Discovering the Flavors of Pickled Octopus Seafood & Thai Cafe
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Tuross Head, Pickled Octopus Seafood & Thai Cafe offers a unique culinary destination for locals and travelers alike. Located at 93D Trafalgar Rd, this establishment has become a staple for those seeking a relaxed dining experience that bridges the gap between fresh coastal seafood and the vibrant, aromatic traditions of Thai cuisine. The atmosphere is designed to reflect the laid-back charm of the New South Wales South Coast, providing a welcoming space where the sound of the ocean breeze complements the complexity of the dishes served.
The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in the balance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic preparation methods. By focusing on the natural bounty of the region, the cafe ensures that every plate tells a story of the surrounding environment. Whether you are stopping by for a casual lunch after a morning at the beach or settling in for a more deliberate evening meal, the cafe provides a consistent standard of quality and hospitality that resonates with the community.
The menu is crafted to cater to a diverse range of palates, emphasizing the harmony of flavors that define both traditional Thai cooking and classic seafood preparations. Guests can expect a thoughtful selection of dishes that highlight the versatility of high-quality proteins and fresh produce. The kitchen team prioritizes technique and consistency, ensuring that each visit offers a reliable and enjoyable experience. It is this dedication to the craft of cooking that has allowed the cafe to maintain its place as a favored spot in Tuross Head.
What Makes Our Cafe Special
A Fusion of Coastal and Thai Traditions: We take pride in our ability to blend the freshness of local seafood with the bold, aromatic spices characteristic of Thai culinary arts, creating a menu that feels both familiar and excitingly different.
Prime Location in Tuross Head: Situated conveniently on Trafalgar Road, our cafe serves as an ideal stop for those exploring the beautiful coastline, offering a comfortable environment to recharge and enjoy a meal in the heart of the village.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: We prioritize the use of fresh, high-quality components in every dish, ensuring that the natural flavors of our seafood and produce are always at the forefront of the dining experience.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: Our space is designed to be inclusive and relaxed, making it a perfect venue for family gatherings, casual catch-ups with friends, or a quiet meal while enjoying the serene coastal surroundings.
A Culinary Destination on the South Coast
At Pickled Octopus Seafood & Thai Cafe, we believe that dining should be an experience that brings people together. Our location at 93D Trafalgar Rd is more than just a place to eat; it is a space where the community can gather to appreciate good food and genuine hospitality. We invite you to visit us and explore the diverse flavors we have curated, whether you are a long-time resident of Tuross Head or a visitor passing through the region.
We remain dedicated to refining our offerings and maintaining the high standards that our guests have come to expect. By focusing on the integrity of our ingredients and the warmth of our service, we aim to provide a memorable experience for every person who walks through our doors. We look forward to welcoming you soon and sharing our passion for seafood and Thai-inspired cuisine in the beautiful setting of the New South Wales South Coast.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Healthy options
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Menus
Photos
Reviews Pickled Octopus Seafood & Thai Cafe
Phillip Shelton
30-05-2026
We were holidaying in Tuross Heads and found this absolute gem of a restaurant!
If you want your taste buds tantalised then make a booking.
Definitely coming back when we are back next year! More
Steph Snedden
30-05-2026
Amazing spot for the sunset, very small space so important to book ahead, try and ask for a table out on the deck. There is an extensive food menu however the cocktails and wine list are simple. Would recommend the house special oysters, and we had the special yellow fin tuna steak.
Priscilla Jacob
30-05-2026
The views are wonderful and the sunset was quite beautiful. We watched people fish on the dock and ate fresh seafood. The food was fresh but wasn't as great as expected. The dessert was lovely and the service was quite good too. The Octopus … More
Oriana Price
30-05-2026
Fish fresh and tasty but a bit on the oily side and chips just ok… but my biggest question is, what were those disks you called Thai fish cakes? Oily tasteless sponges that not even the gulls wanted eat . On the upside great location, nice music and lovely young staff.. More
Bill & Sally Green
30-05-2026
Enjoyed a lovely lunch. Food was very fresh and tasty. Love the location. Our waitress was attentive and helpful More
Christopher Heazlewood
30-05-2026
Located on the shores of Tuross River the restaurant looks out over a beautiful estuary. Sun sinking ver the water is spectacular. Food is always great either interesting Sian fusion menu. Staff are friendly and although the restaurant is busy attention to personal need is fantastic. Love eating in or taking away. More
Jamie Simmonite
30-05-2026
We had no idea what to expect when searching for a lunch spot in the area… but we found this gem! We booked outside in the alfresco dining - and had a table right on the water. We predominately shared a number of entrees (calamari, … More
- Farpun -
30-05-2026
Honestly my favourite restaurant, when upstairs. The food is amazing and the service is fantastic and being right on the water is so cool. … More
Andrew Steel
30-05-2026
Friendly tasty and top quality menu. Very fresh ,, just not a big fan of the QR code menu ...great beer selection, would definitely travel to go back for a chill afternoon late lunch in the sun by the beautiful river More
Selig
30-05-2026
Oh dear. The food here is average at best.
Supermarket prawn gow gee (prawn dumplings) and shu mai. Totally flavourless and overpriced for the same ones you can get in any supermarket. … More
Iain Fyfe
30-05-2026
Used outside under cover.
Service responsive and friendly.
Food delicious and good quality, somewhat pricey. … More
Sam Jackson
30-05-2026
Delicious food, great view. Lovely spot to spend a sunny afternoon
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people
Simon Mackie
30-05-2026
A unique experience!
An extensive range of choices on the food and drink menus. Very authentic flavours and decent sized servings delivered with a smile. … More
Jan (JintyS)
30-05-2026
Absolutely fabulous place. We sat downstairs on the deck. We were delighted by the serenity and views, especially when a seal popped up to say hello.
The service is excellent and food delicious. Well worth a visit. More
John Hyland
30-05-2026
We keep coming back here, it's just wonderful. The Khao Soi is just the tastiest laksa... and the rest of the menu is great too. Our table had honey prawns, cashew chicken, chicken satay, salt & pepper calamari, spring rolls and they were … More
Wal
30-05-2026
The people at “The Pickled Octopus” were excellent. Always making sure all is well. The food was a reminder of Thailand. Thai Fish Cakes were gorgeous, the Soft Shell Crab was excellent. The Mango with Thai Sticky Rice & Coconut Sauce was … More
Lauren Smith
30-05-2026
Absolutely loved our dine in last night. We ordered a crazy amount of food as we can never chose just one dish AND it was our leftovers for dinner tonight. Highly rate the satau sticks, green curry and the sticky rice dessert. Thank you!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Alastair Stuart
30-05-2026
Our bad, we went on a Saturday night on a long weekend, sat outdoors and ordered via table QR code. It too1hr 15 to arrive. Would go at a less busy time next time. More
Ian Cox
30-05-2026
I love this place and have had many great meal and moments over many years. Maybe the stress of holiday season, but the last two visits have been average (food) and the pricing seems to have lost touch with the product. I won’t abandon you … More
Angeline Moore
30-05-2026
We had an event downstairs and the entire team did a great job. Shout out to Abby thank you for continually accommodating to our requests we really appreciated it. … More
Sam Jackson
30-05-2026
Delicious food, great view. Lovely spot to spend a sunny afternoon
Meal type…
More
Gabe Morrice
30-05-2026
Beautiful fresh Thai food, the favours of the freshly grown herbs made each mouthful explode with fresh, vibrant flavours. Really appreciated knowing there was no MSG, relying on the chefs’ expertise and fresh produce for such lovely food. … More
Rowena Stulajter
30-05-2026
Perfect place for dinner on a beautiful summers late afternoon/ early evening. Nice to have the BYO option. Food was tasty and although it was quite busy, food service wasn't too long. More
michael lentern
30-05-2026
Had a wonderful night here with friends. Service was great, food was well presented and tasted amazing. Started with the spring rolls, followed by the snapper (which was on the pricey side for the amount of fish, however very tasty. The prawn salad was great, the baby octopus was cold and on the crispy side but tasty. The pork larb was possibly the best I've tried. The desert was the black sticky rice with mango and coconut cream. We all loved this.
Overall a wonderful experience that I'd highly recommend.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Pene George
30-05-2026
My partner and I decided to share several entree options for lunch a bit like a tapas meal, we also couldn’t go past trying the pork belly (a main). Everything was delicious and it was lovely to taste a few different dishes. We enjoyed a pleasant bottle of Margaret River Chardonnay with them. We had a lovely table at the balcony in the sunshine, overlooking the water, top spot.
Bee is always so hospitable and service was excellent. Love the Pickled Octopus.
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Conor Tierney
30-05-2026
Who doesn't love a westerly view over the water to the mountains whilst enjoying fantastic food and great service? We certainly did this evening having our meal!
We sat downstairs in the more relaxed open area, however this does not mean the service wasn't top notch. Drinks and entrees were brought quickly, mains came a little later, both the seafood and Asian dishes were tasty and made to a high standard.
Afterwards we realised we had left something at our table; a quick phone call and staff were immediately down to the table to retrieve the item and set aside for later collection!
I don't think I can rate the Picked Octopus more highly, and we will certainly be back when in Tuross again!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Fabien Rouiller
30-05-2026
crab springrolls were a little bit over cooked (but maybe it is an Australia thing as I ve had three different overcooked springrolls experience in different places), but the bbqed octopus was absolutely delicious. The right amount of spicy and crispy. Nice view overlooking the water.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Phil Crawford
30-05-2026
Fantastic dinner out with friends. Great food, service,view,atmosphere. Will be visiting again. TV
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Vegetarian options
Yes
Dietary restrictions
Lots of GF options.
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Ehab Ghattas
30-05-2026
What a Gem! Delicious food, awesome service! But most importantly the view! The view at sunset is out of this world! Tiny bit on the pricey side, but the premium for the good service and views is worth it. Loved dining and supporting a local place! Will be back
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Kaz Mich
30-05-2026
Our first visit to Pickled Octopus. We had a fabulous time from start to finish. Friendly staff and exeptional service , extensive menu, delicious food, generous portions. The view from restaurant at sunset over lake was sensational 👌
We will definitely be back , and look forward to our next meal there .
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people
Vegetarian options
Plenty to choose from on menu
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Peter Johnston
30-05-2026
We booked for dinner for two and weren't disappointed. The food was excellent. I had the soft shell crab for a main and my wife had the groper. Service was friendly and efficient. The views over the river as the sun set were beautiful.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Vegetarian options
Limited vegetarian options unless you are a pescatarian.
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
We visited in shoulder season and parking was easy. I am guessing that during peak holiday period it would be difficult as the parking area wasn't that big.
Reviews Pickled Octopus Seafood & Thai Cafe