Australia’s coastline is more than just a picturesque backdrop—it’s a rich, ever-changing larder that fuels some of the country’s finest dining experiences. Whether it's pristine oysters plucked fresh from the ocean, buttery Moreton Bay bugs resting on a bed of saffron risotto, or a seafood paella brimming with local catch, these venues celebrate the sea-to-plate ethos in all its glory. From Queensland’s tropical shores to Melbourne’s refined coastal dining, here’s where to indulge in the freshest seafood with a view.
Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant – Port Douglas, QLD
Nestled in the heart of Port Douglas on Wharf Street, Seabean Tapas Bar Restaurant brings a slice of Spain to the tropics. This breezy, welcoming venue embodies a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, where whitewashed timber, polished wood and alfresco dining set the stage for indulgent feasting. With an impressive wine list featuring Spanish, Australian and international labels, Seabean is the place to sip Sangria as you soak in the tropical air.
The menu draws from Mediterranean coastal flavours with a focus on local ingredients. Begin with barramundi fish cakes, balanced with tomato habanero jam and pickled green pawpaw, or opt for lamb meatballs draped in a garlic-mint yoghurt sauce. But the real showstopper? A signature paella, available in variations like the Mariscos—an oceanic masterpiece starring local tiger prawns, barramundi and Cloudy Bay clams. Finish with a crema Catalana served in a half coconut, and you’ve got a meal that’s equal parts exotic and familiar.
SEE Restaurant – Mooloolaba, QLD
Perched on the water’s edge at Mooloolaba Marina, SEE Restaurant is an elegant yet relaxed dining destination that puts fresh, local seafood at the forefront. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dazzling 180-degree panorama of blue waters, creating a tranquil setting that perfectly complements Chef Antonio Puelma’s innovative take on Modern Australian cuisine.
The menu is an ode to the region’s finest produce, with dishes like yellowfin tuna crudo brightened by capers and a baby tomato mojito crush. Mains push the boundaries of tradition, with spanner crab lasagne layered with tomato sugo, Mantescoso cheese and Chablis cream. Those after a classic seafood experience should look no further than the baked lemon sole—delicately prepared with crispy chats, steamed broccolini and a decadent Pinot Gris cream that highlights the natural sweetness of the fish.
Terrigal Beach House – Terrigal, NSW
For those who like their seafood with a side of sun, sand and a lively atmosphere, Terrigal Beach House delivers. Sitting beneath the Crowne Plaza, this contemporary bar is all about easygoing luxury, boasting an expansive alfresco area that makes the most of its beachfront location. By day, it’s a breezy retreat for families and sun-seekers, while at night, it transforms into a lively hotspot with a buzzing bar scene.
The menu embraces bold coastal flavours, starting with salt and pepper squid, served alongside green chilli mayo, tomato kasundi and a squeeze of fresh lime. The highlight? A rich and indulgent lobster mornay, paired with a creamy potato salad, crispy bacon and a honey mustard dressing that elevates the dish to next-level decadence. Whether you're here for a casual bite or a long lunch with cocktails, Terrigal Beach House delivers the ultimate seaside dining experience.
Waterfront Brighton – Brighton, VIC
A true Melbourne dining institution, Waterfront Brighton has over 100 years of hospitality expertise behind it, ensuring a premium seafood experience every time. The Zampelis family’s dedication to the sea-to-plate ethos is evident in the daily trips to the market, handpicking the freshest oysters, pristine shellfish and premium seafood. Set within a sleek dining space of polished wood, arched windows and elegant glassware, it’s a refined yet relaxed coastal escape.
Start with classics like baked scallops bathed in herb butter and breadcrumbs or a rich seafood chowder brimming with saffron, prawns, mussels, clams and fish. When it comes to mains, the signature snapper and truffle pie is a must-try—flaky pastry encasing delicate snapper, served alongside charred Roma tomatoes and velvety Paris mash for the ultimate indulgence. This is Melbourne seafood dining at its finest.
Kings Steak and Seafood GC – Labrador, QLD
Steak might be in the name, but seafood lovers will feel just as at home at Kings Steak and Seafood GC in Labrador. The restaurant blends rustic charm with contemporary style, featuring recycled timber, trailing greenery and spacious alfresco dining perfect for soaking up the Gold Coast’s balmy weather. Here, the focus is on premium-quality ingredients and bold, indulgent flavours.
Begin your meal with char-grilled king prawns, drizzled with a Mediterranean dressing and served with a citrus dipping sauce. Then, take your pick between two signature surf-and-turf creations—either the opulent lobster-loaded steak-cut chips, smothered in cheese sauce, aioli and spicy mayo, or the Beef and Reef: a succulent Angus sirloin crowned with char-grilled calamari, prawns, scallops and a house-special sauce. Whichever you choose, expect a dish that delivers pure indulgence with every bite.
From Spanish-style seafood feasts in Port Douglas to elegant waterfront dining in Melbourne, these venues prove that Australia’s coastal bounty is second to none. Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent lobster mornay, a fresh and vibrant crudo, or a hearty surf-and-turf, these restaurants showcase the best of sea-to-plate dining with flair. So, book a table, raise a glass and dive into some of the freshest seafood the country has to offer.
