With fresh Australian oysters, a crisp glass of white, and a little Fitzroy charm, Fitzroy Oyster House is bringing a fresh take on the classic oyster bar. Tucked away on a leafy backstreet, this newly opened neighbourhood spot is the creation of Tim Richmond and Sunny Leunig, whose shared love of Australian oysters sparked a friendship, a coastal road trip, and ultimately, a bar of their own.
With quality seafood, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and a relaxed approach to dining, Fitzroy Oyster House is all about good produce, good company, and the simple pleasure of gathering around the table. Whether you're stopping in for a single oyster and a Martini or settling in for a leisurely dinner, it's a little reminder that the best moments are often the ones shared over something delicious.
Hi Tim and Sunny, thank you so much for having us at the newly opened Fitzroy Oyster House! For those who may not know the place yet, can you tell us a little about the team behind it and how you came to create the Oyster House together?
It was a pleasure to have you here. Fitzroy Oyster House is an Oyster Bar in the backstreets of Fitzroy. Alongside a selection of live Australian Oysters, we offer a small menu for those after a meal. I had been inspired to open a bar specialising in Australian oysters after serving them at my previous business, ‘Longplay’ for over 13 years. It was at Longplay that I forged a friendship with Sunny. My enthusiasm for the oyster inspired a road trip with Sunny a few years ago up South Coast NSW. We made a short lighthearted documentary about it, and with Sunny’s expert skills, a uniquely crafted work was born, which celebrates our shared love for the Australian oyster.
- Tim
What drew you to this particular space in Fitzroy, and what made you want to open an oyster house here?
A leafy backstreet, close to the city, was the perfect place to make the vision come to life.
- Sunny
You’ve spent more than a decade at Longplay. How did that experience shape what you wanted Fitzroy Oyster House to be?
The 13 years running Longplay gave me considerable experience. As a chef, it broadened my experience beyond food. Wine, cocktails, management, business, marketing. It established a network of locals, and friends, which The Fitzroy Oyster House continues to foster. This continuity is integral to the Fitzroy Oyster House community.
- Tim
Oysters are at the heart of everything you do here. Can you please share your approach to sourcing oysters, what do you look for when choosing your seafood, wine and other ingredients for the menu.
The short answer to this question is ‘quality’. Ensuring a specialised wine list has points of difference, helps to make it dynamic without being too broad. Similarly, a menu of any kind needs contrast, alongside seasonality and freshness. Currently we work with a wholesaler that supplies a variety of oyster , however there are a number of oyster farmers whose season is about to open and from whom we will buy direct from when their oysters become available.
- Tim
Fitzroy Oyster House is deliberately relaxed, whether someone drops in for a single oyster and a Martini or settles in for a longer meal. What do you hope people feel and experience when they walk through the doors?
I want refinement to work alongside casual dining. A casual approach need not compromise the quality of the product, service, and overall experience.
- Tim
Do you have a favourite oyster and wine pairing from the current menu, or a particular dish and drink you’d recommend for someone visiting for the first time?
We specialize in white wines and oysters. I’d recommend them all. The food menu is understated, and broadens the experience beyond Oyster Bar, and into the realm of a restaurant.
- Sunny
What does being part of the Fitzroy community mean to you, and what are some of your favourite local spots or things to do in the neighbourhood when you’re not at the Oyster House?
Fitzroy has many unique qualities. The density of its population hosts a diversity in all its manifestations. Rich history, tourists, locals that keep it down to earth. It has it all.
- Sunny
What are your top tips for creating beautiful, memorable moments around the table?
TIM: A business which fosters a community will be convivial for a number of reasons. This conviviality is contagious and can influence the ambience of a room. This is important. Music is important too.
- Tim
