Nautical Nellies Oyster Bar - Victoria's largest selection of fresh shucked oysters.
Since 1997, Nautical Nellies has been delighting oyster lovers in Victoria, British Columbia, with an exceptional variety of fresh, sustainable oysters sourced from some of the best regions in Canada and beyond. With over two decades of experience, Nautical Nellies has become a renowned authority on serving oysters, offering a unique selection with diverse flavor profiles that captivate the palates of both new and seasoned oyster enthusiasts.


A World of Oyster Flavors
Our oysters hail from regions known for their exceptional quality and distinct flavors. From Bowser, British Columbia, to Rustico Bay on Prince Edward Island, and Fanny Bay, right here in British Columbia, each oyster tells a story of the waters it came from. Oyster flavors are remarkably diverse, often reflecting their environments. At Nautical Nellies, you’ll find oysters with a range of taste profiles, including:
- Salty and Metallic: For those who love a robust, briny taste, our selection includes oysters with that classic salty punch and a slight metallic edge, common in varieties like Bowser and Baynes Sound oysters.
- Buttery and Smooth: Some oysters present a creamy texture with a subtly sweet, buttery finish. The Fanny Bay oyster, known for its smooth, buttery flavor, is a local favorite that embodies this profile.
- Mildly Fruity: A mild sweetness, often with hints of fruit, is found in certain varieties, making them a delightful choice for those new to the oyster experience.
- Crunchy and Mineral: For a more complex profile, some oysters offer a crunchy meat texture balanced by a refreshing, mineral finish.
Whether you prefer the bold saltiness of Effingham Inlet oysters or the mild, fruity taste of Kushiro oysters from Baynes Sound, our selection ensures that every guest finds an oyster to savor.
Quality from Certified Oyster Beds
At Nautical Nellies, we are meticulous in our sourcing. Every oyster we serve comes from government-certified oyster beds, primarily around Vancouver Island and other esteemed regions in Canada. Our suppliers maintain high standards for sustainability and safety, ensuring that the oysters we serve are of the finest quality. Each oyster is handled with care, arriving fresh at our restaurant daily, where they undergo rigorous quality checks before being prepared for your enjoyment.
Our oysters are cleaned, sorted, and inspected by our skilled staff, who take pride in upholding our high standards of quality. We keep track of each oyster’s origin and ensure a strict rotation to maintain freshness. This dedication to quality means that every oyster served at Nautical Nellies is as fresh as possible, ensuring a vibrant taste that’s true to its region.


Sustainability and Ocean-Wise Standards
As a leader in the local seafood industry, Nautical Nellies is committed to sustainability. We work exclusively with suppliers who follow Ocean Wise standards, which prioritize environmental sustainability and the well-being of oyster habitats. Our dedication to sustainable practices ensures that each oyster we serve has been responsibly harvested, helping to preserve oyster populations and marine ecosystems for future generations.
The Art of Shucking
At Nautical Nellies, we recognize that the way an oyster is prepared and served is just as important as its origin. Shucking, or the art of opening an oyster, is a craft that we take seriously. Our staff is highly trained, and every oyster is shucked to order, ensuring it arrives on your plate perfectly intact and ready to enjoy. Shucking oysters requires precision and care to maintain their natural shape and texture, and our team has perfected this art over years of practice.
A Rotating Selection to Match the Seasons
Oysters are a seasonal delight, with certain varieties only available at specific times of the year. At Nautical Nellies, we rotate our oyster offerings according to the seasons, allowing us to showcase the best oysters when they are at their peak. Our menu always includes at least five varieties, handpicked based on freshness, flavor, and availability. This rotation keeps our oyster experience fresh and dynamic, encouraging our guests to explore the evolving flavors of oysters as they change with the seasons.
In addition to oysters, we offer a selection of fresh clams and mussels, which are also sourced from certified and sustainable suppliers. Like our oysters, these shellfish are cleaned and sorted daily to ensure only the highest quality is served to our guests.


Fresh Mussels Daily
In addition to our oysters, Nautical Nellies serves fresh mussels that arrive daily and undergo the same level of care and inspection as our oysters. We source mussels from premium suppliers known for quality and sustainability. Our team cleans and sorts them to ensure they meet our high standards. Whether served steamed, in a savory broth, or alongside other seafood favorites, our mussels offer a delightful addition to any seafood experience at Nautical Nellies.
Pairing the Perfect Drink with Your Oysters
The experience of savoring oysters is elevated with the right beverage pairing. Our knowledgeable staff can recommend wines, beers, and cocktails that complement the unique flavor profiles of our oysters. For example:
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis brings out the briny and mineral flavors in oysters, enhancing their natural essence.
- Champagne: The effervescence of Champagne pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of some oyster varieties, adding a refreshing contrast.
- Craft Beer: For a more robust pairing, a light, citrusy craft beer accentuates the salty and metallic notes found in certain oysters.
- Signature Cocktails: We also offer signature cocktails crafted to harmonize with our seafood offerings, featuring fresh and aromatic ingredients to enhance your tasting experience.
Read more about our distinguished wine, beer and spirits selection >>

Elevate Your Dining Experience at Nautical Nellies
Whether you’re a lifelong oyster lover or a newcomer to the delicacy, Nautical Nellies provides a welcoming environment where you can savor the finest oysters available. We are more than just a restaurant; we are a destination for oyster enthusiasts who appreciate quality, sustainability, and the art of seafood. With a commitment to excellence in every detail, from our sourcing practices to our shucking techniques, we’ve become an authority on serving up oysters and an essential stop on Victoria’s culinary map.
At Nautical Nellies, we believe that dining should be an experience that engages all the senses. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the nuances of oyster flavors, helping you discover new favorites and savor every bite. Come visit us, join us for happy hour, or indulge in a full oyster platter – the choice is yours, but one thing is certain: your oyster experience at Nautical Nellies will be unforgettable.
For over 25 years, Nautical Nellies has proudly served as a beacon for oyster lovers in Victoria. With each oyster shucked and every platter presented, we strive to share our passion for oysters and bring you the best of the sea.