Mussel Up at These 6 Seafood Dining Destinations

From the waters surrounding Australia comes a diverse bounty of unique taste sensations, which have seafood lovers salivating at the thought of lobster, prawns and oysters.

Whether you reel in a fresh fish yourself to cook on the barbeque, or are lured in by offerings plated up every night at a local eatery – there’s no denying Aussies love their seafood.

Take the ocean drive from water to your plate and drop a line at one of these six restaurants:

Discover a modern Italian and seafood restaurant in the heart of Wollongong with the best views in town at Lucia’s By The Sea on Cliff Street. With a panoramic vista of North Beach and equally impressive cuisine, a full glass frontage lets in an abundance of natural light and white-clothed tables beckon to celebrate any occasion or event with family and friends as balmy breezes drift in from the Pacific Ocean.

 

Plan to start a memorable meal with sea salt and cracked pepper fried squid and seeded mustard aioli, or oysters with mornay cream sauce and Parmesan; then cast your net over mains of fresh local lobster, rice and housemade seafood bisque, or crispy skin barramundi, roast potatoes, rockmelon salad and bisque on the side.

One of Newcastle Harbour's most iconic and loved seafood restaurants, Scratchleys on the Wharf offers sunsets, cocktails and stunning water views. Overlooking the busy port, this restaurant on Wharf Road delights discerning diners with sunlight sparkling off the water, seen through floor-to-ceiling glass doors; private dining rooms are available for events, while Battlesticks Bar is the place to head for a cheeky cocktail.

 

Dive right in with a starter of pan-seared scallops, or Port Stephens oysters with pickled cucumber, wakame and wasabi mirin dressing; before anchoring your meal with spaghetti marinara – prawns, mussels, squid and fish cooked in a tomato and white wine olive oil sauce with fresh chilli, spinach and capers – or share a char-grilled hot and cold seafood platter with seasonal fruit and fries.

Experience the best of waterfront dining in the heart of Mooloolaba at SEE Restaurant. Nestled on the wharf’s edge at Mooloolaba Marina, this sophisticated yet relaxed fine diner boasts picturesque 180-degree views of pristine blue waters and an atmosphere that is as refreshing as Chef Antonio Puelma’s innovative approach to Modern Australian fare.

 

With a strong focus on combining fresh local seafood and contemporary techniques, perhaps begin with Tasmanian hot smoked salmon and King prawn chowder; before hooking a main of spaghetti marinara with fresh local seafood, tomato sugo, Sauvignon Blanc, cream and a touch of chilli, or WA crayfish thermidor served with chips and salad.

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience overlooking the tranquil pool courtyard and landscaped garden at Waterwall Restaurant & Bar @ Pagoda on Melville Parade in Como. Nestled in the Pagoda Resort and Spa, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in at this Perth dining destination, where an elegant and spacious hotel dining room boasts plush chairs and a grand piano.

 

From the breakfast buffet until dinner, there is something to tempt all palates such as entrées of Thai fish cakes with fennel and citrus salad, or seafood bouillabaisse and garlic saffron aioli bruschetta; for the main, reel in baked barramundi crusted with coconut and mint, sautéed vegetable tagliatelle and coriander broth, or linguine with prawns, chilli, garlic, cherry tomatoes, white wine and butter sauce.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure like never before and dine differently at Unicorn Seafood Restaurant on Queensland Avenue in Broadbeach. Each meal is an emotional experience sparking sights, smells and sounds from personal memories at this Gold Coast dining destination, where a blue and white colour palette matches the coastal vibe along with artwork and twinkling fairy lights to set the scene for lingering over a prawn cocktail to start.

 

Entrées of BBQ baby octopus, garlic, lemon and olive oil bait your appetite, along with King prawns with garlic, white wine and cream; then share a Unicorn platter of King prawns, smoked salmon, oysters, BBQ bugs, fish, calamari, lobster mornay and fresh fruit, finish decadently with sticky date pudding and ice cream.

Head to bustling beachside eatery Bellyfish Café on Terrigal Esplanade in Terrigal for quality coffee and all-day brunch offerings. Soak up rays alfresco on balmy days with water views and a cappuccino, or head indoors where walls are adorned with caricature-style murals and an aqua-tiled counter sits pride of place as the tantalising aroma of coffee beans wafts in the air.

 

Watch the sun rise over the water while indulging in breaky plates of crab and corn fritters, bacon, poached eggs, dill cream, spinach and housemade relish; join the lunch crowd for a meal by the sea of beer-battered fish, chips, tartar sauce and lemon, or grilled salmon cutlet with grapefruit, asparagus, heirloom tomato and goats’ cheese salad with salsa verde, enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Grigio.