The Best Seafood Restaurants in Sydney for an Opulent Feast
From fine diners to local gems, these are the best Sydney seafood restaurants serving up the freshest fish dishes.
From oysters to crabs, octopus to ceviche, Sydney is welcoming an avalanche of seafood dining that is turning our run-of-the-mill beer-battered fish and chips scene on its head. A shift of focus onto seafood sustainability has encouraged restaurants to reconsider our relationship with the sea, but fear not, the accomplished chefs behind all of these venues would never sacrifice flavour.
Read on for our catch of the day, the best seafood restaurants in Sydney to wine and dine at.
Longshore
A seafood lovers' wildest fantasy, Longshore has got it all. Be welcomed by tasteful (and award-winning!) nautical-inspired interiors rife with texture before sitting down with a meticulously assembled beverage list. Whilst we recommend the beverage pairing menu, there is also a great selection of by-the-glass wines and half bottles on offer.
As for eats, the Longshore menu is geared around producing as little waste as possible. In fact, the cocktail menu uses bits and pieces from the kitchen as part of a no-waste effort. Opt for the well-priced chef's menu for the best all-round experience or dine a la carte on the likes of Coffs Harbour tiger prawns ceviche, coal-grilled Ulladulla swordfish loin and BBQ Wollemi duck leg.
5 Kensington Street, Chippendale
Saint Peter
One of Sydney’s buzziest restaurants, Saint Peter brings an inventive approach to seafood with a thoughtful menu that changes as the catch does – it’s only natural. With a head-to-tail approach, you can expect to be chowing down on an array of intriguing (and delicious) dishes including fish butchery charcuterie.
Sitchu Tip: If you're struggling to get a table, swing by the bar to get a taste of the goods. The yellowfin tuna cheeseburger is already a cult classic,
362 Oxford Street, Paddington
Catalina
Set right on the water with some of the most incredible views in all of Sydney, Catalina will have your heart from the get-go. And once your entrees are served, they'll have your stomach too. A meal here is something very special with each element of the dish carefully chosen to enhance the quality of the market fresh seafood. Plated to perfection, you're also set for a visual feast. Whilst the Catalina team aim to craft simple dishes executed perfectly, they also don't shy away from global flavour combinations like pan-roasted Murray Cod with Madras-style curry.
Lyne Park, Rose Bay
North Bondi Fish
With an irresistible seafood offering and views across Bondi to match, North Bondi Fish is a must for lovers of all things fish. The relaxed space is the epitome of coastal chic, with timber furniture and pastel hues setting the tone for an ocean-centric meal. Oysters and the half-shell scallop will get things rolling in time for the tamarind fish curry with mussels. The new market menu is a must, shining the light on plenty of lesser-known local fish.
120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi
Doyle’s on the Beach
A Sydney institution that has been serving seafood since 1885, Doyle’s on the Beach is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. This icon is known for its incredible menu of seafood, paired with the best drops and gorgeous beachside surrounds. Although you may want to go fancy, we recommend you stay humble with an order of their famous fish and chips.
11 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay
Sealevel
A Shire stalwart for almost twenty years, Sealevel's fame extends well beyond the confines of the seaside suburb it calls home. A seafood platter at Sealevel is synonymous with milestones with flocks of people descending to celebrate anything from engagements to anniversaries. The a la carte menu shifts with the season in response to the availability of fresh market produce and the care taken to highlight this shows.
2 Kingsway, Cronulla
Besuto
If you're celebrating something special or are just in the mood for a memorable dining experience, book one of eight seats at Besuto's intimate Omakase restaurant. Each dish on the omakase menu will be decided on the day, based on what is fresh and seasonal at the market. You can expect some of the finest sashimi, sushi and other Japanese delicacies like sea urchin, eel and deep-sea fish. Bookings open on the first of each month, so you'll need to get organised if you fancy dining here.
3 Underwood Street, Sydney
XOPP
It wouldn't be a best seafood in Sydney roundup without the restaurant boasting one of Sydney's most famous seafood dishes. XOPP, the evolution of now-closed Sydney stalwart Golden Century, is even named after the dish - XO pipis. The same dish that famed American chef David Chang once called the 'best dish in the world'. After ordering the XO pipis you can pick from a range of Chinese classics and innovative takes that utilise the abundance of fresh seafood that Sydney is blessed with.
Level M, Shop 31, Darling Square Exchange
Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
Located in the historic Campbell's Stores at The Rocks, Sydney, Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant offers diners a picturesque waterfront dining experience with stunning views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Their exceptional seafood menu has everything you want to sample. Enjoy everything from reinvented classics like the 150 Lashes battered fish and chips with crushed peas and ‘chip shop’ curry sauce to more decadent and refined dishes. Looking for something fancy? Opt for the freshest and best seafood platter you'll ever taste.
Campbell's Stores Bay 1-3, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks
Loved our pick of the best seafood restaurants in Sydney and looking for more dining inspo? You might also enjoy our edits of the best new restaurants in Sydney and the best romantic restaurants in Sydney.
