Shucks Bar in Manly is heaven for any passing fan of oysters. Known for dishing up some of the best of the ocean’s bounty, Shucks is perfect for pescatarian outings. In 2021, the team at Shucks Bar introduced some new wrinkles to its offering and operational model, implementing a brand-new lunch menu and elevated set-menu offering for dinners. Shucks Bar owner Belinda Ho has told us that the changes were made as a way to not only ensure the venue could better weather unexpected pandemic-related hiccups, but also creatively stimulate and motivate its kitchen team, minimise wastage and deliver a singular experience for diners. Shucks Bar’s dinner service now solely offers a five-course set menu that not only incorporates sensational seafood morsels that the restaurant has long been known for serving, but also high quality poultry or game. These multifaceted menus will change weekly, with the kitchen crew utilising a range of culinary techniques (think cooking over coals, salami making and preserves) to make the most of ingredients sourced at their seasonal best. The night menu for the coming weekend is revealed every Tuesday, with previous menus boasting the likes of wild game venison salami, charcoal-grilled snapper, crispy duck with lilly pilly and cucumber, cured ocean trout, and cherry tomato and prawn casarecce. Shucks Bar’s lunch menu is, conversely, a more stable affair, with a tight menu offering a range of comforting bites perfect for repeat lunch visits. Options include oysters (natural with tarragon mignonette or grilled with bourbon chipotle butter), chirashi bowl with sushi rice, ocean trout, roe and avocado, swordfish tacos with fermented corn salsa, lemongrass local king prawn banh mi with oyster pate, and bug rolls with creme fraiche, celery and dill.