List
By Sarah Bristow
With the Great Barrier Reef in arm’s reach, it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of Queensland’s best seafood in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. But where exactly should you visit to satisfy your next craving? From casual beachside cafes to elegant fine diners, here's where you’ll find the best seafood in the region.
A visit to Airlie Beach institution Fish D’Vine is a non-negotiable while on your getaway to The Whitsundays. A casual restaurant and rum bar in one, the space has forged an admirable reputation for its fresh seafood, especially its mud crab. There are three ways to enjoy it - from wok-tossed in a duo of spicy sauces, or served simply au naturale.
You’ll find another must-visit in The Boathouse Fishbar. Perched atop the water, nestled among the yachts, the eatery is heavily seafood-focused. Tuck into hearty sashimi poke bowls, and buckets of fresh, local prawns while you watch the boats at play.
Tucked into the suave Peppers Resort sits Tides Restaurant and Bar. The upmarket eatery is considered one of the best hotel restaurants in the region, and home to some of the best seafood in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. Chef Gregory Devine has crafted an Asian-infused menu, focused on local produce and decadent extras.
Enjoy dinner with an outstanding view at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club’s Bommie Restaurant. Taking its name from the Aboriginal word ‘bombora’, a marine haven where tropical fish play, seafood unsurprisingly forms the bulk of the menu - here you’ll be able to tuck into the likes of poached sea scallop and coral sea barramundi.
Dig into hawker-style street food at Coca Chu, the eatery turning heads on Hamilton Island. Picture seafood with an Asian-inspired twist with dishes that range from a salt and pepper cuttlefish to a Moreton Bay bug curry, all to be enjoyed within view of the water’s edge.
Fresh local, seafood sources from the Whitsundays’ waterways is the ethos behind Mariners, the elegant fine diner. Executive Chef Trent Dawson has introduced a Japanese-twist to its seafood-heavy menu - dine on octopus with rice wine, and scallops with finger lime among more.
Keep this casual (and keep yourself out of the kitchen) with the catering available with Whitsunday Provisioning. Gourmet hampers are the specialty of this niche company, which can deliver platters laden with local seafood to your door, whether you’re mainland or island-bound, or even charter boat companies.
Enjoy some traditional fish and chips overlooking Catseye Beach at Popeye’s on Hamilton Island. Tradition is the name of the game here - drop by for a potato scallop or (if you’re feeling famished) the fisherman’s basket, heaped with scallops, prawns, squid and more.
It’s on Airlie Beach’s main drag that you’ll discover the aptly named Whitsunday Seafood Bar. The best of the traditional takeaway shop, it’s here you can enjoy an array of local seafood in dishes that range from burgers to platters.
Cook your own feast with a seafood catch procured from FISHI on Hamilton Island. Proudly environmentally conscious, the specialty shop creates impressive platters of wild caught prawns, scallops, crayfish and more. Even better - they can deliver to your hotel door.
Found yourself in neighbouring Bowen? Bird’s Fish Bar is a must visit for a casual bite to eat. Enjoy your local delicacies (coral trout and banana prawns included) on the balcony overlooking the marina, or back in the comfort of your hotel.
Find the freshest of local seafood (and plenty of expert advice) at Cannonvale co-op Whitsunday Pacific Seafood. The sustainably-focused operation promises to sell you fish caught the same day, like red emperor, clams, and oysters.