The 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.

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 includes a highly curated a la carte menu, a delectable snack flight menu and a heftier chef's tasting menu. 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 open as there is plenty for you to sample.

5 Kensington Street, Chippendale 

Petermen

Petermen is another gem that has quickly made its way into Sydney foodies' hearts from chef Josh Niland and wife Julie Niland. Championing innovative growers and producers that seek to elevate the standard and change the culture of how we consume food, the menu highlights the very best Australian seafood and vegetables. It is punchy and exciting with dishes like Eden line-caught John Dory, Jervis Bay mussels and Tasmanian saffron, Mooloolaba yellowfin tuna and a capers and sweet and sour Ulladulla blue mackerel. . 

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

Catalina

Set right on the water with some of the most incredible views in all of Sydney, Catalina will have your heart from the get-go. And once your entrees are served, they'll have your stomach too. A meal here is something very special with each element of the dish carefully chosen to enhance the quality of the market fresh seafood. Plated to perfection, you're also set for a visual feast. Whilst the Catalina team aim to craft simple dishes executed perfectly, they also don't shy away from global flavour combinations like pan-roasted Murray Cod with Madras-style curry. Celebrating thirty years this year, there's a reason Catalina continues to be a Sydney favourite. 

Lyne Park, Rose Bay 

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

Sealevel 

A Shire stalwart for almost twenty years, Sealevel's fame extends well beyond the confines of the seaside suburb it calls home. A seafood platter at Sealevel is synonymous with milestones with flocks of people descending to celebrate anything from engagements to anniversaries. The a la carte menu shifts with the season in response to the availability of fresh market produce and the care taken to highlight this shows.

2 Kingsway, Cronulla 

Besuto 

If you're celebrating something special or are just in the mood for a memorable dining experience, book one of eight seats at Besuto's intimate Omakase restaurant. Each dish on the omakase menu will be decided on the day, based on what is fresh and seasonal at the market. You can expect some of the finest sashimi, sushi and other Japanese delicacies like sea urchin, eel and deep-sea fish. Bookings open on the first of each month, so you'll need to get organised if you fancy dining here. 

3 Underwood Street, Sydney 

XOPP

It wouldn't be a best seafood in Sydney roundup without the restaurant boasting one of Sydney's most famous seafood dishes. XOPP, the evolution of now-closed Sydney stalwart Golden Century, is even named after the dish - XO pipis. The same dish that famed American chef David Chang once called the 'best dish in the world'. After ordering the XO pipis you can pick from a range of Chinese classics and innovative takes that utilise the abundance of fresh seafood that Sydney is blessed with. 

Level M, Shop 31, Darling Square Exchange 

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

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 with 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

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 

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.