The Raku sashimi platter is the stuff of dreams, they say. Photo: Raku Dining.
Canberra may not be at the coast, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy scrumptious seafood while dining out. Restaurants specialising in seafood have direct access to quality suppliers. They receive regular delivery of prawns, fish, calamari, mussels, oysters, pipis, crabs and more. They’re creative with how they prepare seafood and tantalise your tastebuds.
When searching for a Canberra seafood restaurant, look for one with a wide range of quality and fresh seafood.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a seafood restaurant, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great seafood restaurant?
Choosing the right seafood restaurant guarantees a quality experience. You’ll enjoy tasty, well-prepared dishes featuring some of the best the sea offers.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a seafood restaurant.
- Range of seafood. Let’s face it, not everyone likes all types of seafood. You should therefore choose a restaurant with a tasty range. This way, you can be sure that all members of your dining party are satisfied.
- Quality of seafood. You’ll want to select a restaurant that offers quality, fresh seafood. Without this, your dining experience will fall flat.
- Innovation with dishes. While seafood can be prepared simply, quality seafood restaurants also innovate with dishes. Look for a restaurant that serves seafood dishes that inspire.
- Quality of service. You’ll want a seafood restaurant with quality food. You’ll also want one with quality service. Choose a seafood restaurant with attentive and knowledgeable staff.
- Décor and ambience. Every restaurant has its own personality and décor. If you’re after ambience, check images online for the design and fit out of the seafood restaurant you’d like to go to..
The best seafood restaurants in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Raku
Raku Japanese Restaurant is a modern sushi bar with dishes made from quality seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Raku combines the precision and artfulness of Japanese culinary history with the vibrant energy of modern Australian dining. The sushi team crafts beautiful plates of sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, whilst the robata grill produces meat, seafood and vegetable dishes, all designed to be shared.
On Google, David Moody wrote, “The freshness of the seafood and the combination of flavours was simply delicious.”
China Plate Kingston
China Plate’s menu celebrates modern Hong Kong-style food using the best-quality ingredients. Seafood features in small bite-size pieces, mouth-watering dumplings (made in-house), soups, laksas and mains. Prawns and fish also delight with the owner’s recommendation section of the menu. China Plate has an elegant dining space setting.
On Google, Jacob Meyers wrote, “Delicious dumplings, Budda vegetables, tangerine beef ribs, salt and pepper squid and clean fresh rice. Friendly and attentive service.”
Kickin’ Inn
Famous for its seafood, Kickin’ Inn features seafood with the finest Cajun flavours as the focus. A unique offering is that customers can eat straight from a seafood bag with their hands. Diners are provided with bibs and gloves (or cutlery if they choose). Oysters, squid, calamari, fish, prawns, mussels, lobster, barramundi and more are available.
Oriana Naing wrote on Google, “We ordered the mixed plate with Garlic Kajun and lobster mixed with special sauce ...”
No 9. Palace
No. 9 Palace specialises in “Art Chinese Fusion Cuisine” which looks as amazing as it tastes. The restaurant focuses on a Palace-style experience. Seafood featuring in entrees, mains and delicious soups, includes salmon, whole fish, prawns and other delights. Each dish tells a story.
Helen Yan wrote on Google, “I am also very impressed with the lobster noodle. All the lobster shell had been half removed for easy eating, no mess ... staff make for a truly fantastic eating experience.”
Maestral Mediterranean Seafood Restaurant
Experience a taste of the Adriatic Sea at Maestral Mediterranean Seafood Restaurant. This Croatian-style seafood is fresh and presented in a casual, modern bistro. With the menu made up of 90 per cent seafood, pescatarians are spoilt for choice. The seafood platters are delicious, with both hot and cold items. Maestral’s menu features scallops, octopus, lobster, prawns, bugs and a range of other quality seafood.
Erika Valter wrote on Google, “The most outstanding seafood I have ever eaten. Five-star service.”
If you’re looking for more information on other places to dine or get a quick bite in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best restaurants, best cafes in Civic, best cafés for breakfast, best coffee shops, and best gluten-free cafes, cakes and restaurants Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with seafood restaurants in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the Canberra seafood restaurants listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of seafood restaurants does Canberra have?
Although not at the coast, many Canberra restaurants dish up mighty fine seafood. The capital also has restaurants well-known for specialising in seafood. This article lists five such restaurants. You can research others online.
Where do Canberra restaurants source their seafood?
Reputable Canberra restaurants have great contacts with quality seafood suppliers. These suppliers are dedicated to delivering a fresh range of seafood. Seafood from the nearby South Coast and is often supplied daily.
What types of seafood can I expect in Canberra restaurants?
Many Canberra seafood restaurants offer a wide range. This can vary season-to-season. The line-up can include prawns, fish, calamari, mussels, oysters, pipis, crabs, lobster, bugs and much more.
Is seafood in Canberra restaurants expensive?
You pay for what you get with seafood, in Canberra and elsewhere. Some types of seafood are more expensive than others. Price can vary by season.
Isn’t it risky to eat seafood in land-locked Canberra?
No, it’s not risky. Quality Canberra seafood restaurants have fantastic suppliers dedicated to delivering super fresh seafood, daily or weekly. Some even have their own tanks of live seafood.
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