Your definitive guide to Sydney Fish Market

For decades, Sydney Fish Market has established itself as a beloved local institution. Inside the iconic wholesale warehouse, visitors browsed premium seafood stalls as sashimi was sliced, oysters were shucked and the unmistakable aroma of cooked shellfish drifted through the air.  

A new landmark in Sydney Harbour  

Following a redevelopment that began in 2021 and cost AU$836 million (HK$4.69 billion), the new Sydney Fish Market underwent an architectural transformation and reopened in 2026. The revitalised market’s design is inspired by the movement of water, featuring a structure of glass and timber crowned by a distinctive wave-patterned roof. 
 
Positioned as one of Australia’s premier waterfront culinary precincts, it combines fresh produce, dining and shopping, and houses more than 40 retailers and close to 20 seafood wholesalers within its 280,000sq ft space. It’s now one of the largest seafood markets in the Southern Hemisphere and is expected to attract more than six million visitors annually.

How to shop 

The most common mistake first-time visitors make is grabbing everything from the first stall they see. The best approach is to do what the locals do: treat the market as a progressive dining experience. Take your time, wander between the stalls and observe where people are lining up.  

Morning is the ideal time to visit – between 8am and 11am. While quality seafood is available all day, this earlier timeslot is quieter, allowing you to browse more freely before the lunchtime peak. 

Where to eat  

Sydney Fish Market is famous for its dining, and the new precinct brings together some of the freshest seafood in Australia under one roof. Most stalls offer ready-to-eat options, such as sashimi, oysters, prawns and seafood platters, while others also offer a cook-to-order option for live seafood, including lobster and crab. 

If you’re after sashimi, established vendors like Claudio’s Seafood , GetFish and Nicholas Seafood offer premium cuts of salmon, tuna, kingfish and scallops. Australian oysters are a must-try and can be found at most retailers. 

Next, gravitate towards the golden hues of freshly fried seafood platters at Fish Market Café or order a steaming plate of XO pipis from Peter’s Fish Market . Australian delicacies, such as king prawns, Balmain bugs and mud crabs, are also must-tries – available pre-cooked or prepared to order. 

Seafood may be the headline act, but the market’s offering extends well beyond oysters and sashimi. Visitors can enjoy velvety gelato from Cow and Moon or sip on bubble tea from Gotcha . For those visiting in the morning, follow the buttery scents of golden bread and pastries at Lüneburger and Tavira Bakehouse . For coffee lovers, you’ll find some of the best roasts at Stitch Coffee .  

The best part? Everything can be enjoyed al fresco. Outdoor seating overlooking the waters of Blackwattle Bay provides the perfect place to eat and unwind.  

For a more elevated experience 

Several standout restaurants can be found at Sydney Fish Market. Tam Jiak , from the award-winning Ho Jiak restaurant group, serves modern Malaysian cuisine with fantastic flavours. Sushi Oe ’s omakase is among the most sought-after in Sydney. Meanwhile, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Luke Nguyen, has opened his flagship restaurant, Lua , presenting a fire-kissed Asian menu from a theatrical open kitchen.

A few useful tips  

The seafood arrives fresh off the docks daily, ensuring exceptional quality and variety. Haggling is uncommon in Australia and prices are fixed. Take the time to compare the selection on offer between different retailers as availability and pricing can differ. 

When picking out seafood, a few simple rules apply. For whole fish, check for clear eyes and a glossy sheen on the skin. Fish fillets should appear vibrant and moist. When picking shellfish like crab and lobster, weight is key – heavier means more meat. Live shellfish will be very active and responsive, while anything limp and light may indicate poor freshness.   

If in doubt, ask the retailers directly. They’re usually more than happy to recommend what’s freshest and how to prepare it. 

How to get there 

Sydney Fish Market is located at 1 Bridge Road, Glebe – right next to the iconic Anzac Bridge and overlooking Blackwattle Bay. The seafood precinct is within easy reach of Sydney’s CBD. While parking is available, it’s limited and can be quite expensive, making public transport the most convenient option.