Discovering Adelaide: 3-Day Oyster Tasting Journey Inspired by Xiaohongshu Tips

I recently traveled to Adelaide for a business trip and took the opportunity to explore three oyster restaurants that were highly recommended on Xiaohongshu. Here’s a rundown of my experiences over the three days:

[One] Best value for money: Cappo’s Fish Market (2-5)

Nestled within the bustling Adelaide Central Market, Cappo’s Fish Market stands out as the only seafood restaurant in the area. For just 24.99 AUD, you can savor a dozen oysters, which works out to about 2 AUD each—comparable to the prices at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market last October. The dining ambiance, however, leaves something to be desired.

I also tried a stir-fried noodle dish from the nearby Asian Gourmet, but it was a letdown. On the other hand, the pickled cabbage from the stall across the way was quite decent.

[Two] My personal favorite: Oyster Bar Holdfast Shores (6-9)

If you’re looking for a fantastic oyster experience, head to Oyster Bar Holdfast Shores before 7:00 PM on Wednesdays or Fridays, when they offer special pricing. Normally, a dozen original-flavored oysters cost 35 AUD, but during the special, they’re just 29 AUD. The flavored varieties, usually priced at 38-39 AUD per dozen, are available for 33-34 AUD. I particularly enjoyed the Oliver flavor, which was a delightful blend of flavors.

[Three] Neither good nor bad: Metro Oyster Bar (10-14)

Situated in Chinatown, Metro Oyster Bar offers a dozen original-flavored oysters for 33 AUD. I opted for a mix of half a dozen original and half a dozen with basil dressing. Unfortunately, the basil seasoning was overly salty, overpowering the natural sweetness of the oysters. However, the Jumbo Oyster is a must-try. While it’s a bit pricier, the freshness and sweetness make it worth every penny.

[Four] Didn’t get to visit: Bacchus Bar (Henley Beach)

Bacchus Bar caught my attention after a post from June mentioned that oysters were just 2 AUD each. However, I couldn’t find any recent photos or reviews online, so I decided not to make the long journey. If anyone has recent information on their prices or any other recommendations, I’d love to hear them!