There’s something undeniably special about seafood enjoyed just a stone’s throw from the ocean. The scent of salt in the air, the sound of waves brushing the shore and a perfectly grilled scallop or freshly shucked oyster on your plate - it’s a sensory harmony few cuisines can match.
Whether you're dreaming of delicate sashimi kissed by citrus or hearty lobster tail smothered in café de Paris butter, these standout venues bring the ocean’s bounty straight to your table with uncompromising quality and style. Here are five seafood-forward destinations that capture the very essence of coastal dining.
Harbourfront Restaurant – Wollongong, NSW
Boasting sweeping views across Wollongong Harbour, tri-level Harbourfront Restaurant on Endeavour Drive is striking from sunrise to sundown. With breezy outdoor decks, floor-to-ceiling windows and a relaxed coastal aesthetic, it’s the kind of place that effortlessly shifts from post-swim casual to elegant evening affair. Levelone downstairs provides a stylish yet approachable wine and snack stop, while upstairs is reserved for those in search of refined dining with a view - think date nights, long lunches or simply an excuse to eat exceptionally well.
Seafood is the undisputed hero here. Kick off with roasted scallops in-shell, swimming in scallop roe butter and brightened with a zesty sauce grenobloise. For mains, the Moreton Bay bugs are pure indulgence - served in a creamy coconut broth with turmeric, lime leaf and galangal, nestled over rice and topped with coriander and shallots. The roasted King prawns with café de Paris butter, curry leaves and pangrattato are equally irresistible, bringing layers of texture and spice to the table.
Perched on the waterfront at Rose Bay, Catalina is nothing short of an institution. With more than 30 years of culinary legacy under the stewardship of the McMahon family, this venue blends coastal sophistication with understated luxury. The dining room - airy and elegant - offers uninterrupted views of bobbing sailboats and seaplanes gliding across the harbour. It’s a magnet for those seeking a quintessential Sydney dining experience, where every seat promises a postcard view.
Catalina’s seafood offering is deeply rooted in sustainable, wild-caught excellence. Start with yellowfin tuna and scallop crudo, given an aromatic lift with green curry dressing and finger lime. The main event? A plate of crispy scaled blue cod, paired with heirloom oxheart tomato, fresh basil and a drizzle of chilli oil. It’s simple yet elevated, a testament to letting pristine ingredients do the heavy lifting. For purists, the rotating list of Australian and New Zealand seafood selections ensures there’s always something new and always something impeccably fresh.
Rupert & Hound – Launceston, Tas
Overlooking the water on Seaport Boulevard, Rupert & Hound is all about honest food done exceptionally well. There’s an inviting casual elegance to the space, where timber furnishings, glass frontage and a wraparound deck make the most of the marina backdrop. This is Launceston at its most picturesque - boats sway gently in the breeze while patrons sip cocktails and tuck into flavour-forward seafood dishes crafted with an eye for sustainability and minimal waste.
The restaurant’s oyster game is particularly strong, sourcing bivalves from a variety of local Tasmanian leases. Whether you prefer them natural, Kilpatrick or curious to try the ‘Oyster of the Moment,’ expect freshness and brine that speaks of nearby waters. Tapas lovers can dive into pan-seared scallops with chorizo jam and capsicum aioli, while larger appetites might lean towards a rich saffron-laced beef ragu with ribbons of fettuccine and a dusting of Parmesan. It's proof that seafood can share the spotlight while still holding centre stage.
Tucked away at The Spit in Mosman, St Siandra feels like the Mediterranean came calling on Sydney’s North Shore. Set on its own private beach, this sun-drenched escape channels breezy, Euro-Summer vibes from its pastel-toned interiors to the Champagne bottles chilling on every table. Turquoise waters, moored yachts and a sense of effortless style make it the perfect setting for long lunches that stretch well into sunset.
Seafood here is as much about the spectacle as the flavour. Start with sesame crab toast topped with tarragon and pickle aioli - crunchy, savoury and utterly moreish. Then it’s time to go big: perhaps with half a rock lobster, grilled and bathed in café de Paris butter, with a fresh herbaceous hit of chimichurri and a side of frites. Opt for the whole market fish, filleted tableside and dressed with a vibrant red pepper salsa roja, almonds and spring onion; either way, it’s seafood made for savouring.
Oneiro Restaurant – Surry Hills, NSW
On Crown Street in Surry Hills, Oneiro offers a Greek dining experience that’s more than just souvlaki and saganaki. Inspired by the warmth and conviviality of traditional Mediterranean feasting, the space feels inviting and stylish, with ambient lighting, intimate booth seating and an alfresco setup for warm Summer nights. It’s the kind of place where the conversation flows as freely as the wine and dishes are made to be shared.
Oneiro’s take on seafood celebrates clean flavours and classic techniques. The char-grilled octopus is a must - tender, smoky and kissed with lemon and oregano. Mussels flambéed with ouzo arrive aromatic and briny, their broth infused with dill, garlic and sweet onion; pair them with warm pita and a Greek salad for the full island-hopping fantasy. Beyond the sea, the menu balances tradition and creativity, making this a go-to for lovers of both heritage and high-quality produce.
From harbourside institutions to modern Med-inspired hideaways, these seafood restaurants showcase the very best of what the coast has to offer. Each venue marries fresh, sustainable ingredients with inspired technique and unforgettable settings - proof that when it comes to seafood, freshness isn’t just a flavour. It’s a lifestyle. Whether you're craving a crudo by the bay or oysters with a view, your next seafood obsession is waiting.
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