Want To Try Albany Rock Oysters? Here’s Where To Get Your Hands on One – or a Dozen

Not all oysters are created equal. There’s so much variation in size and taste, some restaurants even employ dedicated oyster sommeliers. Australia is lucky enough to enjoy oysters from various growing regions at different times throughout the year, but right now? It’s the best time to enjoy Albany rock oysters.

These Western Australian oysters, grown in the coastal waters of Albany about 400 kilometres south of Perth, have a relatively short season, reaching their prime between late spring and mid-autumn. The plump, creamy molluscs are a favourite among chefs, and are known for their briny, slightly sweet flavour. Here’s where to find them in Melbourne and Sydney before the season ends. 

Sydney

Otto, Woolloomooloo

At Otto, a waterfront fine diner on Finger Wharf, Albany rock oysters come au naturel with lemon wedges and as part of the summer catch seafood platter, where they’re served alongside changing fresh seafood such as plush prawns and mud crab. 

Felons Seafood, Manly

Ex-Rockpool chef Luke Bourke leads the pass at this seafood restaurant from Brisbane’s Felons Brewing Co. The Manly spot is known for a seafood menu grounded in Australian produce and Bourke’s Indigenous heritage, so the Albany rock oysters are a natural fit.

Mimi’s, Coogee

At this beachfront fine diner, Albany rock oysters come freshly-shucked with a mignonette made with white kampot pepper (a Cambodian pepper), minced shallots and red wine vinegar.

Melbourne

Stokehouse, St Kilda

Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Stokehouse has one of the best views in Melbourne. The beachside spot, with a kitchen led by chef Jason Staudt, is renowned for its seafood-led menu, so you know the Albany rock oysters will be served with care. The restaurant has even hosted the Obamas for lunch.

Pearl Diver, CBD

There are few better places in Melbourne to enjoy Albany rock oysters than at Pearl Diver, a bar and bistro dedicated to oysters. A colour palette inspired by oyster shells and nautical decor gives the walls a calming, oceanic feel, well suited to a briny bite.

Il Bacaro, CBD

Venetian-focused Little Collins Street restaurant Il Bacaro shucks its Albany rock oysters to order to retain “their natural beauty,” as chef David Dellai puts it. They’re a perfect kick-off to a meal, and come with a vinegar made in the Italian sweet-and-sour agrodolce style with finely diced shallots.

The Atlantic, Southbank

There might not be a venue along the Yarra River better suited to eating Albany rock oysters than The Atlantic. The Crown restaurant has a dedicated oyster bar inspired by the one at New York’s Grand Central Station, and you can enjoy them at $3.5 a pop from 12pm to 6pm.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Leeuwin Coast.