When it comes to seafood, freshness isn't a luxury - it’s a non-negotiable and few dining experiences capture that ethos better than the dock-to-table movement. From the bustling harbours of Sydney to the laid-back riversides of the Sunshine Coast, these standout venues redefine what it means to eat local.
Whether it’s kingfish sashimi served a stone’s throw from the sea or buttery Moreton Bay bugs plated with finesse, this is seafood dining at its most authentic and elevated.
Here are five standout restaurants leading the dock-to-table charge with coastal charm, precision technique and a reverence for the ocean’s bounty.
Fish on Parkyn – Mooloolaba, Qld
A short wander from the golden sweep of Mooloolaba Beach lands you at Fish on Parkyn, a Sunshine Coast institution that’s mastered the art of ocean-fresh dining. Located on Parkyn Parade, this casually elegant venue is where breezy coastal ambience meets polished hospitality. Inside, marine-inspired artwork and floral banquette seating set the scene for a refined yet approachable experience. With the docks literally metres away, the line between ocean and plate is delightfully blurred.
The menu is a celebration of daily catch - start with the silky seafood chowder, brimming with white fish, salmon and bacon, or opt for pan-seared scallops elevated by a saffron mornay and green apple. The Malay seafood curry is a standout: a hearty bowl of Mooloolaba prawns, squid, black mussels and reef fish over jasmine rice. It’s bold, aromatic and unflinchingly fresh. Carnivores need not miss out, with the bourbon-buttered eye fillet proving equally seductive. For dessert? Basque cheesecake with blueberry sauce.
Reserve your table soon and taste the ocean in every bite.
The Rocks Teppanyaki – The Rocks, NSW
Set in a heritage-listed 1880s building in the heart of Sydney's historic quarter, The Rocks Teppanyaki blends classic architecture with Japanese precision. Operated under the Kobe Jones banner, the venue oozes sophistication with salmon-pink walls, intimate dining rooms and sleek teppan grills anchoring each space. This is not your typical teppanyaki - this is live cooking theatre with a coastal conscience.
Seafood plays a starring role here, most notably in the theatrically cooked WA rock lobster - freshly grilled and served sizzling right before your eyes. Add a starter of scallop carpaccio or kingfish sashimi and you’ve got a deeply satisfying introduction to the venue’s seafood-driven finesse. For those branching out, grass-fed tenderloin and full-blood Wagyu offer indulgent alternatives. Don’t skip the green tea ice cream - it’s a nod to tradition and the perfect palate cleanser.
Book your experience now for a teppanyaki feast with waterfront soul.
Lucio’s Marina – Tewantin, Qld
Perched riverside in Tewantin, Lucio’s Marina is the coastal cousin of an iconic Italian name, bringing decades of culinary heritage to the Sunshine Coast. With white linen tables, cane pendents and tranquil sunset views over the Noosa River, this is where Riviera elegance meets Queensland ease. The Galletto family’s warm hospitality shines, blending Italian charm with an unwavering commitment to local seafood.
Begin with octopus carpaccio draped in olive emulsion and salsa verde, or sample flash-fried prawns, calamari and whitebait paired with a velvety Italian mayo. The seafood is as local as it gets, lovingly combined with fine Italian techniques. Signature mains include a show-stopping Moreton Bay bug dish with corn ribs and miso popcorn - a testament to the flair for balance and innovation. For those who like tradition with a twist, don’t miss the Taglioni 1983, a modern take on a family classic.
Secure your spot riverside and indulge in coastal Italian decadence.
Upstairs in the Queen Victoria Building’s northern end, Yama offers a serene reprieve from Sydney’s CBD bustle. Bathed in natural light and framed by heritage architecture and stained-glass windows, this second-floor sanctuary brings together Japanese simplicity and seasonal Australian seafood. The ambience is minimalist yet inviting - perfect for both business lunches and slow weekend sojourns.
The seafood selection here is beautifully restrained and precise. Try the battered barramundi served with crisp chips, housemade special dressing and a refreshing cucumber yoghurt relish - a dish that captures the spirit of casual refinement. Opt for Yama’s signature salmon chilli don, layered with vibrant salad, vegetables and housemade spicy chilli sauce. It’s a punchy, well-balanced dish that speaks to the power of fresh ingredients handled with care.
Make a reservation and find your zen with every seafood-laden bite.
Kuriya Sushi Bar – Bundaberg, Qld
In the heart of Bundaberg on Woongarra Street, Kuriya Sushi Bar offers a colourful, casual take on Japanese dining with a focus on bold flavour and impeccable freshness. Bright red chairs and traditional paper lanterns provide a lively contrast to the delicate precision of the food. It’s the kind of place where locals pop in for a quick bite and end up staying for a full spread.
Start with raw scallop nigiri or a roll of spicy salmon and avocado, both of which showcase seafood that sings with freshness. The battered prawn curry is a house favourite, marrying crunch and spice in equal measure. For something lighter, the sushi sets offer a parade of nigiri and rolls that honour classic techniques with a local twist. With a menu that caters to meat lovers and vegetarians alike, everyone leaves satisfied.
Drop in soon and discover Bundaberg’s best-kept seafood secret.
From historical harbourside settings to sun-drenched coastal retreats, these venues prove that dock-to-table is more than just a trend - it’s a way of dining that honours provenance, freshness and craftsmanship. Whether you're indulging in lobster by the grill or octopus crudo by the river, one thing’s certain: the sea has never tasted so good.
