South coast seafood: Top spots to eat some of the world’s finest
It’s not summer without fresh seafood and the south coast boasts some of the best in the world when you’re in the know. Here are the spots to check out.
The South Coast News
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The south coast is known for some of the best seafood in the world, so it’s not surprising it has some of the best ocean dishes you’ll ever taste.
While award-winning oysters are sold for a mint in metropolitain restaurants, on the Sapphire Coast you can eat them to your heart’s desire for a fraction of the price.
Here are some of the top picks for places to enjoy south coast aquaculture at its finest.
RICK STEIN AT BANNISTERS, MOLLYMOOK
Located within the grounds of Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, Rick Stein at Bannisters has a new head chef with a passion for the sea.
Remi Lachiaille’s introduction to cuisine began in his childhood kitchen in South West France.
He would watch his father cook at home, learning from a young age how to create atmosphere and gastronomic delights.
After graduating from culinary school in Biarritz, he moved to Strasbourg to study and develop his knowledge of wine.
He has worked in many Michelin-starred restaurants, including Thornton’s, The Greenhouse and Chapter One, and was sous chef at Mews.
Set by the water, every table within the restaurant is fitted with ocean panoramic views.
TATHRA OYSTERS
South coast oyster producers cleaned up the gold medals at the Harvey Norman Produce Awards.
For Tathra Oysters’ Gary Rodely it was his ninth straight prize at the prestigious awards.
The Rodely’s Sydney rock oysters are available from their Tathra shopfront and restaurants along the south coast.
Despite drought, bushfires and business hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the oysters, produced in a pristine estuary at Nelsons Lake in the Mimosa Rocks National Park, continue to grow fanatic followers at Bondi Beach’s Icebergs Dining Room and Bar.
Mr Rodely said the key to his award-winning oysters is patience, clean waters, and attention to detail.
JJ’S AT THE MARINA, BATEMANS BAY
Overlooking the marina, every seat in this restaurant has uninterrupted ocean views.
Their seafood menu focuses on local and regionally-sourced produce with what has been described as having “a modern twist”.
Owner and former truck driver Jacob Cooke said the nearby marine park offers the best conditions for fresh seafood.
“Batemans Bay is beautiful, it’s untouched. It’s like nature’s finest,” he said.
“I feel like Batemans Bay is part of me and it offers pretty much everything I need for what I want to do in life.
“We’ve got the beautiful beaches, the beautiful forest, beautiful bush and lovely seafood, which is the main thing I enjoy.”
If you don’t feel like sitting in, you can also take away some of the best seafood on the south coast, cook it at home or barbecue by one of the many scenic nearby beaches.
PELICAN ROCKS CAFE, GREENWELL POINT
In 2018, the cafe took out Australia’s best Fish and Chips competition’s People’s Choice award for the best fish and chips in NSW.
Owner Sam Cardow said his secret was great staff who work hard to produce the best seafood they can every day.
The team kicked off 2021 with a visit from TV personality Amanda Keller,
If you feel like taking away your award-winning seafood, the cafe overlooks the Crookhaven River, with short walks to local shops and parks.
WHEELER’S OYSTER BAR, MERIMBULA
This award-winning restaurant has a seasonal ‘lake to plate’ philosophy, with its very own Merimbula Lake Oysters some of the best in the region.
Restaurant manager Jacqui Smith said foodie favourites on offer include lime prawns and of course, their famous seafood platter.
“Our oysters are an absolute must to try when you‘re in Merimbula,” the restaurant said.
“They are sourced directly from Wheeler’s Oyster Farm, located in the pristine waters of Merimbula Lake.”
Highlights of their seasonal menu also include mussels, clams, scallops and squid.
BERNY’S AT BATEHAVEN
Whether it is local Pacific oysters from the business’ own nearby leases on the Clyde River, or homemade style fish and chips, Berny’s at Batehaven has something for everyone.
From their hand-cut old-school chips to prawn cutlets, skewers and calamari rings - almost everything on the menu is housemade.
Pick up a parcel of battered or grilled grenadier, dory, perch, flathead or flake, alongside potato cakes, Tasmanian scallops, battered savs and the classic salt and pepper squid.
It’s so popular there can be long waits, and remember to bring cash because they are so old school there is no ATM on site.
Oyster lovers can also organise a tour of the oyster farm for an even fresher sampling of what the south coast has to offer.
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