The 15 Best Seafood Restaurants In Sydney

Sydney is a splendid place for seafood. With a vast coastline, the vibrant Sydney Fish Market, inventive chefs, numerous fishmongers and a thriving fine-dining scene, seafood lovers in Sydney have many things going for them.

Each year, thousands of tourists are blown away by the quality of the seafood; its freshness, variety, scale and ubiquity is hard to match anywhere else in the world.

Given that there are countless seafood restaurants in Sydney, which ones are the best?

We’ve researched and published a handy selection of the best seafood eateries in Sydney below. Have a quick read, narrow down your choices, and then get out and sample the city’s finest fish, oysters and crustaceans.

Let’s get stuck in! 

The 15 Best Seafood Restaurants In Sydney

Saint Peter 

Location: 362 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW Ph: (02) 8937 2530 (unattended Sunday & Monday)

First up on our list of quality seafood restaurants in Sydney comes Saint Peter. 

Chances are, you’ve heard of Saint Peter. It’s a highly acclaimed and hugely popular fine-dining establishment for good reason.

Owner and Head Chef, Josh Niland is a celebrity chef in his own right, a successful author, restaurateur, and his innovative ‘fin to tail’ approach to seafood has received global recognition.

Niland’s ethical, sustainably-caught ethos of ‘whole fish’ cookery has revolutionised how many in the seafood supply chain now approach the marine life removed from the world’s oceans.

Saint Peter is located in the inner-east suburb of Paddington and is a Sydney favourite. It’s not easy to get a table and so make your reservations well in advance (bookings open 90 days in advance).

A unique feature of this restaurant is its impressive open format. This means that you can see the highly skilled chefs prepare the food right in front of you. For true foodies, the experience is akin to performance art.

Lunch is à la carte, and comprises of an extended oyster menu and a fish charcuterie selection.

For dinner, there is a daily, changing seven course tasting menu. This is a fabulous experience, but it does not come cheap at $175 per person. Despite this price point, the tasting menu is very popular with Sydney food bloggers and fine-dining cognoscenti.

The waiting staff are friendly and knowledgable, and will answer any questions you have about the menu, produce, cooking techniques and food pairings.

You won’t want to miss their calamari, or dry-aged Murray cod, cooked to absolute perfection. Other unmissable dishes include the charcoal-grilled flathead and the cod and mahi-mahi.

Saint Peter is treat and a Sydney delight not to be missed. 

The closure of Saint Peter in its current location is scheduled for this year, but don’t worry. Josh Niland and his restauranteur wife Julie Niland, have the newly refurbished Grand National Hotel in Paddington lined up for an expanded restaurant. We will let you know as soon as they move premises.

A buzz is starting to develop around the Newcastle dining scene. Read more here.

Charcoal Fish

Location: 670 New South Head Road, Rose Bay, NSW 2029

Could this be the poshest fish and chip shop in Australia? Maybe.

Another outpost of the Niland empire, the promise at Charcoal Fish is restaurant quality seafood and veggies. Although they do offer table sitting, the main thrust of the business is take away.

As you would expect, the food is superb. But be aware that this definitely isn’t the cheapest fish and chipper in town. Having said that, everything tastes great and it totally Instagrammable.

What’s more, the Rotisserie Murray Cod & Gravy Roll with Crispy Skin & Stuffing has got to be one of the tastiest sandwiches in town.

Whilst we’re talking about glorious seafood, here’s our Fish Mornay Recipe

Petermen

Location: 66 Chandos St, St Leonards, NSW 2065 Ph: (02) 8387 4836

The next Niland enterprise in our look at the top seafood restaurants in Sydney is the newly opened Petermen.

Like it’s sibling south of the ‘Harbour, Petermen is all about the best in sustainable Australian produce. However, where St Peter offers a set Tasting Menu, Petermen is a la carte and so showcases a more varied range of produce.

Personally, we can’t wait to try the Mooloolaba Yellowfin Tuna Chateaubriand.

If jugs of cocktails and South American food sound inviting, check out Panama House on Bondi Beach

Fish Butchery

Locations: 388 Oxford St, Paddington, NSW 2021 Ph: (02) 8057 4765 & 965 Bourke St, Waterloo, NSW 2017 Ph: (02) 8960 0903

Completing the Niland jigsaw in Sydney are his 2 Fish Butchery outlets.

Although much of their trade is a spin on a fish mongers, that’s not the sole string to their bow. They also do frozen meals to be cooked at home and take away Fish and Chips.

Looking for the Best Burgers in Sydney? Then look now further.

Bondi Surf Seafood

Location: 128 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Ph: (02) 9130 4554

Just a few kilometres away, in neighbouring Bondi, is the fish and chips institution of Bondi Surf Seafoods. It’s the oldest and liveliest fish shop in Bondi, and whilst far-removed from the fine-dining establishment of Saint Peter, shares the same deep appreciation for fresh seafood.

Open 7 days a week, with fresh produce stocked daily from the Sydney Fish Market, it’s become an eastern suburbs right of passage to pick up takeaway fish and chips from the shop (128 Campbell Parade), cross the road and eat, people-watching, on the magnificant Bondi Beach.

I have never tried the Deep Fried Mars Bars (and I never will…), but people I know have, and they loved the sheer unhealthy decadence.

No thanks, I’ll settle for their beautifully grilled John Dory instead. There’s always a good selection of oysters, crustaceans and sushi too.

This is seafood, pared back to the basics, that reminds you of the endless summer days of your childhood. Enjoy.

Ormeggio At The Spit

Location: D’Albora Marinas, Spit Rd, Mosman, NSW 2088 Ph: (02) 9969 4088

Continuing our list of recommended seafood eateries is Ormeggio at the Spit. 

Since 2020, this restaurant has undertaken some big changes. While it used to be a traditional fine dining restaurant, it’s been transformed into a more casual restaurant setting, although more like a casual meets fine dining combination.

This change doesn’t just stop there, the new menu is inspired by the southern region of Italy. It’s all about the best quality fish, cheese, and vegetables. 

Unmissable meals pertain to the fantastic yellow fin tuna cottoletto, and the stunning porchetta. What’s more, they have an excellent selection of gelato, authentic to Italy. 

Cirrus 

Location: 23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9220 0111

Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Cirrus.  

The critically acclaimed seafood restaurant is Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt’s fourth venue, and sells some of the best fish in Sydney. If you’re a fan of tiger prawns, they’re not to be missed here. There’s also a bass groper in banana leaves and a wine menu that will impress any connoisseur. 

For more on the many places to dine in this exciting new precinct, see our piece on the Best Restaurants in Barangaroo, Sydney

If you plan on dining with a loved one who isn’t into fish, they also offer superb chicken and steak, with excellent roasted vegetables. While the fish is the showstopper, their meat options are also divine. 

Feel like putting together something tasty yourself? Try our Seafood Pasta Recipe.

Gaku Robata Grill 

Location: 2/132 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Ph: 0426 299 254

Gaku Robata Grill is another worthy entrant on our rundown of the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney.

Bringing a breath of Tokyo’s air to Sydney, Gaku Robata Grill is a tiny, beloved dinner spot. This little nook is small, but mighty. They only have around four tables, so it feels like a private dining experience.

While it’s small, it’s also chaotic — if you want to dine here, you’re going to have to book in advance. That’s because the food is so good. The robata is insane, they do some of the best oysters in Sydney.

They also have superb tuna and roe. If you’re bringing a veggie, don’t fret — they can have some zucchini, rice balls, and mushrooms. While you shouldn’t skimp on the fish, these guys can cater to anyone. 

Golden Century

Location: The Star Sydney, 80 Pyrmont St, Entry via Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: (02) 9566 2328

You can’t really talk about the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney and not mention Golden Century Chinese restaurant.

So, while this isn’t the place to go for a romantic dinner, it’s an excellent place to go for a shindig. They have a vast range of seafood, from steamed prawn dumplings to salt and pepper squid.

These guys are open until 4 am, so they’re very popular after a night in town.

Unique to Golden Century, is their selection of fresh live seafood. Before they go and cook your order, they show you the seafood, alive. Their popular dish includes the pippies in XO sauce. You can’t more authentically fresh seafood than that. 

For more of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Sydney, see here.

Editor’s note: The original Golden Century has sadly gone. However, all is not lost as it exists in a new incarnation – The Century by Golden Century. The Location and Phone details above are for this establishment.

Fich At Petersham

Location: 3/98-106 Audley St, Petersham, NSW 2049 Ph: (02) 9572 7887

Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Fich at Petersham.  

This Inner-West eatery specialises in that most magical of culinary niches, the fish and chip shop. However, Fich at Petersham is not your average chipper.

The chips are big, golden, and crisped to perfection. The batter they use for the fish is insane, managing not to be overly oily. And the fish itself? So fresh, so delicious. You can even order a bowl of Kinkawooka mussels if cod isn’t your thing. 

You can either order takeaway, or you can sit in and dine. Either way, trying the food here is a must. 

Heading up the coast to Noosa and hoping for a great seafood dinner? See our guide.

Mimi’s

Location: Coogee Pavillion, 130a Beach St, Coogee, NSW 2034 Ph: (02) 9114 7324

The 15 Best Seafood Restaurants In Sydney

It’s back to the beach as we continue our look at 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney.  

You can find Mimi’s on the second floor of the Coogee Pavilion. The dining room is exquisite, with guests coming from far and wide to check out this restaurant.

A key feature of Mimi’s is the live seafood menu. You can find mud crab and sea urchins cooked to perfection. You can even find the likes of a chickpea Panisse, octopus tentacles, and smoked eel vol au vent. 

We have a great Prawn Pasta Recipe for you to try at home.

Mr Wong

Location: 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9114 7317

Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Mr Wong.  

Mr Wong’s is a Cantonese restaurant. By day, they serve excellent dim sum, and at night they focus on barbecued meat. You need to try the scallop and prawn shi mai see dumplings – they’re a fan favourite.

The black pepper crab is always amazing, covered in delicious butter. Another great thing about this restaurant is the house-made ginger beer. It’s so refreshing.

They even sell a pomegranate and mint-spiked lemonade. While they also have an esteemed wine list, it’s great to see some good options in the non-alcoholic drinks. 

Cracking into a succulent crab leg or loosening an oyster from its shell will never be a problem again with the Hiware Seafood Tools Set

North Bondi Fish

Location: 120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi, NSW 2026 Ph: (02) 9130 2155

Moving along with our seafood dining spots we have North Bondi Fish.  

This is a beachfront diner that sells delicious seafood. This is as close to the beach you can get, with the breezy sea air and excellent views being a prime location for relaxation.

If you’re just after a proper good fish and chips, then you can order that here. However, they do so much more than that. They serve fabulous oysters, fresh from the sea.

They also have immense scallops, served on lovely fanned shells. Whilst the food here is stunning, the amazing views also come with a price tag.

You’re looking at around $40 a dish, for small bites around $16 – such as the prawn sandwich. But hey, this is quality, fresh fish with a gorgeous view, so it’s worth the price. 

Apart from being the gateway to stunning K’gari (Fraser Island), Hervey Bay is home to some great restaurants, including some excellent seafood ones.

Whitewater Restaurant

Location: 35 South Steyne Manly, NSW 2095 Ph: (02) 9977 0322

With a contemporary Australian menu, Whitewater Restaurant is popular with Sydneysiders looking for that extra special seaside experience. It’s one of the finest seafood restaurants in the northern beaches and has chic, stylish, beach house ambiance.

Gorgeous water views, an inventive menu, sharp service, great coffee and an smart wine list all combine to create an impressive dining experience in laid-back Manly.

If you’re into bottomless brunches (and to be honest, who isn’t?) then Whitewater has one of the best in Manly. Available on weekends from 10am – 3pm. You’ll love the signature pancakes – homemade, fluffy and served with fresh ricotta cheese and wild berries.

From brunch to an splendid degustation tasting menu and sharing plates, Whitewater is a top experience. Kids are welcome and you’re just across the road from Manly’s wonderful beachfront.

Sit, relax and let the stress drop off.

Editor’s note: We have been informed that Whitewater Restaurant is closed (June 2022). We hope this is only temporary, and will keep you updated.

As Whitewater is currently not open, here is an alternative seafood dining option…

RAFI North Sydney

Location: 99 Mount St, North Sydney, NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 8376 2900

Although it’s only been open for a short while, the buzz around North Sydney’s new restaurant RAFI is huge. And it’s good news for seafood fans.

With a seasonally-focused menu ‘inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney’ this bright and breezy, yet of so chic venue serves contemporary Australian cuisine. And this includes a generous amount of beautifully prepared fish and seafood dishes.

Start with the kingfish ceviche with yellow chilli & crispy plantain and follow it with the grilled John Dory fillet with rocket & pepita pesto. Or maybe the smokey attractions of the BBQ South Coast octopus with chilli, oregano & lemon sounds more to your liking?

With dining set both inside the elegant dining room and out on the terrace and a cocktail list worth investigating, RAFI is sure to be very popular on a warm summer’s evening.

For more on North Sydney’s dynamic restaurant scene, click here.

Sailmaker 

Location: Hyatt Regency 161 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 8099 1234

We move forward on our list of 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney with Sailmaker, set within the Hyatt Regency. 

This is a harbourside restaurant, that is vibrant and modern. If you’re looking for a restaurant that prioritizes quality, fresh produce, and an abundance of great options, pop into Sailmaker.

They also ensure all of their products are locally sourced, and they partner with farmers in New South Wales to get the very best produce. You can get anything from a traditional seafood platter to a divine champagne lobster.

This is a quality seafood restaurant, which is worth a visit. 

And if you fancy a cocktail or 2 with a view after your meal, pop up to the rooftop bar, Zephyr, and take in the fantastic views.

Flying Fish 

Location: The Star Sydney, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 Ph: 1800 700 700

Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Flying Fish.

Flying Fish is located at The Star. Here, you’ll get the very best fish from the Australian and New Zealand waters. You’ll also have it prepared with an Asian twist, making it different from most restaurants on our list.

If you enjoy fine dining, then you will appreciate the art that Flying Fish has to offer. They only serve premium seafood, flavoured impeccably. The restaurant also has minimal waste and a maximal flavour motto, meaning it’s great for the environment, and your taste buds. 

And if flesh isn’t your thing, there’s also a wonderful vegetarian menu, featuring tempting dishes like hand cut spaghetti, zucchini flower and smoked tomato. Yum!

Jonah’s Restaurant

Location: 69 Bynya Rd, Palm Beach, NSW 2108 Ph: (02) 9974 5599

Next up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Jonah’s Restaurant.

Okay, so, Jonah’s Restaurant is a bit of a celebrity restaurant. They’ve served the likes of Justin Bieber, and Joan Collins. Whether you’re a fan of them, or not, it does indicate that this restaurant is one of rare quality.

And the view doesn’t hurt either. It truly is spectacular, and is well worth the hike out to the northern beaches. If you are coming from the CBD please understand that visiting Palm Beach is a decent drive away.

Allow at least an hour to reach Jonah’s, and accept that the beauty of Palm Beach and surrounds is well deserving of a day trip (or weekend away).

When you dine at Jonah’s, you’ll be greeted with some of the best seafood in Sydney. You can order grilled prawns that come with bisque béchamel, oysters, lobsters, and scallops.

Pretty much whatever seafood you’re into, they’ll likely have – and the quality and freshness of the food is top quality. 

Given its status, location and fame, Jonah’s is a very popular venue for weddings and other important gatherings. Spend 5 minutes on the deck with a cool drink in your hand and you’ll understand why.

Danny’s Seafood

Location: 1605 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036 Ph: (02) 9311 4116

Danny’s Seafood Restaurant, overlooking Botany Bay in the south-eastern suburb of La Perouse, has to be one of the best places to spend a Sydney summer day.

Danny’s Seafood has served some of the best seafood in Sydney since it was established in 1985.

It’s a large much-loved eatery on the first floor of an iconic local landmark occupying the corner of Anzac Parade and Endeavour Avenue. The restaurant has a friendly ambiance, a vast outdoor area and amazing ocean views.

It’s an iconic venue for many locals, hosting many a birthday, anniversary and Mother’s Day celebration over more than 30 years.

The seafood produce is always fresh and local, and there is a selection of vegetarian, steak and chicken dishes available to cater every taste. The last time we visited we ordered the Barramundi Fillets, a whole Snapper, and the Grilled Scallops in the Shell. All were perfectly cooked.

The restaurant was probably at its best under the tutelage of the original owner and founder, Danny Meares, and recent experience suggests that the restaurant has slipped a little in both quality and popularity.

Editor’s note: We’ve recently learned that Danny’s Seafood is no longer in operation and the landlord is advertising for a new tenants. If you’re in La Perouse (or a nearby suburb) and keen on eating seafood, then we recommend trying The Boatshed (reviewed below).

The Boatshed La Perouse

Location: 1609 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036 Ph: (02) 9661 1817

Danny’s was the first seafood bistro in La Perouse, and became very popular on the back of it. However, there’s now some serious competition in the form of nearby brasserie, The Boatshed.

Overlooking Frenchman’s Beach, The Boatshed was founded by NRL star Braith Anasta and actress wife Jodi Gordon. After a shaky start, a major renovation and debilitating pandemic lockdown, it is now a thriving cafe and seafood venue.

The Boatshed is open for breakfast from 7am with a menu featuring all the traditional favourites, and a few not-so common dishes. Our brunch choice would be the excellent Seafood Omelette (with prawns, Blue Swimmer Crab, feta and cherry tomatoes).

For lunch or dinner, the Seafood Platter is hard to ignore. It’s not cheap, but you do get generous quantities of Sydney Rock Oysters, seared scallops, Tiger Prawns, crab, salt and pepper calamari, baby octopus, Gemfish and chips. There’s also the option to add lobster too.

Cook perfect seafood at the dining table with the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill. It’s easy to use and makes dinner parties interactive fun!

Garfish

Location: 1/39 E Esplanade, Manly, NSW 2095 Ph: (02) 9977 0707 & 6/29 Holterman St, Crows Nest, NSW 2065 Ph: (02) 9966 0445

Whilst the same chic, casual dining vibe and beautiful food exists across both Garfish eateries, the Manly outpost wins when it comes to location. Because at the end of the day, it’s hard to beat a glorious waterfront view.

At Garfish, Sydney Rock Oysters 5 different ways, including Natural and Kilpatrick. Alternatively, why not try the Seared Hokkaido Scallops ($28/44) with White Kimchi, Grilled Pork Belly and more? Or perhaps the pretty-as-a-picture Atlantic Salmon Crudo ($28) is more your thing?

Garfish - Salmon Crudo - Best Seafood restaurants in Sydney

In addition to the stunning seafood, the restaurant has its own cocktail bar – SuGarfish – as well. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun dip over the ocean whilst sipping a fruity Garfish Martini ($22).

Rocker Bondi 

Location: 5/39-53 Campbell Parade, North Bondi, NSW 2026 Ph: 0451 845 269

Located in another of Sydney’s many coastal suburbs is Rocker, in probably the most famous beach suburb of all – Bondi.

Rocker Bondi is one of celebrity chef, Darren Robertson’s acclaimed restaurants, and it serves amazing seafood. It has a seasonal menu, and you can expect fresh local produce and a regularly changing ‘Specials Board’.

The menu is inspired by European cuisine, and the food is fresh, creative and served with panache. High tides and good vibes, as they say.

Rocker has that sunny, optimistic Bondi energy that is so alluring. It has sea glimpses, and there’s always that feel of nearby ocean in the air.

And we can’t finish without mentioning their current, mid-week ‘All You Can Eat Mussels’ offer. Sign us up!

Pilu At Freshwater 

Location: Moore Rd, Freshwater, NSW 2096 Ph: (02) 9938 3331

Pilu At Freshwater has been winning accolades since the day it opened – and rightly so.

Giovanni Pilu’s eponymous Sardinian Italian restaurant, specialises in seafood. Here they use locally sourced ingredients to create modern dishes, inspired by the different regions of Italy.

This is a highly esteemed restaurant. The quality of the food, and service, is unparalleled. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll be given red carpet treatment. Their staff is beyond respectful, and knowledgeable about the food.

They serve food akin to the likes of hand-rolled regola with lobster, and the Sa Cassola. Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy the luxury. 

Lugarno Seafood

Location: 1220 Forest Rd, Lugarno, NSW 2210 Ph: (02) 9534 5136

Last up on the 15 best seafood restaurants in Sydney, is Lugarno Seafood.

Lugarno Seafood has been around for almost three decades and is an institution in Sydney. Located opposite the Georges River, you can dine on quality seafood while admiring the gorgeous views.

You can try amazing dishes such as the whole lobster mornay, or even the pan-grilled Tasmanian salmon fillet. Whatever you choose, you can guarantee that it’ll be fresh.

Summary

Few cities in the world have the natural advantages of Sydney when it comes to seafood. So make the most of it whilst you are here.

The quality and freshness of the produce, the beauty of the surrounds and the skills of the local chefs will not disappoint.

Dylan Cole