Savour & Slurp at the Best Oyster Bars in Melbourne
For a shucking good time, look no further than the best oyster bars in Melbourne.
There's never a bad time to enjoy a delectable bounty from the sea. Whether you prefer your oysters natural, dressed with a classic mignonette, or perhaps even battered and cooked, we've rounded up the top places in Melbourne in which to enjoy them.
They're best paired with a glass of wine, in case you need any more incentive to make this your new weekend ritual.
Are you ready? Go forth and slurp at the best oyster bars in Melbourne in 3, 2, 1...
Neptune
Did someone say endless oysters? Snack your Saturday afternoon away in style, with small plates perfect for sharing at the refined seafood hotspot that is Neptune.
With bottomless oysters in addition to your set menu feast during your 'Forever Oysters' reservation, you've got yourself some elegant weekend plans in Melbourne.
212 High Street, Windsor
Pinchy's
Pinchy’s playful space is awash in neon and pink, velvet-clad booths and disco ball-like lights. Two separate bars beckon – one serves cocktails and craft brews, and the other is devoted to bubbly be it Champagne, prosecco or local sparkling.
The menu’s a seafood-first affair, starting with the star attraction Maine lobster roll, and throwing in a dozen Coffin Bay oysters for good measure, opened to order and served natural with green chilli and spearmint mignonette.
Level 1/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Firebird
It's a big yes to grill-driven Vietnamese powerhouse, Firebird, where every Saturday and Sunday diners can enjoy its Endless Lunch of bottomless market oysters served with house condiments and fresh citrus.
Adding to the deliciousness are their bottomless frites with lemongrass sate salt and black garlic aioli. Refreshing cocktails, captivating interiors and a warm atmosphere set the scene for a fabulous lunchtime treat.
223 High Street, Windsor
Muli Express
Oysters, oysters and more oysters. That's the order of the day at Muli Express, the dedicated oyster bar in Chinatown. With bright under-the-sea-themed decor, this small but mighty eatery is passionate about serving the freshest dozen.
Keeping it simple, choose your oysters and have them shucked on the spot, where you stand and enjoy them au naturel - to get a fresher serve, you'd have to visit the oyster farm yourself!
163 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Brico
This new neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant in Carlton North is a must-try dining destination. Sitting within a historic hospo site, Brico offers classic wine bar snacks alongside substantial plates such as confit duck leg with lentils.
We suggest beginning your feast with a dozen Pacific oysters, served with a white pepper mignonette that pairs beautifully with the fresh, salty flavours.
Light-filled, airy and charming, pulling up a seat here for an afternoon vino may linger into an evening of refined wining and dining.
555 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
Claw & Tail - Seafood & Oyster Bar
Flock with the gulls to this little kiosk in St Kilda. Claw & Tail is the perfect summertime spot for indulging in a dozen oysters with friends and family.
Hit the beach with a tray of freshly shucked, refreshing and juicy morsels in one hand and a luscious lobster roll in the other.
20 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
Hazel
The beautiful Hazel is one of our favourite restaurants in Melbourne's CBD - for good reason. Every dish served here has been thoughtfully considered and gorgeously presented using locally grown produce wherever possible.
There's a reason why the oysters on the menu here are some of the best in the city, too. Hazel carefully selects every producer they work with, valuing those prioritising sustainability, high animal welfare and time-honoured methods.
So, whether the oysters are sourced from NSW's Wapengo Organic Rock Oysters or direct from an oyster farm in Port Lincoln, you can rest assured they'll be some of the freshest, delectably salty fruits of the sea.
164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Pipi's Kiosk
There's no better way to enjoy oysters than sitting beachside, and the perfect spot is at Albert Park's Pipis Kiosk. Guests can take in the everchanging bayside vista and enjoy Sydney Rock oysters, served alongside a vibrant rhubarb mignonette.
Pipi's also has the perfect accompaniment, an oyster Martini! It's a crisp seaside delight served wet, using Never Never Oyster Shell Gin, a dash of olive brine and Constance Fino orange bitters.
129A Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park
Omnia Bar & Bistro
Have the time for a leisurely lunch? Omnia Bistro & Bar has fresh oysters available with a classic mignonette dressing. Sourced from the esteemed family-owned business in Little Douglas Bay, South Australia, these Pacific oysters are a testament to Omnia's commitment to using only the freshest produce.
It's a swell destination for your next date night, not only for the oysters on the menu (although hello aphrodisiac), but for its laidback but luxe approach to dining.
625 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Freyja
At Nordic restaurant Freyja, oysters are served fresh with seasonal garnishes. This month it's black current leaf, sago and jalapeno, adding a sour, salty and spicy zing to the beautifully fresh molluscs. We're big fans.
427 Collins Street, Melbourne
Pearl Diver
Pearl Diver is a dynamic oyster bar in the heart of Melbourne’s theatre precinct. Accompanying the incredible selection of seasonal oysters is a full bistro menu paired with a concise and highly curated wine list.
So if you’re looking for a buzzy place to sit back and sip, slurp and savour some of the best oysters in Melbourne, this is the place to do it. If there are a few of you joining the party, we insist you order the oyster tower.
56 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar
An intimate bar and dining space in Melbourne's CBD, Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar is dedicated to nature’s perfect pairing. Head to this gorgeous spot to enjoy the finest varieties of Chablis, paired with Australia’s freshest oysters.
It's a wine connoisseur’s dream, where you can peruse the largest collection of Chablis in Australia, with over 500 wines from all over Chablis and Burgundy.
Then it's onto our favourite oceanic delights; fresh, seasonal oysters sourced sustainably from the best growers along the Oyster Coast of NSW. They're served chilled, grilled or au natural - and shucked on demand!
108/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Honourable Mention for the Best Oysters in Melbourne Goes to...
Aptus Seafoods
Since 1969, Aptus Seafoods has been providing Melbourne with extraordinary seafood. Owners Angelo and Petros, second-generation fishmongers, are now at the helm and always happy to help with advice on the right type of fish for your dish.
People come from far and wide to indulge in their freshly shucked oysters, with the owners taking these shelled delights to the next level, with the opening of The Oyster Bar.
It boasts a daily selection of freshly shucked, sustainable oysters, and is a boisterous little stall located in West Aisle that's a must for any visitor to South Melbourne Market. In even better news - it's reasonably priced!
322-326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Slurped your way through the best oyster bars in Melbourne and feeling inspired to escape to the coast? Check out our guides to Lakes Entrance and the best restaurants in the Mornington Peninsula.
