With the freshest possible seafood.
With the freshest possible seafood.
If there is something worth crossing the border for, it is oysters fresh out of the water with a side of sweet, icy cocktails and a bucket of prawns for good measure. Conveniently, that’s exactly what you can expect from brand newbie The Oyster Shed, down on Birds Bay in Tweed Heads.
It’s the work of local duo Lee and Rob Eyre and their son Matt who have owned Catch a Crab for many years.
They’ve always had the space but recently decided to convert it into somewhat of a waterfront garden slash fancy shed-style situation and it really is one place you’re going to want to pay a visit to over summer.
With sweeping 180 degree views of the Tweed River and the oyster holds where your dinner will come from, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon of the freshest possible seafood, a few cold beers and a cocktail or two.
You can pull up a seat by the open windows inside, out under the deck or under an umbrella but it doesn’t really matter, the views are second to none and the seafood is what you really came for. And what a selection there is.
Oysters obviously, any way you like – as shooters, Kilpatrick, fresh with a little lemon, you name it and it’s yours.
Plus of course, one of the greatest things about being an Aussie, a bucket of prawns.
There’s also tapas delights like tacos, chicken skewers and plenty more, they’re all an absolute taste sensation.
Wash it down with one of three Black Hops or Seven Mile beers on tap, a generous selection of wine or perhaps a cocktail.
There are Espresso Martinis, a Mac the Nice made with the magical Brookies Macadamia Liqueur and a Birds Bay Breeze with Malibu, pineapple and cranberry – the perfect summer sip.
There’ll be seafood specials every week, depending what comes in fresh off the trawler and live music so it really is a party down Tweed way.
The kids are welcome and there’s plenty of space for them to play, best to make a booking it’s quite popular down there (with good reason).
Do yourself a favour and head down, it’s the quintessential Aussie experience and right here in our backyard. Lucky us.
LOCATION: Birds Bay Drive, Tweed Heads
HOURS: From midday until sunset, Friday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Everyone loves a bit of oceany goodness on their plates, do they not? Okay, maybe not everyone but WE DO, so here’s a tale of tasty feasts from the sea and the best local Gold Coast venues to enjoy them at.
If you’re in the market for a seafood extravaganza, here are 11 exceptional Gold Coast venues to hit up ASAP.
Restaurants
Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant
A stunning space overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Omeros Bros have been serving up the highest quality seafood for as long we can remember. If you’re a fan of all the ocean eats, grab yourself a platter and let the good times (and full bellies) roll. Next-level indeed.
Where: Shop 55/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Kiyomi
Part of The Star Gold Coast, Kiyomi is a stunning Japanese venue showcasing the highest quality seafood in an array of dishes you’ll probably never forget. Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima has received a prestigious Chef’s Hat, so you know you’re in for an absolute treat.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Terraces Restaurant
Located within the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort at Main Beach, Terraces is a much-loved seafood buffet (currently serving an ocean-to-plate dining experience) that’ll make your mouth water on sight. The produce is the freshest and tastiest and you can go back for seconds or thirds. It might be time to loosen that belt…
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
George’s Paragon
Every local knows, George’s Paragon is where it’s at when it comes to seafood on the Gold Coast. Their legendary and huge seafood platters include fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed oysters, barbequed bugs, barbequed prawns, garlic prawns AND battered prawns. The extensive Greek-inspired menu is perfectly complemented by the restaurants’ perfectly positioned location overlooking the marina at Sanctuary Cove.
Where: 46 The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove
Moana Restaurant and Bar
Moana can be found at Capri on Via Roma serving up the freshest of seafood, all locally sourced and with a focus on the flavours of the Pacific Rim, and let us tell you, there is many a tasty morsel on the menu. The Tahi is made up of the fish of the day, juicy prawns, scallops, bugs on rice and white wine beurre blanc sauce. YUM.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri
Seascape Restaurant + Bar
Pop your fancy pants on and get up to Seascape Restaurant + Bar. Perched above the Surfers Paradise oceanfront, you’ll experience some of the most incredible seafood of your life. It’s locally sourced and mouth-watering the whole lot of it.
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Soul, Surfers Paradise
Choofas Smokehouse and Seafood
At the southern end of the coast, you have the casual dining option of Choofas to satiate your need for all things seafood and delicious. The selection of seafood is huge meaning there is likely something for everyone. You also have the option to eat your prawns there or take them home with you to enjoy at your leisure. With a well-stocked bar full of drinks to boot, this Coolangatta gem is a seafood lover’s dream come true.
Where: 150 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Rick Shores
I’m not sure we have to say much more here than… Bug Roll. Rick Shores famed the Moreton Bay Bug Roll with Sriracha, Bug Mayonnaise and Gem Lettuce. It may only seem like a few ingredients but it’s mighty big on flavour and reputation. Yes, every dish on the menu is top-notch and the magical view adorns many an Instagram account… but people, Bug Roll!
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Takeaway
Charis Seafoods
The biggest seafood retailer in Queensland, Charis Seafoods has been supplying the freshest of foods to hungry locals for quite some time. Whether you arrive by boat and just want some freshly cooked fish & chips or you’re in the market for some fresh prawns, everything here is the goods, so feast to your little hearts’ content.
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador
Two Wise Fish
Being hungry + craving seafood = two deciding factors to take you to Two Wise Fish. It can be found in Mermaid Waters and is up there with some of the best takeaways we’ve ever sampled. Get the seafood basket, and maybe some fresh fish for you to take home and throw on the barbeque?
Where: Shop 1/64 Karbunya Street, Mermaid Waters
The Jolly Roger
If healthy fish and chips are something you’d like to sample, look no further. The Jolly Roger offers Keto fish and chips and it’s all very delicious. The crumbs are made from an almond meal as opposed to flour and there’s also the healthier option of zucchini chips. YUM. Oh, and there’s beer on tap to sip while you’re waiting too.
Where: 3/110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
