The Best Seafood Markets in Adelaide – The South Australian Magazine

Adelaide Central Market

The Adelaide Central Market, a beloved institution in the heart of the city, is a treasure trove of fresh produce, specialty goods, and culinary delights. Among its most popular offerings is its array of seafood shops, renowned for their quality, variety, and commitment to freshness. Whether you’re a local planning your next seafood feast or a visitor looking to sample South Australia’s ocean bounty, the market’s seafood stalls are a must-visit.

A History of Freshness

For over 150 years, the Adelaide Central Market has been a hub for the region’s best produce, and its seafood selection is no exception. Situated close to the pristine waters of the Great Australian Bight, the market offers some of the freshest seafood available, reflecting South Australia’s rich fishing tradition.

The vendors here source their seafood daily, ensuring that customers have access to top-quality fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies. From wild-caught South Australian prawns to freshly shucked oysters, the seafood reflects the state’s reputation for excellence in sustainable fishing.

Top Seafood Shops at the Market

The Smelly Cheese Shop – Seafood Counter

While known for its cheese, this iconic store also boasts a seafood section that offers premium-quality selections. Their fresh oysters are a standout, often shucked on-site, and perfect for enjoying raw with a squeeze of lemon.

Samtass Seafoods

A cornerstone of the Central Market’s seafood scene, Samtass Seafoods is famous for its diverse range of fresh and smoked seafood. Their display is a feast for the eyes, featuring everything from whole fish and fillets to scallops, mussels, and king prawns. Samtass also offers marinated and pre-prepared options for those looking to save time in the kitchen.

Angelakis Bros.

One of the oldest and most respected seafood retailers in Adelaide, Angelakis Bros. is synonymous with premium seafood. Their selection includes local delicacies like King George whiting, blue swimmer crabs, and Southern Rock lobster. They also provide expert advice on cooking techniques and pairing ideas, making them a favorite for home cooks and chefs alike. A quick note I’ve asked for Bluefin Tuna Belly before and they have had some behind the counter not on display so its worth asking questions.

Central Market Fishmongers

For a wide variety of fresh and frozen seafood at competitive prices, Central Market Fishmongers is a go-to option. Their selection includes everything from barramundi and snapper to exotic choices like sashimi-grade tuna and salmon. The friendly staff are always happy to recommend the best catches of the day.

Why Choose Seafood from the Adelaide Central Market?

The seafood shops at the Adelaide Central Market stand out for their dedication to sustainability and quality. Many vendors work closely with local fishers and suppliers, ensuring that their seafood is responsibly sourced and as fresh as possible.

Additionally, the market’s vendors often offer value-added services, such as cleaning, filleting, or even preparing ready-to-cook portions. This level of convenience, paired with expert knowledge, makes the Central Market an unbeatable destination for seafood shopping.

Tips for Shopping Seafood at the Market

Arrive Early: To get the best selection, visit in the morning when vendors have just received their deliveries.
Ask for Recommendations: The knowledgeable staff can guide you to the freshest catches or suggest cooking methods for unfamiliar seafood.
Bring a Cooler Bag: Keeping your seafood fresh during transport is essential, especially on warm days.
Explore Seasonal Specialties: Certain seafood, such as blue swimmer crabs or Southern calamari, are seasonal and at their peak during specific times of the year.

Cooking with Market Seafood

Once you’ve selected your seafood, the possibilities are endless. From a simple grilled King George whiting to an elaborate seafood paella, the freshness and quality of the Central Market’s seafood ensure your dishes will shine. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh herbs, lemons, and spices from neighboring stalls to complete your meal.

Torrens Island Market

For some of the best-priced fresh fruit, veggies and seafood in town head to the Torrens Island Market every Sunday. This is a no-frills, down-to-earth market where more than 40 stalls sell produce direct from farms and fish directly off the boats. It’s not the most convenient – it’s a bit of a drive from Adelaide and once you reach Torrens Island power station it feels like an industrial wasteland – but the quality ingredients at this market make it worth the trip.

The market is open from 6am until 1pm and attracts a dedicated following of locals. The stallholders here are incredibly knowledgeable and will happily share their expertise.

Walk to the small jetty and you will find a couple fish sellers who sell pretty much straight from the boat. You can get fresh local seafood to cook that night.

Seafood Shops in Adelaide

1. The Seafood Shop – Unley

Located on Unley Road, The Seafood Shop is a neighborhood favorite for fresh and frozen seafood. Known for its attentive customer service, the store offers an impressive variety of fish, including snapper, barramundi, and tuna. Their house-made fishcakes and marinades are perfect for those seeking ready-to-cook options.

2. Marino Meat & Food Store – Pasadena Green

Part of the Pasadena Foodland, Marino Meat & Food Store boasts a seafood section that rivals any standalone fishmonger. They stock fresh fish, prawns, oysters, and even premium items like Southern Rock lobster. The convenience of picking up other gourmet groceries alongside your seafood makes this a one-stop shop for food enthusiasts.

3. Tony’s Seafood – Norwood

Situated on The Parade, Tony’s Seafood is a boutique seafood retailer with a loyal following. Their selection of locally sourced fish is complemented by imported specialties like New Zealand salmon and scallops. Tony’s also offers smoked fish and a range of seafood platters, perfect for entertaining or treating yourself.

4. Angelakis Bros. – Multiple Locations

With outlets across Adelaide, including Burnside Village and Glenunga, Angelakis Bros. is a trusted name in seafood. Their fish is impeccably fresh, and they offer pre-prepared options like marinated fillets and ready-to-cook portions. Their expertise and dedication to quality have made them a household name for seafood lovers in Adelaide.

5. Samtass Seafoods – Torrensville

Another branch of the popular Central Market vendor, Samtass Seafoods in Torrensville provides the same exceptional variety of fresh and frozen seafood. Customers rave about their smoked salmon and marinated prawns, which are perfect for quick and delicious meals. Their knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer cooking tips and recipes.

6. Wildcatch Fisheries – Semaphore

For a more boutique experience, head to Wildcatch Fisheries on Semaphore Road. This shop specializes in sustainably sourced seafood, ensuring that every purchase supports responsible fishing practices. They offer everything from freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters to filleted fish ready for the grill.

7. Seafood on Parade – Norwood

A longstanding establishment on Kensington Road, Seafood on Parade is known for its fresh selection and friendly service. Their fish fillets, whole fish, and shellfish are perfect for creating restaurant-quality dishes at home. The shop’s seasonal specialties, such as freshly cooked spanner crabs, are not to be missed.

8. Semaphore Foodland – Semaphore

This iconic independent supermarket is renowned for its gourmet offerings, including a standout seafood section. From live mussels to sashimi-grade tuna, Semaphore Foodland delivers an excellent range of fresh seafood. The combination of variety and convenience makes it a favorite among locals.

9. Westside Fresh Seafood – Findon

Located on Findon Road, Westside Fresh Seafood is a hidden gem offering a fantastic selection of seafood at competitive prices. Their weekly specials often include local catches, making it an affordable option for families. Customers praise their fresh prawns and beautifully filleted fish.

10. The Fish Factory – Grand Junction Road

The Fish Factory, located on Grand Junction Road in Wingfield, is a well-known seafood haven in Adelaide. Renowned for its wide variety of fresh and frozen seafood, the store caters to both retail and wholesale customers. From locally caught favorites like King George whiting and blue swimmer crabs to international specialties, the selection is vast and of high quality. The Fish Factory also offers prepared items such as marinated fillets and seafood platters, perfect for any occasion. With knowledgeable staff and competitive pricing, it’s a go-to destination for seafood enthusiasts in Adelaide.

Tips for Shopping at Fish Shops and Markets Around Adelaide

Ask About Sourcing: Many shops proudly highlight their sustainable and local sourcing practices—ask your fishmonger about the origins of their seafood.
Timing is Key: Arrive early in the day for the best selection, as fresh seafood tends to sell quickly.
Bring a Cooler Bag: This will keep your seafood fresh while you’re traveling or running errands.
Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or try lesser-known species. Your fishmonger may suggest something perfect for your next recipe.

Why Adelaide is a Seafood Lover’s Paradise

Adelaide’s proximity to the ocean, coupled with its commitment to quality and sustainability, makes it a haven for seafood enthusiasts. The city offers a rich diversity of options, from bustling markets to boutique shops, ensuring that fresh and delicious seafood is always within reach. Whether you’re after premium sashimi-grade fish or a humble fillet for a midweek dinner, Adelaide’s fishmongers deliver on quality and variety.

Whether you’re in the heart of the city or exploring its suburbs, Adelaide’s seafood scene is sure to impress. So, grab your cooler bag and head out to discover the fresh, flavorful bounty of South Australia’s waters!