Hooked, Cooked, Dive In: Noosa Harbour Fish Market
Perched on the marina is a favourite local for good reason, where seafood and salivation with a side of salty breezes, is the catch of the day, says Helen Flanagan.
Family-owned for 25 years and famous for serving the freshest available seafood with menu options for the non-piscatorial and gluten-free folk along the way, Noosa Harbour Fish Market is an undeniable local success story.
It’s perfect and popular for takeaways, also laidback lunch and dinner alfresco or indoors.
Plump oysters in season from the best beds in Australia and freshly shucked on premise, are a decadent starting point, similarly premium Tassie sea scallops grilled or battered, large prawn cutlets and oh-so tender salt and pepper calamari.
The choice of fresh seafood in the chilled display usually includes crabs, bugs, octopus, cuttlefish, mussels plus cooked and green prawns, the latter directly from Brian’s QSS trawler in Mooloolaba. Daniel’s Street Fish Market in Caloundra, and The Fish Factory in Brisbane supply fresh caught fish including tuna, sword fish, reef fish, salmon whiting and flathead, cooked just right grilled crumbed or with wispy tempura batter
As with any classic fish and chippery worth its salt, what about the chips.
It’s not just about the crispness; it’s also about the quality of the potato. Gluten-free, so not battered, and from New Zealand, they’re golden fried in clean premium vegetable oil, also from New Zealand. Needless to say the verdict is unanimous: hot, well-seasoned and sensational!
Looking for more? Myriad tempters are on the white board, but for an easy decision why not choose a pack, from the Kid’s Treasure Chest, a Seafood Combo or maybe the Fish Wives Night Off with crumbed fish, sea scallops, calamari, prawn cutlets and chips for a hungry family.
Big pluses are wagyu beef burgers, bacon and egg rolls, spring rolls, dim sims, fish tacos made with fresh barramundi and let’s never forget the pineapple fritter and the 50s revival – a chiko roll!
Check out the conversation-stopping pleasure craft bobbing on the waterway and the coming and going of Noosa Ferry, whilst sipping on a local Boiling Pot golden ale, wines such as a pinot grigio from Adelaide, sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, chardonnay from the Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale shiraz, and a cheeky Domaine Chatillon French Rosé. Soft drinks are also available.
These days the original baton has been passed from legendary local Janete Ramsay to son Woody, who has ensured many other quality local relationships have not changed over the years.
The focus on fresh local seafood is an imperative part of the business, similarly supporting local producers.
Essential Grain makes the rolls, Noosa Village Meats supply best beef for burgers, and a farmer from Gunalda delivers just-picked juicy lemons every fortnight.
Marinades and salads are made fresh daily similarly fish bites and fresh crumbed calamari. Sauces from an original recipe are made in-house from scratch using local Forage Farm organic eggs, oil and roasted garlic in the aioli and tartar.
When it comes to impressing guests with a bounty of fresh seafood, pop in and talk platters and plates in advance with Woody and his crew about what’s available.
Think large whole fish and fillets to cook your way, lobster, crabs, bugs, prawns and more prawns, of course oysters and accompaniments.
For generous piscatorial pleasures dive in every day of the week except Christmas Day – no bookings required. Noosa Harbour Fish Market: Noosa Marina, Parkyn Court Tewantin.
Seafood Sensations!
For the freshest, responsibly and sustainably-sourced seafood, homemade sauces and friendly service, Noosa Harbour Fish Market at Noosa Marinais open for dine-in, takeaway or catering orders daily from 11am.
DON’T MISS! Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm daily with drinks specials and fresh seafood. Bookings not required.
Christmas and Summer Seafood Orders: Phone 5473 0299 to discuss your needs for easy summer entertaining. Follow on instagram @noosaharbourfishmarket
