10 Best Oyster Bar Melbourne Has To Offer [2024]

Oyster Bar Melbourne

Oysters are getting more popular, but establishments that serve the mollusc on their menus are likely to be deemed daring by customers, and might especially appeal to young males. Countless chefs around the country have reached a same conclusion, resulting in a rush of ambitious new restaurants that take the basic oyster bar and push it in new ways, employing all of the current culinary canon. With this in mind, you should be aware of the finest oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

1. Nobu

Key Services	Dine At The Bar | Reservations Recommended | Notable Chef | Japanese Cuisine
Website	https://www.noburestaurants.com/
Address	Crown Riverwalk, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9292 5777
E-mail	nobu@crownmelbourne.com.au
Operating Hours	3PM – 10PM Wednesdays | 12PM – 10PM Thursdays, Sundays | 12PM – 11PM | Fridays – Saturdays

Nobu, the iconic Japanese restaurant that began in 1994 with a request from legendary actor Robert De Niro to Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to bring his now-famous cuisine to New York, has grown to include 32 restaurants around the world, including Malibu, Lana’i, Hong Kong, Monte Carlo, and Dubai, with openings planned in Houston, Newport Beach, Washington DC, and elsewhere. There are also Nobu Hotels emerging across the world to provide Nobu enthusiasts with an unparalleled hospitality experience. They provide premium, innovative interpretations on Japanese cuisine in a clean, modern restaurant with river views. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• Offers a wide variety of oysters
• The oysters are sourced from the finest oyster beds
• The oysters are shucked to order

Customer Testimonial:

“Nobu never disappoints. Came for a quick wedding anniversary lunch. The tenderness and flavours are so delicious. Cocktails were amazing.”

Mrs E.

2. Rockpool Bar & Grill

Key Services	Special Occasion | Function Hire | Reservations Recommended | Notable Chef | Notable Wine List | Seafood Cuisine
Website	https://rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au/
Address	Crown Casino, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9081 0532
E-mail	reservations@rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au
Operating Hours	6PM – 9:30PM Wednesdays | 12PM – 2:30PM, 6PM – 10PM Thursdays – Fridays | 6PM – 10M Saturdays | 12PM – 2:30PM, 6PM – 9:30PM Sundays

Building and cultivating ties with primary growers and suppliers ensures that only the greatest product from Australia reaches their restaurants. Rockpool Bar & Grill has an unequaled beef assortment. They work with the greatest farmers in Australia and source straight from them. They dry age their beef in-house to extract the greatest flavors, and they slaughter on-site to ensure provenance. They know the day their fish came out of the ocean and the conditions under which it arrived at us since they work directly with fishermen, women, and other seafood producers. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are farm-fresh
• The oysters are hand-selected
• The oysters are shucked to order

Customer Testimonial:

“Wow couldn’t fault anything here, all food was cooked wonderfully and staff were attentive and so kind”

Darcy Taylor

3. Il Bacaro

Key Services	Romantic | Licensed | Takes Reservations | Italian
Website	https://www.ilbacaro.com.au/
Address	168-170 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9654 6778
E-mail	info@ilbacaro.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 3PM, 6PM – 10PM Mondays – Saturdays

A Venetian restaurant on Little Collins that celebrates both good dining and good drinking. With the help of Victorian producers and manufacturers, Executive Chef David Dellai presents a basic yet sophisticated approach to Venetian food. A good sense of style is timeless. Il Bacaro is now regarded an institution, a typically Melbourne dining experience, after more than twenty-five years of enchanting customers and critics alike with its exquisite Italian cooking. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are freshly shucked
• The oysters are sourced from the finest oyster beds
• The oysters are of the highest quality

Customer Testimonial:

“Absolutely incredible sercive and quality of food! We came for our 5 year anniversary. Oysters were just perfect and the mains and desserts were bursting with flavor. We’re coming back for sure .”

Harry D.

4. Philippe

Key Services	Romantic | Takeaway | French Cuisine
Website	https://philipperestaurant.com.au/
Address	115 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 8394 6625
E-mail	ADMIN@PHILIPPERESTAURANT.COM.AU
Operating Hours	5:30PM – 9:30PM Tuesdays, Saturdays | 12PM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 9:30PM Wednesdays – Fridays

Philippe is a French chef Philippe Mouchel’s award-winning restaurant. A magnificent zinc bar welcomes customers to the venue in true nouveau bistro flair. The central rotisserie and charcoal oven are the stars of the kitchen, with characteristic dishes including fish on the bone, roast chicken, meats, and vegetables. Diners can also choose to be seated at the raw bar, where they can watch the chef shuck fresh oysters to order. Philippe is a professional yet casual dining experience where diners can enjoy superb food, with a particular focus on ethically sourced and organic local products. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are freshly shucked
• The oysters are organic
• The oysters are locally sourced

Customer Testimonial:

“We had an incredible experience at Philippe. The service was fantastic and the food was even better. Portions were very large and the flavours were very authentic – so delicious! We never order dessert at restaurants but the creme brulee was too good to pass it. Would definitely recommend for a date night!”

Fiona Ku

5. Society

Key Services	Special Occasion | Reservations Recommended | Takes Reservations | Notable Chef
Website	https://societyrestaurant.com/
Address	80 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 8618 8900
E-mail	events@societyrestaurant.com
Operating Hours	5:30PM – 11PM Mondays – Thursday | 12PM – 11:30PM Fridays – Sundays

The Lounge Bar at Society is a beautiful environment, dazzling with shimmering mirrors, inviting armchairs, and a swirling marble bar with a carved structure that sits proudly at its entry. It is open for walk-in visitors everyday from 5pm till late. The cocktail menu has custom martinis that recreate the mid-century grandeur of a major city bar, making it a sanctuary for martini enthusiasts. The concise cocktail selection highlights identifiable classics and straightforward design, emphasizing Society’s devotion to timelessness. The lounge is a refuge for elegance and flair, effortlessly combining the finest spirits, fruits, tonics, and bitters. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are fresh
• The oysters are sustainably sourced
• The oysters are hand-selected

Customer Testimonial:

“Great setting. Lovely staff , very knowledgeable. The Rock oysters and the crab are to die for, the wine’s are excellent. And the desert was amazing.”

Stephen Knowles

6. Boilermaker House

Key Services	Late Night Dining | Notable Cocktails | Notable Spirits List
Website	https://boilermakerhouse.com.au/
Address	209-211 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 8393 9367
E-mail	info@boilermakerhouse.com.au
Operating Hours	5PM – 1AM Tuesdays – Thursdays, Sundays | 4PM – 2AM Fridays – Saturdays

Boilermaker House is a blues-filled sanctuary that specializes in malt whiskey, artisan beer, and delectable cocktails. A Boilermaker is a combination of beer and whiskey that results in a drinking experience that is more than the sum of its parts. The choices are unlimited with over 900 whiskies and an ever-changing tap selection. They advocate food pairing and provide a full lunch and supper menu with cuisine perfectly intended for boozing, including our custom-built cheese and charcuterie fridge. Join them for some warm hospitality, fantastic booze, and fantastic music. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are fresh
• The oysters are sustainably sourced
• The oysters are of the highest quality

Customer Testimonial:

“A must do for anyone visiting or living in Melbourne who can appreciate whisky and paired beer. An excellent place for conversations and a relaxed vibe. Plan to spend a couple hundred as a experience, it’s on the upper side compared to a standard bar, but the whisky is amazing and the offering is extremely comprehensive.”

Kyle

7. Chancery Lane

Key Services	Notable Chef | European Cuisine | French Food
Website	https://chancerylane.com.au/
Address	430 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9089 7598
E-mail	info@chancerylane.com.au
Operating Hours	12PM – 10PM Tuesdays – Fridays | 6PM – 10PM Saturdays

Chancery Lane is housed in the old Normanby Chambers building. Scott Pickett’s traditional restaurant with a modern twist. The atmosphere evokes a sumptuous bygone period, while the cuisine features traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, prepared using the greatest seasonal ingredients and different European traditions. Chancery Lane is Scott Pickett’s traditional restaurant with an edge. They are an elite establishment with a trendy feel that serves classic meat and seafood meals as well as a wine selection. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are fresh
• The oysters are sustainably sourced
• The oysters are of the highest quality

Customer Testimonial:

“My new absolute favourite restaurant in Melbourne is Chancery Lane. Went here for a set menu dinner and was served Prawn cocktail/scallop/oyster with caviar, Crayfish with oscietra caviar, Baby barramundi with mussel/truffle/noilly prat, and Dry aged duck breast wit witlof & fig.”

Angel Khong

8. Sakedokoro Namara

Key Services	Japanese Sake | Tapas Bar | 100 Brands of Sake | Private Tatami Room
Website	https://www.sakedokoronamara.com.au/
Address	360 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
Phone	+61 3 9939 1911
E-mail	kanpai@sakedokoronamara.com.au
Operating Hours	5PM – 11PM Tuesdays – Thursdays | 11:30AM – 2PM, 5PM – 11PM Fridays – Saturdays

Sakedokoro Namara is a tiny bar in North Melbourne that focuses on introducing and teaching tourists about the world of Japanese sake. As soon as you enter inside, you can see that the bar is inspired by Japanese sake bars. If you’ve been to Japan previously, you’ll understand how real this location seems. Sakedokoro Namara, an authentic sake bar, established in North Melbourne in 2021. Their proprietors have visited several sake breweries in Japan and have crafted a beautiful assortment of sake that they have discovered. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are fresh
• The oysters are sustainably sourced
• The oysters are of the highest quality

Customer Testimonial:

“Great little sake bar. Just like being in Japan. Sushi special on Tues & Wed not to be missed. Absolutely loved it. Great place to sample sake and realise how varied and versatile it is. Def will be back.”

Samuel Kirkpatrickv

9. Pearl Diver

Key Services	Cocktail Bar | Licensed | Takes Reservations | Notable Cocktails | Seafood
Website	https://pearldiver.com.au/
Address	56 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 3 7006 5144
E-mail	melbourne@pearldiver.com.au
Operating Hours	5PM – 12PM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 3PM – 12AM Fridays – Saturdays | 3PM – 10PM Sundays

Pearl Diver Drinks & Oysters is a lively and enjoyable cocktail and oyster bar that specializes in seasonal produce-driven cocktails and the finest oysters from throughout Australia. PDCO, located in Melbourne’s theatre area, is inspired by New Orleans’ oyster bars and French Quarter. PDCO features a comprehensive culinary menu with share type platters, as well as an extensive, well-curated wine selection, in addition to oysters and cocktails. Whether you’re popping by for a quick drink and an oyster or staying for the day, their staff of hospitality specialists will greet you with a warm and knowledgeable welcome. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are fresh
• The oysters are sustainably sourced
• The oysters are of the highest quality

Customer Testimonial:

“Amazing dining experience at Pearl Diver! Everything was on point, from the oysters, the food and the cocktails! We pretty much tried the whole cocktail menu and were blown away by the flavours! On top of that you have a lovely fit out and friendly and attentive staff!”

Jasmine Ormanci

10. Pinchy’s Melbourne

Key Services	Calamari | Lobster | Cocktails & Champagne | Posh Venue with A Patio | Seafood | Vegan Options | Moonlight Flat Oysters
Website	https://www.pinchys.co/
Address	Level 1/200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone	+61 420 783 719
E-mail	hello@pinchys.co
Operating Hours	5PM – 10PM Wednesdays – Thursdays | 12PM – 12AM Fridays – Saturdays | 12PM – 10PM Sundays

Pinchy’s was born at a dinner table in San Sebastian, Spain, during many sun-kissed long meals when camaraderie and fine wine flowed freely. They drank, ate, and reminisced about previous vacations while basking in the beach light. Pinchy’s was founded on the intention to capture the spirit of those experiences, creating an experience that both indulges and delights their customers. Their goal is to provide the ideal atmosphere for extended, delightful eating encounters that allow you to create unique new memories with your loved ones. This is why they are one of the best oyster bar Melbourne has to offer.

Key Differentiators:

• The oysters are fresh
• The oysters are sustainably sourced
• The oysters are of the highest quality

Customer Testimonial:

“Very delicious! Good selection of vegan options and seafood. It is pricey and has small portions but worth it. Would return and try their set course.”

Cassie H.

Oyster Bar Melbourne

Overall, the modern oyster bar maintains a strong appreciation for seafood culture and the traditions that previous establishments did right. The seafood is as fresh as possible, the menus are simple and don’t include arcane, quotation-surrounded “takes” on traditional meals, and friendliness reigns supreme. But the chefs at these restaurants aren’t satisfied with just recreating the wheel. They’re broadening the definition of what an oyster bar can be. We hope this helps you locate the best oyster bar in Melbourne.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our other posts below:

• Best Seafood Restaurants in Sydney (2024)
• Best Restaurants With A View in Melbourne (2024)
• Best Cocktail Bars in Melbourne (2024)