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"It’s pretty spectacular," I overhear a guy saying to his mate on the phone. It’s nearly 8am on a wet and grey morning in Sydney, but even the rain can’t dampen our spirits. That’s because we’re at the new Sydney Fish Market – a project that’s been years (and reportedly $836 million) in the making. The excitement in the air is palpable. I’m about to order six oysters for $15 for breakfast. Life is good.
Located on 1 Bridge Road, Glebe – across the bay from the old fish market – the new Sydney Fish Market is set to draw in six million visitors annually, becoming a world-class food destination for both locals and tourists. There are 400 car parks at the new site, with Transport for NSW saying public transport (including bus and light rail) is the best way to visit. A new ferry is in the works but is not slated to open until 2027. And in good news, the market’s hours have been extended: it’s now open from 7am to 10pm, Sunday to Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday (find out more here).
Twice the size of the original market, the ambitious new Sydney Fish Market is home to 42 retailers and 19 seafood wholesalers, including fishmongers, restaurants, cafés and boutique spots, creating a vibrant and bustling hub.
Of course, the best thing to order is the seafood. Fresh prawns, oysters, fish, crab, lobster, scallops – you name it, it’s here. One of my favourite things about the new space is how much outside seating there is to enjoy your food with a view over the harbour. But there’s lots more going on here – here are my picks for the five best things to try at the new Sydney Fish Market (beyond fresh seafood).
1. King prawn po’boy at TJ’s Po’ Boys
I love prawn rolls. Luckily, TJ’s Po’ Boys is selling them at the new Sydney Fish Market. Head there to try the Louisiana-style roll featuring golden fried prawns, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and lemon myrtle mayo on a crusty roll with a side of skin-on fries. Don’t want prawn? There’s also chicken, crisp pork belly and cauliflower options too.
2. Fresh oysters at the oyster bar
I’m not kidding when I said I had oysters for breakfast. Fishmongers sell seafood to take home, and there’s plenty to enjoy on-site too, from sashimi to fish and chips and grilled lobster mornay. I ordered six Sydney rock oysters served with lemon for $15 from Nicholas Seafood. Saline, creamy, briny – they were plump and perfect. Considering I saw one going for $7.50 a pop at a Sydney restaurant on the weekend, $15 for six feels like an absolute steal.
3. Char kway teow from Tam Jiak
The restaurant offerings at the new Sydney Fish Market are seriously impressive. There’s the 150-seat, sun-filled, family-friendly Touch Wood, serving brekkie, lunch and dinner by the water. Hamsi Taverna is a chic Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and mezze bar by chef Somer Sivrioglu and the Efendy Group. Get Fish serves classic fish and chips.
Tam Jiak is a Malaysian restaurant and sibling to Ho Jiak, run by restaurateur and chef Junda Khoo. Junda’s Char kway teow, with its smoky wok hei, noodles, Alaskan king crab and lap cheong, is one of Sydney’s best. Order that.
4. Mortadella pizza from La Dea Pizza
La Dea Pizza is serving up Roman-style pizza by the rectangular slice, and they all look banging. Owner Anthony Spaziani was missing pizza from his home country, and that’s where the idea began. The Principessa features fresh mozzarella, soft slices of buttery mortadella, stracciatella, crushed pistachios and basil. There’s also one featuring salty sardines and even a carbonara-inspired option.
5. White chocolate and yuzu gelato from Cow & the Moon
Award-winning gelato purveyors Cow & the Moon are now open at the new Sydney Fish Market, perfect for a sweet treat after your sashimi. They’re selling their famous silky gelato, including my favourite: white chocolate and yuzu. Plus, there’s fresh gelato for hot Sydney days, and affogatos featuring your choice of gelato served with double espresso and fresh cream. Happiness looks (and tastes) like that.
Also check out…
This list just scratches the surface. Head to Stitch for fresh coffee and sweet and savoury pastries, including a salted caramel miso tart and a sweet and spicy pork croissant. Or to Gotcha Fresh Tea if you’re craving a creamy milk tea.
I’m coming back for rich and fruity olive oil from Olivetta, Sydney’s first specialty olive oil concept store; gorgeous bunches of hydrangeas, roses and lilies from florist Mayfarm; and for delicious cheese, I’m heading to Blackwattle Deli.
