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Best Seafood Restaurants Melbourne
Melbourne is a city known for its food culture, and its seafood restaurants are some of the best places to enjoy fresh flavors from the ocean. Across the city, diners can find restaurants serving everything from flaky grilled fish and golden fried seafood to tasty prawns, crabs, oysters, and seafood platters. Many places also offer delicious soups, chowders, and pasta with fresh seafood. Most restaurants use locally sourced fish and shellfish to ensure every dish is fresh and full of flavor. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make these spots perfect for family dinners, a meal with friends, or special occasions. Enjoying seafood in Melbourne is not just about eating — it’s about tasting the freshness of the ocean and sharing a great experience with others.
To make it easier to find the best restaurants, Lookout Australia has created a guide to Melbourne’s top seafood spots. The guide provides helpful information about each restaurant, including what makes their dishes special, their location, and the atmosphere of the place. Some restaurants focus on classic seafood dishes, while others offer modern and creative meals. Using Lookout Australia’s guide makes it simple to explore Melbourne’s seafood scene. These restaurants serve fresh and tasty food, offer welcoming service, and create a memorable dining experience that seafood lovers will enjoy.
1. The Boiling Crab | Melbourne CBD
This restaurant is all about fun and messy seafood feasts. Guests wear bibs, roll up sleeves, and dig into buckets of prawns, clams, crawfish, mussels, and other shellfish. Sauces range from garlic and lemon‑pepper to spicy Cajun flavours. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and social, with paper-covered tables making cleanup easy. Large portions encourage sharing, while sides like corn and Cajun fries complete the meal. The main idea is to enjoy seafood with hands, creating a memorable experience with friends or family. Signature dishes like “The Whole Shebang” combine different flavours, making each bite exciting. The Boiling Crab is perfect for anyone who loves seafood and wants a relaxed, hands-on, and flavour-packed dining adventure.
- 4 Tattersalls Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- (04) 4803 8172
- Visit Website
Review on Google: “Such a great experience at The Boiling Crab! 🦀 The combo is worth for 2 people. Even though some selections of crab were sold out when I visited, there’s still more good options available. The restaurant was big and each table had separated blocks, so it gave kind of privacy as well!”- vvs diamond
2. Waterfront Southgate
Waterfront Southgate is located on the Yarra River in Southbank and offers stunning city skyline views. The restaurant serves fresh seafood and high-quality steaks, with daily selections from trusted suppliers. A raw bar allows guests to see oysters and shellfish prepared on the spot. The interior is polished yet comfortable, and the terrace provides a relaxing riverside dining option. The menu includes whole fish, seafood platters, and aged steaks paired with fine wines. Ideal for family dinners, business lunches, or special celebrations, the combination of view, food, and service creates a memorable experience. The setting feels elegant without being formal, making every meal both enjoyable and visually pleasing.
- Southgate Precinct, Shop 20/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
- (03) 9686 9766
- Visit Website
Review on Google: “Really lovely restaurant. I came here after going to the aquarium. The bread to start was very squishy and yummy. We had glasses of the cheapest white wine. We also got the fish n chip and a delicious seafood pasta. I had a great time, it’s quite a fancy restaurant but people were dressed pretty casually. You can see the water from the restaurant especially if you sit outside. Great place and highly recommend!”- Celine
3. KRABBY'S CRAB BOIL
Krabby’s Crab Boil offers a hands-on seafood experience in a bright and lively space. Meals come in buckets or bags filled with crab, prawns, mussels, corn, potatoes, and bold sauces. Guests are encouraged to dig in with hands while enjoying the fun, communal atmosphere. The restaurant is family-friendly and designed for sharing, making it perfect for groups or casual outings. Flavours range from mild to spicy, catering to different tastes. The focus is on fresh seafood, large portions, and an entertaining dining experience. This restaurant is a great place for celebrations or relaxed meals with friends, combining flavour, fun, and a relaxed, social environment where everyone can enjoy the feast together.
- District Docklands CCF01, LEVEL 1/3-6 Star Circus, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
- (04) 8143 2288
- Visit Website
Review on Google: “Ambiance was excellent and very appetizing, the food was all perfectly cooked and the hot and spicy schezwan sauce is best for spice lovers. The combo pack was customized to our families liking and we all loved the food. Great place and well priced. Highly recommend and will definitely go again”- Andreya
4. QV Melbourne
QV Melbourne is a large, open-air shopping and dining precinct in the heart of the city, where Lonsdale and Swanston Streets meet. It features more than 120 specialty stores, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The design includes laneways and outdoor spaces, creating a lively yet relaxed environment. Visitors can shop for fashion, enjoy a coffee, or have a casual meal in a bustling city atmosphere. The precinct is popular with locals and tourists alike, offering a combination of shopping, dining, and relaxation in one spot. It’s a convenient and energetic destination for an afternoon out, providing variety and entertainment in a central city location that appeals to people of all ages.
- Cnr Lonsdale Street and, Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- (03) 9207 9200
- Visit Website
Review on Google: “Great place for eating out, lots of variety restaurants around QV area, lighting QV and parking. Need to improve on cleanliness.”- Maung N Lin
5. Claypots Barbarossa
Claypots Barbarossa brings European-style seafood dishes to the city centre in a welcoming and warm setting. The menu changes regularly, featuring dishes like seafood paella, grilled platters, and claypot creations that highlight fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, with bookshelves on the walls and live jazz on some nights. It is ideal for casual lunches, relaxed dinners, or special evenings out with friends or family. Fresh ingredients, creative recipes, and a comfortable environment make each visit enjoyable. The combination of unique dishes and inviting space offers a memorable seafood dining experience. This restaurant is a top choice for anyone seeking high-quality food in a relaxed, charming setting.
- 79 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- (03) 9670 5255
- Visit Website
Review on Google: “Food was delicious. We ordered 7 dishes. We loved all of it, except for the paella.. a little under seasoned. The rest was amazing 👌. Natural oysters, Moroccon Claypot Barbarossa, clam soup, king prawn grilled in the shell, seafood paella, Turkish eggplant, and tabouli salad. Would love to come back again.”- Maria Walker
Frequently Asked Questions
Seafood is popular in Melbourne because the city is close to coastal waters and fishing ports. Fresh fish, prawns, oysters, and crabs are brought to restaurants daily. Chefs prepare seafood to keep natural flavors, making meals tasty, healthy, and a favorite choice for locals and visitors alike.
Yes, most seafood restaurants in Melbourne remain open throughout the year. Summer is busier with tourists, while winter offers a quieter, relaxed atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating allows dining in any season, and menus often change with seasonal catches, keeping meals fresh and exciting.
Chefs combine fresh seafood with local herbs, spices, and creative sauces. Each restaurant has its signature flavors and presentations, turning simple ingredients into colorful, tasty dishes that highlight Melbourne’s seafood culture.
Yes, many restaurants combine local seafood with international styles. Dishes may include Italian seafood pasta, Spanish paella, Cajun crab, or Japanese sushi. Chefs experiment with spices, sauces, and cooking techniques, giving diners exciting and diverse flavors alongside traditional Australian seafood dishes.
Some restaurants host seafood nights, tasting events, or seasonal specials. Festivals or waterfront events may include fresh oysters, crab boils, and seafood platters. These events provide a chance to enjoy unusual dishes, try new flavors, and experience the social side of seafood dining.