Looking for best seafood restaurants in Melbourne? Sydney owns the harbour postcard; Melbourne still runs serious oyster and fish rooms. This shortlist favours seafood identity in our directory — not every CBD restaurant that lists salmon.
Country hub: [best seafood Australia](/blog/2026-08-01-best-seafood-restaurants-australia) · sister city [Sydney 2026](/blog/2026-08-12-best-seafood-sydney-restaurants-reviewed). Live: [Melbourne directory](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne) · [Australia](/fish-restaurants/australia).
Species: [oysters](/fish-guide/oysters), [barramundi](/fish-guide/barramundi), [prawns](/fish-guide/prawns-shrimp), [kingfish](/fish-guide/kingfish-yellowtail).
Ratings reflect FishRestaurants.com guest scores at writing time.
Melbourne seafood quick shortlist
| Mood | Go here | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Fish-first naming | Fishpot | Clear seafood identity, high scores | | Dedicated seafood room | The Roe Australia | Strong volume, seafood signalling | | Malaysian seafood energy | Nelayan Restaurant | Coastal SE Asian fish cooking | | Seafood boil fun | Kickin'Inn Port Melbourne | Shareable shellfish bags |
Top-rated Melbourne seafood restaurants
Fishpot
[Fishpot](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne/fishpot) · 4.9 (3,100+ reviews)
When best seafood Melbourne needs a clean directory signal, Fishpot’s name and scores help — still confirm tonight’s fish board.
Order: oysters to start (how to buy oysters), then a named grilled fish.
Best for: first Melbourne seafood nights.
The Roe Australia
[The Roe Australia](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne/the-roe-australia) · 4.8 (5,400+ reviews)
Seafood-forward room with serious review volume — useful for CBD logistics.
Order: raw bar items if ice looks alive, then barramundi or local white fish. Species: [barramundi](/fish-guide/barramundi).
Best for: city-centre dinners.
Nelayan Restaurant
[Nelayan Restaurant](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne/nelayan-restaurant) · 4.6 (3,800+ reviews)
Malaysian coastal cooking — fish and shellfish with spice, not only batter.
Order: grilled or curry fish dishes the house is known for; ask heat level.
Best for: diners who want SE Asian seafood vocabulary in Melbourne.
Kickin'Inn Port Melbourne
[Kickin'Inn Port Melbourne](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne/kickin-inn-port-melbourne) · 4.7 (3,500+ reviews)
Seafood boil energy for groups — messy, shareable, spice-forward.
Order: prawns and crab bags; keep spice manageable for first-timers.
Best for: groups and Port Melbourne stays.
What to order in Melbourne
- Oysters — Victorian and interstate selections
- Barramundi / flathead / kingfish — ask for the real name
- Prawns — grill or boil
- Fish and chips — only when the fish is named
FAQ: best seafood Melbourne
Melbourne or Sydney for seafood?
Sydney for harbour density; Melbourne for CBD and neighbourhood variety. Do both if the trip allows — start with [Sydney 2026](/blog/2026-08-12-best-seafood-sydney-restaurants-reviewed).
Where should first-timers eat?
[Fishpot](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne/fishpot) or [The Roe](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne/the-roe-australia). Browse [Melbourne listings](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne).
How do I find more fish restaurants in Melbourne?
Open [Melbourne](/fish-restaurants/australia/melbourne) and [Australia](/fish-restaurants/australia).
*Last updated: August 2026. Ratings and hours change — confirm on each restaurant page.*