It’s beginning to look a lot like oyster season. From early-November through ‘til late-April, the crisp, nutrient-rich waters of Albany’s Oyster Harbour are brimming with perfect, plump Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oysters.
Shucked and served all across town, these briny little beauties go through a rigorous cleaning and grading process to ensure only the best of the bunch make it to our plates and palates here in Perth. The estuarine environment where they grow is responsible for the distinct flavour of these Albany locals—bright and balanced with a hint of watermelon rind and cucumber.
If you’re mad about molluscs, it’s time to get ‘em while you still can at one of the many venues shucking all summer long. Tiny forks at the ready—here’s eight of our favourite places to knock back the southwest’s sustainable seafood treats in Perth.
Shirley’s
Freo
Get shucked at Shirley’s, where champion chef and owner Kenny McHardy shucks the oysters to order, simply served with kimchi and some crisp iceberg lettuce. These sublime seafood snacks get snapped up fast, so keep an eye on Shirley’s Instagram account for all oyster updates.
Margot's
Northbridge
At Northbridge’s newcomer Margot’s, you can get freshly shucked oysters for chump change. Yep, you read that correctly, from Wednesday to Saturday between 4 and 6pm, oysters are only $1.50. Propped on a plate with a vial of housemade hot sauce, it’s a bivalve bargain.
Papi Katsu
CBD
The seafood at the city’s brand-spanking new subterranean Japanese restaurant Papi Katsu gets a lot of justified attention, and the oysters are no exception. Nestled on a bed of crushed ice, they come with a tangy aged red vinegar mignonette. Order them by the half or full dozen off the à la carte menu, or really push the boat out with chef Shane Middleton’s multi-course Omakase experience.
Wines Of While
Northbridge
Oysters and wine are the makings of a late, great night, and you can get both at cave à manger Wines of While. Cosy, cool and casual, it’s been six years since the doors flung open to Perth’s very first dedicated natural wine bar to rave reviews. Today, with new owners Tom Van Beem, Emma Pegrum and chef Jack Short at the helm, it's as popular as ever.
Madalena's
South Freo
Knocking back half a dozen oysters on the terrace at Madalena’s is somewhat of a right of passage for Freo locals. Known and loved as one of Perth’s finest restaurants, Adam Rees is the highly-skilled seafood-loving chef behind the much-loved menu—with his signature ‘stripped back’ approach allowing the natural flavours of the local seafood to shine. He serves a Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oyster alongside a french mignonette, lemon, pepper and Tabasco, and it's nothing short of epic.
Vincent Wine Bar
Northbridge
Monday’s aren’t so bad at Vincent Wine Bar, where oysters are half-price and shucked to order alongside a nam jim dressing of dreams. This beautiful, buzzing wine wonderland has over 200 bottles of the good stuff lining the walls, and knowledgeable staff eager to help you find the perfect drop to pair with your share plates. Get in early or book well in advance to nab a dozen oysters before they sell out.
Bar Rogue
Mount Lawley
Purveyors of sensational snacks, it's no surprise that Bar Rogue does oysters incredibly well. A housemade sriracha gives the little luxuries a kick of heat, and while there are countless quality vinos on offer, we recommend the accompanying drinks be a Süd Polaire Antarctic Dry Gin Martini from behind the bar.
Nieuw Ruin
Freo
A firm Freo favourite, Nieuw Ruin’s oysters are a seafood staple on the summer menu. Plump and juicy and as fresh as you can get, each is served in its glistening half shell with a toasted black pepper mignonette and a fresh slice of lemon. Oyster in one hand and a crisp Chardy in the other, park up on the veranda and spend a sunny afternoon people-watching the colourful characters of Fremantle.
Nothing screams summer more than a post-beach sun-downer with the crew and a couple of rounds of some seriously tasty shellfish. With no better variety than a Leeuwin Coast Rock Oyster, be sure to hit up one or all of these venues this sunny season to get your fix.
Editor's note: this article was produced in partnership with Leeuwin Coast. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image Credit: Leeuwin Coast