Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Carlton, Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne is your go-to destination for an exquisite seafood experience. Located at 142 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, this culinary gem offers a refreshing take on classic and contemporary seafood dishes. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a welcoming ambience that perfectly blends relaxed coastal charm with a touch of urban sophistication. Think light, airy spaces, subtle nautical accents, and comfortable seating designed for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. It’s the ideal spot whether you’re seeking a casual weekday dinner or a special weekend treat with friends and family. The team at Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne prides itself on friendly, attentive service, ensuring every visit is memorable. Please note they are closed on Mondays. com.au. Come and discover why Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne is making waves in Melbourne’s dining scene!

Menu Highlights

Dive into a world of fresh flavours at Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne, where the menu is thoughtfully curated to satisfy every seafood lover’s craving. Our chefs are dedicated to sourcing the finest ingredients, ensuring each dish bursts with vibrant taste and quality. Whether you’re in the mood for light bites, hearty mains, or something sweet to finish, our extensive selection promises a delightful culinary journey. Explore some of our most beloved offerings below, grouped to help you navigate your next feast!

To Start – Small Bites & Appetisers

• Freshly Shucked Oysters: Briny, plump oysters served with classic mignonette and lemon wedges.
• Chilli Garlic Prawns: Succulent prawns sautéed in spicy garlic butter, perfect for sharing.
• Crispy Calamari Rings: Tender calamari, lightly floured and fried golden, with zesty aioli.
• Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Puree: Sweet scallops perfectly seared, resting on a creamy cauliflower bed.
• Soft Shell Crab Tacos: Crispy soft shell crab, fresh slaw, and spicy mayo in warm tortillas.
• Smoked Salmon Crostini: Delicate smoked salmon atop toasted bread with dill cream cheese.
• Whitebait Fritters: Crispy small fish fritters, seasoned perfectly, served with a tangy tartare sauce.
• Blue Swimmer Crab Croquettes: Creamy, flavourful crab croquettes, breaded and fried to golden perfection.
• Salt and Pepper Squid: Tender squid pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper, lightly fried.
• Prawn Cocktail Skewers: Classic prawn cocktail reimagined on skewers with a zesty sauce.

Main Courses – The Big Catch

• Grilled Barramundi Fillet: Flaky barramundi, grilled to perfection, served with seasonal greens.
• Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus: Rich salmon fillet, crispy skin, accompanied by tender asparagus.
• Classic Fish & Chips: Crispy battered fish, golden hand-cut chips, and homemade tartare sauce.
• Premium Barramundi & Chips: Flaky barramundi in golden batter with a generous serving of chips.
• Seafood Linguine: A medley of fresh seafood tossed with al dente linguine in tomato sauce.
• Whole Baked Snapper: Succulent whole snapper, oven-baked with herbs, lemon, and garlic.
• Lobster Thermidor: Indulgent lobster meat baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, utterly decadent.
• Big Fish Platter (For Two): An impressive assortment of grilled and fried seafood delights.
• Fisherman’s Basket: A hearty mix of fried fish, prawns, scallops, and calamari.
• Grilled Swordfish Steak: Thick, meaty swordfish steak, expertly grilled, with vibrant lemon.
• Prawn & Mussel Pot: Steamed mussels and prawns in a fragrant white wine and garlic broth.
• Seafood Paella: Saffron-infused rice brimming with prawns, mussels, calamari, and chorizo.
• Chilli Crab with Steamed Buns: Whole crab wok-tossed in a spicy, rich chilli sauce, with buns.
• Grilled King Prawns: Large, juicy king prawns, grilled with garlic butter, truly satisfying.

Burgers & Sandwiches

• The Classic Fish Burger: Crispy fish fillet, fresh lettuce, tomato, and tartare on a bun.
• Grilled Haloumi Burger (Vegetarian): Grilled haloumi cheese, roasted capsicum, rocket, and pesto.

Sides to Complement Your Meal

• Hand-Cut Chips: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly salted.
• Seasonal Steamed Greens: Fresh, vibrant greens lightly steamed, a healthy accompaniment.
• Creamy Coleslaw: Crisp cabbage and carrot slaw in a tangy, creamy dressing.
• Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Medley of colourful vegetables roasted with herbs and olive oil.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices generously smothered with garlic butter.
• Fluffy Rice Pilaf: Light and aromatic rice pilaf, a perfect base for saucy dishes.

Sweet Endings – Desserts

• Lemon Meringue Tart: Tangy lemon curd, sweet meringue, perfectly balanced and delightful.
• Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm chocolate cake with a molten centre, served with vanilla ice cream.
• Sticky Date Pudding: Warm, moist sticky date pudding, drenched in rich butterscotch sauce.
• Pavlova with Berries: Light and airy meringue, topped with fresh cream and seasonal berries.

More About Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne

Beyond the fantastic menu, Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne offers a dining experience designed for comfort and enjoyment. The interior boasts a chic, contemporary aesthetic with natural light wood finishes, subtle blues and greens, and cleverly placed nautical accents that evoke a fresh, coastal vibe without being kitschy. Service is a standout; the staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, eager to offer recommendations, and genuinely committed to making your visit seamless and enjoyable. While offering premium quality fresh seafood, the pricing is mid-range, providing excellent value. It’s a perfect spot for various occasions, from a casual family lunch to a special evening out.

Our Verdict on Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne

Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne has truly established itself as a must-visit dining destination in Carlton. Our absolute favourites from the menu include the incredibly fresh Chilli Garlic Prawns – plump, succulent, and perfectly spiced, they are an absolute flavour bomb. The Grilled Barramundi Fillet is another standout, consistently cooked to flaky perfection, demonstrating the kitchen’s commitment to quality produce. And for those who love a classic done right, the Premium Barramundi & Chips deliver that satisfying crispness and tender fish every time. This restaurant is ideal for anyone who appreciates high-quality, fresh seafood served in a welcoming and stylish environment. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic dinner, a family wanting a delightful meal, or a group of friends gathering for a relaxed feast, Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne caters to all. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and utterly satisfied. We highly recommend adding Big Fish, Small Fish Melbourne to your culinary hit list – you won’t be disappointed!

Restaurant Planning Notes

This guide is designed to help readers compare Big Fish, Small Fish in Melbourne with clearer visit planning, menu context, and practical ordering checks. Restaurant details can change quickly, so the final booking, menu, hours, and price details should always be confirmed through a current official source before visiting.

How to Use This Guide

Use this page as a starting point before you travel, book, or place an order. First, decide whether Big Fish, Small Fish fits the occasion: a quick meal, a casual catch-up, a family dinner, a date night, takeaway, or a more planned restaurant visit. Second, compare the likely menu style with what your group actually wants. Third, confirm the live details that can change: opening hours, booking rules, menu availability, prices, service fees, dietary handling, and delivery coverage.

This matters because restaurant pages become outdated quickly. A static page can still help when it explains how to think about the menu, what to verify, and how to avoid common ordering mistakes. Treat this guide as an editorial checklist, then use the restaurant’s official website, booking page, social profile, or current delivery listing for final confirmation.

Practical Menu Notes

Big Fish, Small Fish is best approached as a restaurant dining option. Readers should look for mains, shareable plates, drinks, desserts, and visit-specific menu choices. If the current menu is long, avoid choosing only by the first dish name you recognise. A better method is to compare the main categories, then choose one anchor item, one supporting item, and one side or drink that balances the meal.

For first-time visitors, start with the dish category the restaurant is most clearly known for, then add one balancing side. For groups, order across categories instead of choosing several similar dishes. That gives everyone a better sense of the restaurant and usually makes the meal easier to share. If you are ordering takeaway or delivery, choose items that travel well and keep sauces, toppings, or delicate sides separate where possible.

Real-World Visit Checks

• Check current hours: restaurant trading times can change by season, staffing, holidays, and private events.
• Check booking rules: popular venues may need reservations, deposits, seating limits, or cancellation notice.
• Check the latest menu: dishes, prices, lunch specials, tasting menus, and delivery options can change without warning.
• Check the location: restaurants with similar names, branches, or old listings can cause confusion in maps and delivery apps.
• Check value before ordering: compare portion size, sharing style, service fees, and delivery charges rather than looking only at headline menu prices.

Dietary and Allergy Notes

Do not rely only on a third-party guide for allergy, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, or other dietary guarantees. Even when a menu item sounds suitable, preparation can involve shared fryers, shared utensils, dairy-based sauces, nuts, seafood, eggs, wheat, or other ingredients that are not obvious from a short menu title.

If a dietary requirement matters, ask the restaurant directly before ordering. Useful questions include whether the dish contains the ingredient, whether it is cooked on shared equipment, whether substitutions are possible, and whether staff can record the request clearly. That direct check is more reliable than assuming based on a menu category.

Editorial Note and Author Information

Author: MyReserveTable Editorial Team. This guide is prepared as a practical restaurant planning resource. Readers should confirm live restaurant details such as current menus, prices, hours, booking rules, and dietary handling directly with the restaurant before visiting or ordering.

Verification Notes

• Menus, prices, opening hours, bookings, delivery coverage, and dietary handling can change quickly.
• Before visiting, confirm current details through the restaurant’s official website, booking page, social profile, map listing, or current delivery listing.
• If two public sources disagree, prefer the newest official restaurant source.