Considering Newcastle is situated right by the ocean, you would expect nothing less than top-quality seafood around town. Thankfully, Newcastle delivers when it comes to great seafood, as do surrounding spots like Port Stephens and the Central Coast.

Whether you're craving a massive seafood platter or just want to enjoy some fresh local oysters, our guide to the best seafood restaurants in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, and the Central Coast has got you covered.

Newcastle & Lake Macquarie

8 at Trinity

8 at Trinity's menu is huge and varied, and among all the dishes on offer are plenty of seafood options. Think three types of Sydney rock oysters, sea scallops, kingfish ceviche, fried calamari, and split king prawns on the starter menu alone, and a huge seafood platter to share that will have you walking out stuffed (in the best way).
Where: 81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset Park

Crusoe’s on the Lake

Situated inside Lake Macquarie Yacht Club at Belmont, Crusoe’s on the Lake has taken full advantage of their waterside location. The massive deck space is built for long lunching or afternoon sessions with seafood dishes ready to be shared amongst family and friends.
Where: Ada St, Belmont

Emerson's on the Lake

Much-loved local chef Emerson Rodriguez closed Emerson's Restaurant in Lovedale early in 2024, but thankfully we can continue to taste his delicious food at Emerson's on the Lake, located at Toronto's Royal Motor Yacht Club. The menu changes up frequently, but you can expect a focus on seafood at all times, with Emerson sourcing the freshest catches from Shane's Seafood.
Where: 6 Arnott Ave, Toronto

The Kingfish

Boasting a comprehensive and well-balanced menu, The Kingfish serves up fresh, quality seafood, with Mediterranean-inspired flavours. There's plenty of small and large plates on offer, as well as five different types of seafood platter – including a vegan one!
Where: 15-17 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Mrs Jones Oyster Bar

If you're after a more casual seafood feed, Mrs Jones Oyster Bar is the place to go. The star of the show is obviously the oysters, with eight different flavours available including Tequila, Chilli & Shallot, Ginger, Soy & Wasabi, and Kilpatrick.
Where: 91 Young St, Carrington

Pippi’s at the Point

It may be a pub, but the dedicated seafood offering at Pippi's at the Point definitely makes it a standout. Enjoy lakeside views and sample its cold, fried, and grilled seafood plates. 
Where: 199 Main Rd, Speers Point

Scottie's

This long-time favourite in Newcastle East is known for its fresh and sustainable seafood menu. Serving up sustainably caught fish, sourced predominantly from local fishermen, Scottie's also changes up its fish menu weekly depending on what’s in season and plentiful. Whether you get comfortable inside or sit out under the festoon lights, dining at Scottie's is a classic Newcastle dinner experience.
Where: 36 Scott St, Newcastle East

Scratchleys on the Wharf

Another favourite amongst locals and travellers alike is Scratchleys on the Wharf, the well-known dining spot sitting pretty on Newcastle Harbour. The light seafood menu offerings are paired beautifully with floor-to-ceiling glass windows with uninterrupted views of our harbour.
Where: 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Thermidor

Brought to you by hospitality veterans Josh and Jess Gregory, Thermidor is an oyster bar and brasserie that is coastal dining at its finest. The share-style menu features plenty of seafood cooked over fire, plus there's a live oyster shucking and three types of sashimi on offer at all times.
Where: Shop 1/7 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

TINTA Belmont

TINTA Belmont is all about contemporary coastal cuisine that showcases the best of local and Australia seafood. Sitting on the deck overlooking Lake Macquarie with a seafood platter here is an ideal way to while away an afternoon.
Where: 690 Pacific Hwy, Belmont

Port Stephens

Little Beach Boathouse

With a seafood restaurant upstairs and casual waterfront bar downstairs, Little Beach Boathouse place is the perfect balmy afternoon and evening venue. Since opening in 2013, the restaurant has become well-known for its super fresh and locally-caught seafood menu, family-friendly atmosphere, and amazing views.
Where: 4 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay

The Poyer’s

Located in Lemon Tree Passage, The Poyer's is a family-owned and operated cafe and restaurant serving up some of the most interesting seafood in Port Stephens. Think four flavours of oysters including Truffle Oil, Cream & Parmesan, and dishes like Ravioli of Local Rock Lobster with enoki mushroom tempura and Kingfish Ceviche with pomegranate and shiso.
Where: 42 Cook Pde, Lemon Tree Passage

Restaurant 2317

Pair Restaurant 2317’s excellent location on the water at Soldiers Point with a seafood lunch, and you’ve got yourself a classic Port Stephens afternoon. Try the restaurant’s take on oysters Kilpatrick with a bacon jam, or try the fish of the day.
Where: 2D Sunset Blvd, Soldiers Point

Rick Stein at Bannisters

One of only two Rick Stein restaurants outside of the United Kingdom, Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens is a seafood lover's dream. The menu changes regularly depending on what local seafood is available, so you can always expect a fresh, delicious meal at this stunning restaurant.
Where: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point

Shoal Bay Country Club

Perched right on the water at Shoal Bay, Shoal Bay Country Club offers 180-degree views across the bay paired with stacks of fresh seafood. Whether you dine on Prawn Linguine or a Deluxe Seafood Platter at The Kitchen & Patio or go downstairs to Greek restaurant Atmos for Whole Snapper or Prawn Saganaki, expect a quality seafood offering.
Where: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

Central Coast

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga

Whether you’re after breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is something happening on the menu for everyone at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga. From the ultra-casual Beer Battered Fish & Chips at the kiosk to the more formal but still relaxed dine-in experience at the hotel, this is a great spot to enjoy fresh seafood while taking in views of the water.
Where: 6/8 Patonga Dr, Patonga

The Box on the Water

The seafood at The Box on the Water is the absolute hero on the menu. Order the whole Fried Baby Snapper for Two to share or the Traditional Goan Fish Curry for a flavourful treat.
Where: The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach

Margarita Daze

Margarita Daze is located right on the picturesque Umina Beach. The restaurant and bar specialises in cocktails and casual eats with the menu featuring plenty of seafood, as well as salads, burgers, and share plates.
Where: 345 Trafalgar Dr, Umina

The Swordfish Co

The Swordfish Co is all about classic fish and chips, gourmet burgers, grilled seafood, and fresh salads. There's something for every seafood lover, and when you pair your meal with waterfront views this good, it's a winning spot for family dinner, date night, and everything in between.
Where: 1 Budgewoi Circle, Budgewoi

Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf

Known for its takeaway fish and chip business, Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf also has a premium restaurant that wraps around the waterside. This award-winning venue is renowned for its quality and sustainably-sourced seafood prepared by some of the best in the business.
Where: The Boulevarde, Woy Woy