Finding the best oyster bar in Melbourne is no easy task, that’s why we're shelling out the details on the city’s best.
With their slippery, sometimes creamy texture, the mollusc in question could be considered an acquired taste, however, rest assured that when plucked from the ocean fresh, or paired with all the right dressings and components, they make for a cracking dinner precursor or afternoon snack if you so choose.
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Melbourne’s best oyster bars, everybody:
Arlechin
Mornane Place, Melbourne CBD
Image: Arlechin | Supplied
Calling all oyster obsessives: Arlechin is slinging $3 freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters every Wednesday from 5:30pm ‘til sold out. It’s called the Oyster Frenzy, and it’s fast becoming Melbourne’s midweek indulgence of choice. Choose your oysters natural (with lemon and vinaigrette) or Florentine (with cream, parmesan, and spinach) and pair them with a spicy Puttanesca Martinez, a sharp Dirty Pink Gibson, or a crisp Italian white wine or whisky if you’re feeling luxe. No bookings here—walk-ins only.
Melbourne Winery
247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Melbourne Winery is a monster urban winery with its very own cheese room, and wait for it, oyster bar. You can pick and choose your salty snack while you select from a stack of slurpable wines staring from just $9 a glass. The menu is fully integrated, meaning they've picked out the best drops to have with your mollusc, whether it be fresh with mignonette or served up with a side of granita, or even baked kilpatrick. At the tail end of the week they also have an oyster happy hour from just $3.
Maison Bâtard
23 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Maison Bâtard | Pete Dillon
With up to 10 oysters on the menu at peak season, Maison Bâtard’s shucking game is next level. Those keen on their seafood can pick from the oyster bar, seeing what’s freshest and in season and enjoy on La Terrasse or in the restaurant proper. We recommend some bubbles, or for those more inclined to a bolder drink, the venue’s namesake martini, a Dirty Bâtard.
Pearl Diver Oyster Bar & Bistro
56 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Pearl Diver | Supplied
With the freshest oysters from all around Australia dished up in a full spectrum of ways, from oysters dressed in creme fraiche, salmon caviar, green tomato, and fennel to oysters with granita, Pearl Diver Bar is one of the best oyster bars Melbourne has to offer. Between 5 pm and 6 pm, Pearl Diver (which also features in our best bars in Melbourne) is shucking up a good time with its oyster tower that’s accompanied by two glasses of sparkling wine.
Lillian Brasserie
80 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: Lillian Brasserie | Supplied
Society's sibling restaurant, Lillian Brasserie offers a more relaxed affair comparatively, while not forgetting about the modern sensibilities required to appease Melbourne's dining scene. Here, you can njoy unlimited oysters with lime and rice-wine vinegar on Lillian's autumn menu—served 12pm to 3pm daily.
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