Best Dishes to Order from Riley's Fish and Steak for Your Special Occasion

Right at the hear of downtown Vancouver by Waterfront is Riley's Fish & Steak. It's an upscale casual restaurant that honestly could pass off as affordable fine dining. When the Buy In Promo comes around, you better believe this piggy’s snout is on the lookout. This year’s promo ran from March 24 – May 27, serving up a set dinner for two that, truthfully, can easily feed three or four with a few extras on the side. We shared ours between four piggies and waddled away full and satisfied.

Pro tip: sign-ups for this coveted deal usually start at the end of the year — so keep your snouts on alert because it’s one of the best ways to try Riley’s at a steal.

THE BOAR-OMETER

THREE PIGGIES AND A PIGLET | Worth the Squeal!

A feast that proves Riley’s knows how to do surf and turf right. Worth it for the promo alone — and that clam & mussel steamer deserves its own standing ovation.

Scoresheet

The Pig Pen: THREE PIGGIES AND A PIGLET - Service is 5 out of 5 but it's a bit loud but expected for a downtown staple.

Oink-credible Bites:  THREE PIGGIES AND A PIGLET - yum yum yum, a few highlights here and there but definitely worth it!

Piggy Bank Savings: THREE PIGGIES - There's deals but a la carte can get expensive.

Wondering how we score and what the categories are? Read here for more information!

THE PIG PEN

Riley’s has all the charm of a polished, modern steakhouse — warm lighting, sleek finishes, and a space that feels equal parts sophisticated and welcoming. What stood out most was the attentive service.

Staff weren’t just friendly, they were detail-oriented: cleaning up crumbs or spills in between courses and ensuring every dish came out smoothly. It elevated the entire experience and made us feel well taken care of, even as the restaurant buzzed with energy.

OINK-CREDIBLE BITES

The seafood on ice platter set the tone — ahi tuna poke, Humboldt squid salad, torched hamachi, prawn cocktail, oysters, and scallop crudo. Fresh, crisp, and refreshing, it was a strong opener. The mains — a 12 oz prime striploin and colossal shrimp piccata — were hearty and well-prepared, while sides like the crab fried rice and especially the roasted oyster mushrooms stole the show (arguably the best bite of the night).

The classic steamer with mussels and clams deserves its own squeal of appreciation. The broth — rich with shallots, garlic, white wine, parsley, and butter — was so good we drank it straight from the bowl like soup. This was hands-down the highlight of the meal. On the flip side, the miso & maple sablefish fell a little flat — tasty but not remarkable compared to the other dishes. Dessert, however, wrapped things up nicely with a delicate raspberry opera cake that hit the sweet spot without being too heavy.

Overall, the food was solid with a few standout highlights. Next time, we’re curious to explore more of their à la carte offerings to see what other treasures the menu holds.

PIGGY BANK SAVINGS

Here’s where Riley’s really shines: the Buy In Promo was a true bargain, especially considering the quality and quantity of food. Beyond this special, Riley’s also keeps things interesting with recurring deals: wine dinners, Seafood Sundays, a $20 lunch menu, burger & beer Friday lunch for $20, and a daily Happy Hour from 2–5 PM. With these offers, you can experience Riley’s flair without putting too much strain on the piggy bank.

That said, outside of promo hours, pricing aligns with what you’d expect from an upscale casual steak-and-seafood spot. It’s not cheap, but it’s fair value for the atmosphere, quality, and attentive service — ideal for special occasions or a classy date night

FINAL THOUGHTS

Riley’s Fish & Steak delivers a dependable surf-and-turf feast with a few shining stars (looking at you, mussel & clam steamer). The Buy In Promo was worth every penny and then some, making it one of the best ways to experience their menu. Between the promos, the polished service, and the satisfying plates, Riley’s is a spot to keep on rotation — especially if you love a good deal without sacrificing quality.