The ocean has long been a muse for Chefs across Australia, but some restaurants don’t just serve seafood - they channel the essence of the sea itself. At these venues, waves aren’t just scenery, they’re part of the story. From sparkling waterside settings to menus that lean heavily on just-caught catch and salt-air simplicity, these are the places where each dish carries the tang of sea spray and the bounty of coastal living.
Here are five standout restaurants delivering menus that truly taste like the sea.
Set directly on the edge of Victoria Dock, Pearl + Co is Hobart’s go-to for waterfront dining with a refined twist. Offering floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to the marina, the venue blends crisp modern style with a relaxed Tasmanian spirit. Whether you’re perched at the bar with a cocktail or soaking up the sun on the deck, the views and the vibe are effortlessly coastal.
The curried scallop pot pie is an instant classic - brimming with plump Tasmanian scallops in a gently spiced sauce, tucked under golden pastry and served with warm bread and fresh salad. Pair it with oysters shucked to order or a glass of local sparkling and you’ve got yourself a seafood experience that captures both comfort and refinement.
Settle in waterside for a taste of Tassie’s finest shellfish with a side of sea breeze.
Just steps from the sand and framed by swaying palms, Beach Almond delivers an immersive coastal dining experience in Palm Cove. The ambience leans tropical - think rustic timber, whitewashed furnishings and soft golden light - making it the perfect setting for a long seafood lunch or sunset dinner.
Seafood takes the spotlight, none more so than the whole lobster simmered in a tropical coconut turmeric sauce. Served with crisp salad and jasmine rice, it’s an aromatic dish that draws on the bounty of Far North Queensland’s reef and spice traditions. With starters like crab and prawn spring rolls and rich java chocolate tart to finish, Beach Almond’s menu captures the sensuality of the tropics in every bite.
Book a table on the deck and let the lobster do the talking.
The Galley Kitchen Anchorage – Port Stephens, NSW
At The Galley Kitchen, the ocean isn’t just nearby - it’s your dinner companion. Situated along Corlette Point Road with panoramic views of Port Stephens’ pristine bay, this elegant pavilion-style venue is designed for slowing down, sipping wine and savouring coastal produce.
Sea-inspired share plates include seared scallops served with roasted corn purée, crispy guanciale and a hit of harissa - a delicate balance of sweet, salty and heat that evokes both the sea and the land. Pair it with a crisp glass of local white and a breeze off the bay and you’ve got a menu that’s as refreshing as the view.
Reserve your spot for a scenic seafood session that doesn’t skimp on sophistication.
Ocean and Paddock – Albany, WA
Ocean and Paddock redefines the humble fish and chip shop with a focus on sustainability, regional ingredients and clever twists on classic comfort. Housed in a bright blue cottage on Middleton Road, the vibe is coastal-casual with character - blue and white tiles, repurposed timber and local artwork lining the walls.
The menu changes regularly but always centres around the best local catch, like grilled Albany Queen snapper or nannygai, paired with everything from quinoa wellness bowls to classic hand-cut chips. For a true taste of the Southern Ocean, it’s hard to beat this award-winning spot that celebrates Western Australia’s fisheries in every bite.
Drop by for seafood that’s as honest as it is delicious and always fresh from the source.
Psari Bar & Grill – Mooloolaba, Qld
Just moments from the shore, Psari Bar & Grill brings a Mediterranean soul to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. With a stylish open-plan interior and alfresco tables perfect for soaking in salty breezes, this modern venue serves up seafood with a Greek twist, complemented by a live tank where diners can select their own lobster.
For a generous and flavour-packed option, go for the seafood linguine. Loaded with prawns, calamari, black mussels, octopus and fish, it’s tossed with heirloom cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil - a classic coastal pasta that delivers freshness and finesse. Psari means 'fish' in Greek and here, it’s both a name and a promise.
Grab a seat after your beach stroll and let the Mediterranean wash over your plate.
Each of these venues takes seafood seriously, not just in technique, but in storytelling. From pot pies to pasta, live tanks to award-winning fish fries, these menus are a tribute to the sea in all its forms. Whether you're chasing salt air or just the freshest flavours, these restaurants deliver the ocean - one plate at a time.
