The new Sydney Fish Market had its fair share of critics, but it’s quickly proving a major success, with over one million visitors already flocking to the Blackwattle Bay location.
When the Sydney Fish Market opened its doors on January 19, the city was abuzz. Some lamented the loss of the old Pyrmont building, with cries about “loss of character” putting doubts into how the new Fish Market would be received. Others, including the majority of original operators, welcomed the idea of a bigger space, more waterside dining and later opening hours.
There’s no doubt that sceptics have been swiftly silenced, as the new market surpasses one million visitors, just a week after being recognised by Time Magazine as one of the “World’s Greatest Places of 2026.”
Alongside icons like El Camino in Costa Rica, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo and Highway 1 in California, the Sydney Fish Market has been spotlighted as a must-visit destination, referencing “the rebirth of an icon” and the project’s “sustainability”, “history”, and suitability for “food lovers”.
The piece also mentioned Sydney Fish Market’s impactful nod to “the area’s Indigenous heritage”, with its “five permanent art installations” and “yearlong programs”.
It’s a major win for the NSW Government, particularly after the long-delayed opening of the new building, whose final cost skyrocketed from an estimated $250 million to a huge $836 million. A poor reception would be the worst-case scenario after all the delays and the amount of taxpayers’ money spent.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper spoke on the milestone moment, stating, “More than one million visitors in under two months shows the new Sydney Fish Market is already one of Sydney’s must-visit destinations.
“This incredible harbourside precinct is drawing locals and tourists alike to experience world-class seafood, great dining and a vibrant public space right on the water.
“It’s not just a fish market, it’s a place where people come to eat, explore and spend time by the harbour.”
What’s behind the new Sydney Fish Market’s success?
On the opening day of the new Sydney Fish Market, I woke up bright and early to be one of the first people to check out the new space.
It’s a good thing I arrived at 6am (even if it meant half a dozen oysters for breakfast) because by 10am, queues were already wrapping around the harbour precinct.
The building is very impressive. It’s double the size of the old Sydney Fish Market and has an abundance of waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood with their own special twists. Hamsi Taverna is a “love letter to the Mediterranean”, and Lua by Luke Nguyen has an open-kitchen theatre.
There’s also a gelateria, a pizzeria, a florist, a grocer and a juice bar, alongside all the original Sydney Fish Market operators.
The building’s sheer scale, from its high ceilings to its generous seating and sleek, modern design, is part of what makes it so impressive, as is the incredible variety on offer for visitors.
I agree that the new building doesn’t feel as authentic as the old one, but with every original operator deciding to make the move to Blackwattle Bay, their own histories, stories and flavours have moved in too. And let’s be honest, more space in a fish market is always preferable, as NSW Premier Chris Minns stated, it will also be “the best-smelling fish market in the world.”
It must be noted too that so many people will have visited the new Fish Market due to the huge anticipation for its opening. Sydneysiders and tourists were curious to see the outcome of the multi-year project and how they’d recreate one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings. After seeing the excitement and hype of visitors on opening day, I’m not surprised that one million people have passed through its doors.
Interested in visiting? You can check out the full list of Sydney Fish Market retailers here.
