Melbourne’s food scene brims with excellent seafood restaurants owing to its direct access to Port Phillip Bay. Diners can enjoy seafood platters, lobster linguine and fish and chip classics from Elsternwick and Windsor to Southbank, or head out to Williamstown for bay views and enjoy a unique historic atmosphere in the heart of the CBD. The best seafood restaurants in Melbourne are home to some unique dishes using locally sourced ingredients, often bought fresh each day at the markets.
Each restaurant has its own signature specialities, from oyster bars to woodfire cooking and exotic Filipino flavours, including must-try gems offering stellar wine pairings of local and European labels, and natural wines. For a memorable date night, a celebratory meal with a group or a special occasion around seafood towers and champagne, these dining destinations promise a sensational time.
Read on for 10 of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne and book on OpenTable today.
The best seafood restaurants in Melbourne – keep on reading
For spectacular seafood with river views – visit Waterfront in Southbank
The day at Waterfront Southgate begins with a trip to the market to find the freshest, best quality fish, oysters and more. The Zampelis family has been a part of Melbourne’s hospitality scene for over 100 years, and they’ve brought all their expertise to this Southbank hotspot. With a sea-to-plate ethos, Waterfront Southgate uses top-notch ingredients as the basis for dishes like aromatic Mooloolaba king prawns served with lemon chilli butter. With smaller child-friendly favourites like fish and chips or tomato spaghetti, the whole family can enjoy a meal here. Grab a seat in the elegant indoor dining space or pick a seat on the sheltered terrace overlooking the Yarra river. In the evening, the glow of the city lights is the perfect accompaniment to your spicy kingfish carpaccio and fluffy strawberry pavlova.
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For a sea-to-plate dinner – book a table at Waterfront Brighton in Brighton
From the banks of the Yarra to the shores of Melbourne’s coastline, the Zampelis family brings Waterfront to Brighton. Here, diners enjoy the same sea-to-plate ethos in a chic yet comfortable environment. Settle in on couches and let the friendly, attentive service staff guide you through your meal. Beer-battered fish and chips made with Macquarie rockling is a crowd favorite. Moreton Bay bugs from Queensland and goldband snapper from Western Australia form the base for chargrilled dishes and rich curries. Waterfront’s sweet sticky date pudding served with a thick salted caramel sauce is the perfect end to the evening. The extensive drinks menu includes local wines and creative cocktails. The Waterfront team has also worked with the Archie Rose Distilling Co. to create a tailored list of premium spirits to enjoy with a mixer or in a cocktail.
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For a creative approach to seafood – book at The Atlantic Restaurant in Southbank
Located in Southbank’s Crown Casino, The Atlantic Restaurant promises an indulgent experience. For more buttoned-up occasions, book in the chic, modern dining space. If you’re just hoping to relax with views of the water, grab a table at the more casual outdoor terrace. Using locally and sustainably sourced fresh seafood, The Atlantic is always aiming to push boundaries and take creative approaches to its menu, atmosphere and overall dining experience. Expect unique dishes like juicy Milawa duck served with smoked paprika croquette and aged cheeses. Seafood platters for two come in hot and cold varieties and the ‘honey textures’ lemon and noisette dessert is a delight for the senses. After dinner, head down to The Den, the restaurant’s sophisticated basement bar, for cocktails and canapés.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne for groups – head over to Tommy Ruff Fishbar in Mordialloc, Elsternwick and Windsor
Setting up shop in Mordialloc, Elsternwick and Windsor, Tommy Ruff Fishbar offers traditional fish and chip favourites alongside a variety of other fresh seafood dishes. A focus on nourishing meals means you’ll find dishes like salmon poke bowls with creamy avocado and crunchy taco crisps. Classic fish and chip packs include angler, flake and calamari, served with piping hot chips and a tangy tartare sauce. If you add some dim sims, potato cakes, or pickled onions, you can easily sort out your next night out. While each location is a little different, the vibes at Tommy Ruff Fishbar are always casual and welcoming. With bright shades of blue and rustic wooden tables, it’s the perfect hotspot for a relaxed summer evening out with friends or family.
📍 Mordialloc — Check availability
📍 Elsternwick — Check availability
📍 Windsor — Check availability
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For a great time by the marina at one of Melbourne’s best seafood restaurants – book a table at Pier Farm in Williamstown
Tucked away in a quiet spot by the marina, Pier Farm offers a breath of fresh air and serenity in Williamstown. Take in views of Port Phillip Bay at one of the shaded outdoor tables or escape the heat in the open indoor dining space. The kitchen uses local produce to create a menu inspired by the Mediterranean. The catch of the day is always an easy choice, and crispy beer-battered flathead with a house-made tartare sauce is a crowd-pleaser. The seafood linguine changes a little every day, using the best market-fresh ingredients tossed with chilli and tomato sugo. Smoky, wood-fired pizzas topped with seafood, ham or vegetables are perfect for sharing, while the rich crème brulee is a sweet note to end your meal.
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For fresh seafood with stunning views – grab a chair at The Strand in Williamstown
Take in the city skyline over the tranquil Hobsons Bay at The Strand. Spread over two floors, the casual, relaxed vibe makes the perfect spot for a celebratory meal with family and friends. One of the The Strand’s seafood tower. Designed to be shared, it’s packed with various types of fish and shellfish. Sweet salsa verde, light crème fraiche and sharp mignonette round out the flavours. You’ll see that wine is taken seriously at The Strand the moment you walk in. With bottles lining the bar and walls. Organised by their flavour and feel, you can easily find something to suit your palate, whether you prefer a full-bodied and ambitious white wine or a medium-bodied and savoury red.
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For top-notch oysters at one of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne – book at BLU OYSTER CO. in St Kilda
Welcome to BLU OYSTER CO., a relaxed oyster bar in St Kilda. Make sure to try a few of the signature oysters on the menu. One of the most popular is the natural oysters, served simply on rock salt with lemon wedges. The sweet and sour flavours of oysters topped with lemon sorbet and a touch of lime are some of the more unique offerings on the menu. Most are served raw, but the Kilpatrick oysters are cooked with Worcestershire and bacon sauce for a smokey flavour. Beyond the oysters, the menu boasts plenty more seafood alongside a wide variety of drinks. There’s plenty of outdoor seating where you can enjoy the fresh air. Alternatively, grab a stool around the green-brick bar and start perusing the menu.
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For seafood delights in a romantic atmosphere – head to Luci in Melbourne CBD
In the historic Equity Chambers on Bourke Street, the grand hall hosts Luci, a contemporary Australian restaurant. Named for Lucius Lucullus, a Roman leader who loved indulging in lavish banquets, Luci invites diners to feast on flavours with an Italian touch. The 1930s Art-Deco decor and bright lights create a romantic atmosphere. On the menu, crab waffles topped with cured egg and caviar make an excellent starter, followed by a spicy prawn ravioli. Cured kingfish served with watermelon and puttanesca contrasts flavour and texture to create a unique dish. Close out with a smooth saffron risotto pudding served alongside a champagne and passionfruit sorbet. Enter through the tall wooden doors and walk across patterned flooring to the cushioned chairs at your sleek, dark-brown table. Dine on the main floor or the mezzanine up above.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne with a Filipino twist – visit Serai Kitchen in the Melbourne CBD
Serai Kitchen brings the vibrant flavours of the Philippines to the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. With a fun, relaxed atmosphere, Serai encourages diners to sit back and enjoy the natural wines and wood-fired seafood. Make sure to grab a seat with a view into the open kitchen so you can watch the chefs prepare dishes like wild barramundi with smoked calamansi and wood-fired okra in crab-fat sauce. Book the ‘Chef’s Table Experience’ for a unique, immersive omakase menu served up by the chefs. The extensive selection of natural Australian wines makes it easy to round out your meal and a selection of creative mocktails ensures everyone can find something to enjoy. Whether you’re after a taste of home or want to try something new, book a table at Serai Kitchen today.
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For wood-fired flavours at one of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne – try Gilson in South Yarra
The wood fire oven at Gilson is always burning hot, bringing a crisp bite and smoky flavour to the menu. This Italian restaurant offers delightful seafood dishes as part of both a la carte dining and set menus. Whether you choose a quiet spot indoors or soak up the sun outside, your table is sure to be quickly packed with cocktails, calamari, wine and mussels. Expect the menu to change throughout the year, offering the best seasonal flavours. The prawn linguine with a twist of lemon is a light, refreshing dish perfect for a summer lunch. The antipasti menu includes fresh oysters and white anchovies alongside olives and cured meats. If you’re planning a special occasion, consider checking out the upstairs private dining space with a secluded balcony for summer, an open fire for winter and an intimate, relaxed dining space all year long.
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Whether you’re after beer-battered fish and chips or platters of oysters and shellfish, the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne have a table waiting for you. Modern Australian, Filipino or Italian-inspired, these restaurants offer menus with a range of creative and classic dishes to enjoy. Pull up a chair by the bay or in the heart of the city and don’t forget to find your perfect wine or cocktail pairing. These restaurants will sort out your next Sunday lunch.
