual.
Each morning starts with deliveries from trusted BC fishers and wild harvesters we’ve worked with for years — some for decades. Their catch goes from ocean to store within hours, not days. From there, our team cleans and preps every fillet in-house, handling each piece with the respect it deserves.
You’ll never find mystery fish or thawed imports on our counter. What you will find is full transparency — where your fish came from, when it arrived, and how to prepare it at home. You’ll find a team who can tell you what’s peaking in flavour, how to pair it, and what to try next.
And it’s not just the seafood that brings people in — it’s the atmosphere. Regulars say it feels more like a community than a store. Questions are welcome. And the conversations? They’re part of the experience.
Whether you’re a home cook, a chef, or someone who just wants to eat cleaner and better, you’ll feel it the moment you walk in.
Because we’re not a chain. We’re not a warehouse. We’re your neighbourhood fishmonger.
And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s in Season: Halibut & Sablefish
Spring and summer don’t just bring blossoms to Vancouver — they bring flavour to the coast.
This is the moment seafood lovers wait for: the return of wild halibut and buttery sablefish, two West Coast icons now arriving fresh to our market each week. And when we say fresh, we mean it. These fish hit the ice and head to our counters — no long detours, no second stops.
Halibut: Lean, Flaky & Built for the Grill
There’s a reason halibut has a cult following in BC — it’s clean, firm, and beautifully versatile. At its best, Pacific halibut has a slight sweetness that pairs with just about anything. Grill it with lemon and herbs. Roast it with cherry tomatoes. Pan-sear it with garlic butter. It’s the kind of fish that lets your cooking shine.
And the best part? It’s packed with lean protein and omega-3s, making it a smart choice for your heart and your table.
“If someone’s new to cooking seafood, I always recommend halibut,” says one of our in-house chefs. “It’s forgiving, flavourful, and always a hit.”
📍 Available now in-store — come early for the best cuts.
Sablefish (Black Cod): Buttery, Rich & Ocean Wise Certified
If halibut is the star of spring, sablefish is its scene-stealing sibling. Known to chefs as “black cod,” this deep-sea delicacy is rich, luxurious, and unbelievably tender. The high fat content means it melts in your mouth — and makes it nearly impossible to overcook.
It’s especially beloved in miso-marinated dishes, sesame glazes, or even just gently roasted with a splash of soy. One bite, and you’ll see why restaurants across Vancouver build entire menus around it.
Plus, our sablefish is Ocean Wise certified, sustainably harvested, and completely traceable — from the boat to your plate.
📍 Get it now while it’s in peak season. We sell out quickly — and trust us, it’s worth the trip.
What’s Fresh Today? Let the Ocean Decide.
At 7 Seas, we don’t just stock seafood — we celebrate what’s in season, right now. Our selection isn’t driven by inventory or trends. It’s guided by the tides, the boats, and the hands that harvest from BC’s coast each morning.
That’s why our Fresh List changes daily — and why stepping into our store is never the same twice.
One day, it’s thick halibut loins perfect for the grill. The next, it’s sweet West Coast spot prawns or glistening sashimi-grade albacore. And some days? It’s something rare and fleeting — the kind of find that keeps regulars coming back, just to see what arrived.
Visit our store in Kitsilano — or check the latest arrivals anytime on our homepage:
7seasfishmarket.com
Pro tip: The earlier you come, the more selection you’ll find.
Ocean Wise & Ethical Sourcing: Seafood You Can Feel Good About
At 7 Seas Fish Market, we believe seafood should nourish more than just your dinner plate. It should respect the ocean, support the people who fish, and leave something better behind for tomorrow’s catch.
That’s why we’ve partnered with the Ocean Wise program — a trusted standard in sustainable seafood. When you see the Ocean Wise symbol in our store, you’ll know you’re choosing fish that’s been harvested responsibly, with minimal impact on wild populations and ecosystems.
But we don’t stop there. We work directly with small-scale harvesters, local fishers, and independent boats across BC’s coast — people we know by name. People who treat the ocean with the same care and respect we do.
“We’re not just selling seafood — we’re telling the story behind it. That’s what makes this place different.” — 7 Seas Team Member
- ✅ Wild fisheries that follow science-based quotas
- ✅ Sustainable gear practices that reduce bycatch and habitat damage
- ✅ Family-run operations committed to ocean stewardship
What Our Customers Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Best fish store in Vancouver by far…”
“I drive across town just to buy from 7 Seas.” — Mx F, Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Incredible quality, amazing staff.”
“You just don’t get this experience anywhere else.” — Katharina S., Private Chef
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Family-owned, friendly, and always worth the trip.”
— Bobby C., Local Resident
Fresh seafood is only part of what we offer.
The rest? It’s trust, education, and peace of mind — knowing you’re making the right choice for your plate and the planet.
Cooking Halibut & Sablefish: Chef Tips from the 7 Seas Community
One of the best parts about shopping at 7 Seas isn’t just what you take home — it’s the confidence that comes with it.
Whether you're a seasoned home chef or cooking fish for the first time, our team is here to guide you. Customers have also shared their go-to recipes — passing along secrets like neighbours swapping family favourites.
Halibut: Clean, Bright & Ready for Anything
- 🔥 Best methods: Grilled with lemon and cracked pepper, roasted with cherry tomatoes and thyme, or pan-seared with olive oil and sea salt.
- 🧊 In-store tip: Ask us to trim the halibut to size — great for whole grills or sliced medallions.
“Always stop in for fresh fish — never been disappointed here. Thanks!” — Tim Griffith
“Great family-run. Service was awesome and so was the fish.” — George Vassilas
🥇 Pro tip: For that golden restaurant crust, pat your fish dry before cooking and don’t be afraid of a hot pan.
Sablefish (Black Cod): Buttery, Forgiving & Packed with Flavour
- 🍶 Best methods: Broiled with miso glaze, baked in foil with sesame-ginger marinade, or poached in white wine.
- 🎣 In-store tip: Ask for skin-on cuts — ideal for locking in moisture and enhancing flavour.
“The staff is super friendly and everything I ordered was great quality and TASTY! Must try the clam chowder!” — Nickole Macauley
“Amazing staff that’s always bringing great love and care for the product.” — K
Sablefish is nearly impossible to overcook — making it the perfect pick for anyone just getting comfortable with seafood.
Thinking about trying something new? Just ask us. From cooking tips to wine pairings — we’re here to help.
Come See What’s Fresh – We’re Open Daily
There’s something special about choosing your fish in person. You can smell the salt in the air. Ask about the catch that came in this morning. Talk to someone who can point out the difference between sockeye and coho — or help you pick the perfect cut for dinner tonight.
“Knowledgeable and friendly staff, excellent fresh seafood.” — Jen Mann
“Amazing staff always bringing great love and care for the product.” — K
We’re here 7 days a week in Kitsilano.
Come in, explore our fresh selection, and taste the difference that real fishmongers make.
Visit Our Store in Kitsilano
📍 2328 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
🕘 Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Noon - 5 pm
Come browse our full seafood counter, meet our expert team, and discover why Vancouver locals have trusted 7 Seas Fish Market for over 50 years.
Ask us what's just landed — or let us guide you to something new. We’re always happy to help.
🛒 Can’t Make It In? Order Online
Our online store features the same Ocean Wise–approved seafood — delivered to your door or ready for pickup across the Lower Mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I buy fresh halibut in Vancouver?
You can buy fresh, wild BC halibut at 7 Seas Fish Market in Kitsilano. It’s available during peak season and often delivered within hours of being landed.
📍 Visit us at 2328 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, or check the Fresh List.
2. Is sablefish the same as black cod?
Yes — sablefish is often called black cod, even though it’s not technically a cod. It’s a rich, buttery, deep-sea fish that’s loved by chefs for its flavour and texture.
3. What’s the difference between halibut and cod?
Halibut has a firmer texture and milder flavour than cod, making it ideal for grilling or pan-searing. Cod is softer and flakes more easily — great for fish and chips or stews.
4. How should I store fresh fish at home?
Store your fish in the coldest part of your fridge, ideally on a bed of ice or in a sealed container. For best flavour, cook it within 1–2 days of purchase.
5. Can I order seafood online from 7 Seas Fish Market?
Yes! Shop online for halibut, sablefish, and more at 7seasfishmarket.com/shop. Delivery and pickup available across the Lower Mainland.
6. What does Ocean Wise seafood mean?
Ocean Wise is a sustainability certification that guarantees your seafood was harvested responsibly, with minimal impact on the ocean and local ecosystems.
Halibut & Sablefish Recipes Worth Trying
Looking to make the most of your catch? Here are some tried-and-true recipes that bring out the best in halibut and sablefish — all chef-approved, simple, and perfect for home cooks.
🐟 Grilled Halibut with Garlic-Herb Butter
A juicy, flaky halibut recipe that’s quick to grill and packed with flavour. Perfect for spring dinners.
👉 View Recipe
🍋 Baked Halibut with Dill Sauce
Light, fresh, and easy to prepare — this recipe is a great way to showcase halibut’s clean flavour.
👉 View Recipe
🍶 Miso Glazed Sablefish (Black Cod)
A restaurant favourite that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Rich, buttery, and full of umami.
👉 View Recipe
🔥 Pan-Seared Sablefish with Soy-Ginger Glaze
This Asian-inspired dish brings sablefish’s silky texture to life with a bold, savoury glaze.
👉 View Recipe
Discover What’s Fresh Today at 7 Seas
Ready to experience the best seafood Vancouver has to offer? Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, our team is here to help you bring the coast to your kitchen — fresh, traceable, and always delicious.
🧭 Visit us at 2328 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver · Open Daily 9am – 6pm