The new Sydney Fish Market starts to take shape

More details have been confirmed for the new Sydney Fish Market, previewing several drinking and dining destinations.

Sydney’s forward-thinking infrastructure binge has already given us an exciting new Metro line, laying the groundwork for a sweep of lifestyle precincts, affordable housing and spaces for public art. 

Now Sydney’s focus on prosperity is about to dig up the world’s third-largest fish market, currently being constructed next to the old Sydney Fish Market.

Once complete, the impressively large structure will be about the size of three football fields and be about 25-metres high with the largest timber roof in the Southern Hemisphere.

Renders are already making it look like the seafood market of the future, pulling Sydney back onto the world’s stage when it comes to urban planning and development. A stage they haven’t been on for quite some time.

The $750 million upgrade project was green-lighted in 2020 and it’s been one of Sydney’s most exciting developments since. Danish architecture firm 3XN is handling the new destination, which is expected to attract six million people each year. 

That’s a lot of people needing to be fed. Fortunately, it looks like Sydney Fish Market will have an abundance of food stalls and restaurants in addition to fish mongers and specialty shops offering Sydney’s freshest catches each day.

We’ve listed the first-round of confirmed Sydney Fish Market restaurants and vendors below. Almost all rental spaces available at the new site have been filled, but more should be announced closer to the opening date sometime in 2025.

The restaurants confirmed for Sydney Fish Market

Elevated Malaysian restaurant Ho Jiak has been confirmed as one of the new leaseholders. We’re not yet sure on whether this will be another Ho Jiak, following their two existing venues in Haymarket and at Town Hall, or a second venue for Chatswood’s Amah by Ho Jiak.

Inner-west favourite Cow and the Moon has locked in a spot. The Enmore original has been claimed as Australia’s best gelateria and so them finally expanding to a second Sydney location should be well-received. Expect this to be one of more popular spots once the new Sydney Fish Market opens.

Chinatown staple Nanjing Dumplings will open a new location at Sydney Fish Market. Given the shop is popular for its slightly sweeter Xiaolongbao soup dumplings, this should be another strong entry for the precinct. 

Popular brunch cafe Dirty Bird, which has locations in Glebe and Rozelle, will open their third spot at Sydney Fish Market. 

Trippas White Group will take a hard-left turn from their usual venues and open a New Orleans-style eatery with lobster, burgers and craft beer all over the menu. You should be able to grab a po’ boy and pretend you’re in Louisiana while eating it by the bay, or you can dine in for full table service. 

Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen has been confirmed a leaseholder, although his concept has not been announced yet. Ngyuen’s entry might be another Fat Noodle or a Red Lantern, but we’re hoping he creates something new for such an impressive venue. 

Other venues confirmed include fish market faves Getfish, Claudio’s Seafood and Christie’s Seafood. Top Juice, Stitch Coffee, Banh Mi & Phin, Gotcha Fresh Tea, and The Japanese Collective join the list of confirmed vendors, rounding out a very safe, on-trend selection to help keep everyone fuelled while they pick through Australia’s best seafood. 

As you can see from the image above, Sydney Fish Market 2.0 will also have its own wharf and boats to dock.

The Sydney Fish Market will spur some major development around Blackwattle Bay, which to date has always felt a bit disconnected from the rest of Sydney. The picturesque suburb will welcome 300 new homes, a countless number of new shops and 6000 square metres of public space including a shiny waterfront park with a 15km boardwalk connecting Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay.

sydneyfishmarket.com.au