For Adam Colquhoun, bivalves are a beautiful thing. And at his Queen West seafood restaurant Oyster Boy, Adam shares his passion for oysters with folks from Toronto and all over the world.
Oyster Boy’s official slogan is “Mollusks for the Masses,” inspired by the fascinating history of oysters and cuisine. Before they became a gourmet favourite, they were largely a working-class staple. The mission of Oyster Boy is to make shellfish accessible to everyone. Says Adam, “We aim for a casual, east-coast-pub feeling.”
This casual yet chic philosophy extends to the restaurant’s ambience. While the selection of baked or fried oysters is top-notch, the space has an unpretentious cabin-like décor with walls displaying the art and ephemera of oyster fishery. While the tables and bar are usually filled up by 6 p.m., the ambience is never too boisterous. In a clamshell, you could say, Adam has created a space where time slows down a little so that you can sit back and savour some good conversation and delicious seafood.
Rockefeller
spinach, fennel, bechamel and breadcrumb
Bellwoods
spinach, fennel, bechamel and breadcrumbs
Rustico
Gruyere cheese and savory breadcrumbs
Royale
crab meat and a sherry bechamel
Sustainable Seafood Chowder
shell and fin-fish, New England style
Green Salad
mixed lettuces with marinated tomatoes, shaved fennel
and classic vinaigrette
Caesar Salad
(add shrimp satay or our smoked trout for $6)
Crispy Fish Cakes
Dixie style slaw & chow chow
CHILLED SHELLFISH SALAD
lobster, crab and wild shrimp
Deep Fried Oysters
beer battered and panko crusted, peppercorn ranch sauce
Sturgeon Ceviche
yuzu dressing, crispy shallot & taro chips
Steamed Clams
garlic, white wine & parsley
Acadian Sturgeon Caviar
New Brunswick raised, served with buckwheat blini, hard cooked egg,
creme fraiche and minced shallot
Oyster Boy Lobster Roll
potato salad and spicy pickled green beans
Fish Taco
fresh tortillas, pico de gallo, crema & avocado
BC Dungeness Crab & bay scallop pasta
papardelle, lemon butter & arugula
Cobb Salad
house smoked trout, avocado, hard cooked egg, bacon and Quebec blue cheese
Bouillabaisse
assorted shellfish, grilled fish & potatoes in a tomato saffron broth
Grilled halibut
with seasonally inspired succotash
whole ontario trout
Steak Frites
naturally raised Ontario beef with an oyster mushroom sauté and fresh horseradish cream
Whole Steamed Shellfish
lobster - Market Price - crab
Beer Battered Fish & Chips
2 pieces Pacific cod with our tartar sauce and Oyster Boy slaw
- $16
or 1 piece halibut
- $17
Oyster Boy Fries
your choice of chipotle mayo, jalapeno mayo, smoked tomato ketchup or curry sauce
Crispy Fried Onions
Oyster Boy Slaw
Add Extra tartar or aioli
Boiled New Potatoes
with lemon dill
Garlic Mushrooms
cheesecake
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Oyster Boy has its oysters shipped in daily. Because it offers only the freshest oysters from coast to coast, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular oyster bars in town. You can also attend two hour workshops about shucking, preparing and presenting oysters. You’ll be an expert in no time!
View this Smart ListAs everyone knows, raw oysters are an aphrodisiac, so Oyster Boy could really amp up your night out. But what you might not know is Oyster Boy has been supplying Toronto’s top restaurants with their fresh oysters for decades, so why not just go to the source? Our city is bursting with seafood restaurants all of a sudden - I say go with one of the originators, one of the very best. With such a fantastic menu (Bouillabaisse, Cobb Salad, Fish Tacos, Whole Steamed Lobster or Crab) and fun, casual atmosphere, you’ll be hooked. Line and sinker.
View this Smart ListMollusks for the masses is the saying at Oyster Boy, the Queen West oyster bar, retail store and catering company. The oysters arrive directly from the harvesters on both coasts, which means the selection changes daily. If you want to take some home, Oyster Boy sell oysters by the piece or by the box, just be sure to call ahead for un-shucked oysters.
View this Smart List