The mangrove tree-lined edges of Queensland coastline and the rivers that feed into it create crab heaven. Locals love to throw in a crab pot and catch their own while visitors can indulge in sweet crab flesh in many variations, from sandwiches or lasagne to a whole crab just on its own. Here’s where you’ll find the best places to eat mud crab in Queensland.
10 Mud Crab Restaurants in Queensland
1- Fish D’Vine, Arlie Beach
Rebecca Clark of Fish D’Vine in Arlie Beach says the restaurant buys directly each day from local registered fishermen.
Try their famous chilli crab, wok tossed in a Thai chilli marinade on steamed jasmine rice.
2- On The Inlet Seafood Restaurant, Port Douglas
On The Inlet has a wonderful view across the Coral Sea towards Cape Tribulation and the Daintree.
It’s the perfect spot to devour a seafood platter for two, especially when it includes a wok-tossed whole mud crab.
3- Rosslyn Bay Fishermans Market
Perched on the headland at Rosslyn Bay Harbour, Rosslyn Bay Fishermans Market is where you’ll find the freshest seafood sustainably caught by local fishermen.
That includes the sweetest crab around and is one of the best places to eat mud crabs in the Southern Great Barrier Reef region.
4- Muddies, Cardwell
Best mud crab sandwiches ever – just ask a local.
Watch out for the huge mud crab as you drive through Cardwell.
5- Il Centro, Brisbane
When it comes to crab dishes, Il Centro’s Sand Crab Lasagne is the granddaddy.
It’s a rich dish boosted with sea urchin roe in the creamy sauce.
The dish has been on the menu of this Brisbane CBD restaurant for 25 years.
6- Embassy XO, Sunshine Beach
The crab spring rolls are dipped in the green chilli mayo and wrapped in a lettuce leaf.
It’s an absolute flavour eye opener.
They are part of a 10 piece Yum Cha menu available Friday to Sunday.
7- Mooloolaba Fish Market
The Spit at Mooloolaba is where the trawlers come in and the fish and chips go out.
Dine at the Mooloolaba Fish Market or take your dinner to the beach for a total seaside experience.
8- Gambaro, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane
An award-winning seafood restaurant and Brisbane institution since 1953, Gambaro’s is the place to order a Queensland brown belly mud crab simply dressed with a choice of lemon or garlic butter. Oh yes.
9- Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant, Gold Coast
Have your mud crab Greek style grilled with shallots, garlic, oregano, lemon butter or Chilli Plum, grilled and finished with Omeros Bros’ homemade sweet chilli plum sauce.
10- Grunske’s by the River, Bundaberg
Watch the boats unload their catch while dining on mud, spanner or sand crabs or freshly cooked fish and chips.
Grunske’s by the River is one of the state’s largest retail seafood outlets.
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