There’s something timelessly satisfying about great seafood: the briny tang of oysters, the tender sweetness of a grilled bug tail, the clean simplicity of a freshly caught snapper. When it’s delivered with polish, atmosphere and inventive twists? That’s when it becomes a true experience.
Whether you’re a casual diner seeking a chilled glass of white and a plate of fish and chips, or a food lover craving seared swordfish and truffle oil, this list highlights some of the most compelling seafood spots along the coast. From Sydney’s chic harbourside haunts to a roaming seafood van in Yeppoon, these venues offer oceanic indulgence with finesse.
Bills Fishhouse + Bar – Port Macquarie, NSW
Primely perched in Clarence House and imbued with a relaxed yet urban edge, Bills Fishhouse + Bar in Port Macquarie hits that sweet spot between casual charm and coastal sophistication. The space hums with energy, echoing the sea breeze through its sleek interiors, neutral tones and artfully minimalist design. It’s the kind of place that attracts locals for a drink after work, families celebrating a weekend lunch and travellers looking for a taste of the coast done right.
Sea-to-plate is more than just a concept here - it’s a commitment. Char-grilled swordfish seared to tender perfection is paired with earthy forest mushrooms glazed in sherry, goats’ cheese and a thyme pangrattata that adds crunch and complexity. Truffle oil lifts the dish with aromatic decadence. Every element on the menu, from oysters to whole baked fish, speaks to the restaurant’s philosophy: keep it fresh, keep it simple, and let the ingredients shine.
Planning a special night out? Book your table and dive into the seasonal spread.
In Rozelle, where Darling Street hums with life, Fourth Fish quietly asserts itself as a haven for seafood devotees. The streetfront terrace invites long, lazy lunches while the interiors, with polished dark woods, white tile accents and a modern curved bar, offer a stylish retreat for those who take their seafood seriously. It’s a space that leans into the elegance of simplicity, with each detail pointing to quality and care.
The menu doesn’t just nod to freshness - it celebrates it. Char-grilled Moreton Bay bugs arrive glistening with lime and garlic, complemented by a toasted lime aioli and a pop of flying fish tobiko for a briny crunch. Elsewhere, classics like grilled barramundi with chips or scallops in apple-dill mayo are handled with a finesse that keeps even the familiar feeling fresh.
Craving ocean indulgence without leaving the city? Reserve your seat at Rozelle’s favourite catch.
Fish Face Bar & Grill – Balgowlah, NSW
Tucked into the Northern Beaches suburb of Balgowlah, Fish Face Bar & Grill brings a vibrant yet intimate energy to Condamine Street. This is where beachside casual meets dining precision - think alfresco tables for balmy evenings, the laughter of families spilling out of the venue and a menu that refuses to compromise on quality. Whether you’re unwinding after a coastal walk or locking in a romantic dinner, Fish Face has the versatility and charm to elevate any occasion.
Its seafood offerings are equal parts rustic and refined. The half lobster, grilled to smoky perfection and brushed with roast garlic butter, arrives with chips and a mixed leaf salad - a nod to bistro classics but with coastal soul. There’s also a seafood pie rich with snapper and prawns and Moreton Bay bugs laced with chipotle butter and jasmine rice for something a little spicier.
Treat yourself to seaside flavour done right - book your next dinner at Fish Face.
Pompano Seafood Deli – Yeppoon, Qld
Forget what you know about food vans - Pompano Seafood Deli is rewriting the script in Yeppoon. This mobile gem brings gourmet seafood to the streets, popping up at markets, festivals and community gatherings with the kind of menu you'd expect in a bricks-and-mortar bistro. The vibe is easygoing and local, but the food? Exceptionally well-crafted, creative and absolutely crave-worthy.
The standout is the signature seafood chowder - a luscious, warming bowl that brings the ocean to your spoon with every mouthful. It’s a ready-made meal for families or a picnic pick for one, rounded out by other hits like the brioche roll filled with salmon whip, or the crab lasagne that turns heads wherever the van parks. There’s even a barramundi muffin with a Mexican twist, giving traditional seafood flavours a spicy, streetwise spin.
Follow the van, follow the flavour - check the schedule and catch Pompano at their next pop-up.
Walsh Bay Crabhouse – Millers Point, NSW
At Walsh Bay Crabhouse, waterfront dining reaches a peak of elegance. Set against the shimmer of sunlit waves and Sydney’s sparkling harbour, this glass-fronted venue is part of the iconic Harry’s Dining Group, known for elevating mud crab into a dining rite of passage. Inside, white tablecloths and plush booths invite you to settle in and savour - not just the food, but the view, the service and the sense of occasion.
It would be remiss to visit without indulging in Harry’s famed Singapore chilli crab or the white pepper variant - signature dishes with 50 years of heritage behind them. There’s more: 15 unique takes on crab, from XO-sauced steamed oysters to the decadent new degustation offering, Taste of Harry's Journeys, built for seafood lovers with adventurous palates. The menu nods to both tradition and innovation, all wrapped in the warm glow of hospitality done right.
Make it memorable - book your table and experience Sydney’s ultimate crabhouse tradition.
Seafood is more than just a cuisine - it’s a celebration of coastlines, craftsmanship and creativity. These five venues each offer a unique take on ocean-fresh dining, from rolling seafood vans to landmark restaurants with a cult following. Wherever you go, you’ll find not just great food but an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Ready to taste the tide? Start planning your seafood feast today.
