For those who are ardent lovers of all things seafood, finding yourself a quality and consistent retailer of the ocean’s bounty can, at times, be a bit tricky. You’ll also find yourself limited by the selection and, more often than not, it won’t be as fresh as it could be. But hold that thought. What if somebody came up with the bright idea of having a completely independent fish market where you could come and purchase, as well as sample, Australia’s finest and freshest selection of seafood all under the one roof: zero hassle and no searching out trawlers as they return with — or without — their catch.

Well, we’re pleased to say for the love of all things from the deep blue, two Gold Coast locals have gone ahead and done it. We introduce to you possibly THE opening of 2021 — the brand spanking new Miami Fish Market.

Seafood aficionados Paul Gloftis and Craig Warren are the co-owners of the new shop space and what these guys don’t know about delicious things plucked from the sea, frankly, isn’t worth knowing. The concept, by their admission, has been in the works for the best part of four years, and like everyone else, we’re excited to see it come to fruition.

The space is plentiful, and for what Miami Fish Market is offering, this was always going to be the case. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a large island-style wrap around glass counter showcasing everything from prawns, clams, oysters, crabs, and a specially designated area for carefully prepared Japanese style seafood delicacies — all of these are naturally prepared by a troop of in house chefs and fishmongers, no less.

Set back, there are separate counters for live seafood, whole fish and a designated sashimi bar. This is where your options to taste the fruits of the ocean truly come into play. Choose from an array of whole fish, and you can have it filleted and prepared as you wait.

But why just stand around when you can grab yourself a readily prepared sashimi pack or perhaps a few oysters? Why not grab some freshly prepared lobster sashimi and a seat outside in their blissful decked area? You’ll have to show restraint, though; there are too many delicious things to try!

The selection here will be one of the most extensive and diverse anyone is likely to find outside our major cities. The network of suppliers and the areas of the country where produce is coming from is vast. This said you’ll likely come across seafood you didn’t even know existed, like freshwater lobsters (Marron) from Western Australia or hand-dived Abalone from the Great Southern Bight — a highly coveted delicacy throughout Asia.

You may just come for fish, but there’s a high possibility you’ll also come away with knowledge and a taste for so much more!

Extras worth mentioning are the shop’s ability to dry age fish, something you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Pick yourself a fillet of prime fish, ask them to dry age it for you and return a few days later — it’s that easy.

In time the shop will also be smoking fish on-site; with a variety of different woods, you can expect a plethora of tasty smoked morsels from mussels and oysters right through to fish. Expect no stone to be unturned!

And if this all wasn’t enough, to assist you with your ascent to seafood heaven, there is a small section containing high-grade European deli items. We’re talking Spanish smoked paprika, pastas from Greece, vinegar from Portugal and exclusive soy sauces from Japan — meaning an at-home gourmet experience is very achievable.

A lot of attention has surrounded the venue and their works to open. In truth, there have been a few little Covid induced setbacks along the way, but we are pleased to announce Miami Fish Market have confirmed with us they are officially swinging open their doors for their grand opening on Saturday 31st July featuring free caviar tastings!

So, should you be looking for sumptuous clams and pre-marinated fish for your Saturday night dinner party or oysters and lobster for a decadent midweek BBQ, you’ll find all you need — plus more — at the new and impressive Miami Fish Market.

Hours: Officially opening Saturday 31st July with trading hours being 8am — 6pm Monday – Saturday and 8am — 4pm Sunday’s
Where: 1/54 Paradise Avenue, Miami

Words by Alex Mitcheson.