Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Claypots Evening Star

Market, Shop 101/116 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Recommended by 0 people

Updated

Find Claypots Evening Star

Market, Shop 101/116 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9645 5779
HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Claypots Evening Star

Settle into a South Melbourne Market corner where fresh ocean catch meets live jazz and unvarnished energy. Daily hauls are chalked across the blackboard rather than set in stone. Regulars lean toward the fragrant garlic-chilli seafood marinara pasta—heaped high with prawns, mussels, and squid—or charred calamari with sweet-sour tomato sauce. Pull up a counter stool right before the wailing brass kicks in, and tear into crusty bread to mop up the juices.

  • Blackboard seafood menu: Daily catch listings are scrawled on blackboards based on the morning haul, alongside signature garlic-chilli seafood marinara and charred calamari.
  • Market jazz atmosphere: Counter seats and outdoor tables hum with weekend jazz and acoustic sets right in South Melbourne Market.
RestaurantSeafoodRestaurant

What's On at Claypots Evening Star

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Claypots Evening Star

Fresh daily market seafood, bustling counter cooking, and weekend jazz inside South Melbourne Market

  • Rich garlic-chilli seafood marinara

    Generous bowls of pasta loaded with prawns, mussels, and squid come tossed in a fragrant garlic-chilli reduction with rich seafood juices.

    The garlic and herb taste was strong and I loved it. The prawns were real fresh and mussels juicy.

    Henry Hsu

  • Expertly grilled calamari

    Tender whole calamari is charred over direct heat and paired with a savoury sweet-sour tomato glaze that clings to every bite.

    The calamari is springy, sweet, and cooked with care – the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for a second.

    IL Melbourne Foodies

  • Live jazz soundtracking your meal

    Live jazz bands, accordions, and acoustic sets perform right inside the market stall, elevating the energetic counter buzz.

    The atmosphere was relaxed and lively, with live jazz music adding a really nice Melbourne dining vibe.

    MP

  • Market blackboard catch of the day

    Daily fresh seafood arrivals are scrawled across blackboards, letting diners see what came in from the coast each morning.

    Make sure you check the board, there are specials and extra dishes that aren’t on the main menu.

    Jay K

  • Share-friendly feasts for groups

    Heaped seafood platters and large pasta bowls make sharing effortless across small groups at bustling corner tables.

    Spaghetti marinara was big portion and very good. We ordered calamari and garlic chilli bread as well. Better to come more than two or three people and share the great seafoods.

    Mayu

  • Convivial gathering spot

    A warm, cozy market perimeter welcomes regular visitors and dinner gatherings to share plates and drinks over easy conversation.

    Really good vibe and a cozy environment for dinner. The food is nice and good to share.

    James

Freshly prepared market seafood and signature pasta favourites

  • Seafood marinara pasta

    The seafood marinara pasta ($64) is a feast for two. Choose the version with chilli – the sauce, freshly made with garlic and chilli, concentrates everything good about the sea into one bowl.

    IL Melbourne Foodies

  • Grilled calamari

    The grilled calamari is the hero. Freshly grilled, it arrives with a sweet‑sour tomato sauce that clings to the charred edges.

    IL Melbourne Foodies

  • Coffin Bay oysters

    The Coffin Bay oysters ($24 per dozen) are small, fresh, and sweet, with a faint metallic tang that speaks to their briny origin. A squeeze of lemon and a dash of Tabasco is all they need. Simple, perfect, dangerously moreish.

    IL Melbourne Foodies

  • Pan fried barramundi

    The pan fried baramundi was just perfect. Had to get more bread to mop up the sauce.

    Russell Hirschorn

Beyond the menu

Distinctive hospitality touches and market dining experiences at South Melbourne Market

  • Front-Row Open Kitchen Counter Seating

    Guests seated at the bar counter are positioned right in front of the kitchen station, watching fresh seafood transform into finished plates before their eyes.

  • Daily Catch Scrawled on Blackboards

    A rotating blackboard displays the day's fresh arrivals, off-menu specials, and daily catch options directly sourced from the market.

  • Live Jazz & Acoustic Performances

    Performances featuring live jazz bands, piano, or accordion accompany dining on weekends and select weeknights, enhancing the market buzz.

  • Daily Afternoon Happy Hour Specials

    Diners who drop in between 4pm and 6pm daily can enjoy afternoon happy hour drink specials that complement quick seafood bites.

Before you head over

Practical advice on timing, blackboard specials, and parking for a seamless market dining experience

  • Beat Peak Queues by Timing Early

    Peak lunch and weekend services draw significant queues. Arrive around 5pm for an early dinner or visit on weekdays to secure seating with minimal waiting.

  • Check the Blackboard for Daily Catches

    Specials and rotating daily catches are written directly on blackboards rather than fixed printed menus, so inspect the boards before deciding on your order.

  • Plan Around Market Parking Days

    Take advantage of South Melbourne Market parking perks on Wednesdays and Fridays, or opt for an early weekday stop when foot traffic is calmer.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Browse all Melbourne venues