There’s something primal yet sophisticated about seafood kissed by flame - where the natural sweetness of the ocean meets smoky char and fire-forged flavour. Across the country, Chefs are embracing wood-fired grills, char-grills and searing hot pans to elevate the day’s catch. Whether perched beside a marina or tucked into a harbour nook, these restaurants don’t just plate seafood - they honour it. Join us as we dive into five venues where the seafood is as bold as the setting.
Nestled on the edge of the Marina in Cairns, Salt House is the kind of venue where time slows and the tropical breeze does the rest. With its open-air design and overwater deck stretching toward the Coral Sea, this iconic location captures everything lush and laidback about the Far North. The centrepiece of the restaurant? A custom Argentinian wood-fired grill where flames lick across fresh local produce as diners sip cocktails with a waterfront view.
When it comes to flame-kissed flavour, the whole fried baby barramundi is the hero dish - a locally sourced beauty served with green papaya salad, sticky pork, crushed peanuts and a green chilli nam jim. The crispy skin shatters under your fork, revealing silky, sweet flesh, while the punchy nam jim cuts through with fiery balance. For those who like their seafood bold and aromatic, this is a Cairns must.
At Portside Wharf in Brisbane, FOSH delivers riverfront glamour with a splash of Mediterranean flair. The brainchild of Michel Tassis, this breezy-yet-elegant venue was designed for long lunches that roll into golden-hour dinners. The interior channels relaxed coastal luxe, but the kitchen is where the real fire burns - literally. FOSH champions daily caught seafood, grilled to perfection and served with clean, confident sides.
Don’t go past the barbequed Moreton Bay bugs - a showstopping dish laced with Cognac, lemon butter and a whisper of Worcestershire sauce. Flame-seared to smoky tenderness, the bugs are rich, buttery and unapologetically indulgent. Paired with your choice of two refined sides, it’s a meal that sings of Summer evenings and river breezes.
Lavana Restaurant – Walsh Bay NSW
Tucked into the storied precinct of Walsh Bay, Lavana is a Mediterranean-inspired gem that captures the energy of Sydney’s harbour dining scene. With views across the wharf and a fit-out that oozes laidback chic, this is the kind of place where every detail is curated - from the wine list to the flicker of the wood oven at the back of the room. Lavana isn’t just about looks though; it’s about flavour-forward dishes built on fire and finesse.
The lobster ravioli is a standout - a generous, flame-seared medley of blue swimmer crab and King prawns nestled in silky pasta, bathing in a slow-cooked tomato sugo. Clotted cream and cold-pressed olive oil add decadent texture, while baby herbs finish the dish with fresh elegance. It’s seafood, yes, but reimagined with Mediterranean sensuality and kissed by the flame just enough to linger on the palate.
On the Eyre Peninsula - Australia’s seafood capital - Santi’s adds a funky, Asian-inspired spin to the fire-grilled seafood experience. With bold interiors, an eclectic playlist and a cocktail list that dares to go beyond the basics, this isn’t your average coastal restaurant. Chef-driven and fiercely local, Santi’s brings underutilised Australian seafood into the spotlight through the lens of Southeast Asian cooking techniques and ingredients.
The yellow mussel curry exemplifies the ethos: turmeric and ginger-laced broth envelops meaty local mussels, while char from the grill adds depth. Lemongrass and coconut create a warm, herbal backdrop, turning this into a dish that feels both fiery and comforting. It's the kind of plate that makes you sit back, sip your pandan colada and appreciate the magic of unexpected pairings cooked over fire.
Water’s Edge Restaurant – Batemans Bay NSW
On the pristine South Coast, Water’s Edge delivers a fine dining experience that feels refreshingly unfussy. Perched on the Murra-Murra Mia Walkway, this waterfront venue leans into its coastal setting with panoramic views and a menu that lets produce shine. The room is polished yet tranquil, the kind of space perfect for romantic evenings, long celebratory lunches or solo meals with nothing but the view for company.
The Chef’s special fish changes with the catch, but always arrives plated like art and cooked with reverence. Expect a delicate cauliflower mousse as the canvas, asparagus and charred onion for texture and a lemon mustard cream to tie it all together. Lightly flame-seared, the fish retains its moistness with just enough caramelisation to round out the flavour. It’s elevated, elegant and wholly rooted in its waterfront setting.
From tropical decks in Cairns to sleek harbourside rooms in Sydney, flame-kissed seafood is having its moment. These five venues prove that when you match fire with freshness, the results are unforgettable. Whether you're a crustacean connoisseur or a fillet purist, there’s a flame-licked plate out there waiting for you - served with a view and a glass of something chilled.
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