It's official: Port Douglas home to Australia's best seafood restaurant

TOP GONG

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(L-R) Restaurant Manager Chris Bower, Assistant Manager Daisy Williams, Chef Patrick Cooper and Head Chef Adam Ion of 2 Fish Restaurant Port Douglas. IMAGE: Supplied.


IT'S official. Port Douglas is home to the best seafood restaurant in Australia after 2 Fish was crowned the country's finest at the National Restaurant and Catering Awards on Monday night.

The popular Macrossan Street restaurant implemented an exquisite new menu earlier this year and has been rewarded with the top gong at a prestigious awards ceremony in Sydney.

Head Chef Adam Ion, Restaurant Manager Chris Bower, Assistant Manager Daisy Wilson and the entire 2 Fish team have been lauded for their ‘incredible team work’ by owners Meg and Steve Oatley.

“They have worked so hard to create an amazing dining experience for everyone who visits 2 Fish,” Meg said.

“The support from Port Douglas community has also been fantastic, inspiring us to take an already iconic restaurant to the next level.”

2 Fish trounced 10 of Australia's finest seafood restaurants for the top gong, drawing high praise for its use of regional and seasonal produce. The restaurant also took out the AGFG Readers’ Choice Award earlier year, capping off a massive 2016.

Head Chef Ion, originally from Scotland, and has made a concerted effort to mix different flavours with his dishes. The Line Caught Coral Trout, served with bean sprout and papaya salad, crispy lotus root and a mango, chilli and coriander salsa, has become a ‘must try’ for seafood lovers in Port Douglas.

Bower told Newsport earlier this year they had a green light from the Oatley’s to be bold with their menu, a strategy that has paid dividends.

“We want to keep the menu fresh and seasonal, and we have the creative freedom to change it daily if we want,” he said.

“We’re not restricted so if we get seasonal fruits, vegetables or different cuts meat that are only available at a certain time, we can put it on the menu right there and then."