The 15 Best Oyster Bars and Restaurants around Australia: 2021
Get ready to shuck your way through the best oyster bars around Australia!
Whether you like them drizzled with a squeeze of lemon, accompanied with a mignonette sauce or paired with a glass of Champagne or a shot of ouzo, there’s no denying that finding the best oyster bars around Australia can be (rock) hard.
So, to help you shuck your way through your favourite seafood – oysters – we’ve found the 15 best oyster bars and restaurants around Australia that you must try this summer:
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some restaurants featured may be temporarily closed.
The Best Oyster Bars in New South Wales:
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Shoal Bay Country Club
Boasting their exquisite ocean views, Shoal Bay Country Club is the perfect venue for the freshest locally sourced seafood, invigorating cocktails and of course their whimsical views. Sitting just streets away from Tomaree National Park, Shoal Bay Country Club knows how to cater for all of its guests. Pair your oysters with a Honey Rhubarb Sour ($19) cocktail that’s infused with Finlandia Vodka, Licor 43, lemon juice and house-made rhubarb puree.
Photographed by Yuliya Koshchiy. Image via Shutterstock
The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room
Located in heritage listed Johnson’s Building in the heart of Sydney, The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room is the go-to for freshly shucked oysters. Serving oysters individually, by the half or full dozen with lemon or a modern kilpatrick dressing, The Morrison takes pride in supporting their local suppliers and farmers and definitely knows how to attract the crowds with their indulgent menu and Oyster Festival hosted each year. Of course no visit is complete without tippling through their cocktail menu which features the likes of some invigorating concoctions like The Morrison Oyster Martini ($23).
The Best Oyster Bars in Tasmania:
Photographed by Tommaso Cantelli. Image via Unsplash
Hallam’s Waterfront Seafood Restaurant
Sitting on the bank of River Tamar and just a stroll away from Launceston’s Royal Park is Hallam’s Waterfront Seafood Restaurant. Serving an extensive range of locally sourced seafood, guests will fall in love with Hallam’s menu, and their picturesque views. The waterfront venue opened early 1996 and since then have managed to befriend local farmers and sustainable fisheries that circle the Tasmanian waters. Of course, living up to their title of one of Australia’s best oyster bars and restaurants, Hallam’s Oyster Shed will serve up freshly shucked delicacies that can be served with one of six sauces available.
Photographed by Nicole Elliott. Image via Unsplash
The Drunken Admiral
Winning the Tasmanian Hospitality Awards for the Best Seafood Restaurant in 2012, The Drunken Admiral is guaranteed to be a jolly good time. Decorated with nautical décor and sitting on the bank of River Derwent, The Drunken Admiral serves only freshly shucked Tasmanian southeast oysters with a range of toppings. Choosing your the range of accompaniments for your oysters will definitely be the hardest decision, as their range includes Devil Fired, Skin Roasted Garlic, Crispy Bacon Grilled or Sesame and Ginger, to name a few. From shot to shuck, end with the Bloody Mary Oyster Shooter ($7.90) that is served with a shot of Tasmanian 666 Vodka, tomato juice and lemon.
Photographed by Louis Hansel. Image via Unsplash
Rockwall Bar and Grill
Just a step away from Salamanca Lawns is renowned Rockwall Bar and Grill – sitting in Hobart’s dining precinct. Lined with sandstone walls and featuring a back rock feature wall, Rockwall appreciates its nature-inspired décor and fresh, locally sourced produce. Their specialty is of course the oysters and other seafood sourced from nearby Bruny Island. Pair your oysters with Rockwall’s signature The Rockwall Blue 250g ($44) that is stuffed with a creamy blue cheese.
The Best Oyster Bars in Victoria:
Photographed by Paula Borowska. Image via Unsplash
Cumulus Inc.
Located in one of Melbourne’s fashion and art districts, Cumulus Inc. is the perfect combination of food meets art and fashion. Delicately configured and served on a plate, Cumulus Inc. since its opening in 2008 has been one of Melbourne’s most sought after restaurants for the freshest seafood available on the market. With everything from raw and cured, to salads, cheese platters and of course dessert.
The Best Oyster Bars in South Australia:
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Sean's Kitchen
Located in SkyCity Adelaide, Sean’s Kitchen is one of South Australia’s leading restaurants. Named after head chef Sean Connolly, after one visit you’ll soon understand why Sean’s background in the dining world is so renowned. Offering various dining experiences whether it is their Chef’s Table, private mezzanine level or simply just a drink by the bar – Sean’s Kitchen has it all. Oysters are sourced from South Australia aquacultures such as Coffin Bay and Smoky Bay, and are best paired with a classic or craft cocktail like the Belvedere Citrus, St Germain and Midori-infused Fleur Verte ($20).
Photographed by hlphoto. Image via Shutterstock
2K.W. Bar and Restaurant
Stretched out on King William Street in the heart of Adelaide is 2K.W. Bar and Restaurant. Awarded with 2018’s Certificate of Excellence, the venue is the perfect getaway for an after work cocktail or simply a heavenly meal. Featuring a bar, a terrace area and a garden perched over King William Street, 2K.W. is bound to draw you in. Only supplying the freshest and locally sourced oysters from South Australia that are shucked upon request, pair with a glass of sparkling NV Alpha Box & Dice Prosecco from McLaren Vale.
The Best Oyster Bars in Western Australia:
Photographed by Elza Kurbanova. Image via Unsplash
Balthazar
Sitting next door to the Museum of Perth and located in the Lawson Building, Balthazar is an intimate, modern Australian restaurant. With their very own cellar door offering takeaway wine, a wine bar and private rooms for functions, Balthazar will be any food and wine lovers haven. With an overly extensive wine list, the team behind Balthazar are the finest wine connoisseurs within Western Australia and thankfully will help you pair the perfect glass of red or white with your oyster!
Photographed by Bruce Chapman. Image via Unsplash
The Boatshed Restaurant
Sitting on the bank of the Swan River, The Boatshed Restaurant offers guests tantalizing 180-degree views of nearby Perth City and Kings Park. With the city playing as the perfect backdrop, regardless of the reason for the visit the panoramic views will surely have you bewitched. Pair your freshly shucked oysters with Charles Pelletier Blanc de Blanc (Burgundy, France) and The Boatshed’s Grilled Tasmanian Salmon Fillet ($38) served with a capsicum puree.
Photographed by Ben Stern. Image via Unsplash
The Apple Daily
Found within the walls of Perth’s Print Hall, The Apple Daily definitely lives up to its title of the best Asian restaurant within the CBD. Named after a Hong Kong daily newspaper, the restaurant surely does fit the history of Print hall (former print house). Apart from the honourable food menu, The Apple Daily specialises in housing Taiwanese whisky, sake and house-made liquor. If oysters aren’t of first preference, definitely try the Sticky Coconut 14hr Braised Beef Short Ribs ($36) or the Crispy Fried Humpty Doo Barramundi Wings (from $18)
The Best Oyster Bars in Northern Territory:
Photographed by Natalia Lisovskaya. Image via Shutterstock
CHOW
Sitting in the cove north of Frances Bay, CHOW is a casual dining scene serving the freshest, spice infused South East Asian cuisine. With everything from pork pancakes, to sugar cane prawns, paw paw salad, lamb korma and even a caramelized fish clay pot. Of course, the locally sourced oysters are shucked upon request and are served with a lemongrass, ginger, lime and chilli sauce. Don’t forget to try one of their delectable cocktails.
The Best Oyster Bars in Queensland:
Photographed by Louis Hansel. Image via Unsplash
Shucks Bar
If there are two things Shucks Bar knows how to do, it’s serving up the freshest seafood and two, shucking only the best oysters available. Sitting on Manly’s Esplanade and overlooking Manly Boat Harbour, Shucks Bar takes pride in only serving the best, daily delivered produce to its guests. Whether you like it raw and straight from the ocean or topped with the best flavours – Shucks Bar has it all. We guarantee you’ll be hooked!
Photographed by Edrece Stansberry. Image via Unsplash
Blackbird Bar & Grill
Towering over Brisbane River is Blackbird Bar & Grill, one of Brisbane’s best oyster bars and restaurants. Featuring 180-degree views of the iconic river below, guests will always find a reason to return. With intimate dining experiences, a roaring 20s decorated bar and of course the intricate cocktails and food. Pair your freshly shucked dozen of oysters with a Tropic Thunder ($21) that’s topped with Bacardi Ocho, Amaro Montenegro and Hennessy VS.
Photographed by cody traxler. Image via Shutterstock
The Fishhouse
Washing up on Burleigh Heads Beach shoreline is The Fishhouse. With iconic waterfront views of the Gold Coast from every angle inside, The Fishhouse is perfect for any occasion where the best seafood is wanted. Featuring an ever-changing menu based off the seasonal produce delivered, The Fishhouse is guaranteed to be fresh and flavourful. Pair your Moonlight Flats oysters with a glass of Josef Chromy Cuvée Brut.
Looking to head out for a tippled cocktail concoction? Just say salud, we’ve found the 15 best tequila bars around Australia. Or if you’d rather take the party home, these three Peroni beer-infused cocktail recipes will surely appease your tastebuds.
