With the freshest possible seafood.
With the freshest possible seafood.
If there is something worth crossing the border for, it is oysters fresh out of the water with a side of sweet, icy cocktails and a bucket of prawns for good measure. Conveniently, that’s exactly what you can expect from brand newbie The Oyster Shed, down on Birds Bay in Tweed Heads.
It’s the work of local duo Lee and Rob Eyre and their son Matt who have owned Catch a Crab for many years.
They’ve always had the space but recently decided to convert it into somewhat of a waterfront garden slash fancy shed-style situation and it really is one place you’re going to want to pay a visit to over summer.
With sweeping 180 degree views of the Tweed River and the oyster holds where your dinner will come from, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon of the freshest possible seafood, a few cold beers and a cocktail or two.
You can pull up a seat by the open windows inside, out under the deck or under an umbrella but it doesn’t really matter, the views are second to none and the seafood is what you really came for. And what a selection there is.
Oysters obviously, any way you like – as shooters, Kilpatrick, fresh with a little lemon, you name it and it’s yours.
Plus of course, one of the greatest things about being an Aussie, a bucket of prawns.
There’s also tapas delights like tacos, chicken skewers and plenty more, they’re all an absolute taste sensation.
Wash it down with one of three Black Hops or Seven Mile beers on tap, a generous selection of wine or perhaps a cocktail.
There are Espresso Martinis, a Mac the Nice made with the magical Brookies Macadamia Liqueur and a Birds Bay Breeze with Malibu, pineapple and cranberry – the perfect summer sip.
There’ll be seafood specials every week, depending what comes in fresh off the trawler and live music so it really is a party down Tweed way.
The kids are welcome and there’s plenty of space for them to play, best to make a booking it’s quite popular down there (with good reason).
Do yourself a favour and head down, it’s the quintessential Aussie experience and right here in our backyard. Lucky us.
LOCATION: Birds Bay Drive, Tweed Heads
HOURS: From midday until sunset, Friday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Everyone loves a bit of oceany goodness on their plates, do they not? Well, at least we know you do, or we’re afraid you may have clicked on the wrong article!
If you ARE in the market for a seafood extravaganza, here are 11 exceptional Gold Coast venues to hit up ASAP.
George’s Paragon
Those who know seafood know George’s Paragon is where it’s at when it comes to seafood on the Gold Coast. Their huge seafood platters are legendary for a reason with fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed oysters, barbequed bugs and prawns three ways – barbequed, battered and smothered in garlic. Yum! The extensive Greek-inspired menu is perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s perfectly positioned location overlooking the marina at Sanctuary Cove.
Where: 46 The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island
The Lazy Lobster
If you’re seeking a seafood platter that doubles as an eating competition, look no further than The Lazy Lobster. Not only do they have four epic (and we mean epic) seafood platters to choose from, but also whole and half mornay or thermidor lobster, oysters served four ways, and an extensive entree and main menu. They also go from surf to turf with a selection of succulent grass-fed Angus steaks.
Where: Shop 2/300 Marine Parade, Labrador
Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant
A stunning space overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Omeros Bros have been serving up the highest quality seafood for as long we can remember. If you’re a fan of all the ocean eats, grab yourself a platter and let the good times (and full bellies) roll. Next-level indeed.
Where: Shop 55/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Glass Dining Lounge
For lovers of elegant dining and waterfront views, Glass Dining Lounge is an award-winning restaurant that has it all, with truly delectable seafood. Glass does everything with absolute finesse, from kingfish tartare and Moreton Bay bugs to prawn risotto to seafood linguine. Enjoy it all with luxury yachts in the marina as your view.
Where: 27/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Holy Ship
Let’s not do things in halves; why not hop aboard a real-life fishing trawler (cleaned and manicured) for your next seafood dining experience? Don’t be scared, think of a gorgeous little restaurant on the water. Tuck into fresh prawns, oysters and charcuterie board feast, and wash it down with a fine glass of Moet. Come between 3-5pm daily for Holy Hour (we agree) and half prices oysters!
Where: Berth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (but both vessels are available for functions at private pontoons, Gold Coast marinas and events around the Broadwater).
Shuck Restaurant
If all things opulence are on your scene, make Shuck your next reservation. Shuck is another fine dining gem that’s a must for all with a deep appreciation for seafood. Let the caviar-tasting plate set the tone for what is to come. Live music, lush settings and sumptuous seafood dishes await!
Where: 20 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Galaxy
It’s the busiest seafood restaurant in Southport for a reason. Thankfully, it’s also the largest. The menu doesn’t take a laser focus on just seafood (but executes what they do, to perfection), which makes it perfect for the whole family with plenty of food options. Another point for Galaxy is that whilst they never compromise on taste and quality, their price point is a little nicer for our wallets!
Where: 6/50 Marine Parade, Southport
Seascape Restaurant + Bar
It’s time to pop on those fancy pants and get up to Seascape Restaurant + Bar. Perched above the Surfers Paradise oceanfront, you’ll experience some of the most incredible seafood of your life- it’s locally sourced and downright mouth-watering. The whole lot of it! You’ll also experience some of the most incredible views of your life with wall-to-ceiling glass windows that also open for that gorgeous ocean air.
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Soul, Surfers Paradise
Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar
If absolute world-class dining and seafood is what you want, then consider it done at Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar. The restaurant’s ethos revolves around exquisite seafood, with salt-kissed caviar bumps and tempura Moreton Bay bugs on milk buns to show for it. The grandiose continues with architecturally sculpted ceilings and a world-class wine list. Need we say more?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
Eska
If your idea of the perfect afternoon is a glass of champagne and sashimi, then say hello to Eska! They’re a sashimi and oyster bar located in Nobby’s at The Oxley where relaxed indulgence is the vibe. The entire scene just begs to be snapped and storied on Instagram.
Treat yourself to cocktails and caviar or something with a little higher sustenance like a plate of impeccable nigiri or some cute AF finger sandwiches.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
Pipi’s
When this spectacular venue opened it immediately had us in its clutches. Pipi’s Restaurant is one of Coolangatta’s latest additions and is a Mediterranean dining darling. The absolute oceanfront position is one thing, the decor is another, but the faultless array of elevated seafood dishes had us speechless. Did we mention they have a dedicated oyster bar?
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
Takeaway
Got a hankering for some good old fish and chips, to be enjoyed at home or on the beach? Hit up our list of killer Gold Coast fish + chip shops.
Buffets
Want a supersized helping of seafood? Buffets, baby! Hit up our list of the Gold Coast’s best buffets.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
