In and around the great culinary landscape of Brisbane, the seafood scene is always booming with delightful restaurants, showcasing locally sourced catches as well as internationally influenced dishes that go a long way to surprise and impress the most ardent of seafood lovers. Amid the lively energy of this dynamic city, the best seafood restaurants in Brisbane offer a captivating synthesis of timeless authenticity and avant-garde innovation.
Try coastal European flavours on the river or tasty Thai in the heart of the CBD. In Fortitude Valley, indulge in a perspective-shifting intimate experience, or head to Bulimba for some of the best crab in the country. Fine wine pairings and fun cocktails are frequent stars of the drinks menu, and there’s always something sweet and special for dessert.
Read on for the best seafood restaurants in Brisbane and book your spot on OpenTable today.
The best seafood restaurants in Brisbane – keep reading for a guide
For coastal European flavours – head to Tillerman Seafood Restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD
Inside Riparian Plaza, Tillerman Seafood Restaurant offers a slice of Europe on the banks of the Brisbane River. Inspired by the flavours and recipes of coastal Europe, Tillerman serves up high-quality, locally sourced seafood. The Tillerman twist on bouillabaisse is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes along with salt-baked Murray cod. Fresh Moreton Bay bugs star in multiple dishes, but the Moreton Bay bug dumplings are the most popular. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, a slice of the sharp yet sweet burnt caramel Grand Marnier cake is the perfect way to end your meal. Tillerman also takes its drinks menu seriously, and the coastal theme continues with wines sourced from waterside vineyards all over the globe. Pair your bouillabaisse with a Pinot Gris from Alsace or a Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley. Alternatively, one of the carefully concocted Perfect Pair gin and tonics makes a great aperitif.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Brisbane at an iconic destination – go to Gambaro Seafood Restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD
Gambaro Seafood Restaurant has been serving up delicious, high-quality seafood for over 60 years and it’s easy to see why it’s lasted so long. The decor captures a sense of rustic refinery with comfortable wooden chairs, racks of wine and coastal photography along the walls. Pull up a chair and let the experienced, attentive waitstaff guide you through your meal. The star of the menu is the Gambaro seafood platter served with the signature seafood sauce. Enjoy carefully chosen, fresh local seafood prepared for your tasting pleasure. This platter, and the rest of the menu, is always changing to ensure the best seasonal produce and flavours shine. No matter the time of year, there’s always something special to enjoy. Try the linguini marinara or the miso-roasted crispy Tasmanian salmon, served with corn salsa and goat’s cheese. Gambaro is a great option for large groups with various dietary needs and preferences. Even diners who don’t love seafood can find many other options, including vegetarian dishes.
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For some of the best crab in Brisbane – save a spot King Crab Co in Bulimba
If you’re craving crab, there’s no better place to go than King Crab Co – Bulimba in Bulimba. Just look for the neon crab in the window and make your way inside the modern, dimly lit dining space. Gather around a table or cosy up in a booth and peruse the retro-style menu. The tasting platter and seafood boils are perfect to share. They include the best shellfish, meats and sauces, plus King Crab Co’s crispy beer-battered chips. From the oyster bar, order your favourite flavours by the half dozen, or head over to the Smoker for chargrilled Moreton Bay bugs and pork ribs. With plenty of options on the drinks menu, pair a lobster tail and blue swimmer crab roll with a refreshing summer lime cocktail or a pint of Eumundi lager. Your starter of fried calamari will go great with a glass of sparkling Chandon. Finally, don’t forget to finish things off with a freshly baked apple pie paired with a sweet Moscato.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Brisbane for cutting-edge dishes – visit Perspective Dining in Fortitude Valley
Gain a new perspective on dining out at this closed-door chef table experience in Fortitude Valley. At Perspective Dining, seasoned restaurateur Andrew McCrea shares his unique experience of the textures, flavours and emotions of food. With just two seatings for lunch and one seating for dinner each day, the chefs serve up seasonal plant-based and protein-based menus. Perspective offers a shared experience between the diners and the chefs that’s unlike any other. Using sustainably sourced ingredients from local suppliers, seafood lovers can always find fresh seasonal options. While the menu changes frequently, expect unique dishes like slipper lobster served with sour almond and lemonade fruit. Order your beverages à la carte or opt for the food and wine pairing to get the best match for your meals. Go in without expectations and take a seat at the single dining table positioned in front of the open kitchen. Three or nine courses later, you’ll come out with a new perspective.
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For Thai seafood dishes – don’t miss Jumbo Thai Restaurant & Bar in Brisbane’s CBD
The decor at Jumbo Thai Restaurant & Bar is bright and colourful, warm and comfortable. Unique paintings, plush couches and colourful ornaments come together to create an inviting, intimate atmosphere. The menu offers a wide range of tasty Thai seafood dishes, including noodles, curries and stir-fries. Start things off with the fluffy and crunchy combo of soft-shell crab bao served with chilli mayonnaise. For a main, order a spicy bowl of pad kee mao with banana prawns or a Jumbo Penang prawn curry with kaffir lime. Make sure to check the specials board for the fish of the day. Jumbo Thai also offers a few banquet menus, named for different Thai cities, and all (except the vegetarian menu) include plenty of seafood options. Pair your meal with one of the signature cocktails, like the Phuket Blues’ a tangy, citrusy drink made with gin, blue curacao and Yakult.
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For fine dining seafood with river views – book at Black Hide by Gambaro at Treasury Brisbane in Brisbane’s CBD
While the steak at Black Hide by Gambaro at Treasury Brisbane is award-winning, the menu also boasts some delicious seafood dishes. Caviar with crème fraîche, chives and blinis and some spicy fried oyster sliders are the perfect way to start your meal while you take in the view over the Brisbane River. A refreshing tiger’s milk marinade adds a light and spicy flavour to the kingfish crudo, while lemon caper butter enhances the Moreton Bay bugs. Add hand-cut chips for a fine dining fish and chips or throw an extra grilled ocean king prawn onto any dish. Unique dessert options like Queensland mangoes served with coconut tapioca and avocado-yuzu sorbet round out the menu. Black Hide is a luxury dining hotspot and you’ll feel that the moment you step in. A blend of dark and light decor evokes a moody, relaxed atmosphere that invites diners to linger over their plates of charred octopus and glasses of Italian Chardonnay.
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For unique Mediterranean flavours and grilled seafood – book at Vintaged Bar and Grill in Brisbane’s CBD
The aromas of the Meditteranean and the smoke from the grill waft through the kitchen at Vintaged Bar and Grill. Plates of ‘assaggi’ and antipasti are perfect for sharing, with natural oysters, char-grilled octopus and pan-fried scallops. For your main, try prawns from the grill served with mango and a flavourful Spanish onion salsa. Various beef cuts fresh off the grill are perfect for any diners who don’t love seafood. Vintaged hand-pick wines from the best of Australia’s and New Zealand’s vineyards. If you’d like to try before you buy, ask your waiter for a personalised tour of the ‘Wine Room’, where you can sample a selection. The list includes some excellent digestifs to finish off your meal. Pair these with the unique Vintaged tiramisu made with shortbread and manjari flakes.
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For seafood and simplicity – secure your spot at Harveys Bar and Bistro in Fortitude Valley
At Harveys Bar and Bistro, Brisbane’s best, seasonal produce speaks for itself. Serving up an unpretentious all-day dining menu, Harveys invites diners to pop in for a drink, a quick meal or a lengthy sit-down over multiple courses. Seared scallops and pancetta served with sage brown butter offer toasty, smooth flavours. For something a little more tangy, try the cured ocean trout with goat curd and soy and ginger vinegar. In the afternoon, peruse the snack menu and order some tasting plates or cheeses to go with a classic cocktail. While the bottled wine list is extensive, the menu also features a pared-down selection of wines by the glass. A unique offering from the bar is an aromatic gin bowl – choose from six gins and enjoy it with a tonic and carefully chosen fruits, herbs and spices.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Brisbane with an ever-changing menu – visit Signature – Emporium Hotel in South Bank
With burnt-orange plush chairs, gold accents and pastel pink flowers, Signature – Emporium Hotel South Bank exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere. When creating the ever-changing menu, the kitchen not only considers the seasonal flavours but also keeps a finger on the pulse of the dietary trends and needs that shape the diners’ desires. While the menu is always changing, examples of the fresh seafood on offer include Abrolhose Island octopus gazpacho with squid ink crackers, and goldband snapper with blue scampi caviar. If you’d like to enjoy the full Signature experience, try the set menu that takes you through the best of the offerings with perfect wine pairings. After a quick palate cleanse, you’ll finish off your meal with a special dessert like a pineapple and white chocolate parfait with spiced cocoa soil.
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For riverbank dining with an Italian flair – head to Popolo Restaurant in South Bank
‘Popolo’ means people and this restaurant celebrates the ways food brings people together. When you gather around the table with friends and family at Popolo Restaurant, the intention is to feel like you’re dining at nonna’s table. The Italian-born chef seamlessly combines the atmosphere of the Brisbane River and the flavours of Naples. Grab a seat in the sheltered outdoor dining area and take in the view of the river and the city lights. Here, the restaurant focuses on getting the best possible local produce and ingredients and preparing it simply. The crispy, fried calamari has a tangy twist with lemon and caper mayonnaise. Pan-fried swordfish shines with a simple salmoriglio dressing. Finally, a light pistachio pannacotta and rich dark chocolate mousse is a perfect dessert to share at the end of your meal.
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The best seafood restaurants in Brisbane serve up seasonal, local dishes made with expert care. Enjoy delicious crab in a casual atmosphere or indulge in a unique experience under the guidance of a veteran chef. Seafood lovers will be satisfied by any of these restaurants, but hopefully, this guide has narrowed down the perfect choice for your next night out.
If you’re ready to secure your seafood meal, book on OpenTable today.
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