Best Seafood Restaurants in Sydney for an Opulent Feast

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.

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

Longshore

The subtle coastal-inspired decor and lengthy wine lists are two huge drawcards at Longshore but it's the menu that has stolen our hearts. The Longshore offering consists of a five-course tasting menu alongside an experimental 10-course snack menu served in two stages - hot and cold. Look forward to highlights including raw Tasmanian scallops with mandarin koshu and makrut lime and Paroo red kangaroo tartare with salted muntries. Be sure to keep that dessert chamber opened as there is plenty for you to sample. The melon custard with candied melon sounds like a bit of us. 

5 Kensington Street, Chippendale 

Petermen

From the husband and wife duo behind Saint Peter, Fish Butchery and Charcoal Fish, comes Petermen, who, after only opening one year, have already scored two hats - no mean feat!

As chef Josh Niland and his restaurateur wife Julie Niland explain, they want to champion the most innovative growers and producers that seek to elevate the standard and change the culture of how we consume food, while highlighting the very best Australian seafood and vegetables. The menu is punchy and exciting with dishes like Eden line-caught John Dory, Jervis Bay mussels and Tasmanian saffron, Mooloolaba yellowfin tuna and and a capers and sweet and sour Ulladulla blue mackerel catching our eye. 

Another bonus? There's an outstanding kids' menu if you're keen to check it out with your little one in tow. Treat them to the fancy BBQ fish, salad and chippies because you're never too young to start to appreciate good grub. 

66 Chandos Street, St Leonards

Manta Restaurant

With stunning interiors, a sustainable menu and a sparkling view, Manta has all the ingredients to be a local go-to for a contemporary dining experience. The kitchen focuses on seafood, so there is much to sample. It goes without saying, the oysters are a great place to start. And when you pair them with the incredible water views, you have the makings of the perfect long lunch.

6/6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo

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

Fish Face

Exquisitely prepared seafood a stone's throw from Manly Beach? Count us in! Positioned in the heart of Balgowlah, Fish Face provides a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the freshest of seafood offerings. Drop in for a plate of oysters at the communal table, a glass of wine at the bar or a relaxed lunch with friends and family. The extensive menu can be enjoyed al fresco in the sunshine, with a meticulous cocktail in hand (crafted to complement the fresh ocean flavours), or inside the spacious and vibrant interior designed by Five Foot One Design.

Stockland Balgowlah Shopping Centre, 70/125 Condamine Street, Balgowlah

Empire Lounge

Enjoy one of the most scenic views of Sydney Harbour from the comfort of dining destination Empire Lounge. With a focus on Modern Australian cuisine, the Empire Lounge is known for its locally-sourced seafood. Flown in fresh by seaplane, the Appellation oysters are a must-try. And if you have started with the oysters, it is only fair to continue the feast with their decadent seafood platter, and a glass or two of French bubbles.

Lyne Park, Rose Bay 

Cirrus Dining

From the duo behind Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Monopole and Yellow, Brent Savage and Sommelier Nick Hildebrandt deliver the new standard for seafood dining in the Barangaroo precinct. Sustainable and line caught seafood is the backbone of Cirrus, inspired by its harbourside location and turned out clientele, the dishes delivered by Cirrus are unparalleled. We’d start with the Abrolhos Island scallop, and the grilled king prawns would be an outstanding follow up though it would be tricky to resist the lobster cooked over charcoal with scallop XO sauce.

10/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo

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. 

120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi

Saint Peter

One of Sydney’s buzziest restaurants, Saint Peter brings an inventive approach to seafood a thoughtful menu that changes as the catch does – it’s only natural. The menu, however, brings some fairly delectable options to the table, so to speak, and exemplifies their focus on letting the quality of the produce stand alone. And the commitment of owners Josh and Julie Niland’s to offering sustainable seafood makes for a refreshingly thoughtful dining experience.

362 Oxford Street, Paddington

Flying Fish

Considered one of Sydney’s most acclaimed seafood restaurants, Flying Fish’s menu changes with the seasons and consistently provides a refreshing take on seafood. Get things started with Sydney Rock oysters and Venus Bay prawn toast, before warming things up with the crisp-skinned snapper. The seafood platter is outstanding, and the passionfruit parfait is a must.

Level G, Harbourside, The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont 

love.fish

A deep respect for the sea is apparent in every detail of this restaurant. love.fish sits pretty in the ever-sleek Barangaroo precinct and strives to make sustainability a core philosophy of the business. With views over the Harbour and boasting an elegant alfresco seating area, you can make your way through the extensive menu at leisure. The Mooloolaba albacore tuna crudo and house-salted dory taramasalata go down perfectly with a crisp glass of riesling. 

7/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo 

Jonah’s

This restaurant at the tip of the Northern Beaches is a notable player on Sydney’s seafood dining scene. With unrivalled views over Whale Beach, at Jonah's you’re invited to indulge in a three-course meal of some of Sydney’s most inventive seafood fare on offer. The ocean trout fillet with confit cherry tomato, cocktail onions, sauce vierge and chives oil is a must-try!

69 Bynya Road, Palm Beach

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.