Australia’s love affair with seafood is as diverse as it is delicious. From smoky Mediterranean octopus to Japanese kingfish carpaccio and Italian-style grilled scallops, seafood dishes have found their way into every corner of our culinary landscape - elevated by global flavours, regional ingredients and creative techniques.
These five venues showcase the very best of seafood across different cuisines, blending fresh catches with vibrant seasonings and inspired cooking styles. Dive in and taste how each cuisine makes seafood its own.
Criniti’s Southbank – Southbank, Vic
On the banks of the Yarra, Criniti’s Southbank serves up Italian hospitality
with a side of generosity. This bustling, rustic venue is all about shared
moments - whether it’s a long family dinner, date night or a lively group
celebration. The warm timber interiors and waterfront buzz set the stage for
feasting the Italian way: with food, fun and no rush.
Seafood plays a starring role in the expansive menu, from
wood-fired pizza to elegant entrées. Grilled scallops arrive nestled with
tomato bruschetta and avocado, bringing together smoky, sweet and creamy notes
in one bite. For mains, the fettuccine prawn Alfredo is a decadent classic,
rich with cream, Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Craving Italian with a splash of the sea? Make your next catch-up one to
remember - book a table at Criniti’s.
Yuzu Dining – North Strathfield, NSW
A hidden gem in Sydney’s west, Yuzu Dining delivers traditional Japanese
elegance with a subtle Western twist. Step into a serene space adorned with
bamboo accents and Japanese murals, where every dish is plated in artful
‘moritsuke’ fashion. The setting is calm and welcoming, yet there’s a quiet
intensity in the craftsmanship on each plate.
Seafood takes centre stage here with dishes that highlight
texture and technique. Begin with the kingfish carpaccio, beautifully sliced
and topped with apple for brightness and crunch. Sushi lovers can explore an
aburi selection, while heartier mains like pork katsu and ramen balance
richness with brothy comfort.
Experience Japanese flavours that linger long after the meal - book your journey
at Yuzu.
Wrasse & Roe Seafood Restaurant – Port Douglas, Qld
In tropical Port Douglas, Wrasse & Roe brings an ocean-to-table ethos to
life. Located inside the Coconut Grove Building, this breezy, design-forward
restaurant blends bold coastal colours with elevated seafood dining. Dine
alfresco beneath palm-fringed umbrellas or settle indoors amid statement
pendent lighting and dark timber finishes.
Start with the crab meat brioche slider - delicately filled
with avocado and cos lettuce and finished with a squeeze of lemon. For a more
decadent dish, the seared scallops shine, layered over cauliflower and truffle
oil purée, with crisp pancetta and a splash of burnt butter. For mains, the
baked Moreton Bay bugs in coconut laksa with Asian greens is a showstopper.
Keen for tropical seafood done right? Reserve your table now.
Muli Melbourne – Carlton, Vic
Muli Melbourne is an intimate seafood dining room where the menu is as fresh as
the tank it comes from. Set on Rathdowne Street, the space blends warm timber
tones, ambient lighting and a peek into the open kitchen - where flames flicker
and whole lobsters sizzle. It's refined yet relaxed, ideal for both romantic
evenings and relaxed group meals.
Begin with oysters shucked to order - served simply to let
their natural salinity shine. Next, a buttery lobster roll topped with salmon
caviar provides the perfect indulgence. For mains, the grilled whole lobster
with XO noodles or caramelised Murray cod capture the restaurant’s dedication
to bold, yet balanced seafood.
Fancy your seafood live and local? Secure a seat at Muli and see the
difference.
The Prickly Pear Restaurant, Milton – Milton, NSW
The Prickly Pear in Milton blends Mediterranean soul with coastal NSW
ingredients to create a menu that’s simple, sustainable and downright
delicious. Family-owned and thoughtfully renovated, it’s a light-filled,
stylish space with whitewashed walls and polished concrete floors, exuding a
sense of relaxed sophistication.
Seafood lovers will be drawn to dishes like grilled baby
octopus, marinated in sticky-sweet chilli and kissed by the wood grill; or
start with scallops served in their half shells, drizzled with pistachio lime
butter. The commitment to local produce shines through in every bite, from
pasta to sirloin steak.
Make your next coastal road trip count - book your table at The Prickly Pear.
From Japanese precision to Mediterranean warmth, seafood finds new expression across every plate. These five venues show how the ocean’s bounty can be shaped by tradition, transformed by culture and served in settings that make the experience unforgettable.
