Waterfront Southgate - Melbourne - prestigious river side dining

Waterfront Southgate is a well-regarded seafood bar and grill that sits along the Yarra River within the Southgate complex. While the complex itself has seen better days, with many of its internal shops closed or in decline, the restaurants along the waterfront remain strong draws for visitors. Waterfront is one of those thriving spots, offering not just a meal, but a complete dining experience in a prestigious setting. With its prime location on the promenade, it delivers stunning city skyline views, especially beautiful during the evening.

Highlights	Waterfront Southgate offers premium seafood, stunning Yarra River views, and refined ambience, making it a standout Melbourne dining experience.
Cost	$109 for the Sampler Plate $49 for the Seafood Linguine
Location	Southgate Precinct, Shop 20/3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank VIC 3006
Website	waterfrontsouthgate.com.au

We visited on a Sunday for an early dinner, mindful of the 10 percent surcharge applied that day. Stepping into the restaurant, it was clear that a lot of care has been put into its design. The space was beautifully organised, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Plush sofa seating, a softly lit table lamp, and a well-thought-out layout made it feel both comfortable and sophisticated.

Waterfront’s commitment to freshness is evident in its daily market visits, where chefs personally select the finest oysters, shellfish, and seafood from some of Australia’s best producers. The menu is extensive, featuring a raw bar, oyster bar, seafood platters, live crustaceans, mussel pots, fresh fish, a wood grill for steak and chicken, and even a dedicated kids menu. Interestingly, there are also clear Korean and Japanese influences woven into several dishes.

We began our meal with the Sampler Plate for $109, designed for two to four people. It featured prawns, sushi, oysters, beef tataki, and fish, accompanied by edamame, pickled vegetables, and pickled radish. This was a well-balanced mix of flavours and textures that showcased the freshness of the ingredients. We also ordered the Seafood Linguine for $49, which came generously loaded with squid, prawns, mussels, clams, and a touch of chilli for a pleasant kick. For our younger diner, we opted for the kids pasta at $12, followed by a simple yet satisfying kids ice cream with strawberry.

Before the mains arrived, we were served warm sourdough with balsamic vinegar and a small bowl of seafood clam chowder. The chowder worked beautifully for dipping the bread, adding an extra touch of indulgence to the start of our meal.

Every element of the evening was enjoyable, from the attentive service to the high-quality dishes and the serene riverside ambience. Waterfront Southgate is ideal for special occasions or a memorable night out, particularly if you enjoy fresh seafood in a refined yet comfortable setting.

Please support the website by liking the article or subscribing to the mailing list. The review and the experience above are based on my own views. No commission, freebies or payments have been received.

Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Here are some of my recent articles: