There’s nothing quite like the experience of eating a perfectly cooked whole fish: tender flesh, crisp skin, and full flavour. At Sydney Fish Market, there are plenty of ways to get your hands on the freshest whole fish, whether you want it cooked to order, enjoyed straight from the grill, or prepped and ready for you to finish at home. Here are six delicious ways to dive in.

1. Cooked to order from Christie’s Seafood

Feeling peckish? Head straight to Christie’s Seafood, where you can choose your fish from their glistening displays and have it cooked to your liking. Whether you prefer a sauce of ginger and shallot, X.O, garlic butter or salt and pepper (just to name a few) the team will prepare it fresh while you wait.

2. Fresh off the grill at Fish Market Café

For a laid-back meal, Fish Market Café is a go-to. Their whole grilled fish plates are hearty, flavourful, and perfect for sharing. Pair a whole grilled Barramundi or Snapper with chips and salad for a true Aussie-style lunch or opt for a steamed version for a lighter take. A great no-fuss option, it’s easy to grab your food and then a spot outside to enjoy your seafood with waterfront views.

3. Traditional flavours at Nicholas Seafood

Over at Nicholas Seafood, you’ll find an impressive selection of both ready-to-eat and cooked-to-order seafood – including their famed whole fish offering. The best part is you can choose your own fish from the huge array of seasonal seafood species in the retail display. Stick with the traditional favourites like Snapper or Barramundi or branch out and try something more unusual like Alfonsino, Ocean Perch or Scorpionfish. Once you've chosen your fish, you can select from a range of cooking styles. Our top recommendation is Asian-style steamed fish packed with fresh herbs, ginger, and soy. A fragrant, mouth-watering option for those who love bold flavours.

4. A take-home treasure from Claudio’s Seafoods

Prefer to try your hand at home cooking? Claudio’s Seafoods offers a fantastic range of whole fish, scaled, gutted, and ready for your oven, grill, or barbecue. Their knowledgeable staff can help you pick the perfect species for your recipe, from little fish heroes like Sand Whiting and Yellowtail Scad to a perfectly pan sized whole Flounder. They can even offer tips on seasoning and cooking techniques to get the best results.

5. Dine in at The Boatshed

For something a little special, grab a table at The Boatshed Pyrmont. Their menu champions premium local seafood prepared in a variety of styles. The market fish selection, often featuring John Dory, Coral Trout, Murray Cod and more, is a true highlight, with the option to have it steamed, grilled or fried, depending on your preference. It’s all about letting the quality of the fish shine. Perfect for a relaxed brunch or a long lunch with friends.

6. Learn to Master Whole Fish at Sydney Seafood School

If you’d like to really build your confidence with whole fish, why not join a class at Sydney Seafood School? The popular Fillet-a-Fish class is perfect for beginners looking to learn the basics of filleting and preparing fish, while the Seafood Specialist class takes things a step further, teaching more advanced techniques, including how to select, prepare, and cook whole fish. It's a fun, hands-on way to learn, with expert advice and plenty of delicious seafood to sample along the way. Find out more and book your spot at Sydney Seafood School here.