Sydney Fish Market, Pyrmont

Having done some moderate globetrotting and endured the cod-opoly of England's fruits de la mer, I can declare with conviction that Australia truly is blessed when it comes to variety, quality and affordability of beautiful seafood.

So whenever overseas visitors look for Sydney siteseeing tips, I always lead them by hand to Sydney's bountiful Fish Market. Aisles and aisles of gleaming fresh fish; tubs of spiky sea urchin; live crabs tied up with string... yes these are a few of my favourite things!


So it doesn't quite boast the variety of Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, but according to the SFM website, this is the world's second largest seafood market (by variety) outside of Japan. Over 100 different species are auctioned daily adding up to more than 15,000 tonnes of trade per year.

Located in Blackwattle Bay just off Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Fish Market is at first glance, primarily a car park with a number of stand-alone shops. Most of the action though, takes place in the larger market building. In here are seafood stalls, a bakery, deli, fruit shop, countless fish and chip takeaway counters, and a Doyles branch for those who can't stand to eat fish off styrofoam.






Crystal Bay Prawns are definitely my favourite. Lighter in colour but sweeter in taste with a pleasant firmness, these always taste beautifully fresh.




Claudios - our favourite for salmon (they'll fillet it for you for quick and easy DIY sashimi)


Pacific oysters


Sydney Rock oysters







I still remember being freaked out 8 years ago when I saw a Japanese family eating these raw at their table. After a little more sashimi worldliness, I could almost be convinced these days to join them.



We usually end up with a bagful of fresh prawns, some sashimi salmon and tuna, a dozen Sydney Rock oysters, barramundi and chips, a handful of lemon wedges and a French stick with plenty of butter.

Consume at leisure outside in the sun. Admire the giant pelicans. And watch out for those sneaky scavenging seagulls.



Who wants to visit the Aquarium when you can have your fish and eat it too?


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Sydney Fish Market
Bank Street, Pyrmont
Tel: +61 (02) 9004 1100
Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 7.00am

This has been included as an Intrepid Eat on Grab Your Fork's Top 10 Sydney Eats for Tourists. Read the entire list here.

Related Grab Your Fork posts:
Sydney Fish Market DIY picnic lunch
Doyles at Sydney Fish Market