Shellabrate All Things Lobster at These 5 Restaurants

Did you know that female lobster are the players in the relationship and usually make the first move?

These succulent shellfish are not only delicious on the plate, they have some pretty interesting characteristics; here are four more fun facts and five restaurants where you can catch the freshest lobster:

•Lobsters taste with their legs – chemosensory leg and feet hairs identify food.

•They don’t scream in pain when you cook them, the noise you hear is air that has been trapped in the stomach and forced out of the mouth.

•They can regenerate limbs such as claws and legs.

•Lobster shells were once used to make golf balls.

 

Nestled on the west end of St Georges Terrace in the heart of Perth’s CBD, Rusty Fig is an oasis from the hectic pace of city surroundings. Named after a more than 130-year-old Port Jackson fig tree that is the centrepiece of the outdoor deck, perhaps start with drinks at one of two bars with inviting leather stools, before checking out the action in the open kitchen; then head upstairs to the restaurant where elegant décor and plush armchairs await. 

Whether opting for the decadent degustation menu or dining à la carte you’ll find seafood dishes sure to tempt, such as Geraldton lobster with potato gratin, white and green asparagus and Champagne butter sauce.

 

Indulge in smoky sensations at Hoosegow Charcoal Restaurant on Magill Road, a popular venue inspired by exotic tastes in St Morris. Encompassed in an ambient vibe, dine surrounded by vibrant red, pink and orange hues, dark timbers and colourful artwork, mesmerised by wafting aromas.

Embracing fresh, local produce, Hoosegow offers tantalising Latin American, Eastern and Asian fusion dishes cooked on crackling Mallee Root charcoal to seal in enticing textures; think Southern rock lobster, soft-shell crab, King prawns, barramundi and chilli mussels.

 

When it comes to seafood, few do it as well as Rick Stein at Bannisters, located within the grounds of Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook. Whether you visit for the restaurant experience or let it be part of a pampering package, the coastal views don’t end on the road; this is a waterfront venue and every diner has an ocean panorama.

The beach-chic setting is comfortable, classy and understated and the food exquisitely prepared – look out for dishes like Eastern rock lobster thermidor, with cream and white wine sauce, Parmesan, mustard and sides of roast potatoes and steamed green beans.

 

Find an elegant beachfront destination offering a bistro and fine dining seafood option with ocean views at Seascape Restaurant & Bar on The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise. Take to the bistro on level one with opening bi-fold windows showcasing the iconic beach where sea breezes and amazing sea views turn any casual dining experience into something extraordinary, or head up the timber-lined staircase to find unrivalled vistas and a contemporary seafood menu.

Dive right in with coconut tempura prawns, basil and orange marmalade, before netting fresh char-grilled Western Australian lobster with lemon and garlic butter; or devour lobster and blue swimmer crab lasagne with lobster bisque. 

 

Fishing for great seafood in the heart of Melbourne's CBD? Head along Collins Street to find Box Seafood Restaurant, where an elegant interior of white-clothed tables set with flowers, vibrant artwork and plush drapes set the scene for reeling in fresh fish and shellfish, creatively prepared by a dedicated team of Chefs for your pleasure.

Drawing from an abundance of fresh produce and regional wines, expect to salivate over starters of crispy soft-shell crab, coleslaw and lime chipotle aioli sauce; anchor your meal with crayfish thermidor baked in a light mustard and creamy cheese sauce.