Claypots Barbarossa

Unclaimed

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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! ?

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.