WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: The Broken Seal

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Matty, one of the co-owners of Squamish’s newest culinary gem, The Broken Seal. This exciting new addition to downtown Squamish is more than just a restaurant—it’s a “Locals Lounge” where innovative cuisine meets a welcoming atmosphere. Let’s dive into what makes The Broken Seal a must-visit spot in our community.

About the Restaurant

The Broken Seal is all about creating a space where locals can unwind with expertly crafted cocktails and shareable dishes that leave a lasting impression. When asked about the concept, Matty explained, “We want to be known as a ‘Locals Lounge,’ a place where you can get real cocktails and amazing shareable food.”

Why Squamish?

The choice of location was a no-brainer for Matty and his team. “Location, location, location,” he emphasized, noting that the beauty of downtown Squamish offers the perfect backdrop for their vision. And it’s true—the views from The Broken Seal are some of the best in town.

Cuisine

The cuisine at The Broken Seal is as unique as its name. Specializing in French Canadian fusion, the menu offers a variety of dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Squamish. One standout is the watermelon tartar, a dish that’s as innovative as it is delicious. “Our whole menu is very different from most places in Squamish and very well put together,” Matty shared.

Supporting local producers is a priority for The Broken Seal. The restaurant already sources mushrooms from Paradise Valley and plans to incorporate more local ingredients, like tomatoes from a farm in Pemberton. Their maple syrup comes from a vendor at the Squamish Farmers Market, and they even use Chiwis drink garnishes for their cocktails.

A Perfect Location

The Broken Seal’s location isn’t just about the views; it’s also about being a part of the Squamish community. “The location is absolutely beautiful,” Matty said, “I truly believe it is the best view in all of Squamish.”

Giving Back

The Broken Seal plans to support local charities and collaborate with other businesses in the area, further cementing their role in the community.

Laid-Back Vibes

What can you expect when you walk into The Broken Seal? “We pride ourselves on being a fun, laid-back vibe that everyone will feel welcome to,” Matty explained. The decor is vibrant, making it a place where both locals and visitors will want to spend time.

Stay Tuned for Events

While the restaurant is still in its early days, there are exciting plans for future events. Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates!

Gluten-Free Friendly

If you have dietary restrictions, The Broken Seal has you covered. Nearly everything on the menu is gluten-free, with a few exceptions like the crostinis and bao buns, which can be substituted with corn chips. The menu also features a variety of vegan, meat, and seafood options, making it a versatile choice for any diner.

Minimizing Waste

Sustainability is a core value at The Broken Seal. The team goes to great lengths to minimize waste, reusing ingredients in creative ways. For example, watermelon offcuts from their tartar are used in a feature drink, and cucumber cores from their pickled cucumbers are repurposed in a cucumber saline for their Martini No1. It’s all part of their commitment to zero waste.

Opening Hours

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm – 10pm
• Friday and Saturday: 3pm – 11pm
• Sunday: 3pm – 10pm

The restaurant is accessible, with a ramp leading to the patio and interior, as well as two accessible washrooms.

Expansion Possibilities

When asked about future plans, Matty hinted at the possibility of expansion but remained focused on the success of The Broken Seal for now.

Upcoming Events

While The Broken Seal doesn’t offer takeout or delivery, they do provide full venue buyouts for special occasions like staff parties, wedding receptions, or company Christmas parties.

The restaurant is already planning to host local Christmas parties, so stay tuned for more details on that!

Matty’s Favorite Dish

As for Matty’s personal favorite? “The BBQ pork bao buns are absolutely amazing,” he enthused. “The pork is slow-cooked for 24 hours, and the pickled carrots, cucumber, cabbage, and mango just make it amazing.”

Supporting Local Businesses

When he’s not at The Broken Seal, Matty likes to frequent other local favorites like Sunflower Bakery, Fox and Oak, and Island Oasis.

Come and Visit

Matty invites everyone in the community to come and experience The Broken Seal for themselves. “Come and give us a go,” he said with a smile.

The Broken Seal is more than just a restaurant—it’s a new gathering spot for the Squamish community, offering a unique blend of flavors, a commitment to sustainability, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Be sure to stop by their stunning 38038 Loggers Lane and see what all the buzz is about!

Kerry Neil,
Executive Director