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Welcome to Claypots Barbarossa
Claypots Barbarossa, located in Melbourne's vibrant Hardware Lane, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood. The restaurant merges Mediterranean and Asian influences, delivering dishes that burst with flavor and creativity. Diners rave about the Seared Hervey Bay Scallops and stand-out Sambal Stingray, which exemplify the restaurant's commitment to fresh and innovative cuisine. The inviting atmosphere, combined with friendly service, enhances the overall dining experience. Seasonal menus keep the offerings fresh and exciting, ensuring every visit feels special. From the exquisite Crème Brûlée Citron to delightful seafood tapas, Claypots Barbarossa is an absolute must-visit for food enthusiasts.
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About
Claypots Barbarossa
Welcome to Claypots Barbarossa, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Melbourne at 79 Hardware Ln. This exquisite seafood restaurant is a must-visit for anyone yearning for fresh, flavorful dishes that celebrate the bounty of the ocean. With a reputation built on quality and creativity, Claypots Barbarossa offers a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Asian culinary traditions.
As you step inside, the warm atmosphere envelops you, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Diners rave about the exceptional food and friendly service. According to Faysul H. Bhuiyan, “every dish was a delight,” which is high praise for a menu that promises to elevate your seafood dining experience.
One standout dish that consistently garners accolades is the Sambal Stingray. Reviewers have described it as “bold, spicy, and absolutely divine,” making it a must-try for those who enjoy adventurous flavors. Another highlight is the Seared Hervey Bay Scallop with sesame and lime, which offers a light, refreshing start to the meal. For heartier appetites, the Seared Swordfish, tender and finely seasoned with pink peppercorn, is equally impressive.
Seafood lovers will also find joy in the lively Stirfry Mussels imbued with ginger and lemongrass. The array of tapas-style dishes allows for a variety of tastes, and diners are encouraged to share. Mark Kong's enthusiasm for the restaurant is evident as he shares his joy over the Moroccan couscous seafood and the delectable fried school prawns, echoing a sentiment that many return customers share—a desire to come back for more.
As for dessert, Claypots Barbarossa does not disappoint. The Crème Brûlée Citron with its perfectly caramelized top and smooth custard is a crowd favorite, leaving a refreshing finish to the meal. Whether you’re settling in for an evening out or taking a moment to enjoy some of the exceptional local Czech beers on tap, each detail has been thoughtfully curated.
Despite some concerns regarding wait times, the overall consensus remains that the quality of the food and the warm ambiance make up for any hiccups. As Derrick Lim put it, “the portion sizes and quality were superb.” If you find yourself in Melbourne CBD, Claypots Barbarossa is undoubtedly a destination where every dish tells a flavorful story, waiting to be savored.
So why not treat yourself to a remarkable seafood feast and experience the culinary artistry of Claypots Barbarossa? The tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen beckon you from down the street—come and see what the buzz is all about!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Absolutely loved the fresh seafood and amazing flavours — every dish was a delight! Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great food and a warm atmosphere. ”
“ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely incredible food and atmosphere! I had the pleasure of dining at Claypots Barbarossa on Hardware Lane and was blown away by the quality and flavour of every dish. The fusion of Mediterranean with a hint of Asian cuisine was executed perfectly – light, fresh, and full of depth. I tried a range of seafood dishes, and each one was beautifully presented and seasoned just right. The Seared Hervey Bay Scallop with sesame and lime was a lovely way to start, followed by the Stirfry Mussels with ginger and lemongrass – full of rich, aromatic flavour. The Seared Swordfish was tender and paired perfectly with pink peppercorn and crushed potatoes. But the standout? The Sambal Stingray. Absolutely divine! It was bold, spicy, and so delicious I was honestly left wanting more. To top it off, the desserts were just as impressive. The Crème Brûlée Citron had a perfect caramelised top and smooth, citrusy custard, while the Poached Pear with almond crumble and pear cream was light, elegant, and the perfect finish. The atmosphere was cosy and relaxed, with great service and smile.... plus you literally can’t miss the place – you’ll smell the amazing food from down the street. If you're in Melbourne CBD, do yourself a favour and stop by. Highly recommend! ”
“ Excellent and fresh seafood in the middle of the CBD, with changing seasonal menus. Many of their dishes are unique and inventive, combining ingredients in interesting yet complementary ways. For the price, the portion size and quality were superb, and the staff were extremely friendly and delightful to talk to. ”
“ Nice little restaurant on the awesome Hardware Lane. Food was great, grilled prawn was the star and the sauce to mop up with the bread was awesome. Oysters Kilpatric were piping hot and very tasty and a little bit spicy. The Seafood Marinara had great flavour but would have loved just a bit more seafood in it. Czech beers on tap were a bonus and definitely worth getting. Only negative is it wasn’t overly busy and food was sloooooow to come out. To the point I was about to ask if the Chef had gone home for the night. All in all a great seafood feed and would go back for sure. ”
“ Very nice seafood theme restaurant. They have tapas style dishes and the main as well. Fried school prawns was really nice, sambal stingray too. We ordered the Morrocan couscous seafood and it was delicious. Oh yes don’t forget their dessert too! **update: we like it so much that we back again the next day for lunch! Do not disappointed! Will be back again! ”
“ We ordered 2 scallops, mussels, and the octopus. The sauce for the scallops and mussels are a bit too salty/ heavily seasoned. The octopus is very nice though! We love the sauce and it's grilled nicely. ”
“ Claypots Barbarossa is a hidden gem in the heart of Melbourne, just a stone’s throw from the hustle of Bourke Street but tucked away enough to feel like a secret escape. This intimate, rustic seafood and wine bar offers an unforgettable dining experience with a touch of European soul and Melbourne charm. We came here on a weekend evening and instantly fell in love with the moody, vintage interiors — dim lighting, old-world decor, and a relaxed buzz that made us feel like we’d stepped into a tucked-away seaside tavern. The atmosphere is cosy and unpretentious, and the service is warm and attentive without being overbearing. For food, we ordered the spaghetti with clams and squid ink, which was a showstopper. The pasta was perfectly cooked, the clams were fresh and tender, and the squid ink gave it a beautiful depth of flavour — rich, salty, and slightly briny in the best way. It was generous in portion and beautifully balanced. We also had a whole grilled fish which was cooked simply, letting the freshness speak for itself. The skin was crispy, and the flesh inside was moist and flaky — served with just enough garnish to let the fish shine. The grilled squid tentacles were another highlight — smoky, tender, and full of flavour, with a lovely charred finish. To pair, we ordered a round of cocktails and red wine recommended by the staff. Both were spot on — the cocktails were crafted with care and well-balanced, and the wine was crisp, clean, and paired beautifully with our seafood spread. Claypots Barbarossa is one of those places that feels like a little slice of somewhere else — part Mediterranean escape, part Melbourne laneway magic. It’s the kind of spot you come back to, whether for a cosy dinner, a date night, or just to indulge in fresh, honest seafood and a good glass of wine. ”