Ministry of Crab

14/20Updated October 12, 2026,first published April 15, 2025Ministry of CrabSeafood$$$The last word in feasts from the sea.The true crab obsessive wants the full experience: cracking, pulling and excavating; the sense of accomplishment from finding sweet lumps of meat. Ministry of Crab delivers on all fronts. Founded by two famous Sri Lankan cricketers and a chef-restaurateur, the international chain is serious about its governmental name, going to great lengths to source excellent (and sustainable) seafood.The main decision you need to make is which size of Australian mud crab you want and in what kind of sauce. The best are the Sri Lankan-accented black pepper, and the buttery garlic-chilli. Before you get hands dirty, you might try crab liver pâté served with tiny toast squares. Or prawn bisque that tastes like the essence of seafood distilled with a hint of curry, and comes with big fingers of white kade bread for dipping. In a riff on the Thai dish pad krapow, tender shredded crab is stir-fried with garlic, chilli and Thai basil. The decor, soundtrack and cocktails all feel positively out of place in Melbourne today. The atmosphere leaves a little to be desired. But the food and service? Faultless.Good to know: Crabs start at “medium” (700-799 grams) and go up to “Crabzilla” (more than two kilograms). An “extra-large” crab, split between two people, is more than generous.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upGood Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Last visited: August 2026Continue this seriesMelbourne CBDUp nextReviewMoVidaThe place that put Hosier Lane on the dining map.ReviewMoVida AquiA handsome perch to talk shop over croquetas and Estrella.PreviouslyReviewMarmeloA reinterpretation of a richly layered cuisine.See all storiesMore:MelbourneMinistry of CrabSeafoodAccepts bookingsGood for business lunchGood for groupsLicensedLong lunchDate nightGood for solo dinersWheelchair accessRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideFrom our partners