With its stunning harbour, iconic landmarks and multicultural heritage, Sydney boasts a diverse culinary scene, from chill beachside hotspots to some of the world’s best fine dining restaurants.
Shining amid this explosion of cultural flavours, Sydney’s seafood restaurants showcase freshly caught produce thanks to the city’s coastal location. The best seafood restaurants in Sydney take full advantage of this, boasting menus that change with the seasons and delivering the freshest catches of the day. Whether it’s oysters from New South Wales, barramundi from the Northern Territory, or prawns from Queensland, Sydney’s seafood scene is a testament to Australia’s rich and diverse marine life.
Whether it’s panoramic harbour views or charming gems nestled in historic buildings, each of the restaurants offers a unique dining experience that goes beyond the food. Dive into the best seafood restaurants in Sydney and unlock a world of gastronomy by booking your next great meal on OpenTable.
The best seafood restaurants in Sydney – read on for a guide
For platters brimming with oceanic delights – get to Neyvine Seafood & Grill in Parramatta
Neyvine Seafood & Grillis a culinary gem in the heart of Parramatta. With a glowing stone bar and soft neon vibes, the restaurant exudes a warm and inviting ambience, making it an ideal spot for both casual catch-ups and special occasions. The menu is a seafood lover’s dream, with dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. One standout is the mezze plate to share. Featuring prawns, oysters, octopus, smoked salmon and more, it perfectly captures the essence of the sea. Another specialty is the succulent BBQ king prawns marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil, herbs and spices. The dining area features dark accents and a soft, glowing ambience, creating a comfortable and relaxed setting that caters to both intimate dinners and larger groups. With its compelling combination of delicious food, welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, Neyvine Seafood & Grill is a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore Sydney’s vibrant seafood scene.
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For feet sandy at one of best seafood restaurants in Sydney – visit Doyles on the Beach in Watsons Bay
Located in the picturesque Watsons Bay, Doyles on the Beach boasts one of the best locales in Sydney. This renowned family-owned restaurant, operating since 1885, has fresh and delicious seafood offerings. The ambience is fresh, open and airy, with stunning views of Sydney Harbour adding to the dining experience. The menu boasts a variety of dishes, but the fish and chips stand out, treating you to a classic seaside dining experience with the freshest catch of the day. The open-air dining area, with its casual yet elegant setting, is perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic date, a casual catch-up or a special celebration. The restaurant’s proximity to the ferry drop-off point makes it easily accessible, adding to its appeal.
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For top-notch seafood with harbour views – book at Garfish in Manly
Shellfish served at Garfish Manly, one of Sydney’s best seafood restaurants.
Garfishboasts a lush seaside location at Manly Cove Beach, with a delightful seafood experience to match. The menu centres around the freshest catch of the day, featuring a variety of dishes that cater to every seafood lover’s palate. Rich and creamy with roasted garlic, broccolini and soubise sauce, the snapper pie is a must-try. The succulent oysters are another stand-out dish, served fresh and brimming with the taste of the sea. The dining area, with its elegant setting and attentive service, is perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic date, a catch-up with mates or a special celebration. Adorned with plants, the light and airy dining area exudes a friendly and inviting ambience, complemented by stunning views of the harbour.
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For stunning harbour views at one of the best seafood restaurants in Sydney – head to love.fish in Barangaroo
Located in the vibrant precinct of Barangaroo, love.fishis a charming seafood haven that promises a delightful dining experience. The restaurant’s ambience is casual yet sophisticated, with a spacious alfresco dining area offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The menu is a celebration of Aussie seafood, served simply yet exquisitely. The whole fish of the day is a customer favourite, featuring roasted bullhorn peppers, charred gem lettuce, hazelnuts and a lush buttermilk dressing. Another standout is the salt and pepper calamari, served with chorizo powder and wasabi mayo– perfect for a sunny afternoon snack. The dining area, with its fresh, breezy vibe and friendly staff, caters to a variety of diners, from casual catch-ups to special occasions. Whether you’re a seafood lover, steak fan or committed vegan, love.fish has something for everyone.
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For premium seafood and relaxed vibes – book a table at Fish Shop in Bondi
Fish Shop Bondiis a seafood lover’s paradise in the heart of North Bondi. This casual yet stylish restaurant offers a delightful ambience, with sun-kissed outdoor seating and a cosy indoor vibe filled with natural light. The menu showcases fresh and sustainable seafood, salads and vegetable dishes. The famed grilled calamari with fermented chilli, garlic oil and sourdoughis a standout, as is the classic fish burger, featuring crumbed barramundi, slaw and tartare. The dining area is versatile, catering to a variety of diners, from casual lunches to intimate dinners. Whether you’re enjoying a meal under the sun or in the cosy indoor setting, Fish Shop Bondi promises a memorable dining experience.
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For one of the best seafood restaurants in Sydney’s South West – secure a spot at Acqualina in Glen Alpine
Acqualinais a unique Italian seafood restaurant that regularly wows diners with fresh seafood platters and wood-fired pizza. Rustic brick and wood accents combine to create an ambience that’s warm and inviting, with a modern and comfortable dining space that caters to both intimate dinners and larger groups. The menu features unique dishes like the live mussels tossed in white wine and Napolitana with a hint of chilli, and the whole barbeque prawns served with a cherry tomato salsa. For pasta lovers, the al nero – a squid ink pasta with prawn, cherry tomato and a hint of chilli and garlic – is a must-try. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a classy celebration, look no further than Acqualina.
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For seafood platters on the water – head on to The Boatshed in La Perouse and Pyrmont
Perched on Frenchman’s Beach, The Boatshed in La Perousesits as close to the water’s edge as you can get. Standing on stilts that place you right on the shorefront, the restaurant offers uninterrupted views of La Perouse peninsulathat have to be seen to be believed. The menu features mouthwatering dishes like the live lobster, a 750-gram southern rock lobster cooked to order with garlic butter and herb, served with chips and garden salad. Another standout is the whole grilled John Dory, served with lemon capers dressing, chips and garden salad. The dining area is spacious and airy, with large picnic tables creating a casual vibe.
📍 La Perouse — Check availability
📍 Pyrmont — Check availability
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For an oceanic take on yum cha – grab a chair at Chinatown’s Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant in Haymarket
A beacon of Cantonese cuisine in Sydney’s Haymarket, Royal Palace Seafood Restaurantoffers an immersive dining experience. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a blend of tradition and modern Cantonese aesthetics, with live seafood tanks adding to its allure. The menu features indulgent seafood dishes like the wok-fried clams with black bean sauce and whole fish braised in chilli and pickled veggie broth. Whether you sit in the à la carte dining room or enjoy yum cha service upstairs, the restaurant promises a memorable seafood experience. Spread across three levels, the luxuriously large dining area can cater to a variety of diners, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.
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For a romantic date night – don’t miss Mode Kitchen & Bar in Sydney CBD
Mode Kitchen & Baris one of Sydney’s seafood gems, featuring a menu that marries simplicity and sophistication with a focus on texture and colour. The restaurant’s dark and elegant design exudes a blend of modern charm and relaxed comfort, making it an ideal backdrop for appreciating the sensorial elements of your food. The menu is a tribute to the freshest seasonal produce, featuring dishes like the grilled swordfish with caponata and salsa verde, and the hiramasa kingfish sashimi expertly sliced and served raw. The dining space, spread across a stylishly designed room, caters to a variety of dining occasions, from romantic dates to larger celebrations. Whether you sit at the bar enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail or at a table savouring your meal, Mode Kitchen & Bar promises a refined dining experience.
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For award-winning seafood – the place for you is Garfish Crows Nest in Crows Nest
Garfish Crows Nestwon the Best Seafood Restaurant award in the 2023 Restaurant and Catering National Awards for Excellence, recognising its excellence in seafood cuisine in Sydney’s lower North Shore. Featuring plenty of plant life, soft lighting and a rusting design, the restaurant’s atmosphere blends modern elegance with relaxed comfort, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. The Sri Lankan fish and king prawn curry, with its exotic blend of spices, offers a culinary journey to the island nation. Another standout is the seared scallops, served on a bed of spiced carrot puree and topped with a vibrant capsicum salsa. The dining area, characterised by attentive service and a warm atmosphere, is perfect for any occasion, be it a romantic date or a casual after-work catch-up with colleagues.
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Renowned for its iconic landmarks and multicultural tapestry, Sydney is also a treasure trove of gastronomic wonders. Within its diverse culinary scene, the best seafood restaurants in Sydney showcase an abundance of flavours and unbeatable freshness, from tantalising mezze platters to simple fish and chips served with picturesque harbour views. Whether you’re looking for seafood by the water’s edge or an after-work hangout offering cheap and cheerful fish and chips, the best seafood restaurants in Sydney have a table for you. So, set sail and experience the best of Sydney’s seafood firsthand.
