The 8 Best Seafood Restaurants In Melbourne

Hello, seafood lovers in Melbourne. A couple of years ago, our team published an article about these restaurants, but a lot has changed since then. Some have closed, while new ones have emerged and made it to our list of the best places to visit. Today, we’re excited to bring you the latest insights on the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne. Whether you’re craving classic fish and chips or a lavish seafood platter, you’ll find something to suit every taste and budget.

Whether you’re craving the delicate flavors of Japanese sashimi, the bold spices of Singaporean-style chilli crab, or the comforting warmth of a clam chowder, Melbourne’s seafood scene offers a diverse array of culinary delights. To help you navigate this culinary landscape, we’ve meticulously curated a list of the 8 best seafood restaurants in Melbourne, ensuring there’s something to satisfy everyone’s seafood cravings.

OUR TOP PICKS:

Best Seafood Restaurant Overall: Cutler & Co.

Best Affordable Seafood Restaurant: Claypots Evening Star

Best for Seafood Branch: Hooks At The Yarra

Best Casual Dining Experience:  Claypots Barbarossa

Best seafood variety: Rubiras

Most delicious seafood: RST Seafood Restaurant

Best for Gatherings: Grill Steak Seafood

Fine Dining Experience: Bacash Restaurant

1. Claypots Evening Star

Claypots Evening Star, the sister restaurant of the iconic Claypots St Kilda, offers a unique experience where you can savor freshly cooked seafood while enjoying live music and a cold beer. With frequent live performances, it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends for fantastic food and wine.

I headed to Claypots Evening Star for lunch with my coworkers. We liked the wide range of seafood choices available, suitable for different budgets and tastes. We also found out that their chalkboard menu changes daily, featuring dishes that vary in price based on market rates. You’ll find around 10 daily fish options, priced from $15 to $40.

I started with fresh oysters and anchovies on toast, both of which were delicious. Then I continued with an octopus bread roll, which was a delightful surprise, with tender pieces of octopus nestled within warm, crusty bread.

In summary, the quality of the fish was exceptional, and the prices were very reasonable. We were truly impressed by the overall experience and can’t wait to return.

We suggest you turn up 15 minutes before you want to be seated, as they do not take bookings for groups smaller than 10 people and this place gets busy!

The Vibe: Buzzing and lively

What We Loved: Incredible value for money and amazingly delicious food

Specialties: Oysters Kilpatrick, Classic evening marinara bianca (shared dish)

Ideal for: Casual dining, fun outing (there is live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)

Cons: they don’t take reservations for small parties

Location: 116 Cecil St, Market, South Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9645 5779

Working hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

Website: Claypots Evening Star

Pricing: $$ 

2.Claypots Barbarossa

Claypots Barbarossa offers a unique dining experience in Melbourne with its relaxed atmosphere that blends the characteristics of a bar and restaurant. It functions as a brunch spot in Melbourne and offers an array of seafood options. Their food menu changes monthly, ensuring you can always experience something new from their offerings.

We walked in without a booking and found the place almost full, but we were lucky to secure a seat. The ambiance was lively and buzzing with energy.

For entrees, we decided to share fish tacos and Spanish anchovies with caramelized onions on toast, which turned out to be an amazing combination of savory and sweet flavors. My friend also chose the clam and smoked ham chowder. I sampled some of the chowder, and it was rich and creamy, with generous portions of tender clams. 

When it comes to the main course, I tried their salmon belly with soy and ginger. Although the portion was on the smaller side, it was incredibly flavorful.

We both agreed we would return for another round of lively atmosphere, music, tasty food, and, of course, great beer and chat!

The Vibe: Lively and buzzing

What We Loved:  live music, helpful staff

Specialties:  Seafood Platter, Stingray bakes in Sambal Sauce, Moroccan Clay Pot, Poached Pear (desert)

Ideal for:  friends or couples looking for a lively dining experience or good place for socializing

Cons:  some portions were on the smaller side

Location: 79 Hardware Ln

Phone: (03) 9670 5255

Working hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 pm to 11:00 pm 

Sunday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm 

Website: Claypots Barbarossa

Pricing: $$ – $$$

3. Cutler & Co

Cutler & Co. offers an inviting and elegant dining experience in a beautifully transformed industrial space. It provides a relaxed and generous lunch or dinner experience and a vibrant bar area with a selection of cocktails and seasonally inspired snacks. 

Upon hearing my colleague’s endorsement of the restaurant deserving a Michelin star, my wife and I decided to celebrate our special occasion there. Understanding it was fine dining, we were prepared for the premium pricing, expecting great quality in return.

To start, I chose the East-side Cooler for a refreshing drink, while my wife indulged in surprise appetizers—an exquisite puff pastry with seafood mousse and a delightful wasabi-infused cucumber wrap. Our favorite starter was the thinly sliced Kingfish crudo with Tasmanian wasabi and wild celery, perfectly complemented by a 2017 Eastern Peake Pinot Tache Rosé. The service was impeccable, with detailed descriptions of each dish and wine pairing provided. For the main course, I savored the Corn-fed Aylesbury duck breast, served with heritage beetroot, chicory & blood plum. The duck, cooked on the bone, was tender and perfectly rested. 

It was a memorable experience that made us think Cutler & Co is Melbourne’s best seafood restaurant overall. We highly recommend giving it a try, whether you’re a local or a tourist seeking a premium seafood dining experience.

4. Hooks At The Yarra

Located on the banks of the Yarra in Docklands, right at the foot of the Webb Bridge, Hooks At The Yarra provides a laid-back and pleasant ambiance. Once there, you can choose to relax in beanbags under the palms or opt for a more intimate dining setting indoors. They specialize in seafood but also offer a variety of other cuisines (pizza, pasta, stakes), complemented by a selection of beer and wine.

I headed to Hooks at the Yarra with my son on a sunny Saturday afternoon. We chose to sit outdoors, beneath the palm trees, and appreciate the views of the boats, bridge, and passersby.

The calamari starter, served with a delightful Vietnamese-style mint slaw was cooked to perfection and it made for a delicious start to our meal. For our mains, we indulged in the chef’s special lobster ravioli and the flavorful lobster fettuccine. Both dishes were generously portioned, featuring fresh ingredients we enjoyed.

As for drinks, my son enjoyed a comforting hot chocolate, while I savored a refreshing Stella on tap. Happy hours here are every Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm. If you enjoy cocktails, I highly recommend visiting during this time with a group of friends, as they offer a fantastic selection.

The Vibe: Casual and relaxed

What We Loved:  lovely view, great value for money, generous portions

Specialties:  Lobster ravioli, Seafood platter, 

Ideal for: family and friends 

Cons: Slightly rushed service yet friendly and efficient

Location:  50 River Esplanade, Docklands

Phone:  (03) 9043 4221

Website: Hooks At The Yarra

Pricing: $$

5. RST Seafood Restaurant

While previously named the Richmond Seafood Restaurant, RST Seafood Restaurant underwent a name change upon its move to North Fitzroy in 2011. The ambiance is simple with white tablecloths, blending elements of a tavern and fine dining. We stumbled upon it one afternoon craving seafood. It was close to the freeway, and we loved that there was parking available for customers.

We were hungry when we walked in so we both opted for the seafood chowders as starters, and from the first slurp, we were utterly amazed. It was smooth and creamy, brimming with generous pieces of scallops, prawns, and calamari. It was undoubtedly the best seafood chowder I’ve ever tasted, so if you decide to visit, I recommend you not to miss it by any means.

Our shared main course was the gnocchi with lobster tails in a champagne sauce. The gnocchi was delightfully light and fluffy, while the portion of lobster was impressively generous.

We also shared the chocolate raspberry fondant with vanilla bean ice cream. Cutting into the light chocolate casing released a delightful chocolate sauce that simply flowed out.

The service was exceptional, with very friendly waitstaff who made us feel incredibly welcome and guided us through the menu with expertise. We highly recommend RST Seafood Restaurant as it’s definitely one of the best seafood restaurants in all of Melbourne, and will certainly return to sample more of their offerings.

The Vibe: Intimate, Cozy

What We Loved: Amazingly delicious food, Exceptional staff

Specialties: Seafood chowder, Lobster Slyder, Pan fried potato gnocchi, Moreton Bay Bugs, Grilled Sea scallops

Ideal for: Casual dining, for families or friends

Cons:  A little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for.

Location:  5 Rae St, North Fitzroy

Phone: (03) 9489 1974

Working hours: 

Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 3pm

Tuesday – Saturday 6pm – Late

Website: RST Seafood Restaurant

Pricing: $$-$$$

6.Rubira’s

Rubira’s, nestled within a local hotel, offers a cozy ambiance with lively noise levels, yet it’s renowned for its exceptional food! While the ambience may be simple and casual, it exudes a comforting charm. I visited with my colleagues, as we were eager to indulge in delicious seafood at a good price.

We appreciated the impressively generous portions and beautifully plated dishes. For the entree, I savored the snapper and salmon croquettes. This time around, I opted for the King George whiting as it was the fish of the day. I particularly enjoyed its delicate texture and fresh taste, perfectly complemented by the rustic chips and tangy tartare sauce.

I was hesitant about indulging in a guilty pleasure dessert, but eventually, I couldn’t resist and decided to give the Intense Chocolate Tart a try. It paired beautifully with the creamy vanilla bean ice-cream and the refreshing strawberry coulis.

While the atmosphere may lean towards the traditional side, Rubira’s secures its spot in my top 8 restaurants in Melbourne thanks to its generous portions and diverse selection of fresh seafood.

Tip: Don’t forget to check the blackboard for the Market Fresh Fish of the Day; they typically offer 5-8 varieties.

The Vibe:  cozy, casual, traditional

What We Loved:  generous and delicious portions

Specialties:  Rubira’s Original Chilli Tiger Prawns, King Island Crayfish (seasonal), Milk Fed Baby Veal

Ideal for: Casual dining 

Cons:  The ambiance wasn’t modern but rather on the old side.

Location:  192 Station St, Port Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9646 2746

Working hours: 

Mon-Fri : 11:00 am- 23:00

Sat-Sun: 17:30- 00:00

Website: Rubira’s

Pricing: $$$

7. Bacash Restaurant

Bacash, a renowned fine dining restaurant, is acclaimed for its superb seafood, with Chef Michael Bacash consistently awarded a prestigious Chef Hat every year since 2006. Situated in South Yarra, the dining room offers views of the Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens. While seafood is the highlight, Bacash also offers meat and poultry dishes.

The restaurant boasts a spacious, modern, and luxurious ambiance. This is why we chose Bacash to celebrate my wife’s birthday, and it turned out to be a delightful experience.

I indulged in the Zucchini flowers filled with Haloumi and ricotta first, which were bursting with flavor. As for my main course, I opted for the Lebanese-style Snapper with Sumac Braised Silverbeet, Pine Nuts, Currants & Tahini, which was a true delight with every bite. 

The extensive wine list offered an impressive selection from both Australia and around the world, and I chose the Château Filhot Sauternes, a delightful sweet wine known for its rich flavors of honey, apricot, and citrus.

The service was impeccable, with the staff being friendly and attentive throughout our meal. If you’re looking for the best dining experience for a special occasion, Bacash won’t disappoint.

A tip for future diners: we definitely suggest you book in advance, as popular times tend to fill up quickly. 

The Vibe: charming, stylish

What We Loved:  faultless seafood, fantastic service

Specialties:  Grilled Grain Fed Eye Fillet+Red Wine Jus, Spaghetti Marinara with Prawns, Scallops, Mussels, Fish & Calamari, Line Caught Blue Eye

Ideal for: romantic dinners, formal dining, special occasion

Cons: Limited dining time, but we were informed in advance

Location:  175 Domain Rd

Phone: (03) 9866 3566

Working hours:
Lunch: Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Dinner: Monday to Saturday from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Website: Bacash

Pricing: $$$$

8. Grill Steak Seafood

Grill Steak Seafood is a vibrant restaurant located on Hardware Lane, beloved by both tourists and locals. It offers indoor and outdoor seating, as well as function rooms for special occasions and it’s a versatile spot for any dining experience. It incorporates Italian, Australian, and other international cuisines.

The moment we walked in, we were immediately drawn to the ambiance and the amazing atmosphere. The music was lively, and it put us in the state of good vibes and enthusiasm.

Feeling a bit hungry, we decided to start with appetizers and opted to share roasted mushrooms and a small portion of calamari.

For the main course, I chose the seafood risotto. What I particularly loved about it was the rich, creamy texture combined with the flavorful Napoli sauce, which added a delightful tanginess to the dish. Meanwhile, my wife, not feeling particularly in the mood for seafood that evening, was pleased to discover that they offered steaks as well. She chose the scotch fillet, though she mentioned it wasn’t as delicious as the one she had tasted at a Korean BBQ restaurant we visited recently. Nonetheless, she found it very good, especially considering that it’s a seafood place.

To conclude our meal, we shared a delightful Sticky Date Pudding for dessert. Served with Butterscotch sauce and Vanilla ice cream, it was incredibly authentic and unlike anything I had tasted before. 

If you’re seeking a delightful atmosphere and delicious fare in Melbourne, Grill Steak Seafood is definitely worth a visit.

The Vibe: Lively and welcoming ambiance

What We Loved:  live music, the diverse menu options, exceptionally friendly staff

Specialties: King prawns, Linguine marinara, or the Scallops

Ideal for: groups of friends looking for a casual dining experience, romantic dinners, family meals, and formal dining in their dedicated formal dining room.

Cons: The music on Saturday evenings might be a downside for some.

Location: 66 Hardware Ln

Phone: (03) 9642 2267

Working hours:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00pm to 3:00pm / 5:00pm to 9:30pm

Friday & Saturday : 12:00pm to 10:30pm

Sunday: 12:00pm to 9:30pm

Website: Grill Steak Seafood

Pricing: $$ – $$$

With that, we wrap up our list. It’s been a delightful journey through Melbourne’s top steak restaurants. But the adventure doesn’t have to stop here. If you’re keen to delve deeper into Melbourne’s culinary scene, be sure to explore our other articles for more delicious discoveries:

The 15 Best Places To Eat Pancakes In Sydney
The 15 Best Donuts In Sydney