Sydney Fish Market
A bustling Sydney icon offering the freshest seafood, from vibrant sashimi to gourmet cooked dishes, with stunning harbour views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Sydney Fish Market
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Sydney icon offering the freshest seafood, from vibrant sashimi to gourmet cooked dishes, with stunning harbour views.
"It's an experience - go pretty often, but end up with takeaway and sit in the park across the road."
🎯 Explore Sashimi Stalls
Don't settle for the first shop! Compare prices and freshness across various retailers for the best sashimi. :sushi:
🔥 Try the Blow-Torched Delights
Experience the magic of blow-torched seafood like the Aburi Lobster Roll for an extra special treat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aburi Lobster Roll
Aburi Bar
Seared to perfection, this viral sensation offers a delightful smoky flavor and succulent texture. A must-try for seafood lovers!

Fresh Sashimi Platters
Various retailers (e.g., Musumeci, Nicholas, Claudio's)
Indulge in incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi. Explore different stalls to find the best value and variety.

Oysters with Sea Urchin
Nicholas Seafood
A luxurious treat, these oysters are elevated with creamy sea urchin, caviar, and seaweed for an unforgettable taste.
King Crab Legs
Various retailers
Succulent and sweet, these impressive crab legs are a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect for sharing!
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Get the Best Catch
Navigating Your Seafood Feast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Sashimi Stalls
Don't settle for the first shop! Compare prices and freshness across various retailers for the best sashimi.
:sushi:🔥 Try the Blow-Torched Delights
Experience the magic of blow-torched seafood like the Aburi Lobster Roll for an extra special treat.
🍷 BYO Wine by the Harbour
Grab a bottle from the market's bottle shop and enjoy your seafood with a view by the harbour.
🦀 Ask About Crab Selection
Learn how to pick the best Blue Swimmer Crabs from the experts!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Sashimi Stalls
Don't settle for the first shop! Compare prices and freshness across various retailers for the best sashimi.
:sushi:🔥 Try the Blow-Torched Delights
Experience the magic of blow-torched seafood like the Aburi Lobster Roll for an extra special treat.
🍷 BYO Wine by the Harbour
Grab a bottle from the market's bottle shop and enjoy your seafood with a view by the harbour.
🦀 Ask About Crab Selection
Learn how to pick the best Blue Swimmer Crabs from the experts!
⚖️ Compare Retailers for Value
For fresh seafood to cook at home, compare prices between retailers like Musumeci and Claudio's.
🚶♀️ Sit Across the Road
If crowds are overwhelming, grab takeaway and enjoy your meal in the park across the road.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Sydney Fish Market is a vibrant hub for fresh seafood, offering a lively atmosphere and a vast array of culinary delights. Visitors praise the incredible freshness of the sashimi and the unique experience of trying dishes like the Aburi Lobster Roll. However, some find the cooked seafood options overpriced and the market can get overwhelmingly crowded, leading some to label it a 'tourist trap'.
"Located at Cnr Pyrmont Bridge Road & Bank Street, Pyrmont, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺
These markets have been around for decades so obviously they are a lot dated. There’s a huge selection of seafood 🍤 🐟🐠 to choose from, both cooked and uncooked. Everything on offer is incredibly fresh. There’s plenty of tables to sit and eat your purchase. Be warned, if you sit outside, the birds can be a hindrance. They will try to pinch your food. There’s wonderful views over the water and especially the new fish market being built just a stone throw away. You have a bird’s eye view. These are coming along nicely and are due to open next year. They look huge and can’t wait to visit when it’s completed. I definitely wouldn’t say it’s cheaper to get your seafood from here but it’s certainly fresh. Parking 🅿️ is on a first come, first serve basis and can fill up very quickly and the market is incredibly popular. There’s an amazing selection of seafood on offer, everything you can imagine along with fruit/vegetables and alcohol. Would definitely recommend a visit. Thumbs up!!! 👍👍👍"
Nerine Cummins
"The Sydney Fish Market is an absolute must-visit for any seafood lover, a sensory experience that captures the bustling energy of a genuine working market. It's a place where the freshness is undeniable and the variety is staggering, offering a unique and delicious glimpse into Australia's incredible seafood culture.
Here's why a trip to the Sydney Fish Market is highly recommended:
Unbeatable Freshness and Variety: Stepping inside is like entering a seafood wonderland. The sheer number of different species on display is breathtaking, from local catches to exotic imports. You can see live lobsters, crabs, and oysters, or a huge array of fish laid out on ice. The quality is second to none, and it's a fantastic opportunity to see and purchase seafood at its freshest.
A "Choose Your Own Adventure" Dining Experience: This isn't your typical restaurant. You can buy fresh seafood and have it prepared on the spot by vendors, whether you want it grilled, fried, or as sashimi. The most popular option is to create your own feast from the various retailers. Grab some fresh oysters shucked right in front of you, a sashimi platter, a classic fish and chips, or a whole grilled lobster. The possibilities are endless.
Bustling, Authentic Atmosphere: The market is a hive of activity, with vendors calling out prices, chefs selecting ingredients, and tourists and locals alike navigating the aisles. It's loud, it's a little messy, and it's full of life. This authentic, no-frills environment is part of its charm. While it can get very crowded, especially on weekends, that's all part of the vibrant experience.
More Than Just Seafood: While seafood is the main attraction, the market also features a bakery, a deli, a butcher, and a greengrocer. You can easily put together an entire picnic, complete with a bottle of wine from the on-site bottle shop, to enjoy on the outdoor waterfront seating.
Tips for a Perfect Visit:
* Go early: To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for a morning visit, especially on weekends.
* Mind the seagulls: The outdoor seating area is beautiful, but the gulls are famously opportunistic. Keep a close eye on your food!
* Bring cash (and your appetite): While most places take card, having some cash can be helpful. And most importantly, come hungry!
The Sydney Fish Market is more than just a place to buy seafood; it's a genuine cultural experience that embodies Sydney's coastal identity. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's a fantastic spot to indulge in some of the best seafood the city has to offer."
Min Min
"An popular tourist attraction for seafood. The whole place is so crowded with tourists.Long wait to get a table to sit and enjoy the seafood in such a chaotic situation .There are three good seafood outlets where you can choose and ordered your seafood to be cook for you. Other outlets sell many types of fresh seafood. There's also a fruit outlet inside the main building."
Ty lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach the Sydney Fish Market from Circular Quay is by taking a ferry to Darling Harbour and then enjoying a pleasant 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a taxi/rideshare service.
Yes, there is a multi-level car park available at the Sydney Fish Market. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Consider public transport if possible.
Taking a ferry to Darling Harbour and walking is a scenic and budget-friendly option. Buses also serve the Pyrmont area, offering another affordable way to get there.
Absolutely! Besides ferries to Darling Harbour, you can also take buses that stop in Pyrmont, which is a short walk from the market. Check the Transport NSW website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
The closest train station is Town Hall, which is about a 20-25 minute walk from the Sydney Fish Market. From Town Hall, you can also catch a bus or a light rail service towards Pyrmont.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Sydney Fish Market is free! You only pay for the delicious seafood and other items you purchase inside.
The Sydney Fish Market is typically open daily from around 7 AM to 4 PM. However, operating hours can vary, especially during holidays. It's always best to check their official website for the most current information.
Yes, Sydney Fish Market is open on Sundays, usually from 7 AM to 3 PM. It can be quite busy on Sundays, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the market famously holds a 36-hour Christmas seafood marathon leading up to Christmas Day, attracting huge crowds. Keep an eye on their announcements for other potential special events.
Absolutely! Many retailers specialize in selling fresh, live, and filleted seafood for you to cook at home. This is often considered better value than buying cooked seafood.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the Aburi Lobster Roll, fresh sashimi platters, oysters with sea urchin, and king crab legs. Many visitors also rave about the cooked seafood options available.
Several retailers offer excellent sashimi, including Musumeci, Nicholas Seafood, and Claudio's. It's recommended to compare them to find the freshest and best value on the day.
Reviews are mixed. Some find the restaurants overpriced and the quality inconsistent, especially for cooked seafood platters. Many suggest buying fresh seafood to cook yourself or from specialized stalls.
Prices vary greatly depending on the type of seafood and the retailer. For example, a lobster roll might be around $18-$25, while sashimi platters can range from $24 upwards. Oysters are often sold by the half-dozen.
Yes, there's a bottle shop within the market where you can purchase wine and other beverages to enjoy with your seafood, especially if you're dining outdoors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant displays of fresh seafood, the bustling market atmosphere, and the stunning harbour views. The colorful Aburi Lobster Roll and meticulously prepared sashimi platters are also great subjects.
The market can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Be patient, look for quieter corners, or try to capture candid moments of shoppers and vendors. Early mornings offer fewer distractions.
Early mornings, especially on weekdays, offer softer light and fewer people, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful light with fewer crowds as the day winds down.
The waterfront areas offer great shots of the boats and the harbour. Inside, focus on the vibrant displays of seafood and the action at the various food stalls. The area near the car park also provides good vantage points.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up shots of vendors or their specific displays. Most are happy to oblige if you're respectful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some cooked seafood can be pricey, look for simpler options like fish and chips or shareable platters. The open spaces and the general buzz of the market can keep younger ones entertained. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and make navigation easier with strollers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own bottle of wine from the market's bottle shop and enjoying it by the harbour is a much cheaper alternative to restaurant drinks. Alternatively, grab takeaway and find a spot in the park across the road for a picnic with a view, saving on restaurant markups.
🍣 Sushi & Sashimi Enthusiasts
While the famous Aburi Lobster Roll is a unique treat, don't overlook the traditional sashimi platters. Many visitors rave about the quality and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the sashimi available. Consider trying different types of fish to discover new favorites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ultimate Seafood Experience
When visiting, be prepared for a sensory overload – the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean are all around you. Many visitors opt to purchase fresh seafood and have it cooked on-site or take it home to prepare themselves. This approach often provides better value and ensures you're enjoying the seafood at its absolute freshest.
For those seeking ready-to-eat meals, the market boasts numerous stalls and restaurants offering everything from classic fish and chips to gourmet creations like the famous Aburi Lobster Roll. However, it's wise to research and compare options, as quality and price can vary significantly.
Navigating Retailers and Value
If you're looking to buy fresh seafood to cook at home, retailers like Get Fish/de Costi and Claudio's are frequently mentioned as reliable choices. Claudio's, in particular, is noted for its quality and willingness to offer advice. For those seeking a more premium experience, Musumeci is also praised for its excellent quality, though it might be slightly pricier than others.
Be aware that cooked seafood from some of the restaurants or stalls can be significantly more expensive and sometimes of lower quality compared to buying fresh. Some travelers suggest that the restaurateurs themselves pick the best produce early for their own establishments, leaving less for the general market. Therefore, for the best value and freshest taste, consider purchasing raw seafood and preparing it yourself or choosing specialized stalls known for their cooked offerings.
Beyond the Seafood: Market Delights
For those looking for a quick bite or a different flavor, explore options like brisket rolls from Vic's Meat Market, which have also received positive mentions. The market's atmosphere itself is a major draw, with vibrant displays and the lively buzz of commerce creating a unique environment.
Don't forget to consider the seasonal offerings. During the Christmas period, the market hosts an incredible 36-hour seafood marathon, a unique event that sees a massive influx of both locals and tourists eager to stock up on festive seafood. This event is a testament to the market's significance in Sydney's culinary calendar.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit