Restaurant
Claypots Barbarossa
79 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Claypots Barbarossa
79 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Claypots Barbarossa
Hardware Lane’s seafood haven turns fresh catch into aromatic feasts simmered in rustic earthenware. Patrons flock here for an irreverent spin on coastal cooking—slow-cooked claypot rice laden with shellfish, seared swordfish with pink peppercorn, and sambal stingray packing serious heat. Evenings get rowdy inside the brick dining room, powered by live accordion duos and digestifs. At lunchtime, the spruiker waves you in for generous bowls of clam chowder with buttered sourdough and spaghetti marinara bianca.
- Claypot Seafood & Spice: Earthenware pots arrive bubbling with slow-cooked rice, shellfish, and herbs alongside bold crossovers like sambal stingray.
- Laneway Folk & Accordion: Live accordion players and folk duos wander the dining room as the evening hits full stride.
- Generous Lunch Plates: Midweek crowds head in for generous bowls of clam chowder with buttered sourdough and spaghetti marinara bianca.
What's On at Claypots Barbarossa
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Claypots Barbarossa
Why diners choose Claypots Barbarossa for fresh seafood feasts and laneway culture
Inventive Mediterranean & Asian Seafood Fusion
Traditional claypots and regional dishes pair tender seafood with aromatic ginger, lemongrass, and sambal spices.
The fusion of Mediterranean with a hint of Asian cuisine was executed perfectly – light, fresh, and full of depth.
Josephine Pinter Generous Claypot Specialties & Fresh Catches
Generous claypots slow-cook fragrant rice and plump catches with rich pan sauces and herbs.
Fragrant rice slow-cooked in traditional earthenware pots, loaded with generous portions of tender, juicy seafood bursting with herbs and rich flavours.
Mazaya Galva Live Accordion & Folk Performances
Accordion duos and soulful acoustic sets animate dinner services directly inside the dining room.
That night, we were entertained by two men playing the accordion, which made the evening quite fun and enjoyable!
Aang Sri Angraini Vibrant Hardware Lane Atmosphere
Hanging lanterns and an energetic laneway terrace create an electric Melbourne CBD dining setting.
Awesome 2 piece band playing. People standing up in the places dancing. Its noisy. Its grundgy.
Tim Timchur Superb Midweek & Lunch Value
Generous portions and approachable pricing offer exceptional value for fresh CBD seafood.
For the price, the portion size and quality were superb, and the staff were extremely friendly and delightful to talk to.
Derrick Lim Warm, Attentive Laneway Hospitality
Welcoming lunch and dinner service ensures relaxed, comfortable dining on Hardware Lane.
she had a wonderful way of making customers feel comfortable without being over the top. I had such a peaceful and enjoyable lunch because of her.
NR P
Most popular items
Signature seafood dishes and claypot specialties
Seafood Paella
The Cajun fish was fresh, Octopus 🐙 tender and Seafood Paella superb.
Simon Wong Spaghetti marinara bianca
With perfectly cooked spaghetti, generous seafood portions and a beautiful, balanced flavour - it has become my go to dish.
Sam Sambal Stingray
The Sambal Stingray. Absolutely divine! It was bold, spicy, and so delicious I was honestly left wanting more.
Josephine Pinter Seared Swordfish
Highly recommend the swordfish and potatoes (firm and meaty texture)
Dennis Wang
Other favorites
Starters, sides, and sweet finishes
Crème Brûlée Citron
The Crème Brûlée Citron had a perfect caramelised top and smooth, citrusy custard
Josephine Pinter Poached Pear
Poached Pear with almond crumble and pear cream was light, elegant, and the perfect finish.
Josephine Pinter Anchovies on toast
Would definitely recommend the paella and anchovies on toast.
Max Nakasato Turkish eggplant
Turkish eggplant, and tabouli salad. Would love to come back again.
Maria Walker
Beyond the menu
Memorable gestures and atmosphere details that elevate dining at Claypots Barbarossa
Complimentary Wine Surprises
Tables enjoy unexpected complimentary pours of wine served by welcoming staff to elevate evening celebrations.
Spontaneous Chef Dessert Surprises
When a requested dessert was out, the kitchen surprised guests with a generous off-menu croissant pudding treat.
Intimate Live Accordion & Folk Performances
Dining rooms come alive with live accordion and uncommon acoustic instruments played right among diners, prompting spontaneous dancing.
Vinyl Records & Laneway Lantern Decor
Shelves lined with vinyl records and ambient hanging lanterns set a distinct, nostalgic mood along Hardware Lane.
Before you head over
Practical guidance for reservations, peak entertainment hours, and navigating the menu
Time Your Visit for Music or Conversation
If you want to experience the energetic live music and bustling crowd, visit on weekend evenings, but be prepared for a lively, loud room with dancing and accordion tunes. For quiet conversation, choose an early midweek dinner or lunch instead.
Book Ahead for Evening Dining
Hardware Lane can get very lively during dinner service with live musical performances that draw crowds, so reserving a table ahead of time is strongly recommended for evening meals.
Expect Global Fusion Rather Than Hotpot
Do not expect traditional Chinese hotpot; the kitchen specializes in Mediterranean seafood alongside North African and Southeast Asian fusion dishes like sambal stingray, Moroccan couscous, and lemongrass mussels.
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