SAMSON Fish Seafood Café at Raby Bay Harbour has been a beloved staple in the Redlands area for nearly 20 years.
The family-run cafe, owned by Sam Tran, has earned a loyal following from both locals and visitors, drawn by the promise of fresh, high-quality seafood in a relaxed and inviting setting.
And from my recent visit, it was clear that this isn’t just a great spot – it’s a must-go destination.
I had the pleasure of trying the barramundi, served with a side of golden chips and a crisp salad, and I have to say, it was an absolute delight.
As Sam notes: “Snapper, flathead, and barramundi … everything here is just really fresh.”
The barramundi was expertly grilled to perfection – lightly charred on the outside, with the flesh remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
The flavour was delicate yet flavourful, with a subtle sweetness that really highlighted the quality of the fish.
It’s no wonder barramundi is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes –it was everything you want in a classic fish and chips meal, but elevated to another level with the perfect preparation.
The chips were another standout.
Crispy on the outside and perfectly soft and fluffy on the inside, they were the ideal companion to the barramundi.
Paired with the salad, which was light, fresh, and full of colour, the dish offered a nice balance.
The quality of the food at Samson Fish Seafood Café is unmistakable, and it’s clear that Sam takes great pride in sourcing only the best seafood.
As he shared with me: “Most of the seafood is local Australian,” with only a couple of exceptions, like the South African cod and the Vietnamese dory.
This commitment to using local produce really shines through in the meal.
From the barramundi to the chips and salad, everything tasted incredibly fresh and well thought out.
What truly sets Samson Fish Seafood apart, however, is the waterfront experience.
The location, set against the backdrop of the serene Raby Bay Harbour, is stunning.
“You couldn’t get a better spot really,” Sam says, and I couldn’t agree more.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, enjoying both the food and the beautiful surroundings for a bit longer.
The cafe is incredibly family-friendly, and Sam points out that they see a lot of repeat customers, particularly families, thanks to the warm atmosphere and excellent service.
It’s clear that people come for the food, but they return because of the relaxed, almost home-like vibe that Samson Fish Seafood provides.
You can see it in the smiling faces of both staff and diners, and there’s a genuine sense of community that makes the experience feel more like a gathering than a typical meal out.
The service itself was warm and efficient.
Despite the steady stream of customers, the staff managed to keep everything moving smoothly without ever appearing rushed.
Sam mentioned that during lunchtime, they get a lot of office workers, while evenings and weekends are filled with families.
For a cafe that’s been in business for almost two decades, it’s clear that Samson Fish Seafood has built something special.
The commitment to using fresh, local seafood, the inviting atmosphere, and the stunning location all come together to create a dining experience that feels both special and comfortable.
With the unbeatable view of the harbour, it’s the kind of place you can easily imagine visiting again and again, whether you’re a local or just passing through.
