The Drunken Admiral has been operating since 1979 and has never strayed from its seafood focus (or maritime interiors). It’s the fish market chowder for which this Old Wharf eatery is most recognised. 17/19 Hunter St, Hobart TAS; drunkenadmiral.net

Laidback luxury is the ethos at this St Kilda beachfront restaurant. Refined seafood dishes dominate; from a murray cod and blue spanner crab bisque, to a updated king prawn cocktail (complete with marie rose sauce). 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC; stokehouse.com.au/melbourne

Former steel hub Newcastle is just as familiar with seafood these days. Nudging the Ocean Baths, Scottie’s serves its natural wines with snack plates brimming with freshly caught fish, from campari-cured trout to a saffron bouillabaisse. 36 Scott St, Newcastle East NSW; scottiesne.au

Fresh, local ingredients are the forte of this kiosk and restaurant combo in the beach town of Port Willunga. Eat fresh King George whiting and squid captured from nearby Kangaroo Island, or stick to takeaway – the fish and chips is legendary. 1 Esplanade, Port Willunga SA; starofgreece.com.au

The cold waters of rugged Bruny Island make for some delicious Pacific oysters. Gobble them freshly shucked at this casual outpost, where they are served raw or cooked, with a selection of dressings. Lease 204, 1735 Bruny Island Main Road, Great Bay, North Bruny TAS; getshucked.com.au

The critically acclaimed restaurant of Chef Josh Niland is another seafood-focused stand-out. The Paddington fine diner is an ode to Niland’s innovative dishes, from fish charcuterie to a tuna wellington. His more casual outpost Fish Butchery is just up the road. 161 Underwood St, Paddington NSW; saintpeter.com.au

A tourist favourite but for good reason, Lobster Shack in the small fishing town of Bicheno is a good time guaranteed. A feed of lobster is of course non-negotiable; the lobster roll is a popular menu choice. 40 Waubs Esplanade, Bicheno TAS; lobstershacktasmania.com.au

Kiosk by name, but not by nature, this contemporary bistro and wine bar leans heavily on seafood-based dishes. Start with seaweed sourdough, before moving on to salt cod croquettes, and pan-fried John Dory. 129a Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park VIC; pipiskiosk.com.au

‘Future-friendly’ South Australian seafood is celebrated at this seaside diner. Port Lincoln sardines, Kangaroo Island kingfish, and Coffin Bay oysters all make an appearance in the main dining room, with a series of equally delicious takeaway options (fish sandwich included) at the side kiosk. Boat Ramp, Aldinga Beach SA; pearlaldingabeach.com.au

This Adelaide Central Market outpost has sustainability on its mind; proudly the first and only supplier with 100% fisher-to-consumer traceability. Cook your catch at home, or perch at its bar for sashimi, oysters, and a seafood-focused brunch (classic scramble with WA king prawns included). Adelaide Central Market Stall 12/60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA; fairseafood.com.au

The resort town of Palm Cove, fringed by palms, houses the esteemed Nu Nu. Its celebration of local tropical ingredients extends to a hefty array of seafood on its menu; picture coral trout and pork spring rolls, and wok-fried FNQ chilli mud crab. 1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove QLD; nunu.com.au

Part-supplier, part-eatery, Miami Fish Market is a luxe take on the traditional seafood shop. Grab fresh catch to go or dine-in; there’s an oyster and sashimi bar, and sophisticated takes on old favourites (like a potato scallop topped with caviar). 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami QLD; miamifishmarket.com.au

For 75 years this Great Ocean Road institution has been a must-visit for fresh seafood. While ample Bass Strait specialties are brought in straight from the trawler, it’s the Southern Rock Lobster for which it’s most famed. 2 Breakwater Rd, Apollo Bay VIC; apollobayfishcoop.com.au

Chef David Moyle’s creekside establishment in the Northern Rivers is a fan of casual snacks and local produce. A fish sandwich in some form always features and is best enjoyed with the spicy house bloody mary on the side. 50A River St, New Brighton NSW; thesaltymangrove.com

Seafood is abundant in Tropical North Queensland, and arguably best enjoyed on a former trawler turned restaurant floating at the local marina. Drop by this local institution for heaped platters of prawns, fish and crays. Pier Point Road | Marlin Marina, E31 Berth, Cairns City QLD; prawnstarcairns.com