Best Oysters in Melbourne
No one sits on the fence when it comes to oysters: either you can’t get enough of them or you wouldn’t eat them if you were stranded on a desert island. If you’re in the former group, this is the guide for you. Victoria isn’t renowned for its oysters (our one native variety, the Angasi, was only reintroduced to Port Phillip in 2017). The best oysters in Australia grow in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. But thanks to Melbourne’s proximity to those three states, these restaurants have no trouble sourcing fresh oysters every day.
Words by Scott Renton
Updated on 9 September 2026
Restaurant
Fitzroy Oyster House
Check the blackboard to see what’s available. You might find award-winning Tathra Oysters, Wapengo Rocks Wild Organic Oysters, or Merimbula Gourmet Oysters. Sydney rock oysters, prized for their subtle sweetness, are a particular focus.
Bar
Pearl Diver Oyster Bar and Bistro
Come to this swish, nautical-themed cocktail bar for oysters served at least eight ways, and Martinis with spherified olives in tiny oyster shells, among other creative cocktails.
Bar
Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar
This swish bar champions an age-old pairing – with oyster degustations and around 500 Burgundy wines to choose from. Find it hidden in a low-key CBD arcade.
Restaurant
Muli Express
One of Melbourne’s top fishmonger families is behind this crustacean haven. It’s about as close as you’ll get to an oyster bar in the city, and it’s also got congee, lobster rolls and more.
Restaurant
Stop Whining
Muli Express’ larger sibling has oysters all sorts of ways. There’s 17 varieties from all over Australia – Bruny Island, Port Douglas, Merimbula, Clyde River and more. This one’s for hardcore fans.
Restaurant
Entrecote
Dining at this south side staple is always a bit special. Start your meal suitably with Sydney rock oysters, shucked to order and served with a cabernet mignonette.
Restaurant
Stokehouse
Oysters by the sea is one of life’s great pairings, and there’s no finer place to turn on your bivalve than this St Kilda icon. It works extensively with top-tier seafood, and the premium oyster service is a must.
Bar
Lui Bar at Vue de Monde
Walk-ins are welcome at Vue De Monde’s adjoining bar, which means you don’t have to pay degustation prices to take in the city view. Or the Sydney rock oysters – natural or with a mountain pepper mignonette.
Restaurant
Kisume
Kisumé is widely regarded as one of the finest sushi experiences in Melbourne. But there’s oysters aplenty here, fro Sydney, Tasmania and Merimbula. Go for the signature caviar oyster with soy amazu, or just enjoy them natural.
Restaurant
Bacash
This Melbourne institution has been serving exquisite fish since the year 2000. Here, Merimbula rock oysters are served natural, while Coffin Bay oysters come grilled with spinach and garlic.
Restaurant
Cumulus Inc.
The oysters at Andrew McConnell’s standard-setting diner are locally sourced and served natural – often in a simple seaweed mignonette with lemon – but garnishes change with the seasons.
Restaurant
Reine
At this grand brasserie in the former Melbourne Stock Exchange, you’ll fine freshly-shucked oysters from the raw bar. They’re served with a smoked olive oil and seaweed mignonette.
Restaurant
Marameo
CBD diner Marameo is all about hearty Italian mains. Kicking off proceedings with a dozen fresh oysters, served simply with a chardonnay vinaigrette is never a bad idea here.
Restaurant
Hazel
This pared-back CBD eatery specialises in woodfired dishes. They also serve Coffin Bay oysters natural in a pepperberry mignonette, or kilpatrick with whisky and pancetta.
Bar
Bar Thyme
At this charming Footscray bistro, you’ll find freshly shucked St Helens oysters served in a mignonette. Follow them up with French-influenced dishes, a casual glass from the lo-fi wine list, or both.
Bar
Marion Wine Bar
If you don't feel like a full meal, few things accompany a glass of wine better than an oyster. They come by the half-dozen here, served natural with mignonette.
Restaurant
Farmer’s Daughters
Rock oysters at Alejandro Saravia’s three-storey CBD restaurant come natural, with a pepperberry mignonette. A perfect way to start a meal – get them à la carte or on the set menu.
Restaurant
Marmelo
Marmelo puts a Portuguese twist on Aussie oysters. Here, they’re served fresh with a coriander pesto and piri-piri. Or get Pacific oysters from the grill with a charcuterie dressing.
Restaurant
Bar Sophia
At this Greek Glen Iris wine bar, fresh oysters are served in a punchy shallot vinegar. The mains here are protein-heavy and hearty, so it’s not a bad idea to start your night with something light.
Restaurant
Bar Romanee
Dial the freshness up at this Yarraville restaurant, where freshly shucked oysters are served with cucumber, apple and shallots. Wash them down with a bottle from the extensive wine list.
Bar
The Walrus
At this breezy St Kilda hideaway, oysters are the hero. And the selection changes often. Varieties from Tassie, NSW and WA are shucked to order at the bar and served all kinds of ways.
Restaurant
Il Bacaro
The first item on the menu at this CBD stalwart is a fresh oyster in a white wine vinegar with shallots. The rest of the menu is Venetian-inspired and leans into hearty pastas and heavy mains.
Restaurant
Firebird
This south-side diner serves fresh oysters in a sweet pineapple mignonette. Much of the menu leans spicy, so kick things off with a hit of something sweet and fresh.
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