Best Seafood Restaurants in Sydney

Transformed from a conventional table-and-chair dining room, the Saint Peter dining room is now intersected by a striking 12-metre Carrara marble-topped bar. With the kitchen on one side of the bench and diners on the other, the switch gives Niland and his fellow chefs more cooking space, while also giving diners an opportunity to watch the action from their comfortable, plush navy stools. The layout means the restaurant now seats just 18.

This set-up creates a kind of performative cooking experience. It allows Niland to further espouse the virtues of his pioneering fin-to-scale philosophy and the quality of the produce he and his chefs work with. That intimacy between diner and chef also transforms the restaurant experience into a quasi-masterclass, offering in-situ demonstrations of oysters being shucked, fillets being pin-boned and perfectly aged fish skin being grilled into pork-like crackling.

Opening Hours

Lunch: Thursday - Sunday 12:00pm - 3:30pm

Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday 5.30pm - late

Photography: Courtesy of Saint Peter

Part of the Solotel Group, and owner Matt Moran - North Bondi Fish overlooks Sydney's legendary Bondi Beach. Specialising in fresh, high-quality Australian and New Zealand seafood, NBF is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner and everything in between. Their Head chef James Green uses only the best produce and works with local suppliers to create the all-day menu. People-watch on the balcony, Aperol Spritz in hand and watch the sun go down over North Bondi.

Situated in a prime position on Woolloomooloo Wharf, Manta boasts beautiful views across the Marina to the Botanic Gardens and the city skyline. Manta Restaurant has long been an iconic seafood dining experience offering patrons a sophisticated ambience and a dose of Sydney Harbour glamour.

Open for lunch Wednesday-Sunday and dinner Wednesday-Saturday

The little sister to love.fish Rozelle (now closed) is the stylish love.fish Barangaroo. Still employing the same philosophy diners will find the same dedication and appreciation for approachable and sustainable seafood. Embracing its natural waterside setting at Barangaroo where over 160 patrons can enjoy the alfresco space outside, bar dining and the spacious indoor dining area. An ideal location to come and enjoy some of Sydney's best views, a plate of freshly shucked oysters and a glass of bubbles.

With the culinary direction of chef Brent Savage combined with the curation of wines from sommelier Nick Hildebrandt, Cirrus in Barangaroo is the product of some of the industry's most experienced heavyweights. Exploring the use of native ingredients married with fresh seafood, there is an appreciation of ingredients that are presented elegantly and with finesse. The interior is warm, contemporary and slightly left of centre with the inclusion of a vintage speedboat hanging casually from the ceiling. A celebration of seafood and an impressive list of award-winning wines, this is where one can truly get a taste of Sydney.

Sydney's Fish at The Rocks restaurant has been serving fresh seafood and fine wine in a welcoming and laid-back setting for years. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1919, the restaurant's interior echoes the tranquillity of the ocean. Those with a crustacean fixation can feast on whole Tasmanian lobster, Moreton Bay Bugs and Queensland King Prawns.

Lunch Monday-Friday and dinner daily

A favourite with celebrities, Doyle's on the Beach has been family operated for over five generations and the fish and chips has been a Sydney must-do for just as long. Enjoy the freshest and best seafood at this Watsons Bay restaurant with the beach at your side and the CBD glistening in the evening across the harbour. Catch the ferry from Circular Quay for the perfect way to arrive. Doyle's on the Beach is located right on the foreshores of Watsons Bay, overlooking the panorama of Sydney Harbour.

Chinatown stalwart Golden Century is famous for their pipis in XO sauce so it’s no surprise that their latest Chinese restaurant should be named after such dish. On the mezzanine level of Darling Square’s Exchange Building, XOPP is a 160-seater restaurant and the third venue to join the Golden Century Group. As you’d expect, the XO pipis will be a mainstay, alongside other traditional Cantonese dishes.