Finding the best oyster bar in Melbourne is no easy task, that’s why we’re shelling out the details on the city’s best.
With their slippery, sometimes creamy texture, the mollusc in question could be considered an acquired taste, however, rest assured that when plucked from the ocean fresh, or paired with all the right dressings and components, they make for a cracking dinner precursor or afternoon snack if you so choose. Melbourne’s best oyster bars, everybody:
Pinchy’s Seafood Restaurant & Champagne Bar
MELBOURNE CBD
While Pinchy’s is renowned for its crunchy lobster rolls, it is by no means lacking in oyster options, serving up crowd-favourite fresh Sydney Rock oysters and Wapengo Rock Organic oysters straight from the southern NSW coast which are known for their deep, rich and enduring sweetness. So before winter sets in, head over to this seaside oasis rooftop located right in the heart of Melbourne, and pair those oysters with a glass of NV Champagne de Saint Gall or Chablis.
Noir
RICHMOND
With its Pacific oysters from Coffin Bay, shucked to order with a Champagne granita, Noir Restaurant, which was inspired by some of the bustling bistros in the south of France, is reputed to serve some of the best French-influenced oysters in Melbourne. Enjoy a glass of wine and some fresh oysters from their extensive drinks menu while dining in a contemporary French setting.
Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar
MELBOURNE CBD
This refined oyster bar provides an experience like no other, freshly shucking its oysters on demand from its glass display cabinet that lays beneath a collection of Chablis. With a wide selection of French wine, premium quality Moonlight Flat oysters plucked from Batemans Bay and an intimate ambience, Pearl Chablis and Oyster Bar makes for the perfect date night destination.
Hemingways Wine Room
EAST MELBOURNE
Hemingway’s Wine Bar—inspired by the brasseries of New York and Paris—is serving up mid-week oysters and champagne for a shuckingly good price. For $2 a shell, tuck into fresh oysters with a $15 glass of NV Champagne Pol Roger or a sparkling sake for $13 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 5.30 and 6.30 pm.
Pearl Diver Oyster Bar & Bistro
MELBOURNE CBD
With the freshest oysters from all around Australia dished up in a full spectrum of ways, from oysters dressed in creme fraiche, salmon caviar, green tomato, and fennel to oysters with granita, Pearl Diver Bar is one of the best oyster bars Melbourne has to offer. Between 5 pm and 6 pm, Pearl Diver is shucking up a good time with its oyster tower that’s accompanied by two glasses of sparkling wine.
Society
MELBOURNE CBD
Society, one of Melbourne’s slickest restaurants, offers not only a contemporary dining experience with its elegant interior that features a large crystal chandelier, but the finest Pacific oysters. Go au naturale, or sample with a touch of seasonal dressing.
Lillian Brasserie
MELBOURNE CBD
Society’s sibling restaurant, Lillian Brasserie offers a more relaxed affair comparatively, while not forgetting about the modern sensibilities required to appease Melbourne’s dining scene. Here, you can njoy unlimited oysters with lime and rice-wine vinegar on Lillian’s autumn menu—served 12pm to 3pm daily.
Poodle Bar & Bistro
FITZROY
Poodle, a European-inspired bistro, spearheaded by Andrew McConnell (Marion and Cumulus Inc) does not take its oyster menu lightly, serving up not only fresh and baked oysters à la Poodle but also Syndey Rock Oysters with rich dressings from finger lime mignonette and mandarin oil to tomato, chilli and smoked fish dressing.
Unabara Lobster & Oyster Bar
MELBOURNE CBD
Melbourne’s oyster bar, Unabara has an incredibly extensive Japanese-inspired oyster menu, you can expect to see Coffin Bay Pacific, Sydney Rock and Blackman Bay Oysters among other types, all of which are seasonal and freshly shucked to order. Take your pick — fresh oysters served with spicy ponzu or wasabi mayo sauce or branch out of your comfort zone with grilled oysters with sake ponzu, yuzu butter or garlic butter.
Mono-XO
FITZROY
Mono-Xo, a 22-seat Japanese diner that provides a relaxed yet intimate dining space with comfy couches and seats, prides itself on serving the best oysters in Melbourne. Their crowd-favourite and hero Syndey Rock oysters with aged rice wine emulsion are expected to make a return to their menu.
Il Bacaro Cucina E Bar
MELBOURNE CBD
If you are after Italian- style oysters, look no further than Il Baraco, a Venetian restaurant that will transport you to the city’s canals with its simple yet elegant interior and oysters ‘al naturale,’ which are served with a classic mignonette — white wine vinegar and shallots.
For more of Melbourne’s best, check out the below: