Sydney is a splendid place for seafood. With a vast coastline, the vibrant Sydney Fish Market, inventive chefs, numerous fishmongers and a thriving fine-dining scene, seafood lovers in Sydney have many things going for them.
Each year, thousands of tourists are blown away by the quality of the seafood; its freshness, variety, scale and ubiquity is hard to match anywhere else in the world.
Given that there are countless seafood restaurants in Sydney, which ones are the best?
We’ve researched and published a handy selection of the best seafood eateries in Sydney below. Have a quick read, narrow down your choices, and then get out and sample the city’s finest fish, oysters and crustaceans.
Now in it’s new premises, first up on our list of quality seafood restaurants in Sydney comes Saint Peter.
Chances are, you’ve heard of Saint Peter – or Saint Peter at The Grand National Hotel, as it’s now called. After all, it’s a highly acclaimed and hugely popular fine-dining establishment for good reason.
Owner and Head Chef, Josh Niland is a celebrity chef in his own right, a successful author, restaurateur, and his innovative ‘fin to tail’ approach to seafood has received global recognition.
Niland’s ethical, sustainably-caught ethos of ‘whole fish’ cookery has revolutionised how many in the seafood supply chain now approach the marine life removed from the world’s oceans.
Saint Peter is located in the inner-east suburb of Paddington and is a Sydney favourite. It’s not easy to get a table and so make your reservations well in advance (bookings open 90 days in advance).
A unique feature of this restaurant is its impressive open format. This means that you can see the highly skilled chefs prepare the food right in front of you. For true foodies, the experience is akin to performance art.
Lunch is à la carte, and comprises of an extended oyster menu and a fish charcuterie selection.
For dinner, there is a daily, changing seven course tasting menu. This is a fabulous experience, but it does not come cheap at $175 per person. Despite this price point, the tasting menu is very popular with Sydney food bloggers and fine-dining cognoscenti.
The waiting staff are friendly and knowledgable, and will answer any questions you have about the menu, produce, cooking techniques and food pairings.
You won’t want to miss their calamari, or dry-aged Murray cod, cooked to absolute perfection. Other unmissable dishes include the charcoal-grilled flathead and the cod and mahi-mahi.
Saint Peter is treat and a Sydney delight not to be missed.
The next Niland enterprise in our look at the top seafood restaurants in Sydney is the newly opened Petermen.
Like it’s sibling south of the ‘Harbour, Petermen is all about the best in sustainable Australian produce. However, where St Peter offers a set Tasting Menu, Petermen is a la carte and so showcases a more varied range of produce.
Personally, we can’t wait to try the Mooloolaba Yellowfin Tuna Chateaubriand.
Completing the Niland jigsaw in Sydney is his Fish Butchery outlet. Originally 2 shops, with the closure of the Paddington branch, now only the Waterloo premises remains. However, it’s still very much worth a visit.
Although much of their trade is a spin on a fish mongers, that’s not the sole string to their bow. They also do frozen meals to be cooked at home and take away Fish and Chips.
Just a few kilometres away, in neighbouring Bondi, is the fish and chips institution of Bondi Surf Seafoods. It’s the oldest and liveliest fish shop in Bondi, and whilst far-removed from the fine-dining establishment of Saint Peter, shares the same deep appreciation for fresh seafood.
Open 7 days a week, with fresh produce stocked daily from the Sydney Fish Market, it’s become an eastern suburbs right of passage to pick up takeaway fish and chips from the shop (128 Campbell Parade), cross the road and eat, people-watching, on the magnificant Bondi Beach.
I have never tried the Deep Fried Mars Bars (and I never will…), but people I know have, and they loved the sheer unhealthy decadence.
No thanks, I’ll settle for their beautifully grilled John Dory instead. There’s always a good selection of oysters, crustaceans and sushi too.
This is seafood, pared back to the basics, that reminds you of the endless summer days of your childhood. Enjoy.
Continuing our list of recommended seafood eateries is Ormeggio at the Spit.
Since 2020, this restaurant has undertaken some big changes. While it used to be a traditional fine dining restaurant, it’s been transformed into a more casual restaurant setting, although more like a casual meets fine dining combination.
This change doesn’t just stop there, the new menu is inspired by the southern region of Italy. It’s all about the best quality fish, cheese, and vegetables.
Unmissable meals pertain to the fantastic yellow fin tuna cottoletto, and the stunning porchetta. What’s more, they have an excellent selection of gelato, authentic to Italy.
Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Cirrus.
The critically acclaimed seafood restaurant is Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt’s fourth venue, and sells some of the best fish in Sydney. If you’re a fan of tiger prawns, they’re not to be missed here. There’s also a bass groper in banana leaves and a wine menu that will impress any connoisseur.
If you plan on dining with a loved one who isn’t into fish, they also offer superb chicken and steak, with excellent roasted vegetables. While the fish is the showstopper, their meat options are also divine.
Editor’s Update: We are gutted to learn that Cirrus Dining has closed. Not due to any lack of accolades, but because the team couldn’t reach a lease agreement with the properties owner.
Gaku Robata Grill is another worthy entrant on our rundown of the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney.
Bringing a breath of Tokyo’s air to Sydney, Gaku Robata Grill is a tiny, beloved dinner spot. This little nook is small, but mighty. They only have around four tables, so it feels like a private dining experience.
While it’s small, it’s also chaotic — if you want to dine here, you’re going to have to book in advance. That’s because the food is so good. The robata is insane, they do some of the best oysters in Sydney.
They also have superb tuna and roe. If you’re bringing a veggie, don’t fret — they can have some zucchini, rice balls, and mushrooms. While you shouldn’t skimp on the fish, these guys can cater to anyone.
You can’t really talk about the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney and not mention Golden Century Chinese restaurant.
Yes, the original venue is now no more, but the incarnation in swanky Barangaroo definitely fills an XO Sauce-sized hole in our dining diary. Especially as Seafood is its speciality. And because – despite the flash location – it has all of the OG’s bustling charm.
Also known as Golden Century at Crown, the first thing you’ll probably notice on entering this establishment is the 10m long Live Seafood tanks. The second thing is the mind-boggling extensive menu. From Soup to Hot Pot to Live Lobster dishes (we love the ‘Numbing Spicy’ option!) to Crabs, Abalone and beyond. As someone who lived in Hong Kong an age ago, the authencity of the menu makes my heart sing.
Honestly, if you’re not squimish about your dinner being pulled wriggling from a tank, prize fresh produce and love all things soy, garlic and ginger, this is the Seafood spot for you.
Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Fich at Petersham.
This Inner-West eatery specialises in that most magical of culinary niches, the fish and chip shop. However, Fich at Petersham is not your average chipper.
The chips are big, golden, and crisped to perfection. The batter they use for the fish is insane, managing not to be overly oily. And the fish itself? So fresh, so delicious. You can even order a bowl of Kinkawooka mussels if cod isn’t your thing.
You can either order takeaway, or you can sit in and dine. Either way, trying the food here is a must.
It’s back to the beach as we continue our look at 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney.
You can find Mimi’s on the second floor of the stunningly refurbed Coogee Pavilion. The dining room is exquisite – all high ceilings and arched windows framing million dollar views of the ocean. No wonder, guests come from far and wide to check out this swish restaurant from the ever-reliable Merivale Group.
A key feature of Mimi’s is the live seafood menu. You can find mud crab and sea urchins cooked to perfection. You can even find the likes of a chickpea Panisse, octopus tentacles, and smoked eel vol au vent.
However, if you ever dip into social media, you’ll know that Mimi’s Coogee is best known for its Caviar Bumps. Served with either Dom Perignon 2013, Frozen Vodka or Potato Dauphine, and starting a $48 a pop, they are not for the faint-hearted!
Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Mr Wong.
Mr Wong’s is a Cantonese restaurant. By day, they serve excellent dim sum, and at night they focus on barbecued meat. You need to try the scallop and prawn shi mai see dumplings – they’re a fan favourite.
The black pepper crab is always amazing, covered in delicious butter. Another great thing about this restaurant is the house-made ginger beer. It’s so refreshing.
They even sell a pomegranate and mint-spiked lemonade. While they also have an esteemed wine list, it’s great to see some good options in the non-alcoholic drinks.
Moving along with our seafood dining spots we have North Bondi Fish. Or NBF – as its fans know it.
This is a beachfront diner that sells delicious seafood. This is as close to the beach you can get, with the breezy sea air and excellent views being a prime location for relaxation.
If you’re just after a proper good fish and chips, then you can order that here. However, they do so much more than that. This places bills itself as a modern seafood restaurant, and they’re not wrong. Amongst other delights, they serve fabulous oysters, fresh from the sea and a stunning blue swimmer crab mafaldine with plump cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. Divine!
They also have immense scallops, served on lovely fanned shells. Whilst the food here is stunning, the amazing views also come with a price tag.
You’re looking at around $40 a dish, for small bites around $16 – such as the prawn sandwich. But hey, this is quality, fresh fish with a gorgeous view, so it’s worth the price.
Oh! And did we tell you that they also do a Bondi Bottomless? Make sure you book if you want to enjoy one of the best Bottomless brunches around whilst people watching from the NBF deck.
Whilst many a Sydneysider may feel dismissive about the tourist-centric dining scene of the Opera Quays, it’s hard to deny the precincts pull. Firstly, because the location is so damn iconic. And then, because there are eateries like Aria and this glorious, upmarket surf and turf spot – Searock Grill.
Whether you decide to sit inside in the sleek dining room, or out on the Opera Quays promenade, you’ll appreciate the eateries chilled vibe and great service.
Settle in with a cheeky Cocktail whilst you decide between premium quality Steak or ocean-fresh Seafood. For us, it has to be the Crab & Prawn Tian followed by the Baked Salmon. Or maybe the Kangaroo Spring Rolls (we love the Lemon Myrtle Dipping Sauce) and then the Searock Platter. With Crystal Bay Prawns, Tassie Black Mussels & Scallops, Natural Oysters & Moreton Bay Bugs, it’s quite the feast.
Location: 99 Mount St, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 8376 2900
Although it’s only been open for a short while, the buzz around North Sydney’s new restaurant RAFI is huge. And it’s good news for seafood fans.
With a seasonally-focused menu ‘inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney’ this bright and breezy, yet of so chic venue serves contemporary Australian cuisine. And this includes a generous amount of beautifully prepared fish and seafood dishes.
Start with the kingfish ceviche with yellow chilli & crispy plantain and follow it with the grilled John Dory fillet with rocket & pepita pesto. Or maybe the smokey attractions of the BBQ South Coast octopus with chilli, oregano & lemon sounds more to your liking?
With dining set both inside the elegant dining room and out on the terrace and a cocktail list worth investigating, RAFI is sure to be very popular on a warm summer’s evening.
We move forward on our list of 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney with Sailmaker, set within the Hyatt Regency.
This is a harbourside restaurant, that is vibrant and modern. If you’re looking for a restaurant that prioritizes quality, fresh produce, and an abundance of great options, pop into Sailmaker.
They also ensure all of their products are locally sourced, and they partner with farmers in New South Wales to get the very best produce. You can get anything from a traditional seafood platter to a divine champagne lobster.
This is a quality seafood restaurant, which is worth a visit.
Location: The Star Sydney, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: 1800 700 700
Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Flying Fish.
Flying Fish is located at The Star. Here, you’ll get the very best fish from the Australian and New Zealand waters. You’ll also have it prepared with an Asian twist, making it different from most restaurants on our list.
If you enjoy fine dining, then you will appreciate the art that Flying Fish has to offer. They only serve premium seafood, flavoured impeccably. The restaurant also has minimal waste and a maximal flavour motto, meaning it’s great for the environment, and your taste buds.
And if flesh isn’t your thing, there’s also a wonderful vegetarian menu, featuring tempting dishes like hand cut spaghetti, zucchini flower and smoked tomato. Yum!
Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Jonah’s Restaurant.
Okay, so, Jonah’s Restaurant is a bit of a celebrity restaurant. They’ve served the likes of Justin Bieber, and Joan Collins. Whether you’re a fan of them, or not, it does indicate that this restaurant is one of rare quality.
And the view doesn’t hurt either. It truly is spectacular, and is well worth the hike out to the northern beaches. If you are coming from the CBD please understand that visiting Palm Beach is a decent drive away.
Allow at least an hour to reach Jonah’s, and accept that the beauty of Palm Beach and surrounds is well deserving of a day trip (or weekend away).
When you dine at Jonah’s, you’ll be greeted with some of the best seafood in Sydney. You can order grilled prawns that come with bisque béchamel, oysters, lobsters, and scallops.
Pretty much whatever seafood you’re into, they’ll likely have – and the quality and freshness of the food is top quality.
Danny’s was the first seafood bistro in La Perouse, and became very popular on the back of it. However, there’s now some serious competition in the form of nearby brasserie, The Boatshed.
Overlooking Frenchman’s Beach, The Boatshed was founded by NRL star Braith Anasta and actress wife Jodi Gordon. After a shaky start, a major renovation and debilitating pandemic lockdown, it is now a thriving cafe and seafood venue.
The Boatshed is open for breakfast from 7am with a menu featuring all the traditional favourites, and a few not-so common dishes. Our brunch choice would be the excellent Seafood Omelette (with prawns, Blue Swimmer Crab, feta and cherry tomatoes).
For lunch or dinner, the Seafood Platter is hard to ignore. It’s not cheap, but you do get generous quantities of Sydney Rock Oysters, seared scallops, Tiger Prawns, crab, salt and pepper calamari, baby octopus, Gemfish and chips. There’s also the option to add lobster too.
Whilst the same chic, casual dining vibe and beautiful food exists across both Garfish eateries, the Manly outpost wins when it comes to location. Because at the end of the day, it’s hard to beat a glorious waterfront view.
At Garfish, Sydney Rock Oysters 5 different ways, including Natural and Kilpatrick. Alternatively, why not try the Seared Hokkaido Scallops ($28/44) with White Kimchi, Grilled Pork Belly and more? Or perhaps the pretty-as-a-picture Atlantic Salmon Crudo ($28) is more your thing?
In addition to the stunning seafood, the restaurant has its own cocktail bar – SuGarfish – as well. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun dip over the ocean whilst sipping a fruity Garfish Martini ($22).
Located in another of Sydney’s many coastal suburbs is Rocker, in probably the most famous beach suburb of all – Bondi.
Rocker Bondi is one of celebrity chef, Darren Robertson’s acclaimed restaurants, and it serves amazing seafood. It has a seasonal menu, and you can expect fresh local produce and a regularly changing ‘Specials Board’.
The menu is inspired by European cuisine, and the food is fresh, creative and served with panache. High tides and good vibes, as they say.
Rocker has that sunny, optimistic Bondi energy that is so alluring. It has sea glimpses, and there’s always that feel of nearby ocean in the air.
And we can’t finish without mentioning their current, mid-week ‘All You Can Eat Mussels’ offer. Sign us up!
Location: Moore Rd, Freshwater, NSW 2096 Ph: (02) 9938 3331
Pilu At Freshwater has been winning accolades since the day it opened – and rightly so.
Giovanni Pilu’s eponymous Sardinian Italian restaurant, specialises in seafood. Here they use locally sourced ingredients to create modern dishes, inspired by the different regions of Italy.
This is a highly esteemed restaurant. The quality of the food, and service, is unparalleled. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll be given red carpet treatment. Their staff is beyond respectful, and knowledgeable about the food.
They serve food akin to the likes of hand-rolled regola with lobster, and the Sa Cassola. Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy the luxury.
Bobby’s Cronulla has a left of things going for it.
Straight off the bat, the location is pretty special – bang next to lovely Cronulla Beach with expansive windows and plenty of outdoor seating.
Then there’s the excellent Cocktail list to get you in the mood for eating. We adore the Offshore ($24), a cheeky mix of Kaffir Lime & Lemongrass Vodka, Ginger Liqueur & Lime.
And then there’s the Seafood-Packed Mediterranean menu.
Our favourites? Well, we’ve yet to meet a Kingfish Ceviche ($26) we haven’t devoured and the one at Bobby’s Cronulla – enlivened with Grapefruit, Pickled Cucumber & Chive Oil – is no exception. The Barramundi with Grilled Fennel and an addictive Vermouth Sauce is sublime ($36). That said, the Whole Snapper ($38) with Burnt Butter & Caper Berries is also rather special.
Ultimately, Bobby’s Cronulla is the kind of restaurant you’d like to dine at every time you head for the beach.
Last up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Lugarno Seafood.
Lugarno Seafood has been around for almost three decades and is an institution in Sydney. Located opposite the Georges River, you can dine on quality seafood while admiring the gorgeous views.
You can try amazing dishes such as the whole lobster mornay, or even the pan-grilled Tasmanian salmon fillet. Whatever you choose, you can guarantee that it’ll be fresh.
Summary
Few cities in the world have the natural advantages of Sydney when it comes to seafood. So make the most of it whilst you are here.
The quality and freshness of the produce, the beauty of the surrounds and the skills of the local chefs will not disappoint.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
